Steinberg Media Technologies has announced that HALion 4, the sampler and sound creation system, is now shipping.

With its top sampling and mixing engine, the new virtual analog synthesizer and countless other features, the fourth incarnation of HALion is here to inspire musicians, producers, sound designers and everyone in between, says Steinberg. HALion 4 is available through the Steinberg Online Shop and authorized Steinberg resellers for €349 / £295*. HALion 3 and HALion Sonic users will be able to move to HALion 4 for €99.99 / £84.70.*

Combining sampling and synthesis technologies with mixing options, its unique morphing filter and FlexPhraser arpeggiator, the enhanced MegaTrig tool, more than 40 studio-grade effects and a vast library that spans over 1,600 sounds make HALion an eminently powerful virtual instrument. HALion's most prominent advantage is possibly the implementation of VST 3.5, with its innovative Note Expression for editing expression data polyphonically.

In terms of flexibility, HALion 4 provides a customizable interface for moving, resizing and grouping windows as well as saving and restoring complete window layouts. With its unlimited number of freely assignable buses per layer, 32 stereo output channels and 6-channel surround support, its signal routing options are impressive. HALion 4 is compatible with major sample formats and integrates perfectly into any VST software, providing seamless importing and mapping of sounds. Its integrative approach also offers assigning of Quick Controls and control of HALion parameters through Steinberg's Advanced Integration technology.

Comprising both 32-bit and native 64-bit versions for Windows 7 and Mac OS X 10.6, HALion 4 runs as standalone version or as plug-in within a VST or AU host.

"With HALion's fourth iteration, Steinberg is introducing a completely new generation of sampler," said Matthias Quellmann, product marketing manager at Steinberg. "With its diverse tools, creating truly unique sounds is as easy as it gets."

* Manufacturer's suggested retail price includes VAT. Pricing and exact time of availability may be subject to regional variations.