Steinberg Halion 6

General

While the original Steinberg HALion sampler software enabled you to load samples, set zones, assign envelopes, and perform various other intelligent modulations and triggers, HALion 6 does all this and more. One of its new features is a plugin that lets you build your own sample-based instruments, but that's only the beginning!

Features of HALion 6

HALion 6's long list of improvements begins with scripting. If you know a bit about programming and scripting, then you know it's a great way to put a sound together relatively quickly in a way that surpasses standard functionality. Another new feature is the ability to export as library, and there's also a Macro Page Designer so you can create your own custom user-interface with the integrated encoders and controls (or make your own graphics), place the controllers on a waveform and link them to a sound engine. HALion 6 enables you to create your own sound, design a perfect interface, and come up with a handy script. Once you've done all that, you're ready to make your own virtual instrument!

Instant sampling

With the previous version of HALion, you needed another software package to make your instrument recordings and split up your notes, which you then would import into HALion, in order to create a virtual instrument. HALion 6 has automated this whole process, which means you can record a sound directly and have it automatically mapped out on your keyboard. You can also record multiple notes from an actual or a virtual synth. Link the MIDI note to HALion 6 and set the software to automatically generate sample-slots for each new note so you'll have multi samples to play with in no time! Finally, you can tweak your sound to perfection using the sound-shaping features HALion has to offer.

Libraries

As well as the above, Steinberg also includes some impressive sound libraries like Eagle Grand, Raven Grand, Hot Brass, and Studio Strings. Anima and Skylab are two comprehensive synthesizers with arpeggiator and granular synthesis. Even if you're not yet experienced in creating your own sounds, HALion 6 boasts some impressive libraries that are worth investing in. This program is also completely future-proof, which means you can expect even more exclusive third-party libraries.