![]() ![]() HP can also load ZGR files produced by Zero X's PC-only Beat Quantizer (a slicing and audio-quantising tool that offers a different approach to Recycle). To this end, the software can import WAV and AIFF audio files, sliced-up REX/REX2 loops produced by Propellerhead's Recycle, and instrument files from Steinberg's own LM4 virtual drum module. For the purposes of this review, I ran HP on my PC under both Cubase SX and Sonar, as you can see from the picture at the head of this review.Īlthough Player lacks Halion's deeper editing options, a user's own samples can still be loaded, to form the basis of new, albeit simple, Programs. ![]() Be aware that surround output isn't available in standalone mode: all audio is mixed to stereo. The RTAS standard adopted by Digidesign's Pro Tools family is not supported, but Rewire compatibility (in conjunction with standalone operation) lets HP run happily alongside the latest versions of this range of software. These come free with Cubase and Nuendo, but if you're not already a user of either of those programs, you'll have to buy a key (they cost £20), as they're not included in the HP package.Īssuming you have the hardware to do the job, HP supports VST, DXi2 and Audio Units plugin standards, and that means practically any serious MIDI + Audio sequencer can host the new plugin. You'll need 2.5GB of hard disk space for your installation, and, as with all recent Steinberg products, a key. ![]() Steinberg recommend a minimum processor speed of 800MHz for PCs (Pentium or Athlon), and 867MHz for Macs (G4 or higher), with a minimum 384MB of RAM on both platforms. Whether you're a Mac OS X or Windows XP user, Halion Player will work for you, although the minimum system requirements are quite high, as you would expect for a modern software sampler, and Mac use is only advised if you're running Mac OS 10.3.3 or later. The version we're examining is numbered 3.1 - this is actually the first release of HP, but its anomalous version number reflects the latest release of the full version of Halion. It's fair to say that HP is aimed at novices or entry-level users who want to get underway without spending too much money. The full package's sophisticated interface and plentiful editing and audio manipulation tools are missing, too. So if you load Programs created with Halion into HP, they'll sound exactly the same, right down to effects processing and surround routing - but you can't access these functions for editing from HP's streamlined interface. It can play back any libraries or Programs created with Halion, including, as I've just mentioned, the libraries of any third-party plug-in based on the same technology.Īll the core technology of Halion is included, such as the 32-bit audio engine, disk streaming, effects and the ability to output audio in surround. In a nutshell, then, Halion Player places a streamlined front end onto the Halion engine and comes bundled with the full 2.5GB Halion library. Best of all, though, HP only costs 70 quid! What's In The Box However, HP differs from these in that it can load other sound sets, while the libraries that use HP as a 'wrapper' are 'fixed'. HP (as I'll be referring to it in this article) is equipped with the simplified interface adopted by String Edition and the increasing number of sample library instruments that use Halion Player as a virtual instrument 'wrapper' for their sounds. Somewhere along the line, Steinberg must have asked the question: 'What if there are people out there who want the library bundled with Halion, but don't need the full range of editing facilities?' The answer is Halion Player, subject of this review. This huge and detailed library is self-contained, not requiring the full version of Halion to run. The engine at the heart of the software also forms the backbone for a number of third-party sample library plug-in instruments, including Steinberg's own Halion String Edition (now with added '2'). With their Halion software sampler, Steinberg released a product deservedly renowned for its power, sound and flexibility. If you want the sample playback features of Steinberg's Halion sample player, but you don't need its detailed editing facilities, there's now an affordable answer to your needs - and it includes the full Halion sound library too. ![]()
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