Steinberg HALion v4.5.1

Steinberg Media Technologies has announced the release of HALion 4.5, the latest update to the VST sampler and sound creation system, now featuring advanced multi-core support, time-stretching and pitch-shifting functionality, a sample import browser and multi-oscillators.

The fourth incarnation of HALion 4 boasts a top sampling and mixing engine together with a virtual analog synthesizer plus countless other features in 32-bit and native 64-bit versions for Windows 7 and Mac OS X 10.6 and 10.7.

“At Steinberg, we put the customer first,” said Frank Simmerlein, Steinberg’s marketing director. “Showing the loyal HALion users our appreciation is paramount in this case. We’ve therefore added the functionality requested by our users to the overwhelming feature set in HALion 4 — and this within a very short time frame.”

The newly introduced advanced multiprocessor support provides enhanced performance on latest multi-core computer systems. Owing to the 4.5 update, users can now specify the number of CPUs addressed by HALion.

Audio Warp features time-stretching and pitch-shifting tools for sophisticated audio manipulation in two modes: solo mode offers edits the level of formant shifting, grain size and the threshold of transition detection, ideal for monophonic instruments and vocals, while music mode ensures flawless results for intricate audio editing.

The new import browser offers convenient access to VST Sound and sample libraries, allowing users to manage and listen to samples right off the bat.

The additional multi-oscillator mode in HALion 4.5 provides up to eight oscillators for simultaneous use, creating new enriching synthesizer layers that go beyond the paradigm of sound design.

Enhancements in version 4.5 are simultaneous multi-editing of MIDI modules and a refined sound editor for improved usability.

HALion can load almost every sound library available on the market and offers numerous tools to shape and even radically reinvent sounds. Supported Sample Formats (loads or saves) include AIFF, Akai, EMU, EXS24, Giga, HALion, Kontakt, LM-4, REX, Roland, SDII, SF2, WAV  

Features:

• State-of-the-art sound design environment developed according to the requirements of professional sound designers.

• Award-winning 32-bit floating-point Steinberg audio engine with up to 192 kHz, 32 stereo outputs and 6-channel surround support.

• Flexible user interface for customizing and saving windows and screen sets.

• Multi-monitor support for perfect overview of large projects.

• Virtual Analog Synthesis Engine offers multiple oscillator types, additional sub and noise oscillators and cross-modulation support.

• VST 3.5 and VST Expression 2 support for unique instrument articulation management and expression control on single-note level.

• Flexible signal routing with free assignable buses per layer, virtual audio mixing console with 8 inserts per channel and 4 Aux sends.

• MegaTrig for easy programming of playing styles and articulations without page-filling scripting.

• Drag and drop for quick and easy sample mapping.

• Unlimited undo/redo plus Undo History for hassle-free sound experiments.

• Automatic on-the-fly mapping during import.

• Outstanding library with more than 1,600 instrument sounds created by top sound experts at Steinberg and Yamaha.

• 64-bit Disk-Streaming technology for high performance sample playback.

• Integrated MediaBay sound management system for immediate access to the library.

• Flexible Quick Controls per program and layer for instant access to sound and FX parameters and easy automation in the host.

• Unique morphing filters seamlessly blend between up to four of the 24 filter types.

• FlexPhraser module for dynamically driving beats and arpeggios, plus complex tonal phrases with automatic articulation switching.

• Wide range of audio effects on board including REVerence convolution reverb to fuel each program and layer with up to 8 insert effects.

• Advanced Cubase integration including seamless exchange of extended parameters like slice information and VST Expression Maps.

• Comprehensive import compatibility of HALion 3 sounds (FXP, HSB) and common formats as Giga, EXS and Kontakt.

• Professional standalone version included.