Steinberg Halion 5 Manual

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Common Editing MethodsUsing Key Commands
On/Off Buttons
These controls normally know two states, Off and On. When you move the mouse 
over an On/Off button, it changes its appearance to show that you can click it.
Push Buttons
In contrast to an On/Off button, a push button only triggers an action and then goes 
back to its inactive state. Such buttons can be found in several places for opening 
menus or file dialogs.
Value Fields
You have the following options:
•To type in a value, click in the value field, start typing, and press [Enter].
If the entered value exceeds the parameter range, it is automatically set to the 
maximum value.
•Click in the value field and drag up or down to change the value.
•Position the mouse over the value field and use the mouse wheel to adjust the 
value.
•[Ctrl]/[Command]-click a value field to set it to the default value.
•[Alt]/[Option]-click a value field to bring up a fader.
•Click the up/down triangles next to the field to adjust the value.
You can adjust musical values, such as key ranges or the root key, using your MIDI 
keyboard.
•To enter a value with your MIDI keyboard, double-click the value field, press a key 
on your MIDI keyboard, and press [Return].
Using Key Commands
Key commands can be assigned to most operations that can be performed via the 
standalone panel of HALion. The Key Commands dialog contains a list of all available 
commands, arranged in a hierarchical way. When you open a category folder by 
clicking the “+” sign beside it, the items and functions it contains are displayed with 
the assigned key commands.
•To open the Key Commands dialog, open the Options editor, and click the 
corresponding button in the Edit section. 
						

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Common Editing MethodsWorking with Presets
Setting Up Key Commands
1.In the Commands list on the left, select a category.
2.Click the “+” sign to open the category folder.
You can also click the global “+” and “-” signs in the top left corner to open and 
close all category folders simultaneously.
3.Select the item to which you want to assign a key command.
Assigned key commands are shown in the Keys column and in the Keys section in 
the top right corner.
4.Click in the “Type in Key” field, and enter a new key command.
You can choose any single key or a combination of one or several modifier keys 
plus any key.
5.Click the Assign button above the field to assign the key command to the function.
The new key command is displayed in the Keys list.
6.Click OK to close the dialog.
ÖYou can set up several key commands for the same function.
Searching for Functions
•To search for a specific function, enter its name in the search field at the top of the 
dialog, and click the search button.
Removing Key Command Assignments
•To remove a key command assignment, select the corresponding command in the 
Commands list, select the key command in the Keys list, and click the Delete 
button (trash icon).
Working with Presets
HALion offers two types of presets: Firstly, there are section and module presets that 
allow you to store and recall the setup of a specific user interface component. 
Secondly, there are VST presets that allow you to store and recall the settings relating 
to a program. During the setup, HALion installs its factory presets in a dedicated 
folder and creates a user folder for your own presets. The handling of presets is the 
same throughout HALion.
ÖFactory presets are write-protected, but may be overwritten when a software update 
is executed. Presets in your user folder are never changed by the software.
Section and Module Presets
MIDI and effect modules as well as many sections in the Sound editor, such as the 
LFO and the Step Modulator sections, come with their own preset controls.
Loading Presets
The available presets can be selected from the presets pop-up menu at the top right 
of the section module.
Saving Presets
1.Click the Save button (disk icon) to open a file dialog.
2.Name the preset and click Save to save the parameter set as a preset.
ÖYou can modify a factory preset and save it under the same name in your user folder. 
						

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Common Editing MethodsUsing Automation
Deleting Presets
You can only delete user presets.
1.Click the Delete button (trash icon).
2.Click Yes to confirm.
VST Presets
Loading VST Presets
When you load a VST preset, the current program is replaced. Proceed as follows:
1.On the Program Tree toolbar, click the Load icon.
2.Select a VST preset and click OK.
Inserting VST Presets as Layers
1.Right-click the program or layer for which you want to insert the VST preset, open 
the “Load/Save” submenu, and select “Load to new Layer”.
2.Select a VST preset and click OK.
The program is inserted as an additional layer.
•Alternatively, drag the VST preset from the MediaBay or file browser into the 
Program Tree, and drop it on a layer.
Replacing Programs and Layers with VST Presets
1.Right-click the program or layer you want to replace.
2.Open the “Load/Save” submenu, and select “Replace Program” or “Replace 
Layer”.
3.Select a VST preset and click OK.
•Alternatively, drag the VST preset from the MediaBay or file browser into the 
Program Tree, and drop it on a program or layer.
Reverting to the Last Saved Program
•To revert to the last saved version of a program, open the context menu for the 
program, choose the Load/Save submenu, and select “Revert to last Saved 
Program”.
Using Automation
You can automate any program that is loaded into a slot. Each slot has its own set of 
automation parameters, that means, Mute, Solo, Level, and Pan. In addition, you can 
automate the Quick Controls of the program. You can access the automation 
parameters from the automation track of your sequencer software.
Automation Parameters
Each slot offers the following pre-assigned automation parameters:
ParameterDescription
MuteThis automates the Mute button of the corresponding slot.
SoloThis automates the Solo button of the corresponding slot.
LevelThis automates the loudness of the corresponding slot.
PanThis automates the panorama position of the corresponding 
slot.
Quick Controls 1-8This automates the Quick Controls 1 to 8 of the program that 
is loaded into the slot. 
						

							64
Common Editing MethodsUsing Effects
Using Effects
HALion features AUX busses that can be used to realize classical send effects. All 
slot, program, and layer busses as well as zones can send signal portions to these 
busses. Each bus hosts up to eight insert effects, which allows you to set up complex 
effects. The busses are then routed to either the main plug-in output or to one of the 
individual outputs. Furthermore, the Mixer provides access to the master output bus. 
These can be used to add a global EQ or compressor to the signal chain, for example.
In the Mixer, you can set up insert effects for AUX busses.
Using the Insert Effect Slots
All busses, including the master bus, have eight slots for insert effects. The handling is 
the same for all slots:
•To assign an insert effect, click the effect slot, and select an effect from the pop-up 
menu.
•To remove an insert effect, click the effect slot, and select None from the pop-up 
menu.
The effect is removed, including its settings.
•To bypass an insert effect, click the bypass button in front of the effect name.
The bypass is active when the button lights up yellow.
•To edit an insert effect, click the “e” button of the corresponding slot.
You can edit only one effect at a time. The parameters of the corresponding insert 
effect are displayed in the bottom section.
Changing the Output Assignments
•To change the output assignment of an AUX bus, open the Output pop-up menu, 
and select a different output.
Adjusting the Output Levels
•Move the fader of the AUX bus.
•Alternatively, double-click the value in the field below the fader, and enter a new 
value.
Muting AUX Busses
•To mute an AUX bus, click the Mute icon.
The icon turns yellow. 
						

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Common Editing MethodsUsing MIDI Modules
The Master Effect Bus
The master bus works similar to the AUX busses. The only difference you will find is 
that the master bus has no bus output selector since it is “hard-wired” to the main 
plug-in output (1/2).
Multi-Channel Effects
HALion comes with a large number of effects that are mainly intended for use on 
stereo busses. However, most of them can also be used on surround busses. In this 
case the effect is processed on all channels. When a bus changes from stereo to 
surround, the effect follows. For effects with level meters, the number of meters is 
adapted accordingly.
Using MIDI Modules
The MIDI modules available in HALion range from standard modules like an Arpeggiator 
(the so-called FlexPhraser) to more dedicated modules that trigger specific events or 
deliver special modulation signals, for example, to control articulations of sampled 
instruments. In general, MIDI modules process the stream of MIDI events inside a 
program. In addition, they are able to produce monophonic modulation signals, which 
can be used as sources in the modulation matrix. MIDI modules can be assigned to the 
whole program or just a single layer. This way, you can process the MIDI stream of the 
whole program or just parts of it. To cover more complex tasks, multiple MIDI modules 
can be assigned in series.
Inserting a MIDI Module
1.In the Program Tree, select the program or layer where you want to insert the MIDI 
module.
2.Right-click to open the context menu, open the New submenu, and select “MIDI 
Modules”.
3.Select the MIDI module that you want to insert.
4.Repeat steps 2 and 3 to insert multiple modules in series.
Changing the Order of MIDI Modules
The order of the MIDI modules in the Program Tree has great influence on the 
processing of the MIDI events.
•To change the order, drag the MIDI modules to new positions in the Program Tree. 
The routing between the MIDI modules changes accordingly.
Deleting a MIDI Module
1.In the Program Tree, select the MIDI modules that you want to delete.
2.Open the context menu and select Delete. Alternatively, press Delete on your 
computer keyboard.
Bypassing a MIDI Module
Any MIDI module can be bypassed. This way, you can play the layer without the 
FlexPhraser or the conditions that have been set with the MegaTrig module.
•To bypass a MIDI module, click the crossed out speaker icon in the upper right 
corner of the caption of the MIDI module. 
						

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Common Editing MethodsUsing MIDI Modules
Assigning MIDI Modules in the Modulation Matrix
Some MIDI modules, like the FlexPhraser, directly process the MIDI events. Other 
MIDI modules, like True Pedaling, produce modulation signals, which must be 
assigned in the modulation matrix before they can be used.
To assign a MIDI module as source or modifier in the modulation matrix, proceed as 
follows:
1.In the Program Tree, select the zones that you want to edit. Make sure that the 
zones are part of a program or layer with a MIDI module that produces modulation 
signals, for example, True Pedaling.
2.Open the Sound editor and show the Modulation Matrix section.
3.On the pop-up menu of the Source/Modifier column, open the Modulation Module 
submenu.
The submenu lists only the MIDI modules that belong to the same layer or that are 
higher up in the hierarchy.
4.On the submenu, select a MIDI module.
The MIDI Modules Editor
In the MIDI Modules editor, you can edit the parameters of multiple MIDI modules. 
Which modules are affected is specified with the buttons at the top of the editor.
ÖIf MIDI modules are selected in the Program Tree, only these modules are affected.
Show MIDI Modules Contained in the Corresponding Layer
If you activate this button, the MIDI modules used in the current layer are displayed.
Show MIDI Modules Higher up in the Signal Flow
If you activate this button, the MIDI modules used in the current layer and those used 
higher up in the signal flow are displayed.
Show MIDI Modules Combined
When this button is activated, MIDI modules of the same type are combined, allowing 
you to modify the selected MIDI modules simultaneously. How many instances of a 
certain type of module are edited, is displayed behind the module name on the title 
bar. Parameter settings that differ between the MIDI modules are shown in red. 
On the “Show Only Selected Module Type” pop-up menu next to the “Show MIDI 
Modules Combined” button, you can specify which combined MIDI Module type is 
shown in the editor.
The ABS/REL and SEL/ALL buttons are the same as in the Sound editor, see “Editing 
Selected Zones or All Zones” on page 98 and “Absolute and Relative Editing” on 
page 98.
ÖParameters in list editors, such as the tuning offsets for each note of the tuning scale, 
do not support combined editing. 
Show MIDI Modules 
Contained in the 
Corresponding Layer
Show MIDI Modules Higher up in 
the Signal FlowShow MIDI Modules 
Combined 
						

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Importing and Exporting Samples
Importing Samples
HALion offers convenient functions to import samples and map them automatically on 
import. You can specify how the samples are mapped and also extract mapping 
information from sample file and folder names.
You can import samples into HALion using the Import submenu of the Program Tree 
context menu. In the Import Samples dialog, you can select the samples to import and 
make mapping settings for them.
The lower section of the Import Samples dialog contains the Mapping Options.
Only values between 0 and 127 can be extracted as MIDI note numbers for any of the 
parameters described in the following sections (e.
 g. “Number from Sample”). The 
smaller value is used as the lower limit and the higher number as the upper limit (e.
 g. 
“Sample_Name_76-121”).  
						

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Importing and Exporting SamplesImporting Samples
Setting the Key Range
On the Key Range pop-up menu, the following options are available:
ÖThe Chromatic, White Keys and Black Keys options alter the root key. All other 
options map the root key according to the settings you make on the Root Key menu.
Setting the Root Key
The Root Key menu and settings allow you to specify how the root key for the samples 
is obtained. The following options are available:
OptionDescription
From Sample FileThe samples are mapped to the key range that is saved in the 
file header of the sample. If this does not contain any key 
range information, the settings for Start and End Key are 
used instead.
Text from Sample NameThe samples are mapped to the key range that is extracted 
from the name of the sample. This function searches for a key 
range that is defined in text form, for example 
“Sample_Name_B2-C#3”.
Number from Sample 
NameAs above, but instead of searching for text information, this 
function searches for MIDI note numbers, for example 
“Sample_Name_59-61”.
From Sample Name 
PatternThe samples are mapped to the key range that is extracted 
from the name of the sample according to the name pattern 
you set.
Root Key Only Each sample is mapped to its root key only.
Root Key Fill CenteredThe samples are mapped to their root key. The zones expand 
to the left and right from the root key to fill empty spaces.
Root Key Fill UpThe samples are mapped to their root key. The zones expand 
from the root key upwards to fill empty spaces.
Root Key Fill DownThe samples are mapped to their root key. The zones expand 
from the root key downwards to fill empty spaces.
ChromaticThe samples are mapped chromatically to the white and 
black keys in ascending order, starting at the key specified 
with the Start value. The root key is set accordingly.
White KeysThe samples are mapped to white keys in ascending order, 
starting at the key you set with the Start Key parameter. The 
root keys are set accordingly.
Black KeysThe samples are mapped to black keys in ascending order, 
starting at the key you specify with the Start Key parameter. 
The root keys are set accordingly.
FixedThe samples are mapped to the key range that you specify 
with the Start and End Key parameters.
OptionDescription
From Sample FileThe root key is read from the file header.
Text from Sample NameThe root key is extracted from the file name. This function 
searches for root key information in text form, for example 
“Sample_Name_C#3”.
Number from Sample 
NameThe root key is extracted from the file name, as above, but 
instead of searching for text information, this function searches 
for MIDI note numbers, for example “Sample_Name_61”. 
						

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Importing and Exporting SamplesImporting Samples
ÖIf no root key information is found, the fixed root key is used.
Specifying the Velocity Range
You can specify the velocity range for the imported samples using the Vel Range 
parameters in the Import dialog. The following options are available:
ÖIf no information on the velocity range is found, the samples are mapped to the Start 
and End Velocity settings instead.
Obtaining Information from File and Folder Names
Depending on the mapping settings, the information for root key, key range, and 
velocity range is retrieved differently for file and folder names.
Using Name Patterns
Usually, names of sample files follow a certain naming scheme, for example, 
“Sample_C3_Key_59-61_Vel_80-100”. You can extract all this information from the 
sample file name by selecting the “From Sample Name Pattern” option on the Key 
Range, Root Key, or Vel Range pop-up menus and defining a pattern in the lower part 
of the Mapping Options section.
You can use the Pattern field to manually edit your pattern and select variables from 
the pop-up menu to the right. For the Name Pattern to work, your files and folders 
must be named exactly as defined in the pattern, including underscores, hyphens, etc.
The following variables are available for building name patterns:
From Sample Name 
PatternThe root key is extracted from the sample file name according to 
the name pattern you set.
FixedThe root key is set to a fixed key, specified in the field to the right.
Option Description
OptionDescription
From Sample FileThe samples are mapped to the velocity range saved in the file 
header.
From Sample NameThe samples are mapped to the velocity range that is extracted 
from the file name.
From Sample Name 
PatternThe samples are mapped to the velocity range that is extracted 
from the file name according to the defined name pattern.
From Folder NameThe samples are mapped to the velocity range that is extracted 
from the sample’s folder name. 
Velocity LayersThe samples are layered, that is, distributed evenly over the velocity 
range.
Fixed Velocity Range The samples are mapped to the velocity range specified with the 
Start and End key values.
OptionDescription
Key Low Number 
$(KeyLow) 
The MIDI note number is extracted and is used as the lower 
limit of the key range.
Key High Number 
$(KeyHigh) 
The MIDI note number is extracted and is used as the upper 
limit of the key range.
Key Low Text 
$(KeyLowText) 
The name of the note is extracted and is used as the lower limit 
of the key range.
Key High Text 
$(KeyHighText)
The name of the note is extracted and is used as the upper 
limit of the key range. 
						

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Importing and Exporting SamplesImporting Samples
ÖSamples can only be mapped correctly on import if all samples follow the same name 
pattern. If no matching pattern is found, the samples use the settings for Root Key, 
Start and End Key and Start and End Velocity instead.
Using the Position Setting
The Position setting determines the position in the file name at which the program 
searches for the information.
•When this is set to “0”, the entire file name is searched.
•When you select a number from the pop-up menu, the program starts searching 
after this number of characters. 
Every character is taken into account, including spaces.
The Tune and Gain Settings
The file header of the sample can contain information on the tuning and the gain of the 
sample. On import, this information is retrieved as well.
To switch off reading the Tune and Gain information during import, deactivate the 
corresponding options below the Pattern field.
Listening to Samples before Import
You can listen to the samples before importing them. The corresponding controls can 
be found above the Mapping Options section in the Import dialog.
The following controls are available:
Sample Zone Presets
When importing samples, HALion uses a “Default” zone preset. This sets all zone 
parameters to default values, but excludes sample-specific parameters (Sample Start, 
Sample End, Loop Start, Loop End, etc.). You can modify this preset in the Sound 
editor for a zone and save it as “Default” to your user preset directory. HALion then 
uses this preset instead.
Velocity Low 
$(VelLow)
The number for the velocity value is extracted and is used as 
the lower limit of the velocity range.
Velocity High  
$(VelHigh) 
The number for the velocity value is extracted and is used as 
upper limit of the velocity range.
Root Key Number 
$(RootKey)
The MIDI note number is extracted and is used as the root key.
Root Key Text 
$(RootKeyText)
The name of the note is extracted and is used as the root key.
Option Description
OptionDescription
PlayClick the Play button to play back the focused sample.
StopClick the Stop button to stop playback of the sample. The play locator 
jumps back to the sample start.
PauseClick the Pause button to stop playback of the sample, click again to 
continue playback.
LoopActivate the Loop button to play back the sample repeatedly.
Auto PlayActivate Auto Play to automatically start playback of the selected sample.
LevelThis fader adjusts the playback level.
PositionThe position slider displays the playback position within the sample. To 
select another position for playback, click on the slider or drag the handle 
to the new position.