What is an 808? 9 Tips for Producing Hard Hitting 808s

If you’ve ever been in a club and felt a bass drop hit so hard it made your chest vibrate, you likely have the iconic 808 to thank for that. Originally produced by an analog drum machine from the 80s, the 808 remains a signature sound in hip-hop, electronic and dance music. If you want to learn how to make beats, mastering 808s is essential. In this guide, we’ll cover what an 808 is and explore techniques on how to incorporate them in your Pro Tools sessions.

Jump to any section:

• What is an 808?
• Why is the 808 so popular?
• How to make hard hitting 808s
• Download your 808 Sonic Drop

What is an 808?

In contemporary music production, an '808' refers to a percussion sound known for its booming, low-frequency bass, famously popularized by the TR-808's bass drum, often called the '808 kick.' This iconic sound has become a cornerstone in various music genres, notably in hip-hop, trap, and electronic dance music (EDM). Producers and musicians frequently rely on 808 kick samples or emulations to craft impactful and sub-heavy basslines in their tracks.

 

Is an 808 a kick or bass?

At first listen, the 808 blurs the distinction between a kick and a bass. So, which is it? In practice, the 808 is used in music as both a kick and a bass. By extending the decay, sustain, and release times of an 808 and aligning its pitch with your track's key, the 808 serves as both the kick drum and the bass line of a beat, enhancing both rhythmic energy and providing a robust low-end foundation in your music. In some instances, a kick drum and a bass sound are layered together to create the sound of an 808.

Why is the 808 so popular?

The "808 sound" gained its popularity primarily due to the accessibility and affordability it offered through the Roland TR-808 drum machine. When it debuted in 1980, the TR-808 became a game-changer, providing an affordable and convenient alternative to hiring live drummers for recording drums. Its distinctive qualities, including the deep bass drum, snappy snares, and resonant hi-hats, made it an essential drum programming tool for beat makers and music producers. This sonic versatility allowed musicians to not only create beats but also craft melodic basslines, transcending genres. As a result, the "808 sound" became a cultural phenomenon, profoundly influencing music production across hip-hop, electronic, and pop genres, leaving a lasting mark on the industry.

How to make hard hitting 808s

Producing ground-shaking beats requires mastering the art of 808s. But how can you achieve that booming 808 sound? In this section we’ll cover tips, techniques, sample packs, and plugins you can use in Pro Tools to create hard hitting 808s for your track. Let's dive in! Here are the fundamental steps for crafting hard-hitting 808s:

1. Find the right 808 sound

The first step in creating a powerful 808 beat is mastering the sound selection process which, in this case, involves picking the best 808 sound for your beat. Whether you create one from scratch or build a collection of 808 samples, choosing the right sound is essential for achieving clarity and impact. It's also important to consider how other sounds in your mix will interact with your 808. A busy arrangement or too many sounds in the same frequency range can muffle the 808, preventing it from delivering that hard-hitting punch.

When looking for the perfect 808, think about the sound characteristics that best match your track. Listening to a song that captures the vibe you’re going for can be a great guide. Consider whether you need an 808 that’s sharp and punchy or one that’s smooth and extends with a long, fading tail.

Creating an 808 with a Synthesizer

If you’re using a synthesizer to create an 808 from scratch, launch a synth plugin and select a sine or triangle wave oscillator as your sound source. These waveforms produce a pure and clean tone—ideal for establishing the foundation of your 808.

808 Samples

If you prefer using 808 samples, get started by downloading the Ultra 808s and 808 Mutations sample packs from the latest Sonic Drop, available for free through your Avid Link account. Each pack provides a broad selection of 808 samples, helping you find the perfect sound for your project.

Once downloaded, open the SoundBase Workspace in Pro Tools to browse through your sound library and audition 808 samples within the context of your track. This workflow provides a quick and efficient way of selecting sounds that go well with your production. Once you’ve chosen your preferred 808 sample, drag it into your DAW timeline or sampler of choice.

2. Shape the amplitude envelope

If you’re using a synthesizer to create your sounds, the amplitude envelope is a vital tool for shaping how your 808's volume changes over time. This is crucial for attaining the specific character you desire for your bass, whether your goal is punchy and hard-hitting 808s or smooth and sustained ones.

 

Here are some tips for shaping the amplitude envelope of your sound depending on the sound you want to achieve:

• Attack: Adjust the attack time to control how quickly the 808 sound reaches its peak volume after a note is triggered. For a classic 808 with a punchy attack, set a relatively short attack time (e.g., 10-20 ms). This creates a sharp and immediate initial impact.
• Decay: The decay time determines how long the 808's volume holds at its peak before beginning to fade. Longer decay times can result in a sustained, booming 808, while shorter decay times create a tighter, more defined sound. Experiment with different decay lengths to match your track's style.
• Sustain: Use the sustain level to set the volume at which the 808 holds after the initial decay phase. Lower sustain levels produce a quicker drop in volume, ideal for creating a percussive, hard-hitting 808. Higher sustain levels can extend the sound's duration for a more sustained, sub-bass feel.
• Release: Adjust the release time to control how long it takes for the sound to fade out after you release the note. A shorter release time keeps the sound tight and controlled, while longer release times can add a sense of space and depth to the 808. Fine-tune the release to suit the context of your track.

How to make 808s not overlap

To prevent 808 overlap and ensure each note stands out distinctly, create space between your notes by adjusting the release times on synthesizers or applying fade-outs to 808 samples. This technique allows the current note to fade cleanly before the next one hits. Moreover, ensure your notes trigger in mono mode, ensuring that each note cuts off before the next one starts, resulting in a more defined and uncluttered bassline in your mix.

How to make your 808s longer

To extend the duration of your 808s, adjust the release phase of the amplitude envelope. By increasing the release time, you allow the 808 sound to continue after the note has been played, giving it a longer tail.

How to make 808s hit hard

To make your 808s hit hard and punch through the mix, emphasize the attack and decay phases of the amplitude envelope. Shorten the attack time for a sharp initial impact, giving your 808s a punchy quality. Adjust the decay time to find the right balance between sustain and a tight, defined sound. Combining a short attack with a controlled decay can help your 808s cut through the mix with power and clarity. Additionally, ensure that the 808's fundamental frequency (usually around 40-60 Hz) is not masked by other elements in the mix.

3. Use pitch envelope modulation

Next, if you’re creating an 808 sound from scratch, you’ll want to create the signature 808 "attack" that is characterized by a sharp, instantaneous increase in pitch at the beginning of the sound. You can do this by assigning a modulation envelope to the pitch. Then set a fast attack time on the modulation envelope which will cause the pitch to rise rapidly as soon as the note is triggered. This initial pitch bend creates a strong and punchy attack that grabs the listener's attention.

4. Add harmonic distortion to cut through the mix

Harmonic distortion is a key technique to make your 808s more audible on smaller speakers and headphones while adding character. Here's how to use it effectively:

• Choose the Right Plugin: Consider using plugins like White Boost, AIR Enhancer, or AIR Distortion in Pro Tools to introduce harmonics.
• White Boost Pedal: Applying the White Boost pedal to your 808 can add harmonic enhancement, helping it cut through the mix and infusing warmth and character.
• AIR Distortion: AIR Distortion offers various distortion algorithms. Experiment with different types, such as tube or saturation-style distortion to complement your 808. Adjust the "Drive" or "Saturation" control incrementally until you achieve the desired harmonics without overdoing it.

The goal is to enhance your 808 without drastically altering its character. Careful harmonic adjustment with tools like AIR Distortion breathes life into your 808, making it more impactful and versatile in your mix.

5. Layer your 808 for texture

Layering is a powerful technique in music production where you combine multiple sound sources to create a richer, more complex, and unique audio texture. When applied to 808s, layering can add depth, character, and impact to your low-end frequencies. Here's how to effectively use layering with 808s in Pro Tools:

• Select complimentary sounds: Start by choosing sound sources that will layer well with your primary 808. Make sure these layers don’t clash in the frequency spectrum to help maintain clarity and avoid muddiness in your mix. Save the sub frequencies for the 808 and add texture in the mids and highs.
• Texture: Different layers can provide various textural elements to your 808. For example, one layer may add a gritty or distorted texture, while another can introduce warmth or a live, organic feel. Experiment with different textures to achieve the sonic character you want.
• Stereo placement: Consider the stereo placement of your layered 808s. Some layers can be panned slightly left or right to widen the stereo image. This can create a sense of space and dimension, enhancing the overall impact.
• Balance the Levels: Adjust the volume levels of each layer to achieve the desired balance. The primary 808 should remain the dominant element, while the additional layers contribute to the overall texture. Use your ears and visual meters in Pro Tools to strike the right balance.

6. Make your 808s slide between notes

One common effect in trap music is 808 glides. 808 glides involve changing the pitch of a bass note in a smooth and seamless manner, creating a sliding or bending effect. This effect can be applied upward (upward glide) or downward (downward glide) and is often used to transition between notes.

 

You can make your 808s slide between notes by using your synthesizer’s built in portamento parameter, the pitch bend wheel, or your DAWs automation lanes to modulate pitch over time.

• Portamento: To create 808 slides in a synthesizer enable portamento, adjust the glide time, and trigger MIDI notes for real-time, expressive pitch bends. It's great for straightforward glides.
• Pitch bend wheel: If you have a MIDI controller, consider recording pitch bends using the pitch bend wheel for a more hands-on approach.
• Automation lanes: Another way to create 808 pitch slides is to use DAW automation lanes. This method offers precise control over glide curves and durations, allowing for intricate and dynamic patterns. If you have a MIDI controller, pitch bends can also be recorded with the pitch bend wheel, offering a hands-on approach.

7. Choose the right pitch and frequency range for your 808s

After selecting your 808 sound, the next step is composing a bass line. It’s important to choose the right key and frequency range to ensure your 808s hit hard and sound good on different playback systems. The sweet spot for 808s usually falls in the sub-bass region, below 80 Hz, with the most effective frequencies often between 30-60 Hz. This range adds depth and weight to your tracks.

Be careful not to tune your 808s too low, as you may lose the higher frequencies that ensure clarity on smaller speakers, like those on laptops and phones. Likewise, higher pitches can strip away the powerful boom that 808s are known for. Strive for a balance where your 808s are powerful yet clear, cutting through the mix without overpowering it. Don't hesitate to experiment with different pitches, using a keyboard or MIDI editor to find the best fit for your track.

By selecting the right frequency range for your 808s, you'll ensure that they not only sound great but also deliver the desired impact, making your tracks stand out on various listening devices.

8. Arrange 808s for optimal clarity

Once you've programmed your 808 pattern, you may need to make tweaks or different variations so that the pattern complements other elements in your composition. Without proper arrangement, you may have other instruments masking your 808, or you may have an 808 that overpowers other elements in the mix. Here are some tips to arrange your 808s effectively:

• Creating Space in the Frequency Spectrum : Keep the low-end clear by not crowding it with too many bass-heavy elements. This prevents your 808s from being masked by other sounds, allowing them to punch through clearly.
• Contrast and Spacing : Space your 808s strategically throughout the track. By keeping them sparse during verses and emphasizing them in transitions and choruses, you create contrast that makes each hit more impactful. This approach ensures the 808s stand out dramatically when they do hit.
• Complementing the Drums : Align your 808s with the kick drum to reinforce the rhythm. Since the 808 often serves as both the bass and kick, synchronize them to create a cohesive and powerful beat.

9. Save your preset

Once you’ve created an 808 sound you like, save it as a preset within your synth or sampler or as a track preset in Pro Tools. This way, you can easily access and reuse your customized 808 sound in future projects.

Download Your 808 Sonic Drop

Understanding the fundamentals of 808 drums can help you produce better beats, and experimenting in the studio is one of the best ways to learn how to incorporate these iconic sounds into your music production workflows. If you have Pro Tools subscription, download the Ultra 808s and 808 Mutations Sonic Drops via your Avid Link account to get started creating with 808s.