Adjust 808 attack for better kick contrast
Problem: Kick and 808 compete for low-end space
Reducing the attack of the 808 allows the kick to stand out more in the mix. This subtle adjustment creates a rhythmic contrast between the 808's sustained low-end and the kick's sharp transient. The technique is useful…
Use fast attack compression on 808 to enhance kick punch
Problem: Kick lacks punch in dense low-end
The speaker applies a compressor with a fast attack and medium release to the 808 to create contrast with the kick. This emphasizes the kick's transient by reducing the 808's initial energy, making the kick feel more…
Alternative: Use transient shaper for 808/kick contrast
Problem: Over-compression of 808
The speaker suggests using a transient shaper as an alternative to compression for shaping the 808's attack. This allows for more precise control over the transient's amplitude without affecting the sustain. It's a…
Use a transient shaper to adjust 808 attack for better kick separation
Problem: 808 and kick competing in low end
The 808's attack can be subtly adjusted using a transient shaper to prevent it from masking the kick. By slightly delaying the 808's transient, the kick gains more punch without losing the 808's presence. This is…
Create glitch sounds using Serum 2's spectral option with 808 samples
Problem: lack of unique glitch textures in basslines
Drag an 808 sample into Serum 2's spectral section, warp it, and apply filters, LFO modulation, distortion, and compression to create a glitchy, textured sound. This technique leverages Serum 2's spectral processing…
Trigger an 808 bass via a separate MIDI channel
Problem: lack of layered bass depth
Using a dedicated MIDI channel to trigger an 808 bass allows for layered bass sounds with greater control. This technique is useful for adding depth and punch to low-end frequencies. The 808's sub-bass frequencies can be…
Use two methods to create 808s: drag-and-drop samples or MIDI with Simpler
Problem: limited 808 customization
The speaker outlines two approaches for generating 808 basslines: 1) Dragging pre-recorded samples into the timeline, and 2) Using Simpler on a MIDI track to draw notes in the piano roll. Both methods are valid, with the…
Layer tonal elements to add depth and uniqueness to drums
Problem: thin or generic-sounding drums
Layering tonal sounds like 808 congas, vinyl crackle, or pitched vocals with drum samples adds depth, character, and uniqueness. The example of layering an 808 conga tuned to the track's key demonstrates how tonal…
Side chain the 808 to the kick to avoid clipping
Problem: clipping from overlapping low-end frequencies
When the 808 and kick are both present, they can cause clipping due to overlapping low frequencies. By side chaining the 808 to the kick, the 808 is momentarily ducked whenever the kick hits, preventing the two from…
Use a saturator to enhance sub bass presence on low-end speakers
Problem: sub bass not audible on low-end speakers
Adding a saturator to the 808 introduces harmonic distortion, which can make the sub bass more audible on low-fidelity speakers like phones or laptops. This technique adds body and warmth to the low end without…
Use an 808 on the biggest section of the song for maximum impact
Problem: lack of impact, weak low-end
Using an 808 on the biggest section of the song, such as the chorus or drop, can add maximum impact and fullness to the track. The speaker demonstrates this by using an 808 in Massive after the bass comes in. This…
Use a sine wave for 808 bass
Problem: weak or undefined sub bass
Sine waves are ideal for 808 bass because they produce a narrow frequency band that is focused and suitable for sub bass. This lack of sharp edges ensures the sound is smooth and deep, which is essential for the…
Turn off sustain for 808 decay
Problem: 808 lacks natural decay
To create the characteristic decay of an 808, the sustain should be turned off. This allows the sound to naturally fade out, giving it a more organic and punchy feel. This is a key step in shaping the 808's envelope and…
Use distortion to shape 808 character
Problem: 808 lacks character or presence
Distortion is crucial in defining the character of an 808. By applying distortion, especially tube or tape distortion, you can add warmth and depth to the sound. This helps the 808 stand out in the mix and gives it a…
Experiment with different distortion types for unique 808 sounds
Problem: 808 lacks uniqueness or creativity
Different types of distortion, such as tube, tape, or unique plugins like 'sine fold' in Serum, can drastically change the character of an 808. This allows for a wide range of creative possibilities and helps producers…
Layer multiple distortion plugins for more complex 808 tones
Problem: 808 lacks depth or complexity
Adding multiple distortion plugins can create more complex and layered 808 tones. This technique allows for greater control over the sound's character and can help achieve a more aggressive or textured bass sound. It's a…
Use a sine wave with saturation and distortion for 808s
Problem: 808s lack depth and character
Starting with a clean sine wave for 808s provides a solid foundation. By applying different saturation and distortion plugins, you can add character and uniqueness to the sound. This technique is especially useful for…
Use a bass guitar or 808 for the bass line if available
Problem: lack of authentic bass line
If you have a bass guitar, playing the bass line yourself can add authenticity to the track. If not, using a synth or 808 is a great alternative. This is especially common in genres like house and trance where the bass…