Which media files must get attributes?
- The MediaBay scans only those VST3 presets that are located in the VST3 Presets folder of your library. This means that you must specify attributes for all VST3 presets that are located in this folder. Otherwise, the users cannot find the presets. In the Library Creator, a warning message is displayed if attributes were not set.
- The subpresets in the VST3 Sub Presets folder are not scanned by the MediaBay and do not need attributes. These subpresets are loaded via a script and not with the MediaBay.
- All samples of your library are located in a Private Audio folder. Private means that the MediaBay does not scan these samples and you do not need to add attributes to them. The samples are loaded together with the VST3 preset or via a script.
VST3 Preset Attribute Conventions
The different preset categories require different sets of attributes. This guideline gives you advice on how to add the correct attributes.
- For regular instrument presets, the common attributes should be set.
- For categories like Drum&Perc > Beats, for example, you should add additional attributes.
Common Attributes
The following MediaBay attributes must be set:
| MediaBay Attribute | Description |
| Author | The name of the company or of the sound designer. |
| Category | Use this attribute to classify the sound. If you set the Sub Category first, the Category is set automatically. |
| Character | See Character Attribute Conventions. |
| Library Manufacturer | This attribute does not have to be set manually. It is defined with the Manufacturer property in the Library Creator. |
| Library Name | This attribute doesnot have to be set manually. It is defined with the Long Name property in the Library Creator. |
| Name | This attribute doesnot have to be set manually. It is defined with the preset name when the preset is saved. |
| PlugIn Name | This attribute doesnot have to be set manually. It is defined with the Family property in the Library Creator. |
| Rating | A rating of three stars is recommended as starting point for presets. The users can then lower or raise the rating. |
| Sub Category | Use this attribute to classify the sound. If you set the Sub Category before the Category, the Category is set automatically. |
Additional Attributes
These attributes should be set in addition, for example, for VST3 presets with the Category Drum&Perc > Beats.
| MediaBay Attribute | Description |
| Signature | The time signature as numerator and denominator. |
| Style | Use this attribute to classify the musical style. If you set the Sub Style first, the Style is set automatically. |
| Sub Style | Use this attribute to classify the musical style. If you set the Sub Style before the Style, the Style is set automatically. |
| Tempo | The tempo in beats per minute (bpm). |
Special Attributes
These attributes are mainly needed to display information in HALion's Browser.
| MediaBay Attribute | Description |
| Bars & Beats | The number of bars and beats in a loop, for example. This attribute is set for samples, not for presets. |
| Comment | Use this attribute to add a comment to each preset. |
| Family Name | This attribute is used for sample sets. Samples with the same Family Name belong to the same sample set. |
| Follow Tempo | This attribute defines whether a loop uses AudioWarp to follow the host tempo. |
| GM Sound | This attribute defines the program number of a GM Sound. |
| Key | The key in which a loop was written, for example, a loop with chords or a loop with a melody. |
| Keywords | This attribute is set by HALion when you import third-party sampler programs. |
Character Attribute Conventions
- Set the Character attributes so that they describe the preset as precisely as possible.
- Character attributes that do not fit should not be used at all.
- Fewer character attributes that perfectly match are much better than too many character attributes that do not match.
| Character | Description |
| Mono/Poly | This attribute should be set for instruments. Mono for monophonic, and Poly for polyphonic. |
| Split/Layer | Use this attribute for combi presets that use more than one layer. |
| Glide/Glissando | Set this attribute to Glide if the sound has glide activated. |
| Major/Minor | Use this attribute for major or minor chord stacks, for example. |
| Single/Ensemble | Set this attribute to Ensemble if your instrument is an ensemble, such as string or brass sections, for example. |
| Acoustic/Electric | Set this attribute to Acoustic for acoustic instruments. Set it to Electric for electro-acoustic instruments such as a tonewheel organ or an e-piano. |
| Analog/Digital | Set this attribute to Analog for typical analog synth sounds. Set it to Digital for typical digital synth sounds. |
| Vintage/Modern | This attribute describes the decade of the sound. Set this as required. Do not use this attribute if it does not match. |
| Old/New | This attribute describes the condition of the sound. Set this as required. Do not use this attribute if it does not match. |
| Clean/Distorted | Set this attribute to Distorted if the sound has a lot of distortion. Use Clean only for very clean sounds. Do not use this attribute for sounds that are in between. |
| Dry/Processed | Set this attribute to Dry if no effects such as modulation, delay, or reverb are used. Set it to Processed if effects are used. |
| Harmonic/Dissonant | Set this attribute to Harmonic for additive sounds, for example. Set it to Dissonant for inharmonic sounds with ring modulation, for example. |
| Clear/Noisy | Use Clear only for pristine additive or digital sounds, for example. Set it to Noisy for sounds with prominent noise. Do not use this attribute for sounds that are in between. |
| Thin/Rich | Set this as required. Do not use this attribute if it does not match. |
| Dark/Bright | Set this as required. Do not use this attribute if it does not match. |
| Cold/Warm | Set this as required. Do not use this attribute if it does not match. |
| Metallic/Wooden | Set this as required. Do not use this attribute if it does not match. |
| Glass/Plastic | Set this as required. Do not use this attribute if it does not match. |
| Percussive/Soft | Set this as required. Do not use this attribute for sounds that are in between. |
| Fast/Slow | Set this as required. Do not use this attribute if it does not match. |
| Short/Long | Set this as required. Do not use this attribute if it does not match. |
Attack/Release | Use this attribute if the sound has an attack or release. Alternatively, you can use Fast Attack/Slow Attack or Short Release/Long Release. |
| Decay/Sustain | Set this attribute to Decay if there is no sustain. Set it to Sustain if the sound has a sustain. |
Fast Attack/Slow Attack | Set this as required. Do not use this attribute for sounds that are in between. |
| Short Release/Long Release | Set this as required. Do not use this attribute for sounds that are in between. |
| Loop/One Shot | Set this as required. Do not use this attribute if it does not match. |
| Sequenced/Arpeggio | Set this attribute to Sequenced if a step sequencer or MIDI phrase is used. Set this to Arpeggio if an arpeggio is used. |
Presets that use an arpeggiator should not get the attribute Synth Lead > Arpeggio by default. You should use this Category only for classic arpeggio sounds. If you have a synth bass with a step sequencer or arpeggio, you should add the attribute Bass > Synth Bass. To indicate that the preset contains an arpeggio or a sequence, use the Sequenced or Arpeggio Character attributes, instead.
2 Comments
Matthias Klag
Sabine Pfeifer: Ready for proof-read. Please have a look. Thanks!
Sabine Pfeifer
proofread done