Steinberg HALion Symphonic Orchestra Operation Manual

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Violas A and B
As in the violins, there are completely independent legato and spiccato 
A and B sets for violas. Use the legato A and B sets for doubling the 
size and achieving a smoother sound – or, even more typical, use them 
for creating independent divisi lines. 
The spiccato A set is very nice for playing light accompaniment figures, 
while the B set will give you a bit more bow and directness.
Cellos A and B
Normally, the legato A and B sets would be used to...

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Disadvantages compared to separate sections:
 You cannot control expression or other articulations separately for each section
 A passage created from one Ensemble program never sounds as realistic as a 
passage created using separate sections (each with its separate expression 
control)
 The variety of Ensemble programs is limited
Articulations in programs
HALion Symphonic Orchestra offers a variety of articulations assisting 
you in creating authentic orchestra...

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the crescendo controller, which is about as realistic as it can get. It 
will take a bit of practice, but is well worth the effort if your goal is su-
perior realism.
Spiccato
Spiccato is often mixed up with staccato. It is the most commonly 
used staccato sound in a string section. The bow touches the string 
only shortly, allowing it to resonate a bit and thus creating a typical de-
caying sound. Spiccato sounds a bit cleaner than an “on-the-string” 
staccato...

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Tremolo
In string sections, tremolo is played by rapidly moving the bow back 
and forth on the string. This yields a very agitated and noisy sound 
used for adding thrill to a passage.
Since accents are very effective in tremolo parts for bringing out a note, 
HALion Symphonic Orchestra features true accent samples for the 
tremolo programs. In the crescendo controlled programs there are dif-
ferent accent samples, accessible by playing velocities above 100. In 
the velocity...

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Combi programs
Combi programs combine a useful set of articulations within one pro-
gram so you can use them on one MIDI channel. For example, a combi 
program can combine legato, trill, tremolo, spiccato and pizzicato. The 
number and type of available articulations depend on the instrument 
(refer to the Program Reference section on page 55 for detailed info).
The default articulation when you load a Combi program is legato. By 
pressing key switches (see also page...

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Switch key assignments in Combi ECO programs for Flute, Oboe, 
Clarinet:
Ornaments WT+HT for Flute, Oboe, Clarinet:
Switch key assignments in Combi programs for Bassoon:
Switch key assignments in Combi ECO programs for Bassoon:
Ornaments WT+HT for Bassoon:
Key Articulation Key Mode
no key pressed:  legato
Bb-1 staccato kr
C#0 Accent kr
Key Articulation Key Mode
D0 whole-tone ornament ks
E0 half-tone ornament ks
Key Articulation Key Mode
no key pressed:  legato
Bb-1 staccato...

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Switch key assignments in Combi programs for Piccolo, English Horn, 
Bass Clarinet:
Switch key assignments in Combi programs for Horn solo, Trumpet 
solo, Trombone solo:
Switch key assignments in Combi programs for Tuba:
Switch key assignments in Combi programs for Horns tutti, Trumpets 
tutti, Trombones tutti:
Key Articulation Key Mode
no key pressed:  legato
Bb-1 staccato kr
Key Articulation Key Mode
no key pressed:  legato
Bb-1 staccato kr
C0 crescendo-decrescendo...

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Switch key assignments in Combi KS program for Timpani:
Switch key assignments in Combi KS program for Snare:
Switch key assignments in Combi KS program for Gran Cassa (Bass 
Drum):
Switch key assignments in Combi KS program for Tambourine:
Key Articulation Key Mode
no key pressed:  normal
C0 roll kr
Key Articulation Key Mode
no key pressed:  normal position
A-1 mid-position kr
Bb-1 flam kr
B-1 short roll kr
C0 roll kr
C#0 snares off kr
Key Articulation Key Mode
no key...

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Switch key assignments in Combi KS program for Woodblocks:
Switch key assignments in Combi KS program for Templeblocks:
Switch key assignments in Combi KS program for Suspended 
Cymbals:
Key layout:
Key Articulation Key Mode
C0 wood-beater ks
D0 felt-beater ks
Key Articulation Key Mode
C0 drumstick ks
D0 leather-beater ks
E0 felt-beater ks
F0 wood-beater ks
Key Articulation Key Mode
A-1 drumstick ks
B-1 mallet ks
C0 Mallet Roll cresccendo ks
D0 drumstick-roll ks
E0...

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Switch key assignments in Combi KS program for Piatti a due and 
TamTam:
Switch key assignments in Combi KS program for Triangle and 
Sleighbell:
Enhancing expressiveness and realism
HALion Symphonic Orchestra offers a range of features for enhanced 
realism and authentic behavior. This section describes these features, 
how they work and how you make them work for you.
Bowing control in string sections
In quick passages, string players usually change the bow direction ev-...