diff --git a/ext/a52dec/gsta52dec.c b/ext/a52dec/gsta52dec.c
index 6d8cd19990..baebb5e9d8 100644
--- a/ext/a52dec/gsta52dec.c
+++ b/ext/a52dec/gsta52dec.c
@@ -975,6 +975,10 @@ gst_a52dec_get_property (GObject * object, guint prop_id, GValue * value,
 static gboolean
 plugin_init (GstPlugin * plugin)
 {
+#if HAVE_ORC
+  orc_init ();
+#endif
+
   /* ensure GstAudioChannelPosition type is registered */
   if (!gst_audio_channel_position_get_type ())
     return FALSE;