Building on the Steinberg Halion 2.0 high-quality sampling engine, Steinberg Halion 3 adds new capabilities aimed at setting standards in virtual sampling technology.

Steinberg Halion 3 innovations include RAMSave™, a new memory-saving technology developed by Steinberg specifically for HALion to facilitate use of larger sample programs such as extensive orchestral patches or big drum kits.

A new new effects section provides 27 effects including standards such as Reverb and Delay as well as more specialized tools such as AutoWahWah. Each effect can be applied per sample, program or bank even send effects can be created and routed directly into host VST mixer. Audio outputs from HALion 3 can also be freely configured.

Steinberg Halion 3 also offers a new set of sound management tools include a new file browser, database and indexing functions as well as a sound categorization system, designed to deliver a clear overview of audio and make finding instruments and samples more immediate and intuitive. Steinberg Halion 3 also improves on the already extensive Steinberg Halion import functionality, with support added for Kurzweil, ZeroX BeatCreator and Kontakt files.

Since its launch in 2001, Steinberg Halion has been pushing back boundaries in virtual samplers. Steinberg Halion 3 is no exception: over 50 new features ensure that Steinberg Halion stays where it always has been: at the forefront of digital audio technology. This latest version expands existing Steinberg Halion capabilities to new levels of accessibility and flexibility, creating a virtual sampler environment that not only lets your creativity flourish, but lets you work more productive and efficiently than ever before.

Building on the outstanding surround-capable Steinberg Halion&nbsp2 sampling engine with support for up to 32-bit floating point files, Steinberg Halion 3 adds even more new capabilities. A new output routing system allows you to create and configure the audio outputs only the outputs you need will be routed directly to the host VST mixer. The sleek new user interface is not only easy on the eyes but has been restructured to keep switching between the different Steinberg Halion 3 views to a minimum.

Steinberg Halion 3.1 Features

These are just some of the reasons why Steinberg Halion 3 has received a new nickname - the definitive software sampler:

• Up to 32 Bit / 96 kHz file support
• 256 Voices per instance, several instances loadable simultaneously
• 16-way multi-timbral with an individual editor for program ion
• 128 programs per instance, unlimited layers per program
• Full individual parameter set for each sample if required, ideal for drum sounds
• Notch / High Pass / Low Pass / Band Pass 12 dB and 24 dB Filter as well as fantastic sounding Waldorf filters, and Fatness function for Overdrive filter sounds
• 2 synchronizable envelopes with up to 32 freely editable points, intuitive handling
• 32-stage STEP envelope as free modulation source and 2 LFOs, syncnronizable to the host application
• Keyzone Editor for quick mapping of keyzones, samples, sample layers and velocity values with drag'n' support and several automapping modes

Ultra-flexible internal routing management:

• Up to 128 freely configurable outputs per instance
• 5.1 surround support
• All new realtime FX: Reverb, Phaser, Talkbox, Delays, EQs, BitCrusher, AutoWahWah and much more (27 effects total)
• Insert effects can be applied to individual samples, sample groups or entire programs
• Effects sends can be sent to the HALion internal Send effects or directly to the VST mixer through configurable outputs to share plug-in Resources between the Host and HALion
• Integrated Waveloop Editor with crossfade, snap to zero, loop, release loop, loop tuning settings
• Total recall: all samples are saved with your song, including the respective settings
• Sample-accurate timing and automation thanks to perfect VST integration
• Archive function, transfer of entire projects to other computers with zero hassle
• RAMSave™ technology offers lower RAM needs, speeding project loading and saving
• Steinberg Halion 3.1 can import many third-party file formats, including: AKAI, E-MU, Roland, Kurzweil, GIGA, Kontakt, EXS24, SF2, LM4, LM4 MkII, REX, ZeroX BeatCreator, WAV, AIF, SD II (Mac only), ISO & Nero Disc Images

Steinberg Halion 3.1 Specifications

Steinberg Halion 3.1 Software Type: Virtual sampler/sample player
Voices  256 per instance 
Sounds  Wizoo sound library 
Effects  Yes 
Output  VST2.0 

Steinberg Halion 3.1 System Requirements

This Product Requires a Steinberg Key, included with Steinberg Cubase SX/SL, StudioCase II and Nuendo, or purchased separately.

Steinberg Halion 3 Mac System Requirements:
PowerMac G4 867MHz (Power Mac G4 Dual 1.25GHz or faster recommended)
OS X 10.3.3 or higher
384MB RAM (512MB recommended)
USB component connector required
DVD drive for Installation
1024 x 768 pixels display resolution
For using HALion 3.1 as a plug-in, VST2 or AU compatible host is required
CoreAudio compatible audio hardware

Steinberg Halion 3.1 PC System Requirements:

Pentium/Athlon 800MHz (Pentium/Athlon 1.4GHz or faster recommended)
Windows XP Home and Professional
384MB RAM (512MB recommended)
USB component connector required
DVD drive for Installation
1024 x 768 pixels display resolution
For using HALion 3.1 as a plug-in, VST2 or DXi compatible host is required
Windows MME compatible audio hardware (ASIO compatible sound card recommended)