Steinberg HALion v3.1 pre-release available

Steinberg has released a v3.1 pre-release update for HALion which fixes many issues and also introduces several new features. The updater can be downloaded from Steinberg's FTP.

New features are listed below; for a complete list of changes please read the extensive version history (PDF).

Q-Controls: adds 8 macro controls that can be assigned to almost any HALion parameter (including HALion FX parameters). Usually Q-Controls are located on the Macro Page but they can be opened in a detached window from the Sound page/ Modulation view also. Q-controls can be remote controlled via MIDI -> setup on Options Page -> Controller List.

HALion Standalone:

• Added a Global Tempo/Signature edit field.
• Added Load/Save of Program and bank.

HSB Format:

• Optimized for playback performance.
• Category indexation is cached now.
• Support of files bigger than 2GB.
• Icons available.
• Display Decide-Box when writing a HSB-File with Samples of another HSB-File.
• Display Decide-Box before overwriting a HSB-File.
• Samples and fxp files inside HSB files can be updated by placing the new files with same name and folder structure on the same level in the file-system like the HSB file, see manual for details.

Browser Page:

• The "HALion Content" view in the Browser can now be switched to "Show categories" for displaying all installed HSB Content sorted by Category.
• Autobrowse has better user feedback now.
• Autobrowse toggle on/off: three additional Quick Favourite Locations are available in Auto Browse Mode.
• Add Repair Fxp Files: fixes import problems with OS9 created fxps and assign a new sample path for missing samples.
• Added a play button on the separate browser window of HALion.
• Added a Key command for browser import button.
• Multi selection of fxps in the left column is now allowed.
• HALion content folder is now visible in Autobrowse mode, too.
• Updated category list.

Keyzone Page:

• Added Lock button in Keyzone editor.
• Added Context menu: add Load all samples.
• Added Context menu: add Unload all samples.
• Added Sample Mapping by extracting note number in filename.
• Improved info text while moving mouse on keyzone.
• Added Key Command (default P) to Play selected Sample.
• Added folder per sample.
• Added clear a key via Context Menu on the virtual keyboard.

Loop Page:

• Sample range draggable.
• Sample range fixed or slide relative to sample start.

Program List View:

• Added numeration of the program list on the Global Slots.
• Better handling of Drag&Drop from Browser (merge or replace mode).
• Added 'Unload'/'Load' for all selected samples.

Option Page:

• Added PAN as a MIDI CC destination.
• Added learn mode for MIDI CC.
• Added Volume Sensitivity parameter.
• Added Memory meter (for Virtual and Physical).