Steinberg Halion 5 Manual

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Using the Program TreeMuting, Soloing, and Hiding
Muting, Soloing, and Hiding
By muting, soloing, or hiding layers and zones, you can focus on editing certain parts 
of the program.
In addition, the Program Tree allows you to list a customizable set of zone parameters. 
This way, you can compare values between different zones directly in the Program 
Tree.
Muting Layers, Zones, and the Program
Layers and zones that are muted are not output when you hit a key. For muted zones 
or layers the Mute icon turns yellow. When a muted program or layer contains zones, 
these zones are muted as well. This is indicated by an orange Mute icon in front of the 
zones.
•To mute an element in the Program Tree, click the Mute icon in front of it. The 
corresponding icon turns yellow.
•To reset the muting settings, click the Mute icon on the toolbar.
•To mute the selected zones, open the context menu of the Program Tree, open the 
Mute/Solo submenu, and select “Mute Selected Zones”.
•To mute all zones, open the context menu of the Program Tree, open the Mute/Solo 
submenu, and select “Mute All Zones”. The program itself and any of its layers are 
not muted by this.
Soloing Layers, Zones, and the Program
When a layer or zone is soloed, only that layer or zone can be heard. For soloed zones 
or layers the Solo icon turns red. When a program or layer contains zones that are 
soloed, its icon turns pink.
•To solo an element in the Program Tree, click the Solo icon in front of it. The 
corresponding icon turns red.
•To reset the soloing settings, click the Solo icon on the toolbar.
•To solo the selected zones, open the context menu of the Program Tree, open the 
Mute/Solo submenu, and select “Solo Selected Zones”. Alternatively, press [S] on 
your computer keyboard.
•To solo all zones, open the context menu of the Program Tree, open the Mute/Solo 
submenu, and select “Solo All Zones”. The program itself and any of its layers are 
not soloed by this.
Making all Zones Audible Again
•On the context menu, open the Mute/Solo submenu, and select “Make All Zones 
Audible”.
This resets all mute and solo states for the program.
•Alternatively click the header of the Mute or Solo column to reset all mute or solo 
states.
Using “Solo Follows Selection”
The “Solo Follows Selection” function on the Mute/Solo submenu automatically solos 
the layers and zones you select. Other parts of the program are muted. This is useful 
if you want to switch between layers and zones and only have the current selection 
played back. 
						

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Using the Program TreeAdding MIDI Modules
Using the Visibility Settings
Hidden layers and zones are not displayed in the Mapping editor.
Visible zones have an eye icon in the first column of the Program Tree. For invisible 
zones or layers the eye icon is dimmed. When a program or layer contains hidden 
zones, its icon changes to a half dimmed eye.
To hide or show layers and zones, you have the following possibilities:
•Click in the Visibility column for the layer or zone you want to hide or show.
•Use the options on the Visibility submenu of the context menu.
•To show a single layer or zone, [Alt]/[Option]-click its eye icon.
All other layers and zones are hidden.
•To show only the selected layers and zones, press [Ctrl]-[U] (Win) or [Alt]-[U] (Mac).
•To show all layers and zones, press [Shift]-[Ctrl]-[U] (Win) or [Shift]-[Alt]-[U] (Mac).
Using “Auto Visibility”
The “Auto Visibility” automatically shows the selected zones and any of their direct 
siblings that are part of the same layer. Other zones are hidden.
•To activate Auto Visibility, open the context menu, select the Visibility submenu, 
and choose Auto Visibility.
ÖWith this option active, you can still toggle the visibility of zones inside the visible 
layers.
Adding MIDI Modules
MIDI modules process the stream of MIDI events inside a program. They can produce 
monophonic modulation signals, which can be used as sources in the modulation 
matrix. The MIDI modules can be assigned to the whole program or a single layer.
To add a module, proceed as follows:
1.With the program or a layer selected, click the “Create New MIDI Module” icon on 
the toolbar of the Program Tree.
2.On the menu, select the MIDI module you want to add.
•Alternatively, open the context menu, select New and MIDI Module, and select the 
module from the submenu.
Adding Insert Effects
To add insert effects to an audio bus, proceed as follows:
•Select the audio bus, click the FX icon on the toolbar, and select the effect you 
want to add from the menu.
•Alternatively, open the context menu for the audio bus, select New and FX, and 
select an effect from the submenu.
Changing the Order of MIDI Modules and Insert Effects
The order of MIDI modules and insert effects in the Program Tree also determines the 
order of the processing. The topmost element is processed first, the lowest last. You 
can change the order of the elements using drag and drop. 
						

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Using the Program TreeAdding Audio Busses
Adding Audio Busses
If you want to add an insert effect to a program or layer, it has to contain an audio bus.
•To create an audio bus, select the program or a layer, and click the “Create New 
Bus” icon on the toolbar.
•Alternatively, open the context menu for the program or layer, open the New 
submenu, and select Bus.
Customizing the Program Tree
By default, the Program Tree has the columns Visibility, Mute, Solo, and Name. You 
can add further columns that show more information.
The following columns can be added to the Program Tree:
Configuring Columns
•To add a column, right-click the column header and select the element you want to 
show.
•To remove a column, right click the column header and select Remove.
You can also add a zone parameter as a column using the Learn function. Proceed as 
follows:
1.Right-click the column header, and choose “Learn Zone Parameter”.
The mouse pointer changes to a question mark to indicate that HALion is in Learn 
mode.
2.In the editor for the zone, click the parameter that you want to add as a column in 
the Program Tree.
ColumnDescription
Velocity RangeThis shows the velocity range of the zones.
Key RangeThis shows the key range of the zones.
Root KeyThis shows the root key of the zones.
TuneThis shows the tune offset of sample zones. Normally, Tune 
is set in the Mapping editor.
GainThis shows the gain offset of sample zones. Normally, Gain 
is set in the Mapping editor.
File SizeThis shows the size of the samples as stored on the hard 
disk. Programs and layers show the sum of the samples 
they contain.
PreloadThis shows the amount of preload per sample.
MuteThis shows the Mute column.
SoloThis shows the Solo column.
VisibilityThis shows the Visibility column.
Learn Zone ParameterTo display a zone parameter in a column, use this option. 
						

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Using the Program TreeCustomizing the Program Tree
Sorting Layers and Zones
You can change the sorting order of layers and zones using the Sorting Options 
submenu on the context menu for the column or manually via drag and drop.
Sorting by Columns
The layers and zones in the Program Tree can be sorted according to columns in 
ascending or descending order. The triangle in the header of a column indicates that 
the sorting via this column is active. The tip of the triangle points up for ascending and 
down for descending order.
•To activate the sorting via a column, click the header of the corresponding column. 
•To switch between ascending and descending order, click the header of the 
column again.
•To deactivate the sorting via the column, click a third time.
Sorting the Name Column
By default, the Name column is sorted in alphabetical order. However, you can 
change the sorting according to pitch, velocity, or root key.
•To change the sorting, open the context menu, select Sorting Options and choose 
an option.
Changing the Sorting Order Manually
Samples are imported and shown in a certain order. When the column sorting is not 
activated for a column, you can change the order manually using drag and drop.
Transferring the Current Sorting to the Manual Sorting
If sorting by column is activated, you can transfer this sorting order to the manual 
sorting order of the zones. This can be useful if zones are not displayed in the order 
that you want to work with, for example, after importing samples. By transferring the 
current sorting to the manual sorting, you can apply your manual sorting permanently 
for the zones. Proceed as follows:
1.In the Program Tree, select the program or the layer that contains the zones that 
you want to sort differently. 
To change the sorting order of all zones, select the program.
2.Click the header of the column according to which you want to sort. Click again to 
switch between ascending and descending order.
3.On the context menu of the column header, open the “Sorting Options” submenu 
and select “Transfer Current to Manual Sorting”.
•To return to the manual sorting order, deactivate the sorting via column.
Ö“Transfer Current to Manual Sorting” can only be used to change the sorting of the 
zones inside the selected program or layer. 
						

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Global Functions and Settings
Introduction
This chapter describes global functions and settings in HALion.
The Plug-in Functions Section
The top section of the HALion window contains the plug-in functions section. This 
section gives you access to functions that affect both the loaded programs, and the 
plug-in in general.
The Plug-in Name
If you click the program name on the left, the About box opens. It contains information 
regarding the version and build number of the plug-in. Use this information to verify if 
your software is up-to-date. To close the about box, click on it or press [Esc] on your 
computer keyboard.
The Program Slot Section
The program slot shows the program that is selected in the Slot Rack. The slot 
parameters are the same as in the Slot Rack, see 
“The Slot Rack” on page 19.
In addition, the following parameters are available:
Program Icon
The program icon on the left shows to which sound category a program belongs, if a 
category is set.
Slot Number
•Click the slot number and select a slot.
The Master Section
The master section can be used to set up volume and tuning for the plug-in.
Master Volume
Use the Master Volume slider to adjust the overall volume.  
						

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Global Functions and SettingsThe Toolbar
Master Tune
You can set the Master Tune slider within a range from 415.3  Hz to 466.2  Hz 
(-100
 cents to +100 cents). The default value is 440  Hz.
The Performance Displays
The performance displays to the right of the master section provide information about 
the current system load.
CPU
This meter shows the processor load during playback. The more voices you play, the 
higher the processor load. If the red overload indicator lights up, reduce the Max 
Voices setting in the Options editor (see 
“Max Voices” on page 50).
Disk
This meter shows the hard disk transfer load during the streaming of samples or when 
loading presets. If the red overload indicator lights up, the hard disk is not supplying 
data fast enough. In such a case, adjust the Disk vs. RAM slider in the Options editor 
towards RAM or decrease the Max Voices setting in the Options editor.
# – Polyphony
The first number indicates the number of voices currently played back, to help you 
trace performance problems. If you have to reduce the Max Voices setting in the 
Options editor, you can verify your settings by monitoring the number of voices 
currently playing. The second number indicates the number of audio channels. For 
example, one stereo voice displays two audio channels.
MEM (Memory)
This display indicates the overall amount of RAM currently used by the plug-in, to help 
you trace performance problems. The number refers to the streaming buffer and the 
preloaded samples. For example, if you need to free up memory for other applications, 
you can do so by adjusting the Balance slider in the Options editor towards Disk and 
verify your settings by monitoring the MEM display.
The Toolbar
The toolbar is situated below the plug-in functions section. On the left, controls for 
loading multi-programs are located, see 
“Managing Multis” on page 22. To the right of 
these you find two buttons for managing screen sets, see “Screen Sets” on page 15.
The right section of the toolbar contains various buttons with useful global functions.
Missing 
Busses
Find Missing 
Samples
Insert Effects/ 
AUX Effects/ 
FlexPhrasers
RAM Save
Enable MIDI Mapping 
Selection Options
Undo/RedoMIDI 
Reset 
						

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Global Functions and SettingsThe Toolbar
Missing Busses
If one or more bus connections could not be established, this button allows you to 
open the Pending Busses dialog. Here you can select alternative busses to be used 
instead, see 
“Automatic Output Connection” on page 175.
Find Missing Samples
If you load a program that cannot find all samples that it uses, the “Find Missing 
Samples” dialog opens, see 
“Finding Missing Samples” on page 71. If you close this 
dialog without resolving all missing samples, this button becomes available. It allows 
you to open the “Find Missing Samples” dialog after you have loaded a program.
Global Insert Effects/AUX Effects/FlexPhrasers
Use these buttons to switch off all insert effects, all AUX effects, or all FlexPhrasers for 
the plug-in at once. You can use this feature to compare sounds with and without 
effects, for example.
RAM Save Mode
The RAM Save function can be helpful for optimizing the performance of your system. It 
scans the playback of your project and unloads unused samples. Proceed as follows:
1.Click the RAM Save button.
2.In the dialog, click Yes to start collecting the necessary samples.
The RAM Save button starts blinking.
3.Play back the project in your host application from the beginning to the end or to 
the point where no new notes are played.
4.Click the RAM Save button again.
A dialog opens asking if you want to unload all unused samples.
5.Click Yes to unload the unused samples.
If you click Yes, the button lights up, to indicate that RAM Save mode is active.
•To deactivate RAM Save and reload the unused samples, click the RAM Save 
button again. 
ÖRAM Save mode always keeps samples that are within the range of the highest and 
lowest note of the played programs. This also applies for unused expression layers 
that can be controlled via key switches. This allows you to switch between 
expressions within the valid note range after applying RAM Save mode.
ÖIf a program randomly triggers notes (for example different guitar slide noises), it is 
possible that these notes are not triggered during the RAM Save analysis process, 
and the samples are therefore removed. To prevent this, make sure that the highest 
required note is manually triggered during the RAM Save analysis.
MIDI Select
When this option is activated, played MIDI notes can be used to select zones. This 
also influences zone parameters displayed in the editors.
This parameter is linked to the corresponding option in the Mapping editor so that you 
can remote-control the option even if the Mapping editor is not visible, see 
“Selecting 
Zones with the Mapping Editor Keyboard” on page 144. 
						

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Global Functions and SettingsThe Keyboard Editor
MIDI Reset
Sometimes notes can “hang”, due to the plug-in losing the MIDI connection, or the 
plug-in receiving wrong MIDI controller data. In such a case, you can “emergency 
reset” the plug-in.
•Click the MIDI Reset button (the lightning icon) to send an “All Sound Off” and 
“Reset All Controllers” message to the plug-in.
The plug-in stops playback immediately and resets the controllers to their default 
values.
Undo/Redo
You can click the Undo/Redo buttons to undo or redo a single step, or you can click 
the small triangles to open a list of the performed steps, and go back (or forward) to 
that particular step.
ÖThe Undo History can also be opened as a separate editor. This allows for a better 
overview over the undo/redo steps.
The Keyboard Editor
The Keyboard editor contains the wheel controls, the sphere control and the internal 
keyboard.
Wheel Controls
To the left of the internal keyboard, the pitchbend wheel and the modulation wheel are 
located. 
The modulation wheel is hardwired to MIDI controller #1 which is normally used as a 
source in the modulation matrix, but can be used as a quick control as well. Typically, 
you assign the modulation wheel to a parameter of an insert effect, such as the speed 
of the Rotary effect.
Internal Keyboard
The internal keyboard in HALion spans the entire MIDI note range from C-2 to G8. 
You can use it for several purposes. The simplest one is to trigger notes just as 
playing them on a MIDI keyboard, but you can also drop samples onto it to import and 
map samples. 
Display Options
You can resize the internal keyboard horizontally and vertically. A vertical resize changes 
the size of the individual keys and a horizontal resize defines how many octaves are 
visible. When the horizontal size is not sufficient to display all octaves you can use the 
left/right arrow buttons to both sides of the keys to shift the visible range by octaves.
For each key, the keyboard indicates whether a sample is mapped to it. Empty keys 
are displayed in light gray.
Pitchbend 
wheelModulation 
wheel 
						

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Global Functions and SettingsThe Keyboard Editor
The following color scheme is used for the keys:
Triggering Notes
The vertical position where you click the key defines the velocity that is used to trigger 
a note. Click on the lower end of a key to use the highest velocity, and click on the 
upper end of a key to use the lowest velocity.
•Right-click a key to open a context menu that contains information about the key. 
The “Assigned Zones” submenu displays the names of all zones that are mapped 
to this key, allowing you to select a zone. The Info submenu shows pitch and 
velocity information. Select “Clear key” to remove all assignments.
You can import samples to a specific key (or key range) by dragging them onto the 
keyboard, see 
“Importing and Exporting Samples” on page 67.
Sphere Control
The Sphere is a two-dimensional control. It allows you to adjust two parameters 
simultaneously, by dragging the mouse horizontally (Sphere H) and vertically 
(Sphere
 V). Typically, two parameters that belong together are assigned to the 
Sphere, such as cutoff and resonance.
The small triangles for indicating the horizontal and vertical axis are only available if 
parameters are assigned to Sphere H and V.
You can reset the sphere to the center position using the corresponding options on 
the context menu.
ColorDescription
YellowA key switch is assigned to that key.
BeigeA remapped key switch is assigned to that key.
RedThe key is assigned to an expression in the Layer Alternate MIDI module.
BlueThe key is assigned to a trigger pad.
GreenA loop trigger note is assigned to that key. 
						

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Global Functions and SettingsThe Options Editor
The Options Editor
The Options editor contains global settings regarding performance issues, global 
functions, and MIDI controllers.
Performance Section
This section contains settings to optimize the overall CPU performance of HALion.
Max Voices
This specifies a maximum number of voices that a plug-in instance of HALion can play 
back simultaneously. As soon as the limit is reached, HALion starts “stealing” voices.
Max CPU
To avoid clicks caused by CPU overload, you can specify a maximum limit for the CPU 
load of the plug-in instance in percent. When the limit is reached, HALion automatically 
starts stealing voices. At a setting of 100
 %, no voices are stolen.
Because HALion needs some time to react, you can get CPU peaks that exceed the 
limit you specified, which can lead to artifacts such as audio drop-outs. Therefore, it is 
advisable to set the Max CPU value a bit lower than actually needed.
Voice Fade Out
This adjusts the fade out time for voices that need to be stolen because the Max 
Voices or the Max CPU setting of the plug-in instance is reached.
Osc ECO Mode
When this is activated, the oscillators of synth layers run in ECO mode, and use less 
CPU. This allows you to play more voices, but also produces more aliasing at higher 
pitches.