How to Sound Like Lil Nas X: Vocal Chain (2026)

Vocal Chains · Meshplugins.com

Lil Nas X's vocals are bold, clean and radio-huge across pop and rap. Here's the reported chain.

Reported around Pro-Q 3, a Pultec EQP1A, an 1176, RVox and Soothe. Short version below; the full chain is in the Bible.

Related: how to mix vocals like a pro, the free vocal chain and the vocal chain explained.

1. EQ first - the clean — clear and bold

Subtractive FabFilter Pro-Q plus a Pultec EQP1A move for air. Free: TDR Nova.

2. 1176 - the punch — fast comp

A fast 1176 for snap and radio consistency.

3. RVox - the level — upfront

A Waves RVox-style comp keeps every word even. Free: MJUC jr.

4. Soothe - the smoothness — tame resonances

Reported oeksound soothe to smooth harsh spots so the bright top never bites.

5. Reverb and doubles - the size — radio-huge

Tight plate, doubles and harmonies build that big, clean pop-rap sound.

The chain at a glance

Starting settings (dial these in)

• EQ first - the clean: High-pass 80–100 Hz, dip mud around 250–450 Hz, lift presence 3–5 kHz and add air with a high shelf at 10–14 kHz.
• 1176 - the punch: Start around 3–5 dB of gain reduction. Fast attack, medium release for control; if it pumps, ease the ratio or release.
• RVox - the level: Start around 3–5 dB of gain reduction. Fast attack, medium release for control; if it pumps, ease the ratio or release.
• Soothe - the smoothness: Track ~15–20 cm off the mic with a pop filter; set gain so peaks land near −6 dB with no clipping.
• Reverb and doubles - the size: High-pass 80–100 Hz, dip mud around 250–450 Hz, lift presence 3–5 kHz and add air with a high shelf at 10–14 kHz.

Putting it together

1. EQ first - the clean
2. 1176 - the punch
3. RVox - the level
4. Soothe - the smoothness
5. Reverb and doubles - the size

Work top to bottom, commit as you go, and A/B against a reference. The order matters more than owning the exact plugins.

Do it for $0

You can get most of the way with free plugins: TDR Nova, MJUC jr. Start there, get the performance and the moves right, then upgrade only the one piece that matters most for your sound.

Want the exact chain — and 87 more?

This is the short version. The Vocal Chain Bible has the full reported chain for Lil Nas X — every plugin, the exact signal order, free + paid alternatives, and the source clip — plus 87 more from 70+ artists. 5+ years and 100+ Grammy interviews in one 187-page PDF.

Get the Vocal Chain Bible →

FAQ

What is Lil Nas X's vocal chain?

Reported Pro-Q 3, a Pultec EQP1A, an 1176, RVox and Soothe. Full chain in the Vocal Chain Bible.

How do I get a clean, radio-ready vocal?

Subtractive EQ, a fast 1176, RVox level control and resonance smoothing with Soothe.

What matters most for the Lil Nas X vocal sound?

It's the whole chain working in order: eq first - the clean, 1176 - the punch, rvox - the level, soothe - the smoothness, reverb and doubles - the size. Nail the take and those stages in sequence and you're most of the way there — the exact settings are in the Vocal Chain Bible.

Who's behind this

Ivan Meshcheriakov · IvanFromRnD

5+ years ago I moved to LA with zero connections and started building from nothing — 14-hour days, and every night I'd hit my block, meet people and intern at studios. It took me 5+ years to meet and interview 100+ Grammy-winning engineers — then I sorted every interview and pulled the original vocal chains behind Drake, Beyoncé, Travis Scott & many more into one book.

Read my full story →