Drum programming
Instrument
Linn LinnDrum
ReportedThe writer hears a strong LinnDrum presence in the rhythm track, but allows that it may be samples that resemble one.
Source: MusicRadar, accessed 15 Nov 2026
Emulation of this unit
Aly James Lab VProm
drum instrument
An emulation of Linn's LM-1 and LinnDrum, built around their sound chips.
Synth bass
Bruno Mars
Instrument
Moog Voyager
ReportedPlayed by Mars on the synth bassline in a studio video of the song being made, according to the writer.
Source: MusicRadar, accessed 15 Nov 2026
Close match
Arturia Mini V
instrument
A Minimoog emulation. The Voyager is the Minimoog's later descendant.
Also worth a look: Universal Audio Moog Minimoog (Made with Moog as a model of the Minimoog, the Voyager's ancestor).
Synth brass chords
Bruno Mars
Instrument
Roland Juno-106
ReportedPlayed by Mars on the synth brass chords in the same studio video, according to the writer.
Source: MusicRadar, accessed 15 Nov 2026
Emulation of this unit
Roland Roland Cloud
instrument
Roland's own subscription, which includes its software Juno-106.
Also worth a look: TAL Software TAL-U-NO-LX (Models the Juno-60, the Juno-106's close predecessor); Arturia Jun-6 V (Models the Juno-6, an earlier member of the same family).
Synth arpeggio
Instrument
Roland Juno-106
ReportedThe writer thinks the short plucky arpeggio was probably made on a Juno 106 with delay; this is a guess, not a confirmed fact.
Source: MusicRadar, accessed 15 Nov 2026
Emulation of this unit
Roland Roland Cloud
instrument
Roland's own subscription, which includes its software Juno-106.
Also worth a look: TAL Software TAL-U-NO-LX (Models the Juno-60, the Juno-106's close predecessor); Arturia Jun-6 V (Models the Juno-6, an earlier member of the same family).
Talkbox intro and harmonies
Byron Chambers
Instrument
Usual practice, not stated for this record: Chambers, who is credited with the talkbox intro and harmonies, is said to keep many DX100 synths and to use them with a talkbox pedal.
A suggestion, not a documented fact: The source describes this as usual practice; it is not stated for this record.
Source: MusicRadar, accessed 15 Nov 2026
Approximate
Digital Suburban Dexed
instrument · free
A free DX7 emulation. The DX100 is a simpler four-operator FM synthesizer, so patches do not transfer.
Usual practice, not stated for this record: Chambers says he uses this talkbox pedal alongside his DX100 synths; the article credits him with the talkbox intro and harmonies.
A suggestion, not a documented fact: The source describes this as usual practice; it is not stated for this record.
Source: MusicRadar, accessed 15 Nov 2026
Approximate
Native Instruments Guitar Rig 7 Pro
amp and cabinet simulator
Includes a range of modelled pedals. Whether this exact pedal is among them was not checked.
Mix
Serban Ghenea
Mix effects
The mix engineer mixed the album in this DAW.
Source: Mix, accessed 15 Nov 2026
The plugin used on the record
Avid Pro Tools
DAW
The DAW used on the record.
Album sessions, not stated for this song: Ghenea says he likes these plug-ins and often begins his mixes with them, adding other tools as needed.
Source: Mix, accessed 15 Nov 2026
Sources
- A decade on, we look back at the musical theory and retro gear that shaped Bruno Mars’ 2016 classic, MusicRadar, 2026-03-21. Accessed 15 Nov 2026.
- Award-Winning Productions: Highlights from the 60th Grammy Awards, Mix, 2018-01-29. 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.