What Is An 808? The Roland TR-808 drum machine birthed this iconic sound, now a cornerstone of hip-hop and electronic music. Discover its history, features, and how to create your own hard-hitting 808s with WHAT.EDU.VN. Learn about 808 bass, 808 samples, and the impact of this revolutionary sound with tutorials, tips, and the best VST plugins.
1. Unveiling the 808: A Deep Dive into its Origins and Evolution
The Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer, released in the early 1980s, is more than just a drum machine; it’s a cultural icon. The “808” sound, initially referring to the machine’s distinct bass drum, has become synonymous with deep, resonant bass in modern music. This section explores the original TR-808, its unique sound-generating hardware, and its unexpected journey from commercial failure to legendary status.
The Roland TR-808, despite its initial lukewarm reception, boasted several distinctive drum samples, including the now-famous 808 kick drum. Beyond this signature sound, the TR-808 offered a diverse palette of percussive elements:
- Kick
- Snare
- High Tom
- Mid Tom
- Low Tom
- Cowbell
- Clap
- Closed Hat
- Open Hat
- High Conga
- Mid Conga
- Low Conga
- Rimshot
- Clave
- Maraca
- Cymbals
The original 808 sound was crafted with static noise as its foundation, meticulously designed to emulate the sound of a beater striking a resonant drum head. This resulted in a sound characterized by a fast, sharp attack followed by a short decay.
Roland TR-808 Drum Machine
Today, 808 sounds have evolved dramatically. A quick search on platforms like Splice reveals countless reinterpretations of the 808, often heavily processed with compression, distortion, and transient shaping.
2. A Brief History of the 808: From Robot Toy to Hip-Hop Staple
Initially dismissed as a mere “robot toy,” the Roland TR-808 found its niche in the underground music scene. Compared to the Linn LM-1, a more expensive and “high-fidelity” drum machine, the TR-808 offered affordability ($1,200 vs. $5,000) and a more intuitive interface. It featured 16 pre-loaded analog sounds.
Pioneering hip-hop producers in the 80s and 90s recognized the unique potential of the 808. Afrika Bambaataa’s “Planet Rock” (1982) is widely credited as one of the first major hip-hop tracks to feature the 808, forever changing the soundscape of the genre. Despite discontinuing the TR-808 in 1983, Roland followed up with the TR-909 in 1984, the first drum machine with MIDI.
The rise of samplers and DAWs led to a decline in standalone drum machines. However, vintage drum machines, including the TR-808, have seen a resurgence. This article from WHAT.EDU.VN aims to tell you everything you need to know about the history of one of the most influential drum machines of all time.
3. Crafting Your Own 808s: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating impactful 808s for your tracks doesn’t require owning a vintage TR-808. Millions of 808 samples are readily available online. Here’s a guide to crafting powerful 808s:
3.1 Finding the Right Sample
The foundation of a great 808 sound is a high-quality sample. Don’t waste time trying to polish a poorly recorded or weak-sounding sample. Explore the stock 808 sounds in your DAW or delve into online libraries like Splice for a wider selection.
3.2 Sampling and Tuning
Tuning is paramount, as 808s are built with sub oscillators that can be tuned to specific pitches. An out-of-tune 808 will clash with your track’s key. Determine the key of your track using online resources and then adjust the tuning of your 808 sample in a digital sampler.
3.3 Fitting Your 808 Within the Mix
An 808 that sounds impressive in isolation may not translate well within a full mix. Aim for a fundamental frequency between 30Hz and 60Hz. If your bassline and kick drum occupy the same frequency range, use EQ to carve out space for each element. Often, this involves reducing some low-end frequencies in your bass and kick to allow the 808 to shine.
3.4 Shaping Your 808 with ADSR
The ADSR (Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release) envelope controls the dynamic characteristics of your 808. A fast attack is generally desirable for a hard-hitting 808. However, if you’re using a kick drum alongside your 808, consider slightly decreasing the attack time to allow the kick to punch through before the 808 enters. Experiment with the decay, sustain, and release parameters to create an 808 that pulses in time with your track.
3.5 Experimenting with Sound Design
Develop your unique 808 signature. Explore techniques like distortion, compression, saturation, and filtering to sculpt your 808s and make them stand out.
4. The Features of the Roland TR-808: More Than Just a Bass Drum
The TR-808 was a versatile drum machine, offering a wide array of sounds and features beyond the iconic 808 bass drum. Its sounds include snares, toms, claves, cowbell, hi-hats, cymbals, and handclaps. The “TR” in TR-808 stands for “transistor rhythm,” reflecting the machine’s use of transistors to create a step sequencer. This allowed producers to program up to 32 unique patterns. The CR-78 feature enabled producers to place accents on individual drum sounds. The TR-808’s numerous audio outputs, DIN sync, and volume knobs allowed producers to synchronize it with other synthesizers and musical equipment.
5. The Enduring Legacy of the 808: From Underground to Mainstream
While initially overlooked by the mainstream music industry, the TR-808 found a home with underground hip-hop and electronic music artists due to its affordability. As more underground artists embraced the TR-808, its sounds gradually permeated mainstream music. Artists like LL Cool J, Whitney Houston, Marvin Gaye, Public Enemy, and Run-DMC incorporated the TR-808 into their productions.
The UK electronic music group 808 State further popularized the Roland TR-808 in early dance music. The 808 continued to influence music production through the new wave era and into the age of acid house and rave culture.
6. Iconic Songs That Showcase the 808 Sound
Many songs reference the 808 sound in their lyrics, including tracks by Lil Wayne, Kanye West, Outkast, Kelis, and the Beastie Boys. However, the true testament to the 808’s success lies in its prominent use in countless popular songs. Here are a few notable examples:
6.1 Sexual Healing – Marvin Gaye
Marvin Gaye’s “Sexual Healing” marked a pivotal moment for electronic percussion in popular music. Released in 1982, the song featured a unique combination of 808s and hyperactive guitar parts, establishing Gaye as a pioneer in utilizing the TR-808.
6.2 I Wanna Dance With Somebody – Whitney Houston
The Roland TR-808 dominated the music industry by the late 80s. Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” prominently featured the TR-808 in its opening bars.
6.3 Let The Beat Build – Lil Wayne
Lil Wayne’s The Carter III showcased his affinity for the TR-808, particularly in “Let The Beat Build,” which heavily featured TR-808 samples.
6.4 Love Lockdown – Kanye West
Kanye West’s 808s & Heartbreak album marked a significant shift in his musical style. “Love Lockdown,” like many tracks on the album, featured an instantly recognizable 808 beat.
6.5 Drunk in Love – Beyonce
Beyonce’s “Drunk In Love” from her 2013 BEYONCE album is an instant classic. The song features harsh, heavily-processed 808s that push speakers to their limits.
7. Understanding the Difference Between an 808 and a Kick Drum
While the term “808” originally referred to the entire TR-808 machine, it’s now commonly used to describe the bass sound, often paired with a kick drum. The original TR-808 kick was a kick drum, not the bass sound we associate with the term today.
The primary distinction between a kick drum and an 808 is that the kick provides the initial attack for the low-end, while the 808 provides the sustained bass sound that follows the initial kick. An 808 has a specific pitch that can be manipulated to create basslines.
8. Exploring 808 VST Plugins: Emulating the Classic Sound in the Digital Realm
Finding a vintage TR-808 can be difficult. Thankfully, numerous VST plugins offer authentic 808 sounds. Here are some of the best 808 VST plugins:
8.1 Future Audio Workshop SubLab
SubLab is specifically designed for creating 808s. It combines an X-Sub bass synth layer with an analog synth, offering an intuitive interface with oscillator waveform and spectrogram displays.
8.2 Niche Audio Planet 808
Planet 808 provides pre-processed 808 drum kits tailored to various genres. The kits offer a range of pitches, making it easy to integrate them into your productions. The plugin is optimized for Maschine and Ableton Live.
8.3 Wave Alchemy Revolution
Revolution aims to be a sonically accurate virtual drum machine. It includes emulations of classic drum machines, including the 909, 78, 606, and OB-DX. The TR-808 sounds are particularly impressive. The plugin features thousands of 808 sounds and samples, capturing subtle variations for added realism. The sounds were recorded using a NEVE 1073 preamp and Radial JDI, ensuring a full frequency response. Revolution allows you to mix and match iconic sounds to create custom kits.
9. Frequently Asked Questions About 808s
Here are some common questions about 808s, answered to help you better understand this iconic sound:
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is 808 a Bass or Kick? | In modern music, “808” typically refers to the 808 bass sound. The original TR-808 sound was a kick drum, distinct from modern 808 bass. |
| Who Invented the 808 Beat? | Ikutaro Kahehashi and the Roland Corporation invented the 808 beat in 1980. However, the way the TR-808 is used has changed significantly over time. |
| What Are The Effects of 808? | When mixed and tuned correctly, 808 bass can be extremely powerful, with impactful low-end and a hard-hitting attack. |
| What 808 Do Producers Use? | Producers use various 808 samples, often sourced from sample packs rather than original drum machines. |
| How Loud Should Your 808 Be? | Aim for an 808 level similar to or slightly quieter than your kick drum. Overly loud 808s can lead to muddy mixes. |
| Do You Have To Sidechain Kick and 808? | Sidechaining the 808 to the kick can help the kick cut through the mix, especially when the kick has a sharp transient. |
| Should Your 808 Be Mono? | Low-frequency 808 sounds are generally best in mono. You can create a stereo effect by layering a high-passed, processed copy of the 808 over the mono low-end. |
| Should You EQ Your 808 Bass? | EQ is essential for ensuring the 808 sits well within the mix. Use subtractive EQ (e.g., a hi-pass filter) to reduce muddiness or additive EQ (around 400-800Hz) to add grit if needed. |
| Do Producers Use 808 Samples? | Yes, 808 samples are a staple in modern music production across various genres. |
| Can You Pan 808? | It’s generally better to keep 808s in mono to avoid a skewed stereo image. The same principle applies to kick drums, bass, and snares. A centered foundation helps your track hit harder. |
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