Steinberg Halion Sonic 2 Manual
Have a look at the manual Steinberg Halion Sonic 2 Manual online for free. It’s possible to download the document as PDF or print. UserManuals.tech offer 523 Steinberg manuals and user’s guides for free. Share the user manual or guide on Facebook, Twitter or Google+.
61 EditingEditing Layers ResonanceModulates the filter resonance of the layer. Resonance changes the character of the filter. For example, assign velocity to resonance to accent the filter the harder you hit a note. Morph XModulates the x-axis of the filter in Morph XY mode. Use this to morph between the filter shapes AD and BC. Morph YModulates the y-axis of the filter in Morph 2, Morph 4, or Morph XY mode. For example, use this to morph between the filter shapes AB and DC. Cutoff OffsetModulates the cutoff offset of the second filter in serial or parallel mode. For example, assign the modulation wheel to lower or raise the cutoff of the second filter while you play. Resonance OffsetModulates the resonance offset of the second filter in serial or parallel mode. For example, assign the modulation wheel to lower or raise the resonance of the second filter while you play. PanModulates the position of the layer in the panorama. For example, assign the User Envelope to move the layer around freely. LevelThis modulation adds to the level setting of the layer. It is ideal for effects such as tremolo. Volume 1This modulates the gain of the layer. The volume modulation multiplies with the level of the layer. It is ideal for cross-fades between layers. Volume 2Basically the same as Volume 1. Volume 1 and 2 are multiplied with each other. This way, you can build more complex modulations. For example, use Volume 1 for cross-fading between layers and Volume 2 for fading them in or out. LFO1 FrequencyModulates the speed of LFO1. For example, assign Aftertouch to control the speed of a vibrato effect while you play. LFO1 ShapeModulates the waveform of LFO1. For example, assign Key Exp to vary the waveform with the playing position on the keyboard. LFO2 FrequencySame as LFO1 Freq, but for LFO2. LFO2 ShapeSame as LFO1 Shape, but for LFO2. Step Mod FrequencyModulates the speed of the step modulator. For example, assign an LFO to increase or decrease the speed cyclically. Step Mod SlopeModulates the shape of the edges of the step modulator (the Slope parameter has to be active). For example, assign the modulation wheel to blend from hard to smooth edges. Amp Env Attack TimeModulates the time of the amplifier envelope attack (the first segment of the envelope). The attack time cannot be modulated continuously. The time updates only when the segment starts. Amp Env Decay TimeModulates the time of the amplifier envelope decay (all segments after the attack and before the sustain). The decay time cannot be modulated continuously. The time updates only when the segment starts. Amp Env Sustain LevelModulates the level of the amplifier envelope sustain. The sustain level cannot be modulated continuously. The level updates only when the segment starts. Amp Env Release TimeModulates the time of the amplifier envelope release (all segments after the sustain). The release time cannot be modulated continuously. The time updates only when the segment starts. Option Description
62 EditingEditing Layers The following destination is only available for sample layers: Filter Env Attack TimeModulates the time of the filter envelope attack (the first segment of the envelope). The attack time cannot be modulated continuously. The time updates only when the segment starts. Filter Env Decay TimeModulates the time of the filter envelope decay (all segments after the attack and before the sustain). The decay time cannot be modulated continuously. The time updates only when the segment starts. Filter Env Sustain LevelModulates the level of the filter envelope sustain. The sustain level cannot be modulated continuously. The level updates only when the segment starts. Filter Env Release TimeModulates the time of the filter envelope release (all segments after the sustain). The release time cannot be modulated continuously. The time updates only when the segment starts. Pitch Env Attack TimeModulates the time of the pitch envelope attack (the first segment of the envelope). The attack time cannot be modulated continuously. The time updates only when the segment starts. Pitch Env Decay TimeModulates the time of the pitch envelope decay (all segments after the attack and before the sustain). The decay time cannot be modulated continuously. The time updates only when the segment starts. Pitch Env Sustain LevelModulates the level of the pitch envelope sustain. The sustain level cannot be modulated continuously. The level updates only when the segment starts. Pitch Env Release TimeModulates the time of the pitch envelope release (all segments after the sustain). The release time cannot be modulated continuously. The time updates only when the segment starts. User Env Attack TimeModulates the time of the user envelope attack (the first segment of the envelope). The attack time cannot be modulated continuously. The time updates only when the segment starts. User Env Decay TimeModulates the time of the user envelope decay (all segments after the attack and before the sustain). The decay time cannot be modulated continuously. The time updates only when the segment starts. User Env Sustain LevelModulates the level of the user envelope sustain. The sustain level cannot be modulated continuously. The level updates only when the segment starts. User Env Release TimeModulates the time of the user envelope release (all segments after the sustain). The release time cannot be modulated continuously. The time updates only when the segment starts. Bus 1-16You can send any modulation to one of the sixteen busses, for example, to produce more complex modulation signals. Select the bus you want to send the signals to as a destination. To use the modulation that was sent to a bus, assign the corresponding bus as a modulation source. OptionDescription Sample StartModulates the starting position of the sample playback. For example, assign note-on velocity to play back more of the attack of a sample the harder you hit a note. The sample start cannot be modulated continuously. The parameter updates only when you hit a note. Option Description
63 EditingEditing Layers ÖSupport of modulation of the sample start depends on the content. The factory content does not support this function. The following destinations are only available for synth layers: Modulation Modifiers The modulation modifiers are available from the Modifier pop-up menu. Sample & Hold The sample & hold modifier takes a sample of the modulation source whenever it receives a trigger signal. It holds the sampled value until it gets a new trigger. This way, you can quantize a continuous modulation signal. The sample & hold offers different options you can select from the submenu: OptionDescription Osc1/2/3 PitchModulates the pitch of the corresponding oscillator. For example, assign one of the LFOs to detune the oscillator cyclically. Osc1/2/3 LevelModulates the volume of the corresponding oscillator. For example, assign the modulation wheel to fade the oscillator in and out while you play. Osc1/2/3 Multi DetuneModulates the detune of the individual oscillator voices produced by multi-oscillator mode. Osc1/2/3 Multi PanModulates the pan position of the individual oscillator voices produced by multi-oscillator mode. Osc1/2/3 Multi VoicesModulates the number of oscillator voices produced by multi- oscillator mode. Osc1/2/3 WaveformModulates the shape and character of the corresponding oscillator. For example, assign one of the envelopes to change the character of the oscillator over time. Sub Osc LevelModulates the volume of the sub oscillator. For example, assign the modulation wheel to fade in the oscillator while you play. Ring Mod LevelModulates the volume of the ring modulation effect. For example, assign the modulation wheel to fade in the ring modulation while you play. Noise Gen LevelModulates the volume of the noise generator. For example, assign the modulation wheel to fade in the noise generator while you play. OptionDescription Trigger on Note OnSelect this to trigger the sample & hold manually: Each time you hit a note, the sample & hold takes a sample. Trigger on LFO1Select this for periodic triggering of the sample & hold: The sample & hold takes a sample each time the waveform of LFO1 crosses the zero line upwards. Trigger on LFO2Select this for periodic triggering of the sample & hold: The sample & hold takes a sample each time the waveform of LFO2 crosses the zero line upwards. Trigger on Modulation WheelSelect this to trigger the sample & hold manually: The sample & hold takes a sample each time the modulation wheel passes the center position.
64 EditingThe FlexPhraser Mod Matrix Presets At the top right of the Matrix subpage, you can load and save presets for the modulation matrix. •To load a preset, click in the Select Preset field and select the preset from the pop-up menu. •To delete a preset from your system, click the trash bin button. You are asked to confirm the deletion. •To save a new preset, click the floppy disk button. A file dialog opens where you can name and save your preset file. The FlexPhraser Each program features up to five arpeggio and phrase players: the so-called FlexPhrasers. There is one FlexPhraser for each layer and one for the program. While the program FlexPhrasers always work with phrases, the layer FlexPhrasers functionality changes with the layer type. For synth, sample, instrument or drum layers, a FlexPhraser can play back anything from basic synth arpeggios over dynamic drum phrases to realistic accompaniment phrases for guitar, bass, piano, etc. You can select from over 1400 phrases that suit a wide range of musical instruments and styles. Depending on the selected phrase, the FlexPhraser uses your live playing to modify the phrase in real-time. This allows you, for instance, to re-harmonize phrases by playing different chords. In the case of loop layers, the FlexPhraser triggers the slices of the loop with their original timing and order. You can trigger a transposed version of the loop, playing higher or lower in pitch. In addition, you can vary the order with a random function and export the slice sequence to your host sequencer via drag and drop. ÖWhen working with loops you can play the individual slices and the entire loop. For this purpose the key range is divided into two halves. The lower half triggers the loop; the top half can be used to play single slices. This different functionality is indicated by keys shaded in green for the loop keys and normal black/white keys for the slices. Keys that do not trigger anything appear in gray. To edit the program FlexPhraser, proceed as follows: 1.Go to the Edit page. 2.At the top of the Edit page, click the Program button. 3.Go to the bottom section of the Edit page and click the FlexP button. 4.Click the Active button at the top left to activate the phrase. Trigger on SustainSelect this to trigger the sample & hold manually: Each time you press the sustain pedal, the sample & hold takes a sample. Sample until ReleaseSelect this to trigger the sample & hold through releasing a key: The sample & hold takes constantly samples. It holds the last sample when receiving a note-off. Option Description
65 EditingThe FlexPhraser To edit a layer FlexPhraser, proceed as follows: 1.Go to the Edit page. 2.At the top of the Edit page, select a layer (L1, L2, L3, or L4). 3.Go to the bottom section of the Edit page and click the FlexP button. Depending on the type of layer (instrument or loop), the look and parameter set of the FlexPhraser varies slightly. 4.Click the Active button at the top left to activate the phrase. FlexPhraser Presets At the top right of the FlexPhraser subpage, you can load and save presets for the FlexPhraser. In addition to the selected phrase, these presets also contain the performance settings of the FlexPhraser, such as Tempo, Tempo Scale, Loop, Swing, etc. •To load a preset, click in the Select Preset field and select the preset from the pop-up menu. •To delete a preset from your system, click the trash bin button. You will be asked to confirm the deletion. •To save a new preset, click the floppy disk button. A file dialog opens where you can name and save your preset file. ÖPresets can only be saved and loaded for phrases, not for sliced loops. Loading Phrases for the FlexPhraser Programs as well as synth, sample, instrument, and drum layers provide a FlexPhraser for which phrases are available. The phrases are sorted into folders in a tree structure, according to category, style, etc. To load a phrase, proceed as follows: 1.Go to the top of the FlexPhraser and click in the Phrase field. The phrase browser opens. 2.Click on a phrase to select it. Step through the available phrases until you find the phrase that you want to use. You can also search for a phrase with a specific name using the text search field at the top of the phrase browser. 3.Double-click the phrase to load it. In general, you can apply any phrase to any type of instrument. However, a phrase for guitar might not be suitable for use with a piano, for example. ÖSome FlexPhrases make extensive use of key switches to switch between multiple playing styles of an instrument while playing. These phrases can be found in the Construction Sets folder. They work best with the corresponding instrument layers. Phrase Playback Types HALion Sonic features a huge amount of phrase types organized in categorized submenus such as Classic Arp, Synth Seq, Chord Seq, Bass and so on. Each folder can contain several category submenus representing functional descriptions or musical styles. The Construction Sets submenu contains phrases especially made for HALion Sonic’s instrument layers. These phrases use key switches to switch between different playing styles to increase the realism of your performance.
66 EditingThe FlexPhraser The phrases that can be found in the various other categories use a number of different playback types to allow phrase specific user interaction while playing. These phrases use one of the following playback types: Mute Activate the Mute button to stop playback of the phrase temporarily. The phrase will still play in the background. When you deactivate Mute, playback resumes immediately. KS Off (Key Switches off) Construction Set phrases that make use of key switches and noises usually work only with programs for the same type of instrument. Programs without key switches and noises would play back such events as normal notes that do not fit to the rest of the phrase. To avoid the playback of key switches and noises, activate the KS Off option. ÖSince this option filters out any note events that do not transpose with your playing, drum phrases do not work when this option is activated. Loop Defines whether the phrase is played once or continuously in a loop. When this is activated, the phrase plays in a loop. Hold With the Hold parameter, you can prevent the phrase from stopping or changing when the keys are released. In addition, the Gated mode plays silently in the background when you release the keys, and resumes playback at the current position when you press the keys again. You can select one of the following options: OptionDescription Playback of a drum patternPressing any note triggers the same rhythm pattern. Playback only of the played notesThe phrase is played back using only the played note and its octave notes. Playback of a programmed sequence according to the played chordPressing only one note, the phrase is played back using the programmed sequence — which means that notes other than the ones you play are triggered. Adding notes to those already held, changes the sequence accordingly — for example, the phrase plays back according to the chord you play. Option Description OffThe phrase changes immediately when releasing a key. The phrase stops immediately when releasing all keys. OnThe phrase plays to end even when the keys are released. When the Loop option is activated, the phrase plays continuously in a cycle. GatedThe phrase starts playback with the first key being played. It plays silently in the background even when the keys are released, and resumes playback at the current position when you press any of the keys again. This way, you can gate the playback of the phrase.
67 EditingThe FlexPhraser Trigger Mode The Trigger Mode defines when the FlexPhraser scans for new keys you play on the keyboard. You can select one of the following options: Restart Mode Depending on the selected Restart Mode and your playing, you can restart playback from the beginning of the phrase. You can select one of the following options: Key mode This option defines if the order of the notes, as played chronically on the keyboard, affects the playback of the phrase. You can select one of the following options: OptionDescription ImmediatelyThe FlexPhraser scans for new keys all the time. The phrase changes immediately in reaction to your playing. Next BeatThe FlexPhraser scans for new keys upon new beats. The phrase changes in reaction to your playing on each new beat. Next MeasureThe FlexPhraser scans for new keys upon new measures. The phrase changes in reaction to your playing on each new measure. Option Description OffThe phrase runs continuously and will not restart upon chord or note changes. New ChordSelect this to restart the phrase on new chords. However, the phrase will not restart upon legato played notes, for example, if you play additional notes to a chord you are holding already. New NoteSelect this to restart the phrase with each new note you play. Here, the phrase will restart also upon legato played notes. Sync to HostSelect this to align the phrase with the beats and measures of your host application. The phrase aligns to the beats and measures each time you start the transport. OptionDescription SortThe notes play in the order of the selected pattern. The chronological order does not have an influence. As PlayedThe notes play in the chronological order as you played them on the keyboard. DirectThe phrase itself does not output any note events. Instead, it outputs controller events only. You hear the notes you play plus any controller events of the phrase, such as pitchbend, volume, pan, etc. Not all phrases contain controller data. Please consult the documentation of the phrase to see if it does.
68 EditingThe FlexPhraser Vel Mode This option specifies if the velocity of the notes you play affects the notes of the phrase. You can select one of the following options: Sync To synchronize the phrase to the tempo of your host application, activate Sync. The Tempo control is disabled when Sync is activated. ÖIn addition, you can set the Restart mode to “Sync to Host” (see below for details). This aligns the phrase with the beats and measures of your host application. Tempo When Sync is deactivated, use the Tempo control to set the internal playback speed of the FlexPhraser. The playback speed of the phrase is specified in Beats per Minute (BPM). In addition, Tempo Scale gives you further control over the playback speed. The Tempo control is inactive when Sync is activated. Tempo Scale This parameter defines the rate at which notes are triggered, in other words, the speed at which the phrase is running. You can specify a value in fractions of beats. You can also set dotted and triplet note values. When the Tempo parameter is 1/16 and you set this value to 1/8, for example, the speed is cut to half. When you set it to 1/32, the speed is doubled. Other values increase or decrease the speed accordingly. Swing Use this parameter to shift the timing of notes on even numbered beats. This way, the phrase gets a swing feeling. Negative values shift the timing backward, and the notes are played earlier. Positive values shift the timing forward, and the notes are played later. Gate Scale This parameter allows you to shorten or lengthen the notes of the phrase. At a value of 100 % the notes play with their original gate length. Vel Scale This parameter allows you to raise or lower the note-on velocities of the phrase. At a value of 100 % the notes are played with their original velocity. Octaves This setting extends the phrase playback to higher or lower octaves. Positive settings extend the playback to higher and negative settings to lower octaves. For example, a value of +1 first plays the phrase in the octave range you originally played. Then, it repeats the phrase one octave higher. OptionDescription OriginalThe notes of the phrase play with the velocity as specified by the original sequence data of the phrase. As PlayedThe notes of the phrase play with the velocity you are playing on the keyboard. Original + As Played The velocity of the sequence data of the phrase is scaled by the velocity you are playing on the keyboard.
69 EditingUser Phrases Play Range You can use the Play Range parameters to determine which keys and velocities trigger the phrase playback. Low Key This defines the lowest key on which the phrase is triggered. High Key This defines the highest key on which the phrase is triggered. Low Vel This defines the lowest velocity on which the phrase is triggered. High Vel This defines the highest velocity on which the phrase is triggered. User Phrases The user pattern of the FlexPhraser has up to 32 steps. Each step has an adjustable velocity, gate length, and transpose value. By setting the steps, adjusting their length, or leaving pauses, you define the rhythm of the user pattern. Consecutive steps can be combined to create longer notes. By selecting the mode, you define how the notes play back. In addition, there are two MIDI control sequences, that is, each step can send two modulation signals. •To create your own phrases, activate the User button. For user phrases, the regular FlexPhraser parameters are available, except for the KSOff button. Editing User Phrases In the editor for the user phrases, you can make detailed settings for the user phrase. •To open the editor, click the “Show Editor Page” button. About the Curves In the editor, you can display the velocity curve or two MIDI controller sequences for the phrase. •To select a curve, click the corresponding button to the left of the display. Click here to show or hide the editor.
70 EditingUser Phrases Defining the Pattern Length •To specify the number of steps for the pattern, drag the pattern length handle to the right or left. Adding and Adjusting Steps The height of a step represents its value. You can edit the steps in the following way: •To activate all steps, select “Enable All Steps” from the context menu. •To adjust a value, click a step and drag up or down. •To adjust multiple steps, click and draw a curve. •To adjust the velocity of all steps relatively, [Shift]-click and drag. •To draw a ramp with steps, hold down [Alt]/[Option] and draw a line. •To draw symmetric ramps at the beginning and the end of the sequence, hold down [Shift]-[Alt]/[Option] and draw a line. •To reset the velocity of a step to 127, [Ctrl]/[Command]-click the step. •To reset the velocity of all steps to 127, hold [Shift]-[Ctrl]/[Command] and click a step. •To introduce a legato between two steps, click the number below the first of these two steps, so that a small arrow is shown. When legato is activated, the gate scale parameter is not taken into account. For velocity steps, the width of a step represents its gate length. You can edit the length in the following way: •To adjust the gate length of a step, drag the right border of a step. •To adjust the gate length of all steps, hold down [Shift] and drag the right border. You can only adjust the length this way until a step reaches the next step. ÖIf you increase the gate length of a step so that it overlaps the following steps, these are deactivated. •To reset the length of a step to 1, [Ctrl]/[Command]-click its highlighted right border. •To reset the length of all steps, hold down [Shift]-[Ctrl]/[Command] and click on a highlighted right border. •To fill the gaps between consecutive steps, select “Fill Gap” or “Fill All Gaps” from the context menu. Each MIDI controller lane can send a MIDI controller. By selecting the same MIDI controller as source in the Modulation Matrix, you can modulate any of the destinations with the MIDI controller sequence. •To assign a controller, open the MIDI controller pop-up menu and select the controller or use the corresponding control on your hardware.