STEINBERG HALion Symphonic Orchestra

Apr 1, 2007 12:00 PM, By Geary Yelton

             

Disproportionately Cool

HALion Symphonic Orchestra is an essential program that fills the niche between budget-minded and high-priced premium virtual orchestras. It works very well as a tool for orchestral composition and production in a variety of applications, from film scoring to fleshing out rock arrangements. Virtually all the instruments sound realistic enough to fulfill most musical duties for which you're likely to need them, but the strings are the real star of the show. They have the broadest selection of articulations, and the means to impart expression is well implemented.

Considering the consistently high quality and sheer volume of the included content, you get a lot for your money. To sweeten the deal, a cross-grade offer gives you a $450 discount off the retail price if you already own certain software, including almost any virtual orchestra that comes to mind. HALion Symphonic Orchestra doesn't deliver the depth of virtual orchestras costing several times more, but it is probably the best you'll find for under $1,000.

EM associate editor Geary Yelton lives in Charlotte, North Carolina.

virtual orchestra
$749.99

RATING PRODUCTS FROM 1 TO 5

PROS: Impressive flexibility at a reasonable price. Fully multitimbral. Abundant string articulations. Resource-saving features.

CONS: No harp, muted horns, or contrabassoon. No woodwind groups. Scroll-barbug.

Steinberg
www.steinberg.net