How to Create a Tuned 808 Bass [Free Weekly Ableton Rack #36]

The iconic Roland 808 drum machine is a staple in modern music.  Each sound is loaded with character and can be found across many musical genres.  This week I spent some time with samples of the heavy hitting bass drum.  The result is a Free Ableton Live Device Rack that allows you to play the bass drum like an instrument.  I've tuned the bass drum and spread it out over the keyboard to create a bass instrument that allows your bass drum to play in key with your songs and even play melodies.  To help give it some punch, I have fortified it with an additional 808 bass drum sample (get some 808 samples here from Synthtopia!) and a sample made with Ableton's Operator.  These two layers add a more high end "click" sound to the bass drum notes, helping to round out the sound and add definition to the low end melodies.  In the accompanying video, I take you through how I created it, so you can mimic this idea with any sample you like, and then explain how the device rack is set up.  So get your subs out and get ready to shake the neighborhood as we dive in to some serious lo frequency madness! 

If you like this rack, please stop by my store for a look at some of my premium Ableton Live Device Racks, thanks for your support :)

Have a Great Week!