Cradle Orion is a specialized plugin designed specifically for enhancing drum sounds. Its main goal is to provide drums with dynamic clarity, warmth, depth, and a sense of freshness.
The plugin utilizes techniques such as saturation, compression, harmonic enhancement, and parallel processing to elevate the audio signal. It functions similarly to the FL Studio 24 Soundgoodizer plugin and also the Waves R-Bass. The key difference is that Soundgoodizer operates with a single knob, whereas Cradle Orion offers multiple controls for greater customization.
This plugin is built for user-friendliness. The following sections will delve into its functionality, key features, and insights beneficial for music producers and mixing engineers.
Working Mechanism:
Cradle Orion operates based on three main principles:
Saturation:
The first step involves applying saturation to the audio signal. This process enhances the harmonic content of the sound, making it more vibrant without overwhelming it. Those familiar with drum mixing understand that saturation is essential for achieving fuller drum sounds. Here’s how it works:
- Input Signal Analysis: The plugin first analyzes the incoming audio signal to understand its frequency spectrum and dynamics.
- Harmonic Generation: Using advanced algorithms, the plugin generates additional harmonics from the incoming signal, adding warmth and character while preserving the original sound.
- Adjustable Drive Control: A drive knob allows users to adjust the level of saturation applied to the sound.
- High-Pass Filtering: To prevent harshness in high frequencies caused by saturation, a high-pass filter is included to manage these frequencies effectively.
Dynamic Control:
Achieving a balanced mix requires careful control over dynamics. This is the second crucial aspect of Cradle Orion’s operation. The built-in compressor manages the dynamics of the sound. Without this compressor, audio levels can become unbalanced, leading to issues during mastering.
Parallel Processing:
The final principle involves parallel processing, which simplifies complex routing tasks. This feature enables users to boost or cut high, mid, and low frequencies while enhancing transients simultaneously.
Cradle Orion aims to elevate your drum sound by providing power and depth in any mix quickly. Whether working with subtle kicks or impactful snares, Orion delivers dynamic results with minimal effort.
Key Features:
- Saturation & Compression: These features enhance drums with added drive and harmonics for warmth and clarity.
2. Parallel Processing: Simplifies complex routing for boosting lows and sharpening transients.
3. Harmonic EQ: Allows precise tonal shaping for a balanced mix.
4. Super Low Latency: Ensures seamless integration into your workflow.
5. Professional Presets: Comes with default settings used by renowned producer Jaycen Joshua.
6. Target Meters: Helps ensure drums maintain presence and impact in any mix.
In summary, Cradle Orion stands out as a versatile tool for music producers looking to enhance their drum tracks with clarity and depth while maintaining ease of use.
Plugin Comparison: Cradle Orion vs. Competitors
| Feature | Cradle Orion | Soundgoodizer | iZotope Ozone Exciter | Waves R-Bass |
| Purpose | The main purpose of this plugin is to boost the drum clarity with dynamic warmth and clarity. | This one is designed for quick saturation with just one knob. | This tool adds even and odd harmonics to the sound to make it full and rich. | This tool focuses on the low frequencies and adds harmonics to make low end punchier. |
| Saturation Control | It has multiple controls for detailed saturation such as drive, harmonic EQ, filtering | It has a single knob | Detailed multi-band saturation control for tonal shaping | Again this one also has minimal controls focused on bass |
| Compression | It has built compressor for balanced dynamics | N/A | It has Multi-band dynamic control with precise compression | No compression and focuses only on the bass |
| Parallel Processing | Yes, the feature of parallel processing is also available | N/A | Yes | N/A |
| Versatility | Suitable for all drum types and genres. But this one is not the detailed solution. It can be taken as a quick solution. | This is suitable for all the elements of the song such as vocals, drums, melodies, etc. But this one is only available for the FL users. | It is a detailed solution for mixing and mastering available for all users | Simple and effective. It can not used for mastering. It is used to make bass boosted drums |
| Price | Affordable | Part of FL Studio, no extra cost | Premium product with a higher price point | Mid-range price point for bass enhancement |
Reverse Engineering:
Now let’s reverse-engineer this plugin and find out how can we achieve the effect of this plugin with other VSTs.
Color Effect = Jaycen’s old NLS Bus trick, which he showed and explained in his masterclass
Harmonics = RBass VST which is published by Waves company
Compression Effect = Shadow Hills Comp
Lift = Blackbox VST by Plugin Alliance
Harmonic EQ = Spectre
User Testimonials:
“Looks similar to ADPTR Hype, which I have been liking very much on the drum buss, though that has more control.” — SupremeFist, Oct 1, 2024, vi-control
“I like it. Does some nice stuff to my drums, but for some reason in Bitwig (win11) the CPU usage is way too high – guessing around 25+% for one instance. In Reaper it’s 0.9% – I know Reaper tends to be better in that regard, but WTF Bitwig”
richmwhitfield, Oct 1, 2024, vi-control
“I am loving this plug. I wish there was a mix option in the drive because sometimes it adds too much weight, but I haven’t heard a single plugin that can do what this does”
Austin Heller, 30th September 2024 , Gearspace
“This is a time-saver for me. Nice results when I tried it on claps and shaker as well.“
sloansimpson, 30th September 2024, Gearspace
“Orion replaced every plugin and parallel processing I was using on my drums.”
— Tae Gaulden, Sep 30, 2024, AudioSEX
“Very useful set of cleaner tools for mixing drums. Specifically, the ‘lift’ feature seems to be a very nice expander/transient shaper that is great for drums.”
Reddit User, Reddit
“Orion is designed to replace complex plugin processing for punchy and big low-end drum sounds, combining saturation, compression, and more.” —
PluginPlug, PluginPlug Blog