Why is the 808 so popular?

Over the course of the 1980s, the 808 attracted a cult following among underground musicians for its affordability on the used market, ease of use and idiosyncratic sounds, particularly its deep, booming bass drum.

How much does a Roland TR-808 cost?

“The market value for a TR-808 goes for around $3,500 to $4,000.” Myers told THUMP by phone. “They’re not impossible to find nor is it vital to have one to get its sounds.” Main Drag has sold more than a few 808s in the past few years, during which time he says he has seen more and more come in.

Why is 808 bass so popular?

How and why did the 808 become the top drum machine and launch a whole new style of booming bass sounds? The simplest answer is that due to its unique and unusual kick drum circuit design, it has an objectively deeper and more pleasing sound than any other machine.

What does 808 mean in music?

As such, 808 has become slang for a “beat” or “track.” The phrase “heart beating like an 808” is especially common in pop songs. Because of its prevalence in lyrics, people who aren’t musicians or producers may still understand the reference to the 808 as a drum sound.

Is 808 a bass or kick?

The difference between an 808 and a kick drum is that an 808 refers to just the low-end bass sounds that emanate from the kick, but not the attack of the kick drum. In other words, an 808 is the bass – the sound and frequency – whereas the kick refers to the actual kick drum or VST.

Who started using 808s?

His name was Afrika Bambaataa, and his 1982 masterstroke “Planet Rock” is widely believed to be the first hip-hop single to utilize the 808.

How long did 808s take to make?

three weeks
808s & Heartbreak was their first collaboration, and likely the most memorable. “It was probably the easiest Kanye West record that ever got made,” he said. “It flowed the most effortlessly because we basically did it in three weeks.” Ten years after its release, 808s & Heartbreak is an absolute.

What music uses 808?

The history of the Roland TR-808 in eight iconic tracks

• Marvin Gaye – ‘Sexual Healing’ (1982)
• Beastie Boys – ‘Paul Revere’ (1986)
• Whitney Houston – ‘I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)’ (1987)
• 808 State – ‘Flow Coma’ (1988)
• Aphex Twin – ‘Xtal’ (1992)
• Outkast – ‘The Way You Move’ (2003)

What rappers use 808s?

What songs did Kid Cudi write on 808s?

Credited for co-writing Heartless, Welcome To Heartbreak, Paranoid and Robocop, Cudi hints in an interview with Complex that the summation of his input extended beyond this. From the distorted vocals on Amazing to the tenderness of Love Lockdown, Cudi’s presence is never far.

Do you need bass if you have 808?

For the most part, you won’t hear anyone call the bass an “808” in genres like rock, metal, jazz, or anything else like that because they mean entirely different things. 808s are commonly the bass and kick drum working together, and not just a specific instrument like the bass, double bass, or cello.

Should you compress 808s?

When the 808 lacks in top-end attack and is too round with too little definition, I’ll use Smack Attack to shape the initial transients and sometimes even exaggerate the tails. Remember that compression is your best friend when it comes to 808s.