Lead vocal
Trent Reznor
Microphone
Shure Beta 58
VerifiedUsed for Reznor's lead vocal on this song.
Source: Sound On Sound, accessed 15 Nov 2026
Input chain
Beavan's usual vocal set-up fed the microphone through a Neve unit so Reznor could sing at a moment's notice.
A suggestion, not a documented fact: Beavan describes what he would routinely set up when Reznor wanted to sing.
Source: Sound On Sound, accessed 15 Nov 2026
Approximate
Waves NLS Non-Linear Summer
console emulation
Adds the summing character of three desks, one of them a Neve. The source does not name the console model, so this is only a family resemblance.
Part of Beavan's usual quick vocal set-up, alongside the Neve.
A suggestion, not a documented fact: Beavan describes what he would routinely set up when Reznor wanted to sing.
Source: Sound On Sound, accessed 15 Nov 2026
Emulation of this unit
Universal Audio Teletronix LA-2A Leveler Collection
compressor
Universal Audio owns the Teletronix name; this is its own model of the LA-2A.
Also worth a look: Waves CLA-2A Compressor / Limiter (Models an LA-2A from Chris Lord-Alge's collection. Cheaper and runs without UA hardware).
Vocals for the album were recorded straight into Pro Tools rather than to tape.
Source: Sound On Sound, accessed 15 Nov 2026
The plugin used on the record
Avid Pro Tools
DAW
The plugin named in the source.
Mix effects
Eventide H3500
VerifiedUsed in the mix to build the buzzing, almost ring-modulated vocal effect at the end of the song.
Source: Sound On Sound, accessed 15 Nov 2026
Close match
Eventide H3000 Factory Mk II
multi-effect
Eventide's own plugin version of the H3000, the model this family is built on.
Guitar
Trent Reznor
Input chain
Album sessions, not stated for this song: Most of Reznor's guitars were recorded direct through this processor.
Source: Sound On Sound, accessed 15 Nov 2026
Covers this kind of unit
IK Multimedia AmpliTube 5
amp and cabinet simulator
A guitar amp and effects suite for recording guitars direct with distortion and effects, the job this unit did; it is not a model of this unit.
Bass
Flood
Instrument
Akai Sampler (model not stated)
VerifiedSource of the bass part, which was a sample.
Source: Sound On Sound, accessed 15 Nov 2026
Drum programming
Trent Reznor and Flood
Input chain
SSL Console (model not stated)
VerifiedThe sampled snare was run through an SSL console to add distortion.
Source: Sound On Sound, accessed 15 Nov 2026
Close match
Solid State Logic SSL Native Channel Strip 2
channel strip
SSL's own channel-strip plugin. It is not a model of this particular desk.
Also worth a look: Waves SSL E-Channel (Models the 4000 E channel strip; the source does not make this the same desk).
Zoom 9030
VerifiedAdded a little ring modulation to the sampled snare.
Source: Sound On Sound, accessed 15 Nov 2026
Covers this kind of unit
IK Multimedia AmpliTube 5
amp and cabinet simulator
A guitar amp and effects suite for recording guitars direct with distortion and effects, the job this unit did; it is not a model of this unit.
Synth licks
Flood and Trent Reznor
Instrument
Sequential Prophet VS
VerifiedSource of the synth licks, stacked with Akai sampler material.
Source: Sound On Sound, accessed 15 Nov 2026
Emulation of this unit
Arturia Prophet-VS V
instrument
An emulation of the Prophet VS.
Sources
- Classic Tracks: Nine Inch Nails 'Closer', Sound On Sound, 2012-09. 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.