This tutorial shows you how to build professional drum EQ chains using Orra EQ’s unique combination of:

• 16 serial EQ bands

• Per-band saturation (Tube, Tape, Creative modes)

• Dynamic EQ processing

• Real-time spectrum analyzer

Because the bands process in series, each move affects the next — so order matters.

🥁 Step 1: Kick Drum Processing

🎯 Objective: Tight low end + strong punch

1️⃣ Control the Sub (Dynamic EQ)

• Add a band at 40–60 Hz

• Set to Dynamic mode

• Use narrow Q

• Reduce gain slightly

This controls excessive boom only when the kick hits hard.

2️⃣ Remove Mud

• Add band at 200–350 Hz

• Standard EQ mode

• Cut 2–5 dB

This cleans up boxiness.

3️⃣ Add Punch with Saturation

• Add band at 80–100 Hz

• Switch to Tube mode

• Apply gentle saturation

Instead of boosting heavily, saturation adds harmonics for weight.

4️⃣ Enhance Attack

• Add band at 2–5 kHz

• Use Tape or Creative saturation

This makes the kick cut through dense mixes.

🥁 Step 2: Snare Drum Processing

🎯 Objective: Body + crack + brightness

1️⃣ Add Body

• 150–250 Hz

• Small boost if needed

2️⃣ Remove Boxiness

• 400–800 Hz

• Cut 2–4 dB

3️⃣ Add Crack

• 3–5 kHz

• Use Tube saturation

Saturation gives aggression without harsh digital boost.

4️⃣ Control Harsh Peaks

• 6–8 kHz

• Dynamic EQ mode

This tames sharp hits automatically.

🥁 Step 3: Hi-Hats & Cymbals

🎯 Objective: Smooth brightness

1️⃣ High-Pass Filter

• 200–400 Hz
  Removes low-frequency bleed.

2️⃣ Tame Harshness

• 7–10 kHz

• Dynamic EQ

Reduces harsh spikes only when necessary.

3️⃣ Add Air

• 10–14 kHz

• Tape saturation (wide Q)

Creates smooth shimmer without brittle highs.

🥁 Step 4: Drum Bus Processing

🎯 Objective: Glue the full kit together

1️⃣ Tighten Low End

• 50–80 Hz

• Dynamic EQ

Controls kick and tom build-up.

2️⃣ Clean Low-Mids

• 250–400 Hz

• Gentle cut

Reduces muddiness across the kit.

3️⃣ Add Presence

• 1–2 kHz

• Tube mode

Brings forward snare and attack elements.

4️⃣ Add Top-End Glue

• 8–12 kHz

• Tape mode (wide Q)

Adds cohesive brightness.

🎚 Recommended Band Order in Orra EQ

Since processing is serial:

1. Corrective cuts

2. Dynamic control

3. Saturation bands

4. Air/polish

This ensures clean tone shaping before adding harmonic color.

🎧 Final Tips

• Use saturation instead of large boosts for more musical results.

• Keep dynamic EQ subtle — 1–3 dB reduction is often enough.

• Watch the spectrum analyzer, but trust your ears first.

• Small adjustments make big differences in drums.