What is 808?
The term 808 is often used to describe the kick drum in a song because of the TR-808 drum machine's deep, bass-heavy sound. So, when you see 808 mentioned, it usually refers to the deep kick drum in the track.
The 808 is mostly used in certain genres of music, particularly hip-hop, electronic, and dance music. Its distinctive sound has shaped the sonic landscape of these genres, and it continues to be a staple in music production today.
The history of the 808
The Roland TR-808 was introduced in 1980 by the Roland Corporation, a Japanese company known for its electronic musical instruments. It was one of the first drum machines to allow users to program their own rhythms rather than relying on preset patterns.
Despite its initial commercial failure due to its unrealistic drum sounds, the 808 gained popularity in the mid to late 1980s. It was embraced by musicians and producers who were drawn to its unique sounds and programmability.
The sound of the 808
The Roland TR-808 is renowned for its distinctive, synthetic drum sounds. The kick drum, in particular, is famous for its deep, booming bass that can be heard in countless tracks across various genres.
While the 808's sounds are synthetic and do not closely resemble real drums, they have a unique character that has become highly sought after. The sounds are punchy and clear, cutting through the mix in a way that real drums often cannot.
The impact of the 808
The Roland TR-808 has had a profound impact on music production and the development of various music genres. It has been used extensively in hip-hop, electronic, and dance music, and its influence can be heard in the music of countless artists.
One of the reasons for the TR-808's enduring popularity is its versatility. It can be used to create a wide range of rhythms and sounds, making it suitable for many different styles of music. Its sounds have become iconic, instantly recognizable to many listeners, especially the bass drum:
Using the 808 in music production
If you're looking to use the iconic 808 bass kick drum sound in your music production, you have a few options. You can try to track down the original Roland TR-808 drum machine, though it’s rare and can be very expensive. Alternatively, you can choose from a wide variety of virtual plugins that replicate the 808 sound, which can easily be integrated into your DAW. Another option is to get 808 sounds from a sample pack, although this won’t offer the same level of control as using the original machine or a plugin.
For those who love experimenting with sound, you could even try to recreate the classic 808 using sound-synthesizing software like Serum or Vital.
