How to Sound Like Post Malone: Vocal Chain (2026)

Vocal Chains · Meshplugins.com

Post's vocals are warm, big and radio-ready with heavy harmonies. Here's the reported chain behind that sound.

On 'Rockstar' the reported front end was a Sony C800 into a Neve 1073 and an LA-2A. This is the short version - the rest of the chain is in the Bible.

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

1. Mic and preamp — the warmth

Reported Sony C800G into a Neve 1073. Any bright condenser into a clean, slightly colored preamp gets close.

2. LA-2A leveling — the smoothness

An optical Teletronix LA-2A glues the level gently without squashing. Free: MJUC jr. or Rough Rider.

3. Light Auto-Tune — the polish

Subtle correction, not the hard effect - medium retune keeps it natural. Free: MAutoPitch.

4. EQ and de-ess — the clarity

Clean lows with FabFilter Pro-Q, tame sibilance with a de-esser, and add a little top air.

5. Harmonies and reverb — the size

Post lives on stacked harmonies. Track them, pan them, and wash the group in a plate reverb.

The chain at a glance

Starting settings (dial these in)

• Mic and preamp: 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.
• LA-2A leveling: Start around 3–5 dB of gain reduction. Fast attack, medium release for control; if it pumps, ease the ratio or release.
• Light Auto-Tune: Set the song's key/scale first. Retune speed fast (0–20 ms) for the obvious effect, slower (40–90 ms) for a natural feel.
• EQ and de-ess: Target 5–9 kHz and pull only 2–4 dB, and only on the harsh 's' sounds — don't dull the whole vocal.
• Harmonies and reverb: Plate or hall, 1.0–1.8 s decay, 20–40 ms pre-delay; roll off the lows and extreme highs so it sits behind the vocal.

Putting it together

1. Mic and preamp
2. LA-2A leveling
3. Light Auto-Tune
4. EQ and de-ess
5. Harmonies and reverb

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: MJUC jr, MAutoPitch. 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 Post Malone — 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 mic and chain does Post Malone use?

Reported Sony C800 into a Neve 1073 and an LA-2A on 'Rockstar'. The full reported chain is in the Vocal Chain Bible.

How do I get the layered Post Malone sound?

Record real harmony stacks, pan them wide, and bus them to one reverb - the layering is the sound.

What matters most for the Post Malone vocal sound?

It's the whole chain working in order: mic and preamp, la-2a leveling, light auto-tune, eq and de-ess, harmonies and reverb. 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 →