Steinberg – HALion 7 & HALion Sonic 7 for WiN

The new product offers a section with an FM synthesis engine, developed in collaboration with Yamaha, which allows you to combine up to eight operators, and the Algorithm Finder function makes it easy to create both classic Yamaha DX7 synthesizer sounds and modern FM sound patches. 

In addition, the software now supports importing files (SYX format) of Yamaha instruments, including the DX7 and TX81Z. The next update is the Spectral Zone section, which has a spectral oscillator with Time-Stretch and Resynthesis algorithms with parameters such as Format Shift, Spectral Filter, Purity and Inharmonicity for various sample transformations.

HALion’s modulation capabilities have also been expanded with a redesigned interface that allows you to assign modulation sources and destinations via a drag-and-drop system or via the new Modulation Row interface (appears when clicking on parameters). 

Additionally, the Envelope module now features brush, pen and eraser tools, making it easy to create your own envelopes in addition to a number of pre-designed shapes, while a new Shaper mode allows you to cycle through different envelope shapes in sync with the DAW’s tempo.

In addition, several updated effects were introduced, including an equalizer, delay, chorus, overdrive, envelope filter, and the ability to import impulse response files for use in the REVerence reverb effect. Steinberg developers reportedly included several built-in files created from iconic effect units from companies such as EMT and Lexicon. 

Other improvements in HALion 7 include expanded wavetable synthesis features, an updated mixer with improved effects processing capabilities, and a redesigned MediaBay with easier browsing/selection of samples, layers, and presets.