XO
by XLN Audio · Drum Instrument · Drum sample organizer & sequencer
vst3s Score 9.0/10 · rated #5 of 10 drum instruments
Drum machine that maps your sample library into a similarity-based visual space and pairs it with a step sequencer for building beats.
Best for: Drums, Sound Design. Genres: Hip-Hop & Trap, Electronic & EDM, Lo-Fi.
Keywords: sequencer, sample-based, drum machine, sound design.
What it does
XO is XLN Audio's beat maker and drum sampler. It arranges your samples by sonic similarity in a visual map and pairs them with a step sequencer.
- Sample map: samples are organised by sound character, with filtering and search.
- Content: over 8,700 one-shots and more than 240 editable beat presets.
- Sequencing: groove templates and accent tools; drag-and-drop export of audio or MIDI, samples or whole kits.
Source: XLN Audio product page
When to use it
XO helps when a big sample folder is slowing you down: pick sounds by similarity rather than by filename. It leans towards electronic and hip-hop beat-making.
- Best for: finding and swapping drum sounds fast, and building beats from your own library.
- Look elsewhere if: you want playable acoustic drum kits (see Addictive Drums 2).
Where to buy
- XLN Audio: $89.40 (regular $149)
- PluginFox: $148
- AudioDeluxe: $148
- Plugin Boutique: $149
Tutorials and reviews
- XLN Audio XO Review 🌌 VST Plugin Review
- XO Plugin by XLN Audio - Review and Tutorial
- XLN Audio XO - Sample Explorer & Beat Maker - This is Still Amazing in 2026 - Full Tutorial - PC/Mac
- MOST AMAZING PLUGIN FOR CREATING BEATS & LOOPS - XO by XLN Audio
- XLN Audio - XO - Demo
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More from XLN Audio
- RC-20 Retro Color by XLN Audio · Saturation · 8.7/10 · $29
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