Vocal chain of Dua Lipa by Randy Urbanski

Ever wondered what it takes to achieve the world-class sound of your favorite artists? Grammy Award-winning engineer Randy Urbanski, known for working with legends like Kanye West, Justin Bieber, Rihanna, Beyonce, Skrillex, and many more, recently shared one of his go-to vocal chains for recording.

Randy’s expertise has shaped hits for some of the biggest names in the industry, and his approach to crafting pristine vocals is nothing short of inspiring. From delicate EQ adjustments to precise compression, he utilizes a combination of cutting-edge hardware and software to bring out the best in every performance.

• Telefunken ELA M 251E Large-diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone
• Neve 1084 Classic 80-series Microphone Preamp & EQ
• Universal Audio 1176LN Classic Limiting Amplifier or Tube-Tech CL 1B Tube Optical Compressor
• Martech MSS-10 Single Channel Mic Pre
• Avid Pro Tools Ultimate - Perpetual License
• FabFilter Pro-Q 4 EQ and Filter Plug-in
• Waves DeEsser Sibilance Reduction Plug-in
• iZotope RX 11 Advanced Audio Repair Software
• Celemony Melodyne 5 Studio
• Waves H-Delay Hybrid Delay Plug-in
• Waves Kramer Master Tape Plug-in
• Waves Abbey Road Reverb Plates Plug-in
  

How the Dua Lipa vocal chain actually works

Randy Urbanski's approach is about capturing an expensive-sounding vocal and polishing it — not fixing it. Here's what each stage does, in order, plus a free or cheap alternative for every step.

Mic & preamp — the tone

The Telefunken ELA M 251E into a Neve 1084 gives a silky top end and warm low-mids. A large-diaphragm tube condenser into a colored preamp is the whole foundation. Free/cheap swap: any solid condenser into a clean interface, then add air with an EQ.

Compression — the control

A UA 1176 (fast) or Tube-Tech CL 1B (smooth) keeps every word even and upfront. Free swap: TDR Kotelnikov or Analog Obsession FETish.

Tuning, de-ess & repair

Melodyne for detailed tuning, Waves DeEsser for sibilance, iZotope RX to clean breaths and noise. Free swap: Graillon 2 or MAutoPitch for tuning and TDR Nova for dynamic de-essing.

EQ, delay & reverb — the space

FabFilter Pro-Q for surgical EQ, Waves H-Delay for slaps, Kramer Master Tape for glue, and Abbey Road Plates for a tight, classic reverb. Free swap: TDR Nova plus Valhalla Supermassive for delay and plate.

FAQ

What microphone does Randy Urbanski use on Dua Lipa?

A Telefunken ELA M 251E tube condenser into a Neve 1084 preamp.

Can I get the Dua Lipa vocal sound with free plugins?

Yes — a clean condenser, a free 1176-style compressor, free tuning, TDR Nova and Valhalla Supermassive cover the whole chain. The full reported settings and 87 more chains are in the Vocal Chain Bible.

Want the exact chains — 88 in one place?

The Vocal Chain Bible has 88 reported vocal chains from 70+ artists — every plugin, the exact order, free + paid alternatives, and the source clip. 5+ years and 100+ Grammy interviews in one 187-page PDF.

Get 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 →