How to Make HARD HITTING 808s EASY (FL Studio)

This article talks about how to make 808s sound hard and punchy in FL Studio 20. It covers some simple tricks like cutting the sound, adding distortion, and using EQ to get that deep, rumbling bass. You'll also learn about layering a kick drum underneath for extra impact.

Getting Your 808s to Hit Hard

When you're trying to get a really strong 808 sound, there are a few things you can do. It's not just about picking a good 808 sample; it's also about how you process it. A lot of people wonder how to get that punchy, hard-hitting sound, and it's actually pretty straightforward once you know the tricks.

Key Takeaways

• Cut the Sound: Make sure your 808 doesn't linger too long. This helps it sound tighter and more impactful.
• Add Distortion: A little bit of distortion can make a huge difference in how hard your 808 hits. It adds grit and presence.
• Use EQ: Shaping the frequencies with an EQ is important. You can cut out high-end frequencies to get a deeper, more focused bass sound.
• Layer with a Kick: Adding a kick drum underneath your 808 can give it more weight and punch, especially if you EQ the kick properly.

The Process: Step-by-Step

Let's break down how to get that powerful 808 sound. We'll start with a basic 808 and then add some effects to make it really stand out.

1. Start with a Good Sample: Pick an 808 that already has some good qualities. The D-Cap pack has some nice ones.
2. Cut the 808: This is a simple but important step. You want to make sure the 808 sound doesn't drag on. This makes it sound cleaner and more defined.
3. Add Fruity Fast Distortion: Go into your mixer and add a Fruity Fast Distortion effect. This is a great way to make your 808 sound more aggressive and present. You can adjust the amount to your liking.
4. Use Fruity Parametric EQ: This is where you shape the sound. Here's how:
   • Open Fruity Parametric EQ.
   • Click the top button to access presets.
   • Select the "20 Hz + 18 kHz cut" preset. This helps clean up the sound.
   • Take out some of the high-end frequencies. This will give you that deep, rumbling bass that's popular in modern music.

Layering with a Kick Drum

Another great trick is to layer a kick drum underneath your 808. This adds another layer of punch and depth. Here's how to do it:

1. Add a Kick Drum: Place a kick drum sound in your track.
2. Cut the Kick: Just like with the 808, make sure the kick sound is tight and doesn't linger.
3. EQ the Kick: Go into Fruity Parametric EQ for the kick. You can use the same "20 Hz + 18 kHz cut" preset or adjust it to complement your 808. The goal is to make them work together, not against each other.

By following these steps, you'll notice a big difference in how your 808s sound. They'll go from sounding okay to sounding hard-hitting and professional. It's all about using the right tools and techniques to shape your sound.