make my bass sound like an 808 kick?

[CRTL+ALT+DEL]

[CRTL+ALT+DEL]

mad scientist
May 25, 2008
201
23
4,551
Brooklyn
#1
hey friends. i'm building a sub bass, (still, i'm 3 years behind schedule)...

anyone know how to imitate an 808 kick on bass, recommended eq settings, gear? i imagine a compressor, a string mute of sorts. a low pass filter. what else? a mantic density hulk? of course that last part i'm unsure of, i don't know if it just generates subs at a set frequency(not what i want) or if it just really boosts those frequencies from you signal (exactly what i want). the idea being able to make 808 like sounds with all the dynamic movement of a real bass. i'd think fretless would also be beneficial to do like those drum and bass slidy sounds.

any thoughts? especially besides, "if you want to make 808 sounds, get an 808"
 
#3
good point on the attack filter. i'm definitely going to add that. as well as probably taped flatwounds.

although i was talking about using a sub bass guitar, not a synth. and correct me if i'm wrong but the meatbox generates a synth tone at a certain frequency, like it's agnostic to what note you're playing. that's kinda why i'm wondering if the mantic would be useful or not. on the meatbox you play B# or D, it adds say a 30hz frequency. and although that would probably make a more authentic 808 sample button sound. i was looking to do drum and bass glissando and such. kinda my whole point of doing it on a bass
 
  • Like
Reactions: knumbskull
#7
it's all good. i think this is one of those situations where the method to skinning the cat can be easily found but i'm trying to do it in a totally different way one the hope that it's way more better. considering how many people have mega long scale basses tuned super low i prolly wont find anyone doing exactly what i'm mentally experimenting with yet. more reason for my to finish my sub bass and get it produced somewheres. and then i will post all sorts of experiments
 
  • Like
Reactions: knumbskull
#8
ah right, gotcha. yes, an octave down effect is probably not good if you're using a sub contra tuned bass!

you could also try and DOD FX25 filter with the controls rolled all the way off. it won't give you a perfect sine wave, but it does give you a clean, super dubby low end boost that could be quite 808-ish. especially if you're doing slides/dives etc.

(i don't work for DOD, i promise...)
 
  • Like
Reactions: [CRTL+ALT+DEL]
#9
Ultimately you need a few things:

Volume Envelope - either how you play, or an automated solution like the Sneak Attack.

Low Pass Filter or EQ, or both. Really a Low Pass tuned to the right frequency with a bit of resonance and dynamic filter influence is easiest, and thickest. An EQ like the Thug or any decent EQ will work to boost the lows.

Frequency generator. You could cheat with a self oscillating low pass filter (which sounds awesome for this) or as you are striving for, just the note played on the bass. As you mentioned, a compressor is goin to help with sustain, and consistency.

Having a fretless is critical. edit: or some strategic string bending.

But if you are completely a purist you only really need a low pass filter (tone knob rolled off), some kind of muting of the strings, and finger technique. You will get close no doubt, but there is a certain tone to an 808, so that's where the other pedal solutions would get you.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: [CRTL+ALT+DEL] and knumbskull
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top Bottom
Back