While the total library runs to 27GB, this includes both bit and bit versions of every sample. Disk space aside, the inclusion of both is a distinct plus.
While the bit versions offer superior sound quality, the bit versions still sound very good to me and clearly offer some advantages in terms of lower system demands. Installation proved straightforward enough but, given the volume of sample data, it's worth laying in some supplies before you get started!
It's also worth noting that the final section of the manual provides a very useful tutorial on arranging for orchestra, and this is supported by a short example project on the installation DVD. While this could only ever be the most basic of introductions to the subject matter, it is excellent to see this kind of support material included — somebody deserves a pat on the back at Steinberg!
As with the similar function within VSL's Vienna Instrument series, this automatically scans the project and unloads any HSO samples not currently used within the project. These samples can be reloaded later if required, but this can release a significant amount of RAM. Alongside the various 'Eco' programs, the bit samples, and the other options for fine-tuning system performance, Steinberg have done an excellent job of trying to give HSO users flexibility when it comes to the computer resources demanded by the library.
The Halion Symphonic Orchestra program list can be organised by section for easier browsing of the content. While Halion Player doesn't include the comprehensive editing facilities of the full version of Halion , the eight Q Control knobs provide useful editing possibilities. Within many HSO programs these tweak the Ambience amount and time and Body the amount of body resonance settings.
The technical details of the Real Ambience feature are a little thin on the ground in both the manual and on the Steinberg web site, but it is described as a 'true recorded ambience'. However it is achieved, it sounds very good and certainly seems to place many of the sounds in a 'real' space. The string section is the true heart of the orchestra and is therefore critical to the success of any sample library.
The string samples included within HSO may already be familiar to some people, as they are taken directly from Halion String Edition 2 see the box elsewhere in this article for details — itself an improved version of HSE which Mark Wherry gave a very positive review to back in SOS March However, the samples themselves have been reworked and the collection now includes some fairly comprehensive solo instruments as well as the section and ensemble patches.
As with the original HSE , the programs are split into four main types; Xfade, Xswitch, Velocity, and Velocity With Pitch-bend, although many of these come in key-switch varieties also. Xfade provides the most realistic performance, with crossfades between sample layers of different playing dynamics controlled by the Crescendo Controller which uses MIDI Expression, although you can set up the MIDI Modulation to control this instead.
This makes for very smooth and expressive crescendo or decrescendo performances, but given that all the sample layers are playing at the same time it's also therefore the most resource-hungry of the program types. Slightly less smooth but still very good , and slightly less demanding, are the Xswitch programs, while the Velocity programs control sample layers in the more usual fashion.
In the Velocity With Pitch-bend programs, velocity determines the initial sample layer played, while the pitch wheel is used to raise or lower the volumes as the note is held. In terms of performance articulations, the tutti programs cover similar territory to HSE , with legato, tremolo, pizzicato, spiccato similar to staccato in sound, but achieved by a different bowing action , trills, expression, and accents all available.
Many of these come in different varieties. For example, there are loud and soft legato programs and loose and tight pizzicato, while the spiccato includes options for control of the up or down bowing action. The tutti programs are also split into two sections, with each based upon different samples.
Within each section, there are also some 'A' and 'B' programs which use different samples based on slight variations in playing style for example, different attack. Combining the A and B programs can create some very impressive results, particularly if the parts of performed separately that is, the MIDI parts are not just copied or quantised to death and given their own dose of the Crescendo Controller.
The sounds themselves are excellent and, with suitable time and effort to master the different articulations and the various performance controls, it is possible to create some very realistic string sections — from small and intimate to big and aggressive.
Solo instrument programs are supplied for violin, viola, cello, and double bass and these are split into Xswitch, Velocity, and Velocity With Pitch-bend types, with plenty of keyswitch options available.
These programs include similar performance articulations to the sections, but with the added bonus of some fast-attack, short- and long-bow staccato as opposed to spiccato and ornament programs. The violin and viola legato programs feature quite a strong vibrato that is gradually introduced as a note is held.
This sounds wonderful in the right musical context sad, lyrical melodies for example , but might not suit all situations. Unlike the Garritan Stradivari Solo Violin reviewed in SOS August , there is no way to control the speed of the vibrato here, but, that comment aside, these are very playable solo instruments and a welcome addition to the palette of string sounds available in HSO. Many media composers like to have more than one string library available so that they can mix and match sounds for greater variety and flexibility.
It also means that 'bigger' string sections can be created without the danger of them simply being based on multiples of the same samples. If you already own a full orchestral library that you are happy with, then Halion String Edition 2 — which contains the same sample set as the HSO string section — might fill that niche. In fact, 'trade-in' is perhaps not quite the correct term, as all Steinberg require is proof of purchase for the competing product, so you still retain use of your original library.
At this price, HSO is an absolute steal and would be an excellent way of expanding your orchestral palette. For the brass section, the instruments covered include trumpet, trombone, tuba, and French horn. So this should work in any DAW. If you have a lot of VSTs, I recommend to create and maintain a spreadsheet that keeps track of everything.
Snapshot 3 is a screengrab of my VST spreadsheet. Whenever I buy something I put it in there, where it is installed, version, what drive samples are installed to etc.
Also a lifesaver if your computer ever dies and you need to reinstall everything. Then normally you just need to set in Studio 1 the paths to the plug-ins. But then again, there is that other security issue, but I think Studio 1 just announced a compatible version, so that it can now launch eLicenser protected plug-ins.
There is no standalone mode, correct? You might be able to track down a record of the purchase if you can figure out how to log into that store thing again. Check your email history too, maybe you kept it around Maybe still in the trash bin if you trashed it. You should be able to download it from the Steinberg Download Assistant.
Hey, thanks for your help! Did you ever have it working initially? As in, did you ever activate it through the eLCC? You can get a free player download, and a key for it emailed to you here:.
I have re-installed windows since then if that has something to do with it?
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