This week Steinberg announced two major updates to HALion and HALion Sonic.

HALion 5 is the latest iteration of Steinberg’s VST sampler and sound creation system. HALion 5 boasts new features, new instruments and sound sources that “extend the boundaries” of virtual sampling and sound design software.

Steinberg’s premier VST workstation, HALion Sonic 2, provides a wealth of “quickly accessible” sounds for playing live on stage, or for “sketching up” a new track in the studio. Sonic 2 has a library of 2,500 instruments in almost every conceivable style.

Both HALion and HALion Sonic feature eight new instruments and nine effects. HALion 5 also has two new sound sources, slicing mode and two new MIDI modules.

Pricing and Availability. HALion 5 (full version, US $349.) and HALion Sonic 2 (full version, US $249.) are now available from resellers and through the Steinberg Online Shop. Updates and upgrades are exclusively offered as downloads through the Steinberg Online Shop. Users who activated HALion 4 (and/or the first version of HALion Sonic and Absolute VST Instrument Collection) since May 15, 2013 are eligible for a “free, downloadable Grace Period” update to the newest versions of the products.