Steinberg VST Sampler HALION 4 Operation Manual

							11
Installation and Setup
Selecting Outputs
HALion loads with a stereo output configuration by de-
fault. However, you can use up to 32 stereo outputs plus 
one 5.1 output in Cubase. This allows you to route all 64 
program slots to a dedicated Cubase Mixer channel.
To make these outputs available, proceed as follows:
1.Open the VST Instruments window.
2.Click the output button for the HALion instrument.
3.Activate the required outputs.
Cubase automatically creates a MIDI track for each addi-
tional output and adds a channel to its Mixer. You can now 
route HALion programs or layers to these outputs for fur
-
ther signal processing within Cubase.
Using HALion in an AU Compatible 
Application
You can use HALion in an AU host application (e. g. 
Logic). The AU version of HALion is installed in your AU 
plug-ins folder and lets HALion work in an AU environ
-
ment without any performance loss or incompatibilities.
For Logic Pro, proceed as follows:
1.Open the Track Mixer and select the instrument chan-
nel that you want to use.
2.Click in the I/O field, and select the AU Instruments 
submenu. 
3.On the Steinberg submenu, select HALion.
4.Select Multi Output or Stereo from the submenu.
HALion is now loaded as an AU instrument. 
						

							2
The HALion Control Panel 
						

							13
The HALion Control Panel
Introduction
HALion provides flexible and highly customizable window management. You can arrange the available editors in the win-
dow, structure the window sections using tabs, and even configure several separate windows for your work. The size of 
each window, and window section, is freely adjustable. This allows you to make the most of the available screen space.
Configuring the Control Panel
You can set up the control panel exactly the way you want 
it, by determining the number of different sections (which 
are referred to as “views” in this document) that you want 
the window to contain, and by further configuring these 
sections, for example by adding tabs. For each of these el
-
ements (views or tabs), you can specify the editor that is 
displayed.
All these functions can be performed via the setup op-
tions. For views, these can be accessed via the View pop-
up menu. For tabs, they are available on the context menu.
The following setup options are available:
Select… (Editor)
To select the editor to be displayed, open the Editor sub-
menu, and select the editor or choose “Select…” to dis-
play a pane showing icons for the available editors and 
click on an icon.
“Split |” and “Split --” 
You can add a view or tab to the window by splitting an 
existing view or tab.
•To perform a vertical split, select “Split |”. This adds a 
new editor to the right of the current editor.
•To perform a horizontal split, select “Split --”. This adds 
an editor below the current editor.
A view with a 
single editor.
A view with 
multiple editors 
on different tabs. 
						

							14
The HALion Control Panel
•You can also create a split view or tab by clicking its up-
per left corner and dragging it to another position in the 
window.
This creates a copy of the view or tab at the drop position. A colored 
frame indicates where it will be inserted when you drop it. 
Adjusting the Size of a Split View
•To adjust the size of two split views, point the mouse at 
the divider between these two, click, and drag.
If a view is split into three or more parts, these parts are resized propor-
tionally. To resize an individual part, hold down [Ctrl]/[Command] and drag.
ÖSome editors have fixed default sizes for height or 
width. For example, the Slot Rack can only be resized ver
-
tically but not horizontally.
Create Tab
•Select “Create Tab” to create a tab. 
You can also create tabs within tabs.
You can also create tabs the following way:
•Click in the upper left corner of an existing view or tab 
and drag it onto another one.
•Click the plus icon to the right of the rightmost tab and 
click the icon for the editor you want to display.
ÖIf a view contains more tabs than can be displayed, ar-
row buttons are displayed to navigate between the tabs.
Renaming Tabs
When you create a tab, it gets the name of the editor it 
displays. You can rename tabs via the context menu.
Close
•To remove a view or a tab, select Close.
Undock
•To create a duplicate of the view or tab in a new win-
dow, select Undock.
Further Setup Options
Moving Views and Tabs
•To move a view or tab, hold down [Shift], click in its up-
per left corner, and drag it to another position. 
Depending on the drop position, it is added as a tab or as part of a split 
view.
Expanding and Resizing Editor Sections
Some editors, such as the Options editor, contain ex-
pandable sections. These sections can be resized or col-
lapsed so that they only show their title bar. This helps you 
save space and focus on the edited parameters.
•To expand or collapse a section, click the “+” or “-” icon 
on the left of the title bar, or click the title bar.
•To open several sections at the same time, hold down 
[Ctrl]/[Command] and click the “+” icon or the title bar.
•To resize a section, click in the middle of its lower bor-
der (the position is indicated by a dotted line) and drag up 
or down.
Setting the Focus
It is useful to know which view, window, or tab has the fo-
cus, because this is where your key commands are ap-
plied, for example. The view that has the focus is indicated 
by a blue frame.
•To set the focus on a specific view, use one of its con-
trols or edit a parameter. 
You can also click on the frame of a view or in an empty background of a 
section. 
						

							15
The HALion Control Panel
Working with Multiple Windows
Creating Additional Windows
You can create new windows from existing views using 
the following methods:
•Click in the upper left corner of an existing view or tab 
and drag it out of the current window.
•Use the Undock command, see “Undock” on page 14.
The window menu bar contains a pop-up menu from 
which you can select the program that you want to edit.
Using Window Presets
HALion comes with several preconfigured window pre-
sets. You can open these by clicking the “Open New Win-
dow” button in the top bar and selecting a preset from the 
pop-up menu. You can also create your own window pre
-
sets using the corresponding commands on the pop-up 
menu.
Locking Windows
When you open an additional window, HALion shows the 
settings belonging to the focused object (program, layer, 
zone etc.). This way, all editors and separate windows re
-
late to the same material. 
However, in some cases it might be necessary to show 
different objects in different windows, for example, to 
compare the parameter sets of two zones or layers. This 
can be achieved by locking a window.
•To lock a window, click the lock button in the upper 
right corner. If this is activated, the window no longer fol
-
lows selection and focus changes in the main plug-in win-
dow. Instead, it displays the settings of the program that 
was selected when you clicked the lock button.
Screen Sets
When you have set up the HALion control panel to your 
liking, you can save this configuration as a “screen set”. 
This way, you can preconfigure HALion for different work
-
flows and editing situations.
When you start HALion for the first time, the default 
screen set is used, which is optimized for wide-screen 
monitors and contains all editors.
The following factory screen sets are available:
Managing Screen Sets
You can load, save, and delete screen sets by clicking the 
screen set button on the toolbar in the plug-in functions 
section and selecting the corresponding command from 
the pop-up menu.
ÖFactory screen sets cannot be deleted.
Screen SetRecommended 
ResolutionDescription
Default1440 x 900Full editor screen set.
Basic1024x768A minimized single slot player view.
Extended11280x800Optimized for laptops.
Extended21440 x 900As Extended 1, but slightly more 
complex.
Advanced1440 x 900Full editor screen set. 
						

							16
The HALion Control Panel
Overview of the Available Editors
HALion provides a large amount of different editors that 
give you access to the parameters of the plug-in and its 
programs and modules.
The following editors are available:
Slot Rack
Allows you to load and manage the loaded programs, see 
“The Slot Rack” on page 19.
MIDI
Allows you to configure the ranges and MIDI parameters 
of the slots, see 
“The MIDI Editor” on page 113.
Program Table
Shows all programs that are loaded. This includes the 
programs that are used in the Slot Rack as well as those 
that can be loaded via MIDI program change, see 
“Load-
ing and Managing Programs” on page 27.
Program Tree
Allows you to create programs by combining samples, lay-
ers, busses, as well as MIDI and audio effects, see “Using 
the Program Tree” on page 30.
Sound Editor
Gives you access to the parameters of the various pro-
gram components. It can display the parameters of pro-
grams, layers, zones, MIDI modules, busses, and effects. 
Which parameters are displayed depends on the object 
that is selected in the Program Tree.
Zone Editor
The Zone editor allows you to edit the parameters of all 
zones of the focused layer simultaneously (including any 
sublayers).
In case any specific zones are selected in the Program 
Tree or Mapping editor, only these zones can be modified.
MIDI Modules Editor
The MIDI Modules editor allows you to edit the parameters 
of all MIDI modules of the currently focused layer.
In case any specific MIDI modules are selected in the Pro-
gram Tree or Mapping editor, only these modules are dis-
played and available for modification.
Optionally, you can show any MIDI modules found higher 
up in the signal flow by clicking the corresponding button.
Macro
This is a content-specific editor that provides a set of the 
most important program parameters. Whether such an 
editor is available for a program, depends on the content 
set, see 
“Macro Pages” on page 17. 
Mapping Editor
Allows you to specify and visualize how samples are dis-
tributed over the keyboard and velocity range, see “The 
Mapping Editor” on page 98.
Sample Editor
Allows you to define all sample and loop parameters, see 
“Editing Samples in the Sample Editor” on page 103.
Mixer
Allows you to mix the program slots, access the output 
and AUX busses, and manage effects, see 
“Mixing and 
Routing” on page 116. 
						

							17
The HALion Control Panel
Import
Allows you to import external sampler formats like Apple 
EXS, GigaSampler, Kontakt, and others, see 
“Importing 
and Exporting Samples” on page 55.
MediaBay
Allows you to load programs and layers, see “Managing 
Files via the MediaBay” on page 22.
Options
Contains global plug-in settings regarding the overall per-
formance, global edit functions, and MIDI controllers, see 
“The Options Editor” on page 42.
Undo History
The Undo History lists all of your actions and allows you to 
undo changes, see 
“Undo/Redo” on page 41.
Keyboard
Combines a keyboard, two wheels, and the HALion 
Sphere. You can use these controls to simulate external 
hardware, see 
“The Keyboard Editor” on page 41.
Quick Controls
Allows you to remote-control any parameter inside the 
program, see 
“Quick Controls” on page 45.
Trigger Pads
Allow you to assign and trigger notes and chords. Further-
more it is possible to use the trigger pads to switch the 
states of FlexPhraser modules, see 
“The Trigger Pads” on 
page 144.
Macro Pages
VST Sound Instrument Sets provide dedicated editors, 
so-called Macro pages. These Macro pages are precon
-
figured to show the most important parameters for the 
specific programs. 
Whether it is possible to edit a program only via its Macro 
page or whether you have access to all underlying zone 
and layer parameters depends on the instrument set.
If a program comes with a Macro page, it is displayed 
when you open the Macro editor.
When loading a program that contains one or multiple lay-
ers with Macro pages, all Macro pages are shown to-
gether in the Macro editor. For each existing Macro page, 
HALion inserts a navigation button on the toolbar that al
-
lows you to switch between the different Macro pages. 
						

							3
Managing Your Sounds 
						

							19
Managing Your Sounds
The Slot Rack
The Slot Rack allows you to load up to 64 programs into 
so-called slots. Slots are created dynamically for each 
loaded program. Their order can be arranged freely, 
sorted by MIDI channel, or slot index.
Use the scrollbar to the right of the slots to navigate to the 
slot that you want to make settings for.
Changing the Slot Size
You can change the size of the slots that are displayed us-
ing the sizing buttons above the slots. The following op-
tions are available:
Showing Empty Slots
By default the Slot Rack only shows slots that are cur-
rently filled with programs.
•To show all empty slots, activate the “Show Empty 
Slots” option on the toolbar.
Loading Programs
Programs and layers can be dragged from the following 
locations into the Slot Rack:
• HALion or Cubase MediaBay
• Program Table or Program Tree
•Import View
• Explorer (Win) or Finder (Mac)
Replacing Programs
You can replace the program in a slot by dragging another 
program or layer onto this slot.
Alternatively you can use the “Load Program” button at the 
right of the slot to load a new program.
Loading Programs in between Slots
•If you want to add a program or layer in a new slot be-
tween two existing slots, you can drag it between these 
slots.
A red line indicates that a slot will be inserted at this position.
ÖThe slot number is taken from the first available slot 
and does not necessarily reflect the order in which the 
slots are listed.
Loading Layers into Slots
If you load a layer into a slot, HALion creates a new pro-
gram.
Managing Programs via the Slot Context 
Menu
The slot context menu provides additional functions for 
managing programs. The following options are available:SizeFeatures
SmallShows MIDI Indicator, Mute, Solo, Program Loader
MediumShows MIDI Indicator, Mute, Solo, Program Loader, MIDI 
Port/Channel, Level, Pan, Level Meter
LargeShows Instrument Icon, Mute, Solo, Program Loader, MIDI 
Indicator, MIDI Port/Channel, Polyphony, Level, Pan, Output, 
Level Meter
Program Loader
Mute Slot
Solo Slot
MIDI Activity 
Indicator
Sort Slots
Remove All Programs
Show Empty Slots
Slot Sizes
OptionDescription
Load ProgramsThis option opens the “Load Program” dialog. Select 
a program or layer and click OK to load it into the slot.
Save ProgramThis option saves the program. Please note that fac-tory content cannot be overwritten. Instead, the “Save 
Program” dialog is opened and you can save the ed-ited program under a new name.
Save Program 
As…This option opens the “Save Program” dialog where 
you can save the edited program under a new name.
Remove ProgramSelect this option to remove the program from the 
slot.
Revert to Last 
Saved ProgramSelect this option to discard any changes made to 
the program in the slot.
Cut ProgramSelect this option to copy and remove the program 
from the slot.
Copy ProgramSelect this option to copy the program without re-moving it.
Paste ProgramSelect this option to paste the copied program into 
the slot. If the slot already contains a program, it is re-placed.
Rename ProgramSelect this option to enter a new name. 
						

							20
Managing Your Sounds
Loading Samples and Third-Party Programs
Samples and third-party programs can be loaded into the 
Slot Rack from a file browser or the Import editor using 
drag and drop.
Renaming Programs
You can rename a program via the context menu.
ÖTo make the program with its new name available in 
the MediaBay, you must save it.
Sorting Modes
By default, slots are arranged freely. New slots are set to 
the next available index number.
•To change the sorting mode, click the Sort Slots button 
on the left side of the Slot Rack toolbar, and choose a 
mode:
Slot Controls
Depending on the selected slot display size you get ac-
cess to additional slot controls.
Level
The level fader controls the output level of a program. The 
parameter has an influence on all outputs used by layers 
and zones inside the program.
Pan
Pan controls the stereo position of a program. The param-
eter has an influence on all outputs used by layers and 
zones inside the program.
ÖThe Pan control is disabled if the slot bus has a sur-
round configuration.
Solo
Activate the Solo button of a slot in order to hear only the 
corresponding program. Several slots can be soloed at 
the same time.
Mute
Activate the Mute button to turn off playback of the pro-
gram.
MIDI Port and Channel
Here you can specify on which MIDI port and channel the 
slot receives MIDI messages.
MIDI Activity Indicator
A green bar next to the slot number and symbol indicates 
incoming MIDI data.
Polyphony
Here, you can specify how many notes can be triggered 
simultaneously.
ÖThe number of resulting voices can be much higher if 
one note triggers several zones at the same time.
Output
The output selector lets you define to which output bus 
the slot sends its signal.
ÖThis setting does not affect any output routing that has 
been set up for individual layers or zones inside the pro
-
gram.
Level Meter
The level meter indicates the signal level of the slot output 
bus.
ÖLayers and zones inside the program that are routed to 
individual outputs do not show any meter activity.
The Relationship between Slot and Program 
Table
The Program Table provides a list of all programs that are 
loaded into slots as well as programs that are not yet 
loaded but can be addressed by a program change.
Reset Selected 
SlotSelect this option to reset the selected slot to the de-fault values.
Reset All SlotsSelect this option to reset all slots to the default 
values.
ModeDescription
Custom SortingDefault mode.
Sort Slots by MIDI 
Port and ChannelSlots are sorted by their MIDI channels. No reor-dering is possible. New slots are set to MIDI chan-nel A1.
Sort Slots by IndexSlots are sorted by their index-number. No reor-dering is possible. New slots are set to the next 
available index-number.
Option Description