☕ The "Espresso" Vocal Chain – Pro Tools Session Template
Get the Sweet, Airy, and Addictive Pop Sound of Sabrina Carpenter.
watch it in action here:
Ever wonder how Sabrina’s vocals sound both intimate and massive at the same time?
This Pro Tools session template is a precision-engineered vocal chain designed to replicate the shimmering, "high-gloss" production found on hits like Espresso.
From the crisp top-end air to the tight, rhythmic delays and lush stereo widening, this chain provides the exact architecture needed to turn a raw recording into a radio-ready pop vocal.
🛠 The Plugin Lineup
This session is pre-configured with the industry-standard tools required for that modern "It-Girl" vocal:
Dynamics & Tone:
Renaissance Compressor (R-Comp): For smooth, transparent leveling that keeps the vocal "in your face."
SSL E-Channel: The classic British console sound for aggressive EQ carving and punchy dynamics.
J37 Tape Machine: Adds that vintage saturation and "glue" that makes digital vocals feel warm and expensive.
Here is the comprehensive list of the software and plugins required for this "Espresso" Pro Tools session template.
🏁 Core Software
DAW: Pro Tools (Standard, Artist, Studio, or Ultimate)
Format: Pro Tools Session File (.ptx)
🔌 Required Plugins
To ensure the session loads correctly with all processing intact, you will need the following plugins installed and licensed:
Waves Audio
R-Comp (Renaissance Compressor): The primary leveling tool for that smooth, upfront pop vocal.
SSL E-Channel: Used for the classic "4K" console EQ curves and punchy channel dynamics.
J37 Tape: For vintage saturation, harmonic "warmth," and tape-delay textures.
S1 Imager: To control the stereo width and placement of your background layers.
Waves Doubler: Essential for creating the classic "quad-tracked" effect on hooks and ad-libs.
Soundtoys
Little AlterBoy: Used for the signature 0.4 formant shift and pitch manipulation.
EchoBoy: The main delay engine for rhythmic "Espresso" slapbacks and space.
MicroShift: Provides the lush, widening chorus effect that makes the lead vocal feel "huge."
iZotope
Vocal Doubler: A free/essential tool used here for natural-sounding separation and thickening of backing vocals.
💡 Compatibility Note
Make sure your plugins are updated to the latest versions supported by your OS. If you are missing one of these, Pro Tools will deactivate that specific insert, but the rest of the chain will remain functional.
