This post is for those who DO NOT have any Steinberg Halion, Doric, Cubase or any other Steinberg programs with HALion sound content installed AND who also want a FREE good sounding GM sound set and player: THIS IS a 64-bit VSTi so you will need JBridge (or alternative) to use in Realband or the 32-bit version of BIAB.
If these, or similar instructions of how to get free HALion Sonic SE AND a free HAlion GM sound set to use in HALion Sonic SE then my apologies to whomever previously explained “how to" (starting from having zero Steinberg Halion sound content)
Enough ON TO THE FREE stuff - it is a multi-step process you will need to set up Steinberg account and install the FREE HAlion Sonic SE note it comes with no SOUNDS (yet)
Get the FREE Doric SE Notation program but MAINLY because comes with free Halion sounds that include the Steinberg Halion GM soundset. You can now use the standalone Halion Sonic SE with the GM soundset and the few other sounds that came with Doric SE or the 64-bit Halion VSTi (.dll and VST3) with 64-bit BIAB and 64-bit DAWs respectively (or as noted above if you have JBridge - its only $10, you can use with 32-bit Realband)
I just tested this all on a virgin laptop, well virgin with respect to zero Steinberg software installed.
Final note for BIAB use you may have to search for the “Halion Sonic SE.dll” it may not be in your default 64-bit plugins folder(s) (mine ended up in my Cakewalk VSTplugins folder for some reason).
Good Luck Larry
Last edited by Larry Kehl; 01/23/2010:37 AM.
Win10Pro,i9,64GB,2TBSSD+20TBHDDs,1080TI,BIAB'24,Scarlett18i8,Montage7,Fusion 8HD,QS8,Integra7,XV5080,QSR,SC-8850,SPLAT,FL21&others,Komp.14,IK suite&others, just a guitar player-AXE FX III &FM9T, FishmanTP, MIDIGuitar2, GK2/3'sw/GI20
Windows 10 (64bit) M-Audio Fast Track Pro, Band in a Box 2025, Cubase 14, Cakewalk and far too many VST plugins that I probably don't need or will ever use
My experience is that BIAB remembers the GM setting for Halion Sonic (so you can set it as your default GM synth and forget about it), but RealBand does not (I have to set it every session).
That being said, I like the sounds of Halion Sonic GM set better than many of the others. Since I have three computers, I generally keep two of them set to the TTS-1, rather than the Halion, since I have to move the dongle to use Halion on any of the other computers.
John
Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA
I use it in Biab , my experience is it sometimes stays on GM setting not always.
I have used ..Hardware .. a ketron sd 1000, roland jv 2080, roland sonic cell, and now a new addition roland bk-7 module.
The Halion sonic se 3 Basic one that I have, gives them all a good run for the money close to any other Gm software I have tried, although not as good as the hardware I compered with above.
win 10 64 bit 16gb,i7 chip, ssd 500gb, m-audio air, ,Roland BK-7M, 1000,shure sm7b,sonar,acid,mixcraft, variety of plugins.Sample tank 3,Kontakt. TC Helicon Voicelive 3 2 . https://beatmaster1.bandcamp.com/releases
thanks for the heads up halion works great in biab gm mode instruments eric
AMD (TM) 5950 4.9 GHz 16Core Processor 64 bit 32 bits of ram windows 10 pro 64 bit os. sound card Antelope ZenQ guitars Ibanez 2202a 1968 les Paul Custom and Cavin ae 185 Guitar boss Gt-100,GT1000 pedal Yamaha HS8 studio monitors
I just set up dummy email and new Steinberg account today - and they are slow today - I still haven't got link with lic code for HS SE (yet) either
EDIT UPDATE
Still waiting for it to show up in my new dummy hotmail account but it did show up in my new dummy gmail account BUT it was routed to the default gmail Promotions folder
Good luck
Last edited by Larry Kehl; 01/26/2012:27 PM.
Win10Pro,i9,64GB,2TBSSD+20TBHDDs,1080TI,BIAB'24,Scarlett18i8,Montage7,Fusion 8HD,QS8,Integra7,XV5080,QSR,SC-8850,SPLAT,FL21&others,Komp.14,IK suite&others, just a guitar player-AXE FX III &FM9T, FishmanTP, MIDIGuitar2, GK2/3'sw/GI20
I went ahead and bought SpectraLayers 6 since it didn't require the dongle, just the software eLicenser. My PC just doesn't do well with dongles, but has no problems with software authorizations.
Sounds good (pun intended), but I'll pass.
ThinkPad i9 32GB RAM 7TB SSD; Win11 Pro; RME Fireface UCX II; BiaB 2026 Ultra Bitwig Studio 6; Studio Pro 8; Reaper v7; Melodyne Studio 5; Tonalic Studio 1 Gig Performer 5; NI S61 MK3; Focal Shape 65; Beyerdynamic DT 880 & 770
Just to be clear there is no dongle needed with Sonic or Halion - they do use a software elicenser however.
Win10Pro,i9,64GB,2TBSSD+20TBHDDs,1080TI,BIAB'24,Scarlett18i8,Montage7,Fusion 8HD,QS8,Integra7,XV5080,QSR,SC-8850,SPLAT,FL21&others,Komp.14,IK suite&others, just a guitar player-AXE FX III &FM9T, FishmanTP, MIDIGuitar2, GK2/3'sw/GI20
One persistent issue with Halion that I was not able to solve, is use it in two programs simultaneously. Even if it is not opened. Meaning... If I have Cakewalk opened (which access Stainberg elicenser on start) and try to open BIAB...BIAB would cough and give error or shut down. Or if I have BIAB opened with Sonic as default synth and try to open Cakewalk, Cakewalk would freeze or spit our POS error.
I wrote to Steinberg explaining this, they issued me a second license for the e licenser, but that didn't solve it. Contacted them today, will see what they say.
I wonder if it is a machine "specific" issue? Have anybody here with Sonic had what I described above?
Great tip, but don't try this on a mac, it won't work.
A revised thread from almost two years ago. Could you add a little to your experience, why it doesn't work? This can help to resolve for future versions if needed.
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
MoultiPass, I have a PC...If you do too, can you verify two things for me please!
Open BIAB and launch Sonic VST and open a standalone Sonic 3 from desktop. If you are able to do so, what is the version (built) of your Sonic 3?
This is a single negative issue I have with Sonic, as I constantly have to be aware if it is loaded or not, as two instances in different programs ran simultaneously usually crash or freeze a program which is opened second/last.
On PC too. Never had your problem. 2 Sonic at the same time 1 in Biab and 1 by Nanohost. But I could also have others at the same time: Reaper, Live, Studio one ....
Wow, this is very strange. Got the same version. Not sure why you used Nanohost... Sonic 3 has its own standalone version, but I did try it your way, using Nanohost. Same issue, would not open in two locations.
MoultiPass, final question please. What is the version of your e-licenser? Mine is 6.12.8.2300 I assume you use e-licenser, not USB dongle, right?
Thank you in advance!!
P.S. I got more help here than from official Steinberg rep or their dedicated Halion forum. LOL!
Great tip, but don't try this on a mac, it won't work.
A revised thread from almost two years ago. Could you add a little to your experience, why it doesn't work? This can help to resolve for future versions if needed.
I Installed Halion Sonic+Dorico (both free). Halion's AU+VST's weren't regonized by BIAB, Logic or any other DAW (non-Steinberg) on my system.
Matt, Brilliant, It worked! I always run BIAB as administrator., but Cakewalk and standalone were not set to run as admin. Thank you!!! Side note... Sonic is the only plugin I have that would not allow two instances without admin rights. --------
Svenne, you installed e-licenser and registered Sonic in it right?
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!
If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.
PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.
The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.
The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.
Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!
Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.
Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can process an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you over the phone. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday, and 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST Saturday. We are closed Sunday. You can also send us your questions via email.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you on our Live Chat or by email. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday; 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST (GMT -8) Saturday; Closed Sunday.
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean