Lead vocal
Adele
Input chain
Neve 1066
VerifiedIn the Los Angeles mix, the Pro Tools multitrack return of the vocal went into its line amp as the first stage of the vocal chain.
Source: SonicScoop, accessed 15 Nov 2026
Close match
Universal Audio Neve 1073 Preamp & EQ Collection
preamp and EQ
The 1066 is a sibling of the 1073 with different equaliser frequencies. This models the 1073.
UREI 1176
VerifiedA Bluestripe 1176 followed the 1066 and was the faster compressor in the chain, with quicker attack and release than the Fairchild.
Source: SonicScoop, accessed 15 Nov 2026
Emulation of this unit
Universal Audio 1176 Classic Limiter Collection
compressor
Models several revisions of the 1176, including the blackface units.
Also worth a look: Waves CLA-76 Compressor / Limiter (Models two 1176 revisions (blacky and bluey)).
The Fairchild 660 limiter came last in the vocal chain, working with a much slower attack and release than the 1176 before it.
Source: SonicScoop, accessed 15 Nov 2026
Emulation of this unit
Universal Audio Fairchild Tube Limiter Collection
compressor
Models the Fairchild 660 and 670. The source does not say which model was used.
Also worth a look: Waves PuigChild 660 & 670 (Models the Fairchild 660 and 670 owned by Jack Joseph Puig).
Usual practice, not stated for this record: At Electric Lady, Elmhirst starts his vocal chain with a Neve 1081; the article ties this to the later New York work on the album, not explicitly to Hello alone.
A suggestion, not a documented fact: Tom Elmhirst describes this as usual practice; it is not stated for this record.
Source: SonicScoop, accessed 15 Nov 2026
Emulation of this unit
Universal Audio Neve 1081 Channel EQ
equaliser
Model of the 1081 channel EQ, made with AMS Neve.
Also worth a look: Waves V-EQ4 (Waves' model of the 1081 EQ).
Usual practice, not stated for this record: At Electric Lady a Blackface 1176 follows the Neve 1081 in the vocal chain.
A suggestion, not a documented fact: Tom Elmhirst describes this as usual practice; it is not stated for this record.
Source: SonicScoop, accessed 15 Nov 2026
Emulation of this unit
Universal Audio 1176 Classic Limiter Collection
compressor
Models several revisions of the 1176, including the blackface units.
Also worth a look: Waves CLA-76 Compressor / Limiter (Models two 1176 revisions (blacky and bluey)).
Usual practice, not stated for this record: At Electric Lady, Elmhirst says he runs his vocal chain through a Tube-Tech CL 1B compressor after the Blackface 1176.
A suggestion, not a documented fact: Tom Elmhirst describes this as usual practice; it is not stated for this record.
Source: SonicScoop, accessed 15 Nov 2026
Emulation of this unit
Softube Tube-Tech CL 1B Mk II
compressor
Made with Tube-Tech as a model of the CL 1B.
Mix effects
AMS Delay (model not stated)
VerifiedOne of several effects behind the lead vocal on Hello, alongside a plate, a spring and an Eventide preset.
Source: SonicScoop, accessed 15 Nov 2026
Reverse guitars
Mix effects
Eventide Blackhole
ReportedReverb plugin used on some reverse guitars leading into sections of Hello.
Source: SonicScoop, accessed 15 Nov 2026
Toms (second verse)
Mix effects
Soundtoys Echoboy
ReportedDelay plugin used on the toms in the second verse of Hello.
Source: SonicScoop, accessed 15 Nov 2026
The plugin used on the record
Soundtoys EchoBoy
delay
The plugin named in the source.
Console and added rhythmic loop
Mix effects
Neve VR72
VerifiedConsole for the initial Hello mix at Capitol Studios in Los Angeles; later changes were made back at Electric Lady, where he has the same model.
Source: SonicScoop, accessed 15 Nov 2026
Approximate
Waves NLS Non-Linear Summer
console emulation
A console-summing plugin that includes one Neve desk. It gives a Neve flavour, not this console's channels.
Eventide H3000
VerifiedPlugin version processing a rhythmic loop added during the Hello mix, giving it a panning, filtering flange character.
Source: SonicScoop, accessed 15 Nov 2026
Emulation of this unit
Eventide H3000 Factory Mk II
multi-effect
Eventide's own plugin version of the H3000.
Soundtoys Crystalizer
VerifiedPlugin used alongside the H3000 plugin on the added rhythmic loop.
Source: SonicScoop, accessed 15 Nov 2026
Sources
- Inside Adele’s “25”: How Tom Elmhirst Mixed a Masterpiece, SonicScoop, 2015-12. Accessed 15 Nov 2026.
Stated by the engineer, producer or artist, or by the manufacturer.
Stated by a reputable secondary source.
An educated suggestion, not a documented fact.
Disclosure: plugin links currently go straight to the maker and earn us nothing. If that changes, affiliate links will be marked here. Suggestions are chosen on fit, never on commission, and are kept separate from the recording facts. More.