Steinberg Halion 5 Manual

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Mapping ZonesThe Root Key
2.On the toolbar of the Mapping editor, set the Crossfade option to Symmetric.
The icon turns yellow.
3.Drag the handles to set up the crossfade.
The Root Key
The root key determines the original pitch of a zone. In other words, it defines the key 
on which the zone is played without being transposed. Samples can contain root key 
information embedded in the sample file. When they are loaded, they are automatically 
mapped to the corresponding keys.
The sample collections included with HALion contain both multi-sampled instrument 
programs and single-shot sample programs. The former contains samples of a specific 
instrument (usually containing only one sample zone per key on the keyboard). The latter 
contain different sample zones that are mapped across the keyboard, without any 
relationship between key and pitch. For multi-sampled instrument programs, there is no 
need to change the root key settings, but for single-shot sample programs, you might 
want to move sample zones.
If you have moved sample zones in the Mapping editor, you can make them play back 
at the original pitch by setting the root key.
You have the following possibilities:
•Directly enter the value in the Root Key value field.
•Hold [Alt]/[Option] and click the corresponding key on the Mapping editor 
keyboard.
•You can make the root key move with a zone by holding [Ctrl]/[Command]-
[Alt]/[Option] while dragging or by activating “Move Root Key with Zones” on the 
toolbar.
You can also adjust the root keys of the selected zones without changing their key or 
velocity ranges using one of the options on the “Set Root Key” submenu of the zone 
context menu.
The following options are available:
Triggering Zones
You can trigger zones in the Mapping editor. To activate trigger mode, click the 
Trigger Zones button on the toolbar.
OptionDescription
Center of ZoneSets the root key to the center of the zone. If the zone has no 
center because it has an even number of keys, the root key is 
set to the key in the center that is closest to the previous root 
key.
High Key of ZoneSets the root key to the High Key of the zone.
Low Key of Zone Sets the root key to the Low Key of the zone.
Key Text in Sample NameSets the root key to the key that is extracted from the sample 
file name. The function searches for the name of the key in 
text form.
Key Number in Sample 
NameSets the root key to the MIDI note number that is extracted 
from the sample file name. The function searches for a 
number.
Root Key in Sample FileSets the root key to the key that is stored in the header chunk 
of the sample file. 
						

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Mapping ZonesImporting Samples Using Drag and Drop
Importing Samples Using Drag and Drop
To import a single sample to a specific key (or key range) in the Mapping editor, 
proceed as follows:
1.Drag a sample into the Mapping section or onto the keyboard. 
An outline representing the sample appears.
2.Without dropping the sample, move the mouse pointer up and down. 
The horizontal position of the mouse pointer determines the lowest key of the key 
range, and the vertical position of the mouse pointer determines the key zone 
range.
3.Drop the sample to insert it.
To import several samples this way, proceed as follows:
1.Select the samples that you want to import. 
2.Drag the samples to the key on the Mapping editor keyboard where you want the 
first selected sample to be placed.
3.Without dropping the samples, move the mouse up and down. 
The samples are mapped chromatically. Moving the mouse up or down resizes the 
key range for each zone.
4.Release the mouse button to insert the samples.
•If you move the mouse pointer to the bottom of the Mapping editor, the samples 
are distributed to different velocities rather than key ranges.
The first selected sample gets the highest velocity and the last selected the lowest 
velocity. 
•If you press [Ctrl]/[Command] and move the mouse pointer to the bottom of the 
mapping view, the samples are layered on the keys that you drop them on.
•If you press [Ctrl]/[Command] and point at a white key, the samples are mapped to 
the consecutive white keys only, and the key range cannot be extended.
Pointing to a black key maps the samples to black keys instead.
ÖIf you drag samples from a separate browser window, the selection order determines 
how the samples are mapped, with the first selected sample being mapped to the first 
key.
Mapping Zones
To set up or change the mapping of zones in the Mapping editor, proceed as follows:
1.In the Mapping editor or the Program Tree, select the zones for which you want to 
adjust the mapping.
2.On the context menu, open the Mapping submenu, and select one of the 
functions.
The following mapping functions are available:
OptionDescription
Root Key OnlyEach zone is mapped to its root key only.
Root Key Fill 
CenteredThe zones expand to the left and the right of the root key to fill empty 
spaces.
Root Key Fill UpThe zones expand upwards from the root key to fill empty spaces.
Root Key Fill DownThe zones expand downwards from the root key to fill empty spaces.
Layered on Root KeyThe zones are layered on the root key, equally spaced from the 
lowest to the highest velocity. 
						

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Mapping ZonesMapping Zones
ÖOnly values between 0 and 127 can be extracted as MIDI note numbers or velocity 
ranges. The smaller number is used as the lower limit and the higher number as the 
upper limit, for example “Sample_Name_Range_90-127”.
Layered on Key 
RangeZones that have exactly the same key range are layered equally 
spaced from the lowest to the highest velocity.
Chromatic from Last 
KeyStarting with the highlighted key of the Mapping editor keyboard, 
the zones are mapped chromatically to the white and black keys in 
ascending order. The root keys are set to match the corresponding 
key.
White Keys from 
Last Key Starting with the highlighted key of the Mapping editor keyboard, 
the zones are mapped to the white keys in ascending order. The 
root keys are set to match the corresponding key.
Black Keys from Last 
KeyStarting with the highlighted key of the Mapping editor keyboard, 
the zones are mapped to the black keys in ascending order. The 
root keys are set to match the corresponding key.
Layered on Last KeyOn the highlighted key of the Mapping editor keyboard, the zones 
are layered equally spaced from lowest to highest velocity. The root 
keys are set to match the highlighted key.
Stacked on Last Key At the highlighted key of the Mapping editor keyboard, the zones 
are stacked on each other. The root keys are set to match the 
highlighted key.
Key Text in Sample 
NameThe zones are mapped to the key that is extracted from the sample 
file name. The function searches for the name of the key in text form, 
for example, C#3. The mapping and root key are set to that key.
Key Number in 
Sample NameThe zones are mapped to the MIDI note number that is extracted 
from the sample file name. The function searches for a number, for 
example, 61. The mapping and root key are set to that key.
Velocity in Layer 
NameThe zones are mapped to the velocity range that is extracted from 
the layer name.
Velocity in Sample 
NameThe zones are mapped to the velocity range that is extracted from 
the sample file name.
Velocity in Sample 
FolderThe zones are mapped to the velocity range that is extracted from 
the name of the sample folder.
Ranges in Sample 
File The zones are mapped to the key and velocity ranges that are 
stored in the sample file’s header chunk. If the header chunk of the 
sample file contains no information, a message informs you that the 
samples could not be mapped.
Option Description 
						

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Mapping ZonesFilling Gaps between Zones
Filling Gaps between Zones
Proceed as follows:
1.In the Mapping editor or Program Tree, select the zones that you want to adjust.
2.Right-click the zones, open the Fill Gaps submenu, and select one of the functions.
The following Fill Gaps functions are available:
Selecting Zones with the Mapping Editor Keyboard
You can select zones using the Mapping editor keyboard or an external MIDI keyboard. 
To select zones via the keyboard, activate the “Enable MIDI Mapping Selection 
Options” function on the toolbar and select one of the following options:
OptionDescription
Pitch OnlyFills any gaps between the selected zones on the keyboard axis.
Velocity OnlyFills any gaps between the selected zones on the velocity axis.
Pitch & VelocityGaps on the keyboard axis are filled first. Then the remaining gaps on 
the velocity axis are filled.
Velocity & PitchGaps on the velocity axis are filled first. Then the remaining gaps on 
the keyboard axis are filled.
OptionDescription
Select Zones with the 
Mapping Editor 
KeyboardActivate this option to select zones by clicking on the Mapping 
editor keyboard.
Select Zones via MIDIActivate this option to select zones by playing on an external 
MIDI keyboard.
Select Zones 
depending on VelocityWhen this option is activated, the incoming velocity is taken into 
account. Only zones that match the incoming velocity are 
selected.
Select Zones using a 
MIDI Controller to set 
the VelocityWhen this option is activated, the velocity from the keyboard is 
replaced by the controller values sent by the selected controller. 
Right-click the icon to select another controller or use the Learn 
function on the pop-up menu.
Select all Zones 
between the last two 
played notesAny zones between the last two triggered zones are selected.
You can extend the selection by playing a key and holding it. Any 
additional keys that you play add the corresponding zones to the 
selection.
If you play a chord, any zones between the lowest and the 
highest key are selected. 
						

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Editing Samples in the Sample Editor
Introduction
The Sample editor allows you to view and manipulate samples. In HALion, samples 
are associated with sample zones. When a sample zone is selected, the Sample 
editor shows the selected sample. The Sample editor is divided into different sections. 
The main space shows the waveform display and the lower section gives you access 
to all relevant sample parameters.
Overview
The Toolbar
Depending on which tab is selected in the lower section of the sample editor, the 
toolbar contains different tools for editing sample markers, loop markers, and slices.
The Info Line
The info line shows information about the sample (length, sample rate and tempo, 
etc.). Furthermore, you can set the locator position and the start, end, and length of 
the selection. If the Slice tab is selected, additional options are available, see 
“The Info 
Line” on page 157. 
						

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Editing Samples in the Sample EditorThe Parameter Section
The Overview Line
The overview line shows the whole sample. The section visible in the main waveform 
display is indicated by a rectangle on the overview line and the current selection range 
is shown in orange.
•You can move the rectangle in the overview line to view other sections of the sample. 
Click in the lower half of the rectangle and drag to the left or right to move it.
•You can resize the rectangle by dragging its left or right border.
•You can define a new viewing area by clicking in the upper half of the overview and 
dragging a rectangle with the mouse.
The Ruler
The Sample editor ruler is located between the overview line and the waveform 
display. It shows the timeline in the specified display format.
•To select the format, click the arrow button to the right of the ruler and select an 
option from the pop-up menu.
You can choose to display hours, minutes, seconds, and milliseconds, or samples, 
or bars and beats.
ÖIf the Slice tab is selected, the ruler shows the timeline in bars and beats.
The Waveform Display and the Level Scale
The waveform display shows the waveform image of the sample. To the left of the 
waveform display, a level scale is shown, indicating the amplitude of the audio.
•To select whether the level is shown as a percentage or in dB, click the level scale 
label (dB or %), and select an option from the pop-up menu.
•To display the half level axes, right-click in the Sample editor and select the 
corresponding option on the context menu.
The Parameter Section
The parameter section contains sample and sample zone parameters.
The Main Tab
The Main tab contains the zone parameters, and the marker settings for Sample Start, 
Sample End, Start Range, the parameters for the Release marker, as well as fade 
settings for the sample.
Playback Mode
The Playback Mode options are described in the section “Playback Mode” on page 
107.
Fixed Pitch
This option is described in the section “Fixed Pitch” on page 107.
Sample Fade In/Sample Fade Out
Sets the length of the fade in and the fade out, in samples. 
						

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Editing Samples in the Sample EditorGeneral Operations
Curve
Here, you adjust the fade curve from logarithmic to exponential.
Creating Fades
You can create fades by dragging the fade handles in the display or by specifying the 
fade length on the Fade tab. You can adjust the curve form by dragging the fade line 
in the display or by changing the value in the Curve value field.
ÖThe fades directly influence the sample playback. They are not part of the amp 
envelope.
Showing the Fades in the Waveform Display
To show your fade settings in the waveform, activate the Show Fades in Wave button 
on the toolbar to the left of the display.
The Loop Tab
The Loop tab contains the loop settings, see “Creating Loops” on page 152.
The Slice Tab
The Slice tab contains the slice settings, see “Creating and Editing Slices” on page 
156.
General Operations
Zooming
•You can use the horizontal and vertical zoom sliders in the left lower corner of the 
editor to zoom in/out on the time and the level axis.
•You can press [G] and [H] to zoom in/out on the locator position.
•You can click and drag the ruler to zoom in/out on the position you have clicked.
•Three buttons to the right of the zoom slider allow you to zoom to specific markers 
or ranges: Zoom to Start, Zoom to End and Zoom to Full Range.
Depending on your work situation, these options refer to the sample, the selection, 
or a loop. Clicking several times increases the zoom level on the same marker 
position. 
•You can zoom by resizing the rectangle in the overview line.
•You can use the options on the Zoom submenu of the Sample editor context 
menu.
•You can toggle between full zoom and the previously set zoom level by clicking the 
A button in the lower right corner of the Sample editor. 
						

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Editing Samples in the Sample EditorGeneral Operations
View Range
When changing from one sample to another, you have several options how to set up 
the visible range for the newly selected sample zone.
The following options are available on the Sample editor context menu:
ÖIf the visible range cannot be set to the specified loop marker or range because the 
sample does not contain the required loop, it is set to the last stored settings for that 
zone. If no such settings are found, the full sample is displayed.
Auditioning Samples
You can play back the sample using the audition icon (Play Sample) on the toolbar. 
The following applies:
•If you have not made a selection, the whole sample is played back.
•If you have made a selection, this selection is played back.
•If the Edit Loop function is activated, playback continues repeatedly until you 
deactivate the audition function.
You can specify the playback start position by clicking in the timeline.
Using the Edit Loop Function
When the Edit Loop icon is activated on the toolbar, the selection is played back 
continuously in a loop. This makes it easier to work on specific sections of long loops, 
for example.
Using the Play Tool
If you click somewhere in the waveform display with the Play tool and keep the mouse 
button pressed, the sample is played back from the position at which you clicked until 
you release the mouse button.
OptionDescription
AutoFollows the visible view range of the previous sample. This is the 
default setting.
LastEach zone stores the visible range individually. When you select 
a zone again, its view range is restored.
FullShows the full sample.
Sample StartShows the sample start marker with the current zoom factor.
Sample Start RangeShows the sample start range marker with the current zoom 
factor.
Sample EndShows the sample end marker with the current zoom factor.
Sustain LoopShows the sustain loop with the current zoom factor.
Sustain Loop StartShows the sustain loop start marker with the current zoom factor.
Sustain Loop EndShows the sustain loop end marker with the current zoom factor.
Release LoopShows the release loop with the current zoom factor.
Release Loop StartShows the release loop start marker with the current zoom factor.
Release Loop End Shows the release loop end marker with the current zoom factor. 
						

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Editing Samples in the Sample EditorGeneral Operations
Scrubbing
The Scrub tool allows you to locate positions in the audio by playing back, forwards or 
backwards, at any speed:
1.Select the Scrub tool.
2.Click in the waveform display and keep the mouse button pressed.
3.Drag to the left or right.
The audio is played back. The speed and pitch of the playback depends on how 
fast you move the mouse.
Selecting an Output for the Sample Editor
The Sample editor plays back the raw samples without processing the synthesis 
structure. Therefore, its output is not automatically the same as the output of the zone 
that uses the sample. 
On the Output pop-up menu at the right of the title bar, you can specify to which plug-
in output the Sample editor sends its signals.
The level slider next to the output selector allows you to specify the level of the 
Sample editor output.
ÖKeep in mind that samples are often normalized and therefore are played back with a 
much higher level than if triggered via a MIDI key.
Markers
You can use a set of different markers to specify important positions in a sample.
The following markers are available:
!If you are working with surround samples, make sure that the Sample editor is routed 
to the surround output bus. Otherwise, you are not able to hear all channels.
MarkerFunction
Sample StartDefines where the sample starts to play when a zone is 
triggered. Audio before this marker is skipped.
Sample EndDefines where the sample stops playing. Audio after that 
marker is ignored.
Sustain Loop StartDefines where the sustain loop starts.
Sustain Loop EndDefines where the sustain loop ends. When this marker is 
reached, playback jumps back to the sustain loop start.
Release Loop StartDefines where the release loop starts. 
						

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Editing Samples in the Sample EditorGeneral Operations
Selections
Making Selections
To make a selection in the Sample editor, click and drag with the Range Selection 
tool.
•If Snap to Zero Crossing is activated on the toolbar, the start and end of the 
selection are always placed at zero crossings.
•You can resize the selection by dragging its left and right border or by [Shift]-
clicking.
•The current selection is indicated on the info line. 
Here, you can change these values numerically.
Defining Sample Start and End from a Selection
•Make a selection, right-click in the Sample editor, open the Selection submenu, 
and select “Set Sample Start/End to selection”.
Creating New Zones from Selections
•Make a selection, right-click in the Sample editor, open the Selection submenu, 
and select “Create Zone from Selection”.
The new zone is inserted below the source zone.
Snapping
Snap to Markers
When the Snap option is activated, you can snap the selection start and end points 
and markers to other markers.
Snap to Zero Crossing
When this option is activated, markers and selection start and end points are only 
placed at zero crossings (positions in the audio where the amplitude is zero). This 
helps you avoid pops and clicks that are caused by sudden amplitude changes.
Release Loop EndDefines where the release loop ends. When this marker is 
reached, playback jumps back to the release loop start.
ReleaseThis marker defines the position at which playback starts 
when a note-off message is received. This allows for a 
realistic release note-off behavior without the necessity of 
using extra release samples. To avoid unwanted clicks when 
jumping to the release marker, you can set a crossfade time 
and curvature in the parameter section.
Sample Start RangeDefines the attack phase of a sample, which can be used for 
the modulation of the sample start, see 
“Sample Start 
Range” on page 108.
Marker Function