HALion

Issue with opening and loading HALion projects in Cubase 7.0.0 resolved.

Halion version history

Halion version history

Improvements:

Multi-core support

This update introduces true multi-core support. A single HALion instance can now access all CPU cores and make good use of all the power available inside your computer.
A new preference on the options page allows you to choose how many cores can be employed by HALion. This is helpful to control the performance available to HALion in order to properly share cores with other applications, such as Cubase or Nuendo.

Time-stretching and pitch-shifting

HALion now offers dedicated time-stretching and pitch- shifting functionality based on the AudioWarp algorithms also used in Cubase and Nuendo.
There are two different modes for different types of audio material available in the sound editor of a sample layer: a "Solo" mode for solo instruments that allows the correction of formants and a "Music" mode which is optimized for time correction of polyphonic audio material such as drums.

New file browser A new file browser has been added to facilitate browsing

through the file structure and preview audio files instantly.
There is a search function included in the browser that lets you find your desired sounds with just a few clicks. Additionally, containers like ISO, HSB, VST Sound, GIGA and others can be browsed in the import window immediately.

Multi-Oscillators

For enriching the sound, the numbers of oscillators used on each oscillator channel can be set to a maximum of eight. By editing the "detune" and the stereo "spread" of the oscillators channel, the sound can be further widened.

Additional sound editor improvements

MIDI modules of the same type (e.g. FlexPhraser) can be edited together if selected.
New navigation icons on top of the sound editor.
Expression on amp level can now be deactivated.
Headroom level for importing samples can be adjusted.
he distortion parameter is now available in the
modulation matrix.

Default startup preset You can now determine which preset will load on starting

up HALion 4.
To specify a default preset, go to the multi-program save/load drop-down menu above the instrument slot rack and click "Save as default".

Multi-loading option

The new multi-program loading option lets you define whether a multi-program is cleared before loading a new multi-program, or if it is kept in RAM.

Issues resolved

Drag and drop operations from Cubase 6 to HALion 4 are now possible if the directory name containing the sample includes an umlaut.

External MIDI inputs no longer respond only to the first MIDI channel.

The "4.0" at the beginning of a quadraphonic program will not be displayed in the Cubase 6 MediaBay.

When using the filter envelope as a source, the filter attack now works as expected.

Recording MIDI in the standalone version of HALion 4 now works correctly.

When playing the first note after initial loading of a project, the volume for programs which use the amp section for zones no longer sounds too loud.

The state of lock buttons and selections are maintained when closing and reopening the HALion 4 plug-in window.

Volume and Pan MIDI CCs on the same MIDI channel now restore correctly in multi-programs.

Changing values via up/down keys works now correctly in non-floating windows.

When using key commands for moving zones, the root key no longer jumps to G8.

The assignments of modulation modules, e.g. mono LFO, remain fully maintained.

When changing values in the modulation matrix with the mouse wheel, unwanted scrolling does not occur.

When exiting the HALion 4 standalone application, the exit dialog no longer needs to be clicked twice.

The modulation wheel in the HALion 4 user interface now responds to all MIDI channels.

In the envelope view the G/H key commands for zooming in/out are no longer interchanged.

The "Missing files" dialog can be closed and is no longer displayed twice (Mac OS X only).

HALion 4.5 introduces numerous new features and improvements, including multi-core processor support, advanced time-stretching and pitch-shifting algorithms, a new sample file browser and multi-oscillators.

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.

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!

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.

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

Improvements:

HALion 3.5 is available as a native 64-bit plug-in and should work in any VST 2.4 compatible native 64-bit sequencer, like Cubase 5 or Cubase Studio 5. The dramatically enhanced memory address space gives new possibilities for really large setups and very detailed sampled instruments.

New HALion 3 Factory 5 Content bank with 128 brand new

sounds available!

New entry available in the file menu: "Save as default Bank" allowing to save the current bank as default bank.

New "Choose External Audio Editor" option in the global context menu to choose an external audio editor (like Wavelab or Soundforge).

Improved resampling algorithm quality.

Preload time settable as global default by clicking on the apply button with Ctrl (Windows) or Cmd (OS X) pressed

Changes in the disk-streaming engine: under specific

circumstances HALion 3.5 features more reliable play back of disk streamed voices.

Important note

Due to several changes needed for 64-Bit compatibility projects created with HALion 3.5 can not be loaded with any prior version (of course you can load projects created with versions before in 3.5).

For 32-Bit and OS X users it is recommended to continue using HALion 3.3.2, except you need compatibility to the HALion 3.5 64-Bit version. For example in dual boot configurations with 32/64-Bit Vista you need to install HALion 3.5 on the 32-Bit machine as well to keep compatibility between both.

Improvements
- Improved speed of loading lots of Samples, Programs and Banks
with better memory management:
o less memory move (less reallocation)
o change double volume to float volume

Fixes
- 3.2 requested more memory when sample with loop and start loop
equals start offset
- The loading time of HALion has been reduced when HALion is
instantiated
- OSX: loading projects created with previous HALion AU versions
would fail. Fixed.