Steinberg Halion 5 Manual

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MIDI Modules ReferenceMegaTrig
MegaTrig
The MegaTrig module is used for controlling playing styles and articulations and for 
triggering release samples and instrument noises.
Setting up Conditions
By setting up conditions, you can determine which zone is triggered. For each 
condition, you can specify an event and range.
Proceed as follows:
1.In the Program Tree, insert the MegaTrig module at the position where you want to 
apply the playback rules.
This can be the program or one of its layers. Any zones within the program or layer 
are affected, too.
2.Open the editor of the MegaTrig module.
3.On the pop-up menu for the first condition, select an event. 
4.Activate the condition by clicking the On button to the left of the menu.
5.Use the faders and value fields to the right to adjust the minimum and maximum 
value of the range.
6.To set up more conditions, repeat these steps for additional rows.
7.Select the logical operations, AND or OR, from the menu to the left of the 
conditions. To invert a condition, activate the NOT operation (the button with the 
exclamation mark).
The Expression field displays the conditions and logical operations you set.
ÖThe operation AND is executed before the operation OR.
8.Set the Trigger option to determine which notes are triggered when the expression 
becomes TRUE.
Setting up the Expression Manually
Instead of using the AND/OR menus and NOT buttons, you can enter the expression 
manually. This way, you can also influence the execution order of the expression.
Proceed as follows:
1.Click the edit button next to the Expression field.
2.Type in the conditions and logical operations, for example A AND B OR C.
Instead of AND, OR, and NOT, you can also type &, | and !. 
						

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MIDI Modules ReferenceMegaTrig
3.Put in parentheses to specify the execution order, for example A AND (B OR C).
ÖIf you edit the expression manually, the AND/OR menus and the NOT and On buttons 
are not available. 
Selecting a Condition
You can combine up to 8 conditions into an expression using logical operations. For 
example, the expression “Note-on AND Sustain On” is TRUE when you play notes 
while holding the sustain pedal down. Any assigned zones only play back if the whole 
expression is TRUE. 
For each of the conditions, you can make the following settings:
The following options are available on the Condition pop-up menu:
OptionDescription
ConditionYou select the event for the condition from the Condition pop-up 
menu. The condition is TRUE when the event is of the right type and 
within the specified range.
OnClick this button to activate the corresponding condition.
MinUse the fader and value field to adjust the minimum value of the 
range. This is the lowest possible value for a TRUE condition.
MaxUse the fader and value field to adjust the maximum value of the 
range. This is the highest possible value for a TRUE condition.
ANDCombines two conditions logically. The expression is TRUE if both 
conditions are TRUE.
ORCombines two conditions logically. The expression is TRUE if one of 
the conditions is TRUE.
NOTActivate this to invert the condition. A condition that was previously 
TRUE becomes FALSE, and vice versa.
ExpressionDisplays how the logical operators and conditions are executed. 
Click the “e” button to edit the Expression manually. Put in 
parentheses to influence the execution order.
OptionDescription
Note-onThe condition is TRUE when a key is pressed. You can specify a 
key range for this event.
Note-offThe condition is TRUE when a note is released and a matching 
note-on event was received. This includes notes that are released 
by lifting the sustain pedal. You can specify a key range for this 
event.
This option allows you to avoid triggering the wrong release 
samples after switching between articulations of an instrument. 
Note that for this to work, the layers of the note-on and note-off 
samples must reside in the same layer of the corresponding Key 
Switch MegaTrig module.
Forced Note-offThe condition is TRUE when a note is released. Forced means that 
a matching note-on event is not needed. In other words, the note-
off event always passes through. This includes notes that are 
released by lifting the sustain pedal. You can specify a key range for 
the note-off events.
Key UpThe condition is TRUE when a note is released even when the 
sustain pedal is pressed. This condition uses the full range of the 
keyboard.
Sustain OnThe condition is TRUE when the sustain pedal is pressed. 
						

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MIDI Modules ReferenceMegaTrig
Sustain OffThe condition is TRUE when the sustain pedal is released.
Key SwitchThe condition is TRUE when a note in the specified note range is 
pressed. Multiple Key Switch assignments across different layers of 
the program work like radio buttons, so only one Key Switch 
assignment can be active at a time. By default, the Key Switch 
assignment with the lowest key is TRUE.
Note: If you want the Key Switch assignments across different 
layers to work individually, activate the Individual MegaTrig 
Management of the corresponding layers. For example, this can be 
necessary when two programs with Key Switches are copied 
together into one program.
Key Range 1stThe condition is TRUE beginning with the 1st note that is held 
within the specified note range.
Key Range 2ndThe condition is TRUE beginning with the 2nd note that is held 
within the specified note range
Key ToggleThis condition toggles between TRUE and FALSE each time you hit 
a key within the specified note range. By default, the condition is 
TRUE. If you toggle the condition from 0, the odd numbers (1, 3, 5, 
7, and so on) are FALSE and the even numbers (2, 4, 6, 8, and so 
on) are TRUE.
VelocityThe condition is TRUE when the received velocity is within the 
specified velocity range.
Playing SpeedThe condition is TRUE when the time between successive notes is 
within the specified range.
LegatoThe condition is TRUE when you play notes legato. You can specify 
a key range for the legato played notes.
RetriggerThe condition is TRUE when a note is retriggered. You can specify 
a key range for the retriggered note.
Note that this condition must always be combined with Note-On 
and that Mono and Retrigger must be activated in the Voice 
Management of the corresponding layer or program.
IntervalThe condition is TRUE when the interval between successively 
played notes is within the specified range.
Note CountThe condition is TRUE when the number of played notes is within 
the specified range.
Lowest NoteThe range control specifies the order of the notes in a chord from 
low to high. The condition is TRUE when the played notes match 
the specified range. For example, a range from 0 to 1 means the 
first and second lowest note play and all other notes are filtered out.
Highest NoteThe range control specifies the order of the notes in a chord from 
high to low. The condition is TRUE when the played notes match 
the specified range. For example, a range from 0 to 1 means the 
first and second highest note play and all other notes are filtered 
out.
MIDI ControllerThe condition is TRUE when the position of the controller is within 
the specified range.
Quick ControlsThe condition is TRUE when the Quick Control is within the 
specified range.
RandomProduces a random value between 0 and 100 for each note that is 
played. The condition is TRUE, when the random value is within the 
specified range.
Option Description 
						

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MIDI Modules ReferenceMegaTrig
ÖTwo MIDI note events combined by an AND operation can never turn TRUE. For 
example, the expressions “Note-on AND Note-off”, or “Note-on AND Key up”, or 
“Note-off AND Key up” can never be TRUE.
ÖWhen using several MegaTrig modules, the random value is the same across all 
MegaTrig modules, if you select the Random option in the same row. By setting the 
ranges so they do not overlap, you can switch randomly between the corresponding 
layers.
Trigger Options
In addition to the expressions, you can specify the Trigger options.
The following options are available:
Note-Off Velocity
Below the Trigger options, the parameters to control the velocity of note-off samples 
are located. This includes any sample selection through velocity mapping of the note-
off samples. The velocity may also have an effect on the level of the note-off samples, 
as programmed in the zone.
The following parameters are available:
OptionDescription
New NotesWhen the expression is TRUE, only new notes trigger the zones.
Held NoteWhen the expression is TRUE, the currently held notes and any new 
notes trigger the zones.
Fixed NoteWhen the expression is TRUE, a single note is sent. 
When Fixed Note is selected, the Note and Velocity parameters become 
available. Use them to determine the note to be sent.
For example, to trigger the pedal noise of a grand piano, select the 
condition Sustain On and set Trigger to Fixed Note. You can adjust the 
note and velocity of the fixed note that is triggered. The Held Notes and 
New Notes options trigger the notes as you played them on the keyboard. 
OptionDescription
SourceHere, you can select if the velocity that is sent to the release 
samples is taken from the note-on or the note-off event.
Velocity AmountAllows you to adjust how much the selected option affects the 
velocity of the note-off sample. This includes any sample selection 
through the velocity mapping of the release samples.
Note that the velocity may also have an effect on the volume of the 
sample, as programmed in the zone.
Decay TimeDepending on the time you set, the velocity of the note-off sample is 
reduced the longer you hold a key.
Decay CurveSets the curvature of the note-off velocity decay. Use positive 
values for an outward shaped curve and negative values for an 
inward shaped curve. Without changing the overall decay time, an 
outward shaped curve reduces the note-off velocity faster and an 
inward shaped curve reduces it slower.
Decay Key FollowScales the decay time across the keyboard. You can set a center 
key that is used as the central position for the Key Follow function. 
For example, set this parameter to positive values to decrease the 
decay time for notes above and increase it for notes below the 
center key. 
						

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MIDI Modules ReferenceLayer Alternate
Layer Alternate
You can use this module to switch between different layers automatically. This is 
useful for alternating between the up and down bows of a string instrument or the left 
and right hand of drum strokes, for example.
To alternate playback between different layers, proceed as follows:
1.Insert the Layer Alternate module above the layers between which you want to 
switch.
2.Open the editor for the module and drag the layers from the Expression Pool into 
the Alternation List in the order you want to switch them.
You can rearrange the order of the list using drag and drop.
3.Select the Alternation Mode and start playback.
ÖLayer Alternate always switches the playback between layers. For switching between 
single zones, use Variation Groups instead, see “The Variation Groups Section” on 
page 94.
ÖTo play back a specific expression, turn off the Enable button to stop any automatic 
alternation and select the expression in the Alternation list.
Expression Pool
This list shows the available layers that can be alternated.
Alternation List
To alternate the layers, drag and drop them from the Expression Pool to this list. You 
can change the order of the listed layers by dragging them to a new position. The layer 
that is currently played back is highlighted. To remove an expression from the 
Alternation list, use the context menu.
Using Key Switches
In some cases, it is useful to switch to a particular layer, regardless of the current 
position in the Alternation list. To make this possible, you can specify a key switch per 
layer. As soon as the key switch note is played, the alternation list jumps to the 
corresponding layer. The alternation then continues from that position.
•To set the key switch, type in the note, as text or number, in the key switch column 
of the Alternation List.
Decay Center KeySpecifies the note number that is used as a central position for the 
key follow function of the Decay Time. The range extends from C-2 
to G8.
Option Description 
						

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MIDI Modules ReferenceLayer Alternate
Alternation Mode
The process of alternating between layers is determined by the following options:
Per Key
Select this option to apply the alternation for each MIDI key separately. When this is 
switched off, the alternation is applied globally across the whole keyboard, so that any 
key you play advances the alternation sequence.
Enable
Here, you can specify the MIDI key that starts and stops the alternation sequence. 
This key will be used exclusively for this function and will not trigger any notes.
When set to Off, playback remains on the selected layer.
Previous/Next
Here, you can specify the MIDI key that switches to the previous/next expression.
Reset
Here, you can specify the MIDI key that resets the Alternation sequence.
Grace Time
The Grace Time parameter sets a minimum time between two steps, which allows you 
to play chords, for example. Otherwise, each note of the chord will play with a different 
layer.
ModeDescription
Cycle UpSelect this mode to cycle through the layers in descending 
order.
Cycle DownSelect this mode to cycle through the layers in ascending 
order.
RandomSelect this mode to alternate the layers randomly with each 
note you play.
Exclusive RandomSelect this mode to alternate the layers randomly, but without 
repetitions. 
						

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MIDI Modules ReferenceKey Switch Alternate
Key Switch Alternate
Use this module to switch automatically between different layers that are using 
MegaTrig key switches to define whether they are played or not.
To alternate the playback between different key switches, proceed as follows:
1.Insert the Key Switch Alternate module above the layers that contain the MegaTrig 
modules with key switch settings.
2.Open the module editor and drag and drop the key switches from the Available 
Key Switches list to the Alternation List in the order you want them to alternate.
You can rearrange the order of the list using drag and drop.
3.Select the Alternation Mode and start playback.
ÖThis MIDI module is provided for compatibility with HALion 3 programs, because in 
HALion 3, the alternation of layers was realized using key switches. When using this 
version of HALion, no additional MegaTrig modules with key switch settings are 
necessary. Instead of using Key Switch Alternate, you can use the Layer Alternate 
module.
Available Key Switches
This list shows the currently available key switches that can be used to control an 
alternation. To create new alternations, drag a key switch from this list to the 
Alternation list. Note however, that there is no direct relation between the Available 
Key Switch list and the Alternation list and once created, an alternation can be 
renamed and assigned a note. 
Alternation List
To alternate key switches, drag and drop them from the list of available key switches 
to this list. Depending on the selected alternation mode, the triggered key switches 
alternate in the order they are listed or randomly. You can change the order of the 
listed key switches by dragging them to another position. The key switch that is 
currently triggered is highlighted. To remove a key switch from the Alternation list, use 
the context menu for the selected key switch.
To trigger a specific key switch, turn off the Enable button to stop any automatic 
alternation and select the key switch in the Alternation list.
Adding New Alternations
Normally you add alternations by dragging existing key switches from the Available 
Key Switches list. However, it is also possible to create new alternations from scratch.
Proceed as follows:
1.Click the “+” button above the Alternation list.
2.An new alternation is added to the list.
3.Specify the name of the alternation.
4.Specify the key switch note to be sent. 
						

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MIDI Modules ReferenceKey Switch Remote
Naming Alternations
The available key switches come with an additional name that is derived from the layer 
name of the MegaTrig parent layer.
Alternation Mode, Per Key, Reset, Enable, and Grace Time
These options are the same as for the Layer Alternate module, see “Layer Alternate” 
on page 275.
Key Switch Remote
The Key Switch Remote module allows you to remote-control key switches that are 
used within the current parent layer.
The expression list shows all available layers. If a layer contains a MegaTrig module 
set to “Key Switch”, the specified key is displayed in the Key/Active column.
Key Switch Mode
Here you can define if you want to use the original key switches as set in the MegaTrig 
modules, remap them to other keys, or to use a MIDI controller instead.
No matter which mode you select, the original key switch assignments still work. This 
is important for phrases for the FlexPhraser module that make use of the original key 
switches. The last key switch that is received always has priority.
Key Switch
When Key Switch is selected, the original key switch assignments are used to switch 
to an expression. The keys are displayed in the list and cannot be edited.
Remapped
When Remapped is selected, you can transpose the original key switch assignments 
to the playable range of your MIDI keyboard.
To do so, enter the MIDI note you want the expression to be reassigned to.
You can also transpose multiple key switches at the same time. Press [Shift] and drag 
one of the text faders for the key switch you want to change.
The MIDI notes you use for key switches can no longer be used to trigger samples.
MIDI Controller
The MIDI Controller mode allows you to define a MIDI controller that remote-controls 
the original key switches. In this mode the list does not show any MIDI note names, 
but checkboxes that allow you to specify the expressions you can switch to. Inactive 
expressions cannot be addressed.
•To assign a MIDI controller, select it from the MIDI Controller pop-up menu.
Refreshing the Expression List
When adding, moving, or removing layers with key switches after the Key Switch 
Remote module has been set up, it can become necessary to refresh the Expression 
list. To do so, click the Refresh button in the title bar. 
						

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MIDI Modules ReferenceMIDI Randomizer
MIDI Randomizer
The MIDI Randomizer module allows you to trigger notes randomly. These notes can 
be created by modifying the original notes and/or velocity values using an adjustable 
deviation amount, or within a completely independent range that can be set for key 
and/or velocity. You can also limit the input range for incoming MIDI notes to decide 
on which notes the module reacts.
In the Input section to the left, you can make the following settings:
In the Output section to the right, there are two rows of settings. 
The upper row offers the following parameters:
The lower row offers the following parameters:
OptionDescription
Low Key/High KeyThese values define which incoming notes are used by the 
Randomizer to create random notes.
Low Vel/High VelThese values define the velocity range that is used by the 
Randomizer to create random notes.
OptionDescription
ActiveActivate this switch if you want the Randomizer to create 
notes within a certain key range.
SpreadIf you activate this, you can use the input values and vary 
them randomly. Use the Amount parameter to define how 
much the random notes can diverge from the original keys.
By deactivating this option, you can create notes within a 
specific key range, which is set using the Low Key/High Key 
value fields.
OptionDescription
ActiveActivate this switch if you want the Randomizer to create 
notes within a certain velocity range.
SpreadIf you activate this, you can use the input values and vary 
them randomly. Use the Amount parameter to define how 
much the random notes can diverge from the original keys.
By deactivating this option, you can create notes within a 
specific velocity range, which is set using the Low Vel/High 
Vel value fields. 
						

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MIDI Modules ReferenceTrue Pedaling
True Pedaling
This MIDI module produces a modulation signal from the sustain pedal, which you can 
use to simulate true pedaling of grand pianos. Instead of switching between two 
layers, this module allows you to crossfade between layers when you press or lift the 
sustain pedal, which produces a more realistic sound.
To set up a crossfade between two layers, proceed as follows:
1.Set the Level parameter of the zones with the note-on samples to the default level 
(0
 dB).
2.Set the Level parameter of the zones with the sustain resonance samples to the 
minimum setting.
3.In the modulation matrix, select the True Pedaling module as the modulation 
source and assign it to the modulation destination Level.
4.To bring the crossfade into effect, modulate the level of the note-on samples in 
negative direction and the level of the sustain resonance samples in positive 
direction.
The following settings are available:
5.Once the modulation is set up, the resonance samples are triggered with each 
note, but you do not hear them until you press the sustain pedal.
OptionDescription
Fade In TimeSpecifies the fade in time of the modulation signal, when you 
press the sustain pedal.
Fade In CurveSets the curvature of the fade in. Use negative values for an 
outward shaped curve and positive values for an inward 
shaped curve.
Fade Out TimeSpecifies the fade out time of the modulation signal, when 
you lift the sustain pedal.
Fade Out CurveSets the curvature of the fade out. Use positive values for an 
outward shaped curve and negative values for an inward 
shaped curve.
Time OutOn acoustic pianos, pressing the sustain pedal after a certain 
time has little to no effect. You can achieve the same effect 
by using this parameter: Pressing the sustain pedal after the 
time you set here will have no effect. Any resonance samples 
that have been triggered, but were not faded in, are released.