Home > Steinberg > Music Workstation > Steinberg Halion 3 Manual

Steinberg Halion 3 Manual

    Download as PDF Print this page Share this page

    Have a look at the manual Steinberg Halion 3 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+.

    							Included Instruments
    Skylab 
    171Arp Page
    This page contains the same parameters as the FlexPhraser.
    RELATED LINKS
    FlexPhraser on page 76
    Skylab
    The Skylab synth is an instrument that produces a wide range of sounds that are perfectly
    suited to create cinematic or ambient soundtracks. It comes with a large number of multi-
    samples that provide a variety of evolving pads and soundscapes as well as typical orchestral
    sounds like strings, brass, and choirs, allowing you to create huge and epic sounds.
    Furthermore, percussive sample sets of orchestral percussion and taikos are available that
    can be used with the integrated arpeggiator to create rhythmic patterns, for example.
    Skylab’s oscillator section can be switched between Sample Mode and Grain Mode.
    Grain Mode uses granular synthesis with up to eight grain streams, which allows you to
    produce even more variations of the source samples. The oscillator is followed by a multi-
    mode filter that offers a large number of different filter shapes. The filter can be modulated
    by modulation sources like the keyboard, velocity, and LFO, but also by the controller lanes
    of the step sequencer, for example. Skylab includes two monophonic LFOs that can be
    synchronized to the host tempo and allow you to modulate a large number of modulation
    destinations using the modulation matrix. In addition, a third envelope is included that can be
    assigned to destinations like Pitch, Pan, or Wavetable parameters in the modulation matrix. 
    						
    							Included Instruments
    Skylab 
    172
    Skylab contains four pages: Osc, Mod, Voice, and Arp. To show the settings for a page, click
    the corresponding page button.
    The button for the Arp page also contains an On/Off button for the arpeggiator.
    Osc Page
    On this page, you can specify whether you want to use a sample or a grain oscillator and
    make settings for the oscillator.
    Sample Mode
    In Sample Mode, you can load different multi-samples. These samples are played back
    normally.
    Grain Mode
    In Grain Mode, Skylab uses a grain oscillator for playback. 
    						
    							Included Instruments
    Skylab 
    173Position
    You can set the playback position of the grains manually. For example, at a
    setting of 50 %, the playback position is in the middle of the sample. The playback
    position is updated with every new grain.
    Random Position
    Selects a random playback position within a specific range around the current
    position. At a setting of 100 %, the playback position jumps to a random position
    between the start and the end of the sample.
    Duration
    Increases the grain period by a factor ranging from 1 to 1000.
    For very short grains, the sound gets the pitch of the frequency at which the
    grains repeat. For grains longer than 30 ms, the sound gets the pitch of the
    original sample.
    Random Duration
    Sets the random grain duration. This duration is calculated at the start of a new
    grain.
    Duration Key Follow
    Determines how the grain duration changes with the notes you play. It is mostly
    used with short durations. Longer durations sound with the original pitch of the
    sample and therefore do not need to follow the keyboard.
    Pitch
    Allows you to specify an interval between -12 and +12 semitones. The grains are
    played randomly at their original pitch, or are transposed according to the pitch
    interval. This parameter is suited for longer grain durations.
    Random Pitch
    Sets the random pitch range in semitones and cents. At a setting of +12, the
    random pitch values lie between -12 and +12 semitones. This parameter can be
    used to enrich the sound.
    Level
    Adjusts the overall level of the grain oscillator. When you increase the number
    of grains, it might become necessary to lower the oscillator level. When you play
    back a very quiet portion of a sample, you can use this control to raise the level.
    Random Level
    Sets a random level for each new grain. At a setting of 100 %, the level varies
    between a factor of 0 and 2 of the original level.
    Width
    Narrows the stereo width of the grain oscillator. It is applied after the grain
    oscillator and does not affect the stereo width of the actual sample. At a setting
    of 0 %, the output of the grain oscillator is monophonic. 
    						
    							Included Instruments
    Skylab 
    174Auto Gain
    Allows you to automatically adjust the level of grains using quieter sample parts.
    This way, you get a more homogeneous signal and you can use a quiet part of a
    sample as source.
    Grains
    Allows you to specify the number of grains, from 1 to 8. For example, with a
    setting of 4, you get 4 grains per period of the grain duration.
    To hear the effect of this setting, you have to play a new note.
    Fixed Pitch
    Plays the sample at a fixed pitch.
    •If this button is activated, the sample follows the pitch of the keyboard.
    The root key is C3.
    •If this button is deactivated, the sample plays at its original pitch, and any
    pitch modulations for the zone have no effect.
    Mod Page
    The Mod page contains the modulation matrix.
    The modulation matrix offers you up to 16 freely assignable modulations, each with a source,
    a modifier, and a destination with adjustable depth. The polarity of each source and each
    modifier can be switched between unipolar and bipolar.
    Creating Modulations
    You create modulations by selecting a source, a modifier, and a destination from the pop-up
    menus in the modulation matrix.
    PROCEDURE
    1.Click the modulation Source field and select the modulation source.
    2.Optional: Click in the modulation Modifier field and select the parameter that you want
    to use to modify the modulation.
    This modifier is used to scale the output of the modulation source.
    3.Optional: Specify whether you want the Source and Modifier parameters to be unipolar
    or bipolar.
    4.Set the modulation intensity with the Depth parameter. 
    						
    							Included Instruments
    Skylab 
    1755.Click in the modulation Destination field and select the parameter that you want to
    modulate.
    Modulation Matrix Parameters
    Modulation Sources and Modulation Modifiers
    The following options are available as modulation sources and as modulation modifiers.
    LFO A/B
    The LFOs A and B produce cyclic modulation signals.
    Amp Envelope
    The amplifier envelope. The shape of the envelope determines the modulation
    signal.
    Filter Envelope
    The filter envelope. The shape of the envelope determines the modulation signal.
    Env 3
    A freely assignable envelope. It is suited for pan or pitch modulation, for example.
    Key Follow
    This produces an exponential modulation signal derived from the MIDI note
    number. Exponential means this source works with destinations such as Pitch or
    Cutoff.
    Note-on Velocity
    Note-on velocity can be used as modulation signal.
    Note-on Vel Squared
    The squared version of Note-on Velocity. The harder you press the key, the higher
    the modulation values.
    Pitchbend
    The position of the pitchbend wheel can be used as modulation signal.
    Modulation Wheel
    The position of the modulation wheel can be used as modulation signal.
    Aftertouch
    Aftertouch can be used as modulation signal. Some MIDI keyboards cannot send
    aftertouch messages. However, most sequencer software is able to produce such
    messages.
    Arp Controller 1–3
    The 3 controllers available on this submenu correspond to the three controller
    lanes on the Arp page. 
    						
    							Included Instruments
    Skylab 
    176Bus 1–8
    Modulations that are sent to one of the eight busses can be reused as sources.
    This way, you can combine several modulations to produce more complex
    signals.
    Quick Control 1–8
    The quick controls can be used as modulation signal.
    Unipolar vs. Bipolar Sources
    The polarity of a modulation source specifies the value range that it produces. Unipolar
    sources modulate between 0 and +1. Bipolar sources modulate between -1 and +1.
    •To change the polarity of a modulation source or modifier from unipolar to bipolar,
    activate its Bipolar button.
    Modulation Destinations
    Pitch
    Modulates the pitch. For example, assign one of the LFOs to create a vibrato
    effect. If Pitch is selected, the modulation depth is set in semitones.
    Cutoff
    Modulates the filter cutoff.
    Resonance
    Modulates the filter resonance. Resonance changes the character of the filter.
    For example, to accent the filter the harder you hit a key, assign Velocity to
    Resonance.
    Distortion
    Modulates the filter distortion.
    Level
    This modulation adds to the level setting. It can be used to create level offsets
    using the mod wheel, for example.
    Volume
    Modulates the gain. The volume modulation multiplies with the level.
    Pan
    Modulates the position of the sound in the panorama.
    Grain Position
    Modulates the playback position. The modulation is not continuous, but it is
    updated at the start of each grain. 
    						
    							Included Instruments
    Skylab 
    177Grain Duration
    Modulates the grain duration, that is, the frequency at which the grains repeat.
    The maximum modulation range at a modulation depth of 100 % is -5 to +5
    octaves.
    Grain Pitch
    Modulates the pitch of a grain. The modulation is not continuous, but it is updated
    at the start of a new grain. For continuous pitch modulation, use Pitch instead of
    Grain Pitch as destination and make sure that Follow Zone Pitch is activated in
    the grain oscillator.
    Grain Formant
    Modulates the pitch of the source sample independently from the grain duration.
    This results in formant shifting for short durations.
    Grain Level
    Modulates the grain level. The modulation is not continuous, but it is updated at
    the start of each new grain.
    Amp Env Attack
    Modulates the attack time of the amplitude envelope. This modulation
    destination cannot be modulated continuously. The time is updated only when the
    segment starts.
    Amp Env Decay
    Modulates the decay time of the amplitude envelope. This modulation destination
    cannot be modulated continuously. The time is updated only when the segment
    starts.
    Amp Env Sustain
    Modulates the sustain level of the amplitude envelope. This modulation
    destination cannot be modulated continuously. The level is updated only when the
    segment starts.
    Amp Env Release
    Modulates the release time of the amplitude envelope. This modulation
    destination cannot be modulated continuously. The time is updated only when the
    segment starts.
    Filter Env Attack
    Modulates the attack time of the filter envelope. This modulation destination
    cannot be modulated continuously. The time is updated only when the segment
    starts.
    Filter Env Decay
    Modulates the decay time of the filter envelope. This modulation destination
    cannot be modulated continuously. The time is updated only when the segment
    starts. 
    						
    							Included Instruments
    Skylab 
    178Filter Env Sustain
    Modulates the sustain level of the filter envelope. This modulation destination
    cannot be modulated continuously. The level is updated only when the segment
    starts.
    Filter Env Release
    Modulates the release time of the filter envelope. This modulation destination
    cannot be modulated continuously. The time is updated only when the segment
    starts.
    Env 3 Start Level
    Modulates the start level of the user-definable envelope 3, that is, the level
    of the first envelope node. This modulation destination cannot be modulated
    continuously. The level is updated only when the segment starts.
    Env 3 Attack
    Modulates the attack time of the user-definable envelope 3. This modulation
    destination cannot be modulated continuously. The time is updated only when the
    segment starts.
    Env 3 Attack Level
    Modulates the attack level of the user-definable envelope 3, that is, the level of
    the second envelope node. This modulation destination cannot be modulated
    continuously. The level is updated only when the segment starts.
    Env 3 Decay
    Modulates the decay time of the user-definable envelope 3. This modulation
    destination cannot be modulated continuously. The time is updated only when the
    segment starts.
    Env 3 Sustain
    Modulates the sustain level of the user-definable envelope 3. This modulation
    destination cannot be modulated continuously. The level is updated only when the
    segment starts.
    Env 3 Release
    Modulates the release time of the user-definable envelope 3. This modulation
    destination cannot be modulated continuously. The time is updated only when the
    segment starts.
    Env 3 Release Level
    Modulates the release level of the user-definable envelope 3, that is, the
    last user envelope node. This modulation destination cannot be modulated
    continuously. The level is updated only when the segment starts.
    Bus 1-8
    You can send any modulation to one of the 8 busses, for example, to produce
    more complex modulation signals. Select the bus that 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. 
    						
    							Included Instruments
    Skylab 
    179Voice Page
    Voice Section
    Polyphony
    If Mono mode is deactivated, you can use this parameter to specify how many
    notes can be played simultaneously.
    Mono
    Activates monophonic playback.
    Retrigger
    This option is only available in Mono mode. If Retrigger is activated, a note that
    was stolen by another note is retriggered if you still hold the stolen note when
    you release the new one.
    This way, you can play trills by holding one note and quickly and repeatedly
    pressing and releasing another note, for example.
    Trigger Mode
    Defines the trigger behavior for new notes.
    •Normal triggers a new note when the previous note gets stolen. The
    sample and the envelope of the new note are triggered from the start.
    To minimize discontinuities, use the Fade Out parameter of the zone.
    •Resume does not always trigger a new note.
    If the new note stays within the same zone, the envelope is retriggered, but
    resumes at the level of the stolen note. The pitch of the zone is set to the
    new note.
    If the new note plays in a different zone, the sample and the envelope of the
    new note are triggered from the start.
    •Legato does not always trigger a new note.
    If the new note stays within the same zone, the envelope keeps running.
    The pitch of the zone is set to the new note.
    If the new note plays in a different zone, the sample and the envelope of the
    new note are triggered from the start.
    •Resume Keeps Zone does not trigger a new note upon note stealing. The
    envelope resumes at the level of the stolen note and the pitch of the zone is
    set to the new note, even if the new note plays in a different zone. 
    						
    							Included Instruments
    Skylab 
    180•Legato Keeps Zone does not trigger a new note upon note stealing. The
    envelope keeps running and the pitch of the zone is set to the new note,
    even if the new note plays in a different zone.
    Glide Section
    Glide
    Allows you to bend the pitch between notes that follow each other. You achieve
    the best results in Mono mode.
    Fingered
    Activate this parameter to glide the pitch only between notes that are played
    legato.
    Glide Time
    Sets the glide time, that is, the time it takes to bend the pitch from one note to
    the next.
    Pitch Section
    Octave
    Adjusts the pitch in octave steps.
    Coarse
    Adjusts the pitch in semitone steps.
    Fine
    Adjusts the pitch in cent steps. This allows you to fine-tune the oscillator sound.
    Pitchbend Up/Pitchbend Down
    Determines the range for the modulation that is applied when you move the
    pitchbend wheel.
    Filter Section
    Filter On/Off
    Activates/Deactivates the filter.
    Filter Shape
    •LP24, 18, 12, and 6 are low-pass filters with 24, 18, 12, and 6 dB/oct.
    Frequencies above the cutoff are attenuated.
    •BP12 and BP24 are band-pass filters with 12 and 24 dB/oct. Frequencies
    below and above the cutoff are attenuated. 
    						
    All Steinberg manuals Comments (0)

    Related Manuals for Steinberg Halion 3 Manual