Frequently Asked Questions

After purchasing, you'll receive an email with a "View Order" button. Click that and you will be taken to a page with download links for both Mac and Windows installers. Simply download the installer for your operating system and follow the on-screen instructions. The plugin will automatically install to your default VST3/AU plugin folder. Then open your DAW and rescan for new plugins.

Installation paths:

• macOS AU: /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/Components/

• macOS VST3: /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST3/

• Windows VST3: C:\Program Files\Common Files\VST3\

Your license key will be emailed to you after purchase. Open the plugin in your DAW and select "Enter License Key" in the activation window. Enter your license key (format: XXXXXXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXXXXXXXXXX) and click Activate. Make sure you're connected to the internet for the first activation. Once activated, the plugin works offline.

You can try our plugins free for 14 days with full functionality. Download and install the plugin, then click "Start 14-Day Demo" when the activation overlay appears. No credit card required. The demo includes all features with no audio watermarks or limitations. After 14 days, you'll need to purchase a license to continue using the plugin.

Our plugins work with all major DAWs that support VST3 or AU format plugins, including:

• Ableton Live (10+)

• Logic Pro (10.5+)

• Pro Tools* (2020+)

• FL Studio (20+)

• Reaper (6+)

• Cubase (11+)

• Studio One (5+)

• Bitwig (4+)

• Reason (11+)

• GarageBand (10.4+)

If your DAW supports VST3 (Windows/Mac) or AU (Mac), our plugins will work.

*Pro Tools requires a VST wrapper such as Blue Cat's PatchWork or DDMF Metaplugin.

After purchase, you'll receive an email from Lemon Squeezy with your license key and download links. You can also access your downloads anytime by logging into your Lemon Squeezy account with the email you provided at purchase at lemonsqueezy.com. If you can't find the email, check your spam folder or contact support@orraaudio.com.

Yes! Your license allows installation on up to 3 computers that you personally own and use. This is ideal for a studio desktop, laptop, and home setup. You cannot share your license with others. If you need to deactivate a computer to free up a slot, use the deactivation option in the plugin settings by clicking the Orra logo.

Check your email for the original purchase confirmation from Lemon Squeezy. You can also log into your Lemon Squeezy account using the email you provided at purchase to view your purchases and license keys. If you still can't find it, email support@orraaudio.com with your purchase email address, and we'll resend your license key within 72 hours.

License transfers are handled on a case-by-case basis. Email support@orraaudio.com with details about why you want to transfer, and we'll work with you to make it happen if possible. Please note that transferred licenses cannot be transferred again. We do not support resale through unauthorized third-party marketplaces.

To deactivate a plugin from a computer: Open the plugin in your DAW, click the Orra logo in the top-left corner, and select "Deactivate License." This will free up one of your 3 activation slots. If you no longer have access to that computer (sold, broken, etc.), contact support@orraaudio.com and we can manually reset your activations.

Our plugins validate your license online periodically. If you're offline for an extended period, the plugin enters a 7-day "Grace Period" where it continues to work. Simply connect to the internet within this period to re-validate.

All updates within the 1.x version line are completely free for existing license holders. This includes bug fixes, new features, and performance improvements. Major version upgrades (2.0, 3.0, etc.) may require a paid upgrade, but existing customers may receive loyalty discounts.

Absolutely! All our plugins are fully native on Apple Silicon processors, providing optimal performance on M1, M2, M3, and M4 Macs without needing Rosetta translation. You'll experience excellent CPU efficiency and fast load times on these machines.

macOS:

• macOS 10.13 (High Sierra) or later

• Intel or Apple Silicon (native support)

• VST3 or AU compatible DAW

• 4GB RAM minimum (8GB recommended)

Windows:

• Windows 10 or later (64-bit only)

• Intel or AMD processor

• VST3 compatible DAW

• 4GB RAM minimum (8GB recommended)

Both platforms:

• 100MB free disk space

• Internet connection for activation

Orra EQ is designed for zero-latency operation. The plugin introduces 0 samples of latency, making it perfect for tracking and live monitoring as well as mixing and mastering.

Orra EQ is highly optimized and uses approximately 0.1-3% CPU on modern systems with a typical configuration. CPU usage increases slightly when using multiple saturation bands or the spectrum analyzer at high refresh rates. You can reduce CPU usage by lowering the analyzer refresh rate in the settings.

Orra EQ supports all standard sample rates from 44.1kHz to 192kHz and beyond. The plugin automatically adapts to your project's sample rate. Higher sample rates provide more headroom for high-frequency processing but use more CPU.

If your plugin doesn't appear in your DAW:

1. Rescan plugins in your DAW's preferences/settings

2. Verify installation path - ensure the plugin installed to a folder your DAW scans

3. macOS: Check System Preferences > Security & Privacy if the plugin was blocked

4. Windows: Make sure you're scanning the correct VST3 folder

5. Restart your DAW after installation

6. Restart your computer if needed

If issues persist, reach out via our orraaudio.com/support with your DAW and OS version.

Dynamic Saturation works like upward compression, but instead of adding gain to quiet signals, it adds saturation. It intelligently applies more harmonic enhancement to quiet signals while keeping loud peaks relatively clean.

Signals below the threshold receive progressively more saturation the quieter they are—bringing up low-level detail with rich harmonic content without over-saturating loud sections.

Available in: Orra Tube, Tape, and Models

Controls: Independent Threshold, Drive, Attack, and Release per band

Perfect for:

• Adding body to soft vocal phrases

• Enhancing fingerpicking detail on acoustic guitar

• Bringing out room ambience with warmth

• Adding presence to bass fret noise

All while maintaining natural dynamics and preventing muddy loud passages.

Snap to Key automatically aligns multiple selected bands to notes within your song's musical key. Instead of eyeballing frequencies or calculating harmonic relationships manually:

1. Select multiple bands (click and drag to create a selection box)

2. Right-click any selected control point and choose "Snap to Key"

3. Select a scale: Major, Minor, Major Pentatonic, or Minor Pentatonic

4. Each band snaps to the nearest note in that key

This creates harmonically coherent EQ adjustments that reinforce the song's tonality rather than working against it.

Use cases:

• Building parallel boosts at fundamental frequencies and overtones

• Creating chord-based EQ curves

• Ensuring corrective notches target problematic notes without affecting musical content

Snap to Note is also available for single-band precision frequency targeting.

Unlike most modern EQs that process bands in parallel, Orra EQ routes audio through bands sequentially—just like cascaded analog circuits.

Each band shapes the signal before passing it to the next, creating natural interactions between equalization stages and allowing saturation harmonics to build organically through the chain.

Why it matters:

Drive one band into tube saturation, follow it with tape compression, and the cumulative effect is richer and more complex than either could achieve independently. The series architecture delivers the kind of harmonic density and tonal complexity that made classic analog gear legendary.

This isn't just a technical detail—it's fundamental to Orra EQ's character.

Orra EQ includes 17 saturation algorithms across three categories:

Orra Tube: Musical tube saturation based on vintage preamp characteristics with asymmetric distortion for warm, silky enhancement.

Tape (6 models):

• Studio Reference (clean mastering)

• Console Master (bright punch)

• Multitrack Wide (balanced studio)

• Vintage Mono (dark vintage)

• Valve Preamp (thick tube-driven)

• Half-Inch HiFi (professional authority)

Each tape model offers three tape speeds and four noise reduction types.

Models (10 algorithms):

• Vintage Preamp • Power Tube • Transistor

• Diode (Germanium) • Diode (Symmetric) • Wavefolder

• Bit Crusher • British Console • VCA Console • Exciter

Because all saturation types live within the series signal chain, you can stack multiple algorithms using multible bands for complex harmonic textures.

Dynamic EQ in Orra EQ allows frequency-specific compression. Each band can respond dynamically to signal level:

Controls:

• Threshold: Signal level where dynamic processing begins

• Ratio: Amount of dynamic range reduction

• Attack/Release: How quickly the band responds

Use cases:

• De-essing: Tame harsh sibilance at 6-8kHz only when problematic

• De-resonance: Control room modes or instrument resonances

• Bass management: Control low-end buildup in dense mixes

Unlike static EQ, Dynamic EQ only processes when needed, maintaining natural tonality while controlling specific problems.

Yes! Orra EQ includes the abilibty to create and save presets across categories:

• Vocal (lead, background, de-essing, presence)

• Mastering (gentle enhancement, vintage warmth, modern clarity)

• Creative (lo-fi, tape crush, radio voice, telephone)

• Corrective (rumble removal, harshness taming, mud cleanup)

• Instruments (acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass, drums, piano, synths)

• User

All presets are fully editable starting points. The preset browser includes search and favorites for quick access.

Snapshot History is Orra EQ's built-in undo system that automatically saves your work as you go. Every meaningful change creates a timestamped snapshot you can instantly recall.

Features:

• Up to 100 snapshots per session (oldest snapshots auto-delete after 100)

• Timestamp and description for each snapshot

• Non-destructive - snapshots persist until you close the plugin

• Quick A/B comparison between snapshots

• Newest snapshot appears at the bottom of the scroll list

• Perfect for client revisions or exploring creative ideas

Think of it as an intelligent "local versions" system that captures your creative process without needing to save multiple project files.

Orra EQ's spectrum analyzer provides real-time frequency visualization with multiple display modes:

Display Modes:

• Linear FFT: Traditional frequency spectrum (great for precision work)

• Octave Bands: Musical representation (easier to read for creative decisions)

• Hybrid: Combines both approaches

Features:

• Adjustable refresh rate (Slow/Medium/Fast/Real-time)

• Pre/Post metering (see before and after EQ curve)

• Peak hold markers

You can show/hide the analyzer components individually via the colord circle toggles in the header or adjust its refresh rate to balance visual feedback with CPU usage.

Solo Mode lets you hear only what a specific band is doing:

• Mutes all other bands so you can isolate a single band's effect on the whole signal

• Perfect for surgical corrections or identifying problem frequencies

• Hear saturation or dynamic processing in context

• Click the "S" button on any band to solo it, or right click the control point and select "Solo" from the menu

Delta Mode lets you hear only what you're adding or removing in your selected band:

• Hear only the difference between the input and output

• Perfect for ensuring you're not removing wanted content

• Great for checking if de-essing or resonance removal is too aggressive

• Click the "D" button on any band for delta listening, or right click the control point and select "Delta" from the menu

Both modes affect what you hear in real-time while editing.

Creating Bands:

• Double left-click anywhere on the frequency graph to create an EQ band

• Double right-click anywhere on the frequency graph to create an Orra Tube saturation band

• Bands created below 100Hz automatically become low shelves

• Bands created above 10kHz automatically become high shelves

• Right-click an existing band's control point to change its filter type

Editing Bands:

• Drag the control point to move frequency and gain simultaneously

• Hold Cmd/Ctrl while dragging to fine-tune with more precision

• Scroll wheel over a band to adjust Q (bandwidth)

• Multi-select by clicking and dragging a selection box, then move all selected bands together

• Bands can also be controlled via the band controls panel

Orra EQ supports up to 16 bands with complete freedom to position them wherever needed.

Orra EQ:

• Intro Price: $79 (regularly $99)

• Includes all future 1.x updates

• 3 computer activations

• 14-day free demo available

Student Discount: Students receive 25% off (see separate FAQ)

We do not offer refunds. Instead, we provide a 14-day free trial so you can fully test the plugin and decide if it meets your needs before purchasing. This ensures you can make an informed decision with no financial risk.

If you experience technical issues or edge cases after purchase, we'll review refund requests on a case-by-case basis. Please email support@orraaudio.com with details about your situation.

We strongly encourage using the full 14-day trial period to thoroughly evaluate the plugin before purchasing.

Yes! Students receive 25% off. Email support@orraaudio.com from your .edu email address (or equivalent institutional email) with proof of current enrollment. We'll send you a discount code within 24-48 hours. This discount cannot be combined with other offers.

We accept all major payment methods through our payment processor, Lemon Squeezy:

• Credit/Debit Cards: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover

• PayPal

• Google Pay / AliPay / Cash App Pay / WeChat Pay

• Bank transfers

All transactions are secure and encrypted. We never see or store your payment information.

Yes! We use Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) to make our plugins accessible worldwide. Prices are automatically adjusted based on your location to reflect local purchasing power. The discount varies by region and is applied automatically at checkout. If you believe your pricing is incorrect, contact support@orraaudio.com.

No. All Orra Audio plugins are perpetual licenses—you pay once and own it forever. When you purchase a plugin, it's yours to use indefinitely with free updates within the same major version (1.x). We may consider subscription models down the road if we see a demand for it.

If you're experiencing unwanted distortion:

1. Check your input levels - make sure you're not clipping before the plugin

2. Look at the output meter for the track in your DAW - red = clipping, reduce output gain

3. Check your gain settings - excessive EQ boosts add significant gain

4. Check saturation settings - high drive settings intentionally add distortion

5. Reduce overall gain - use the output gain control to compensate for EQ boosts

If distortion persists, reach out via our orraaudio.com/support with:

• Your DAW and version

• Operating system

• A screenshot of your plugin settings

• A brief audio example if possible

If you experience crashes:

1. Update to the latest version - check for updates at orraaudio.com/download

2. Update your DAW to the latest version

3. macOS: Check if the plugin was blocked in System Preferences > Security & Privacy

4. Clear plugin cache - some DAWs cache plugin information that can become corrupted

5. Check system resources - ensure you have enough RAM and CPU available

6. Try a fresh project - see if the issue is project-specific

If crashes continue, reach out via our orraaudio.com/support with:

• DAW name and version

• Operating system and version

• Crash report (if available)

• Steps to reproduce the issue

If you're seeing license errors:

1. Check your internet connection - initial activation requires internet

2. Verify your license key - ensure you're entering it exactly as received

3. Check activations - you may have used all 3 computer slots

4. Restart the plugin - close and reopen it

5. Check firewall settings - ensure your DAW/plugin can connect to the internet

Common error messages:

• "License validation failed" - check internet connection

• "Too many activations" - deactivate from an old computer or contact support

• "Invalid license key" - double-check the key format

If problems persist, reach out via our orraaudio.com/support with your order number.

If you're experiencing GUI issues:

1. Update graphics drivers - especially important on Windows

2. Check scaling settings - some DAWs have DPI/scaling issues

3. Try different window sizes - resize the plugin window

4. macOS: Ensure your OS is up to date (Metal graphics improvements)

5. Windows: Update DirectX and graphics drivers

Known issues:

• High-DPI displays may show blurry text in some DAWs (we're working on this)

• Some hosts don't support resizable plugin windows

If issues continue, reach out via our orraaudio.com/support with:

• Screenshot of the issue

• DAW name and version

• Operating system and graphics card info