The Plugins Porter Robinson, Jamie xx and Barry Can’t Swim Use in Their Music

For new producers, or for those who want to learn a thing or two from their favorite artists, gaining insight into an artist’s workflow is always valuable. One of the best ways to do this is through podcasts, interviews, and videos that feature artists talking openly about their process. Studio videos of EDM legends such as Avicii, Martin Garrix, and David Guetta have long inspired producers, with artists sharing everything from their plugins to their overall workflow.

The Tape Notes Podcast is one such platform, where mainstream producers discuss their creative process in depth. In 2025, the podcast hosted several respected artists, including Porter Robinson, Barry Can’t Swim, Sam Gellaitry, and Jamie xx. During these episodes, the artists spoke in detail about how they work, the tools they rely on, and even shared their original project files. When it came to plugins, each artist highlighted a few personal favorites.

Porter Robinson: u-he Diva

One of the “Language” hitmaker’s favorite plugins is u-he Diva. A major reason for this is that Robinson doesn’t use much external gear, as he feels that adding new hardware can disrupt his well-established workflow. Having produced music for over 15 years, he prefers tools that fit seamlessly into his process. He describes Diva as “a good analog emulator” and mentions that he has used the plugin across multiple albums.

Jamie xx: Zynaptiq Morph

On the podcast, Jamie xx talks about his interest in texture and imperfection in sound. This approach leads him to Morph, a plugin that transforms clean synth sounds into organic-sounding artefacts, helping him add character and depth to his productions.

Jamie xx: XLN Audio XO

Jamie xx also uses XLN Audio XO as a drum machine. Known for its distinctive galaxy-themed interface, XO allows him to discover similar-sounding drum samples in a fun and intuitive way, making the process of building drum patterns quicker and more engaging.

Barry Can’t Swim: XLN Audio Life

XLN Audio Life is one of the favorite plugins of the 2024 BBC Radio 1 Dance Album of the Year producer. The plugin chops and resamples simple loops, adding energy and character while introducing subtle imperfections. He uses it to push his drums as far away from rigid MIDI programming as possible.

Sam Gellaitry: Virharmonic Bohemian Violin

The “Assumptions” producer uses Virharmonic Bohemian Violin to focus on emotion and expression while maintaining a realistic sound. As a virtual instrument, it convincingly captures the feel of a real violin player and works well across a range of genres.

While each artist has their own favorite tools, the most important takeaway is that they all have unique ways of making music. These plugins work well within their individual workflows, but they are not one-size-fits-all solutions. Rather than copying favorite artists outright, it’s best to treat these insights as learning opportunities and adapt what fits your own creative process.

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