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Orra EQ: Complete Feature Overview

February 6, 20256 min readBy Orra Audio Team
Orra EQ: Complete Feature Overview
Orra EQ is a 16-band parametric equalizer designed for the way engineers actually work. Beyond traditional EQ, it integrates saturation, dynamics, and intelligent workflow features into a single series-chain processor. Here's everything it can do.

Core EQ Engine

16 Fully Parametric Bands

Each band offers complete control over frequency (10Hz–22kHz), gain (±60dB), and Q (0.1–40). Unlike fixed-band EQs, every band can be placed exactly where you need it with surgical precision or broad shaping capability.

Three Filter Types

  • Bell: Classic parametric peak/cut for surgical or broad tonal adjustments
  • High Shelf: Boost or cut everything above a frequency (12/24/36/48 dB/oct slopes)
  • Low Shelf: Boost or cut everything below a frequency (12/24/36/48 dB/oct slopes)

Series-Chain Architecture

Bands process sequentially rather than in parallel. Band 1 feeds Band 2, which feeds Band 3, and so on through all 16 bands. This creates analog-style interaction where saturation, compression, and EQ moves accumulate and interact—something parallel EQs can't achieve.

Integrated Saturation

Orra Tube

Warm, even-harmonic tube saturation. Independent drive control (0-100%) plus dynamic saturation mode for upward compression-style processing.

Tape Saturation

Six authentic tape machine models with speed options and noise reduction (None, Light, Medium, Clean) for warm, musical saturation.

Saturation Models

Ten distinct algorithms: VintagePreamp, PowerTube, Transistor, DiodeGermanium, DiodesSymmetric, Wavefolder, BitCrusher, BritishConsole, VCAConsole, Exciter.

Dynamic Processing

Dynamic EQ

Frequency-selective compression that reduces gain only when the signal exceeds a threshold. Controls include Attack (0.1-1000ms), Release (1-5000ms), Threshold (-60dB to 0dB), Ratio (1:1 to 20:1), and Amount (maximum gain reduction).

Dynamic Saturation

Upward compression for saturation—adds harmonics to quiet signals while leaving transients clean. Think of it as the opposite of a compressor: instead of turning down the loud parts, you're enriching the quiet parts.

Workflow Features

Snap to Note

Right-click any band and snap its frequency to the nearest musical note. Orra EQ calculates the correct octave and snaps to any of the 12 chromatic notes (C, C#, D, D#, E, F, F#, G, G#, A, A#, B).

Double-Click Band Creation

Double left-click the frequency response curve to instantly create a new EQ band at that frequency. Double right-click to create an Orra Tube saturation band. Bands below 100Hz automatically become low shelves, and bands above 10kHz become high shelves.

Double-Right-Click for Orra Tube

Double-right-click the curve to create a band in Orra Tube mode, ready for saturation. Fastest way to add harmonic enhancement at a specific frequency.

Solo, Bypass, and Delta

Solo: Mutes all other bands to hear this band's effect on the whole signal. Bypass: Disable without losing settings. Delta: Hear only what the band is adding or removing.

Multi-Band Selection

Shift-click to select multiple bands, then change their settings simultaneously. Set all selected bands to the same mode, filter type, or slope in one action.

Hide Curve

Hide individual band curves to reduce visual clutter while keeping the band active. Useful when you have many bands and want to focus on specific ones.

Visualization & Analysis

  • Dual Spectrum Analyzer: Real-time FFT analysis showing both pre-EQ (green) and post-EQ (blue) spectrum
  • Individual Band Curves: Toggle visibility of each band's frequency response individually
  • Live Metering: Input/output gain meters, per-band gain reduction display, dynamic saturation activity indicators

Preset Management

Factory presets provide starting points for common mixing scenarios. Save and recall your own settings—presets store all 16 bands, their modes, saturation settings, and global parameters. A/B comparison lets you quickly toggle between two complete plugin states.

Technical Specifications

Bands: 16 fully parametric
Frequency Range: 10Hz - 22kHz
Gain Range: -60dB to +30dB
Q Range: 0.1 to 40
Filter Slopes: 12/24/36/48 dB/oct
Sample Rate: Up to 192kHz
Saturation Engines: 3 types
Total Algorithms: 17 (1 Tube + 6 Tape + 10 Models)
Processing Modes: 5 per band
Band Modes: 5 (EQ, Orra Tube, Tape, Models, Dynamic EQ)
Formats: VST3, AU, AAX (Coming Soon)(Mac/Windows)