Lead vocal (mix)
Kesha
Mix effects
Compressor on each of the three lead vocal takes tracks, each set differently to even out levels and control peaks.
Source: Sound On Sound, accessed 15 Nov 2026
The plugin used on the record
Universal Audio Teletronix LA-2A Leveler Collection
compressor
The plugin named in the source.
Universal Audio UAD 1176LN
VerifiedCompressor on the lead vocal bus, with an EQ placed before it and another after it to offset what it does.
Source: Sound On Sound, accessed 15 Nov 2026
The plugin used on the record
Universal Audio 1176 Classic Limiter Collection
compressor
The plugin named in the source.
Universal Audio UAD AKG BX20
VerifiedMain vocal reverb plug-in; the sends to the reverb and delay aux tracks were muted in the verses.
Source: Sound On Sound, accessed 15 Nov 2026
Follows the vocal reverb to control its tail.
Source: Sound On Sound, accessed 15 Nov 2026
The plugin used on the record
Universal Audio Fairchild Tube Limiter Collection
compressor
The plugin named in the source.
Avid Mod Delay III
VerifiedStandard delay on a send for the vocal.
- Settings
- Quarter-note delay
Source: Sound On Sound, accessed 15 Nov 2026
Hazelrigg Industries VLC-1
VerifiedOne of his valve channel-strip units used as an insert on the lead vocal in the analogue mix.
Source: Sound On Sound, accessed 15 Nov 2026
Emulation of this unit
MixWave Hazelrigg VLC
preamp and EQ
A component-level model of the Hazelrigg VLC itself, made with Hazelrigg Industries.
EMT 140
VerifiedAdded as a reverb on the vocals, together with the EMT 250.
Source: Sound On Sound, accessed 15 Nov 2026
Emulation of this unit
Universal Audio EMT 140 Classic Plate Reverberator
reverb
Models three EMT 140 plates, made with EMT.
Also worth a look: Soundtoys Little Plate (A simpler EMT 140 model with one decay control).
EMT 250
VerifiedAdded as a reverb on the vocals, together with the EMT 140.
Source: Sound On Sound, accessed 15 Nov 2026
Emulation of this unit
Universal Audio EMT 250 Classic Electronic Reverb
reverb
Model of the EMT 250 digital reverb, made with EMT.
Main piano (mix)
Mix effects
API UAD API 550a
ReportedEQ that Ryan had already added; Castelli left it, possibly with small tweaks.
Source: Sound On Sound, accessed 15 Nov 2026
Compressor on the main piano, valued for how it handles the decay of the notes.
Source: Sound On Sound, accessed 15 Nov 2026
The plugin used on the record
Universal Audio Fairchild Tube Limiter Collection
compressor
The plugin named in the source.
FabFilter Pro-Q 2
VerifiedEQ after the Fairchild on the piano, used to dip low mids and filter the top.
- Settings
- Dip at 250 Hz; high-pass and roll-off above 12 kHz
Source: Sound On Sound, accessed 15 Nov 2026
The plugin used on the record
FabFilter Pro-Q 4
equaliser
Current version of the plugin used on the record; Pro-Q 2 is no longer sold.
Brainworx Millennia NSEQ
VerifiedGentle shelf EQ on the piano, using the Pultec-style boost approach.
- Settings
- Boosts at 56 Hz and 16 kHz
Source: Sound On Sound, accessed 15 Nov 2026
Choir group and mix bus
Mix effects
Hazelrigg Industries VLC-1
VerifiedTwo units on the mix bus for this song.
Source: Sound On Sound, accessed 15 Nov 2026
Emulation of this unit
MixWave Hazelrigg VLC
preamp and EQ
A component-level model of the Hazelrigg VLC itself, made with Hazelrigg Industries.
Compressor on the mix bus of this mix.
Source: Sound On Sound, accessed 15 Nov 2026
Sources
- Inside Track: Kesha ‘Praying’, Sound On Sound, 2017-11. 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.
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