New Features in HALion 4.5
Assume the power
Take what is yours and max out the resources of your system — HALion 4.5 introduces an advanced multiprocessor support that allows for an even better performance on the latest multi-core computer systems. To allocate the workload of your operations, you can now define the number of CPU cores addressed by HALion 4.5. Just select the number of cores depending on the size of your project, and HALion will automatically distribute the computing effort on multiple CPUs. In this way you can get the most out of your multi-core system.
Keep your sounds at hand
Get ready to rediscover your sound libraries. With the new import browser of HALion 4.5 your are now able to delve directly into your library and listen to every sample right away. No matter if you are browsing through folders of audio material or file containers such as VST archives, ISO, HSB or GIGA, the sounds appear instantly in the browser and can be prelistened and accessed directly. The convenient search function lets you find your desired sounds in seconds and the result list can be filtered to your individual requirements. The info display provides you with useful information about the focused sample and helps you to keep track of your sound collection. It has never been easier to manage your sound content.
Time is relative
With the new Audio Warp tools of HALion 4.5, time becomes an elastic dimension. Built on the acclaimed Audio Warp algorithm implemented in Cubase 6, the new time-stretching and pitch-shifting tools in HALion 4.5 offer state-of-the-art audio manipulation in a class of its own. Depending on the audio material selected for editing, there are two different modes available to achieve the best possible quality.
The Solo mode offers the great results for monophonic instruments and vocals and allows you to edit the level of the formant shifting, grain size and the treshhold of the transition detection. The music mode is perfect for more complex audio material like drums and samples with polyphonic sounds. With HALion 4.5, time won’t be your limit anymore.
Multiply your sound
The Multi-Oscillator mode in HALion 4.5 allows you to play back up to eight oscillators at once. By adjusting the number of oscillators you can slightly increase the richness of your sound — all the way from mellow to massive.
Best of all, you can even change the number of oscillators using a MIDI controller or HALion’s intuitive Quick Controls. And with the detune and stereo spread parameters you have a whole treasure trove for creating dynamically evolving soundscapes.
New features in HALion 4
Since the first version of HALion in 2001 Steinberg set the standard for virtual samplers time and again. By introducing HALion 4 Steinberg continues with its tradition of excellence, reinventing the acclaimed HALion technology while preserving the outstanding HALion sound. Based on the completely newly developed HALion 4 engine, an array of new features and innovations have been added to make HALion 4 the most powerful and comprehensive yet ultra-flexible and user-friendly VST sampler and sound creation system ever.
Top-notch Virtual Analog Synthesizer
Alongside its comprehensive sampler functionality, HALion 4 now contains the high-class Virtual Analog Synthesizer already known from HALion Sonic. Create razor-sharp leads and evolving pads from scratch and switch over to meticulously layered sample programs, powerful editing tools and sublime sound controls in the sampler section — mutual benefits guaranteed.
Complete HALion Sonic library
All presets and instruments of the comprehensive HALion Sonic library are included in HALion 4 plus additional exclusive HALion 4 content. With a smorgasbord of opportunities provided to you through the 1,600 factory presets at hand, HALion 4 truly covers the entire sound palette of each genre.
MediaBay Integration
To keep track of your sounds and presets HALion 4 includes the comfortable MediaBay which helps you to immediate access the sounds you are looking for
Flexible user interface and multi-monitor support
With its flexible desktop architecture HALion can be adjusted to each phase of your creative process and lets you stay on top of things, even when working on large projects. Designed for the most demanding sound design tasks, HALion 4 lets you resize, move and dock windows, save and recall screen sets, spread windows across multiple monitors, and create tabs for frequently used functions. Simply leave out screen-cluttering elements and build a workspace that is dedicated to your current projects and individual needs.
VST 3.5 and VST Expression 2 support
HALion 4 supports the new VST 3.5 standard with all its advantages like VST Expression 2.0, Note Expression and Quick Control integration. With the groundbreaking Note Expression feature, individual note events now contain their own set of controller data when played polyphonically, therefore offering you a whole new creative approach to sound design. With VST Expression Maps, musical articulations and playing styles can be directly controlled during any performance and recording.
Sensationally easy sound programming with MegaTrig
The advanced HALion 4 version of MegaTrig contains loads of new features and conditions that let you create own playing styles, articulations and conditional triggering easier and faster without page-filling scripting. With plenty predefined conditions that can individually be combined, you can bring your sound to the next level. Turning your vision to reality has never been easier!
Full compatibility with HALion 3
HALion 4 is able to read HALion 3 sounds with all parameters (FXP, HSB)
FlexPhraser module
Based on Yamaha’s Motif Technology, the FlexPhraser arpeggiator allows complex instrument patterns. Complete MIDI multi-channel FlexPhrases can be mapped across the keyboard or the virtual drum pads and start an entire inspiring backing just with a single fingertip. Beyond dozens of different arpeggio types, FlexPhraser is the perfect tool for playing complete instrument patterns in sync to the host with a touch of a key! The possibilities are sheer endless!
Flexible signal routing
HALion 4 incorporates a state-of-the-art mixing engine with powerful routing options for complete control over your signal flow. There are virtually no restrictions — create an unlimited number of buses per Program and Layer and freely route the signals as desired. Each bus holds controls for level, pan, mute and solo as well as eight insert slots. What’s more, HALion 4 features a total of 32 stereo output channels and 6-channel surround support. This way you not only handle complex setups easily, but also create professional mixes without ever leaving HALion 4.