808s with Late Attack: A Comprehensive Guide to the Iconic Drum Machine

Introduction

The Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer, affectionately known as the "808," is a legendary drum machine that has left an indelible mark on the music industry. Its distinct 808 bass drum, with its late attack and punchy thump, has become synonymous with genres such as hip-hop, rap, and techno. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the world of the 808s with late attack, exploring its history, technical specifications, sonic characteristics, and practical applications.

History and Origins

The Roland TR-808 was released in 1980 and was initially met with skepticism due to its unconventional design and quirky sounds. However, over time, its unique character and versatility gained popularity among musicians, producers, and engineers.

The late attack of the 808 bass drum was a result of a design flaw in the original sequencer. When a bass drum trigger was received, the sequencer would wait a short delay before sending a signal to the sound generator. This delay created the characteristic "thump" sound that became the signature of the 808.

Technical Specifications

The Roland TR-808 is a digital drum machine with 12 drum sounds, including the iconic bass drum, snare drum, tom-toms, hi-hats, cymbals, and various percussion instruments. It features a 16-step sequencer, allowing users to create and arrange drum patterns.

Sound Generation: The 808 uses analog synthesis to generate its sounds, giving them a warm and organic character. The bass drum, in particular, is created using a combination of a pulse wave and a noise generator.

Attack Time: The attack time of the 808 bass drum is approximately 30 milliseconds, which is significantly longer than most other drum machines at the time. This delay creates the distinct "late attack" sound that has become so recognizable.

Frequency Range: The frequency range of the 808 bass drum extends from 50Hz to 150Hz, giving it a deep and resonant tone that can cut through dense mixes.

Sonic Characteristics

The 808s with late attack have several distinct sonic characteristics that have made them so popular in various genres of music:

• Punchy: The long attack time allows the bass drum to build up gradually, creating a powerful and punchy impact that can drive a track forward.
• Sub-bass: The low frequency range of the 808 bass drum provides a solid foundation for the rest of the music, creating a sense of depth and fullness.
• Warm and Organic: The analog synthesis used by the 808 gives its sounds a warm and organic character, which adds a human element to electronic music.
• Versatile: The 808s with late attack can be used in a wide range of genres, from hip-hop and rap to techno and ambient music. Their versatility makes them a staple in the toolkits of many producers and engineers.

Practical Applications

The 808s with late attack have been used extensively in countless recordings throughout history. Some notable examples include:

• "Planet Rock" by Afrika Bambaataa (1982): One of the earliest and most iconic examples of the 808 bass drum.
• "It Takes Two" by Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock (1988): A classic hip-hop track that features a driving 808 beat.
• "Straight Outta Compton" by N.W.A (1988): A groundbreaking rap album that heavily utilized the 808 bass drum to create a hard-hitting and aggressive sound.
• "Blue Monday" by New Order (1983): A seminal techno track that features a hypnotic 808 bassline.
• "Inner City Life" by Inner City (1988): A classic house music track that showcases the versatility of the 808 bass drum in a dance music context.

Tips and Tricks

• Use Compression to Enhance Punch: Compressing the 808 bass drum can help to increase its punch and presence in a mix.
• Add Distortion for Aggression: Adding distortion to the 808 bass drum can give it a more aggressive and distorted sound, perfect for heavy genres like metal and dubstep.
• Experiment with EQ to Tailor the Sound: EQing the 808 bass drum can help to shape its tone and fit it into a specific mix. Boosting the low frequencies can add warmth and depth, while cutting the high frequencies can reduce muddiness.
• Layer with Other Drums to Create Complex Rhythms: Layering the 808 bass drum with other drum sounds, such as kick drums and snares, can create complex and interesting rhythms.
• Use as a Sub-Bass Instrument: The low frequency range of the 808 bass drum makes it an effective sub-bass instrument, providing a solid foundation for electronic music tracks.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Iconic Sound: The late attack of the 808 bass drum has become an iconic sound that is instantly recognizable.
• Versatile: Can be used in a wide range of genres, from hip-hop to techno.
• Punchy and Deep: Provides a powerful and punchy bass sound with a deep sub-bass response.
• Warm and Organic: The analog synthesis gives the 808s with late attack a warm and organic character.

Cons:

• Repetitive: The long attack time can make the 808 bass drum sound repetitive if not used sparingly.
• Difficult to Control: The late attack can make it difficult to control the timing of the bass drum in complex rhythms.
• Can Muddy Mixes: The deep sub-bass response of the 808 bass drum can muddy mixes if not EQed properly.

FAQs

1. What is the difference between the 808 and 909 bass drums?
   - The 808 bass drum has a longer attack time and a deeper sub-bass response than the 909 bass drum.
2. How do I create a late attack on the 808 bass drum?
   - Use a sequencer to delay the trigger signal sent to the sound generator.
3. Can I simulate the 808 bass drum using software plugins?
   - Yes, there are several software plugins that can simulate the sound and behavior of the 808 bass drum.
4. What are some popular songs that use the 808 bass drum?
   - "Planet Rock" by Afrika Bambaataa, "Straight Outta Compton" by N.W.A, "Blue Monday" by New Order, "Inner City Life" by Inner City.
5. How do I tune the 808 bass drum?
   - The tuning of the 808 bass drum is controlled by the "tune" knob on the front panel.
6. What is the best compressor to use on the 808 bass drum?
   - There is no one-size-fits-all answer, but some popular compressors used on the 808 bass drum include the dbx 160, the SSL Bus Compressor, and the Urei 1176.

Conclusion

The 808s with late attack are an iconic and versatile drum sound that has left a lasting impact on the music industry. Their punchy, deep, and warm tone has made them a staple in genres such as hip-hop, rap, and techno. With a bit of experimentation and finesse, producers and engineers can harness the power of the 808s with late attack to create captivating and unforgettable rhythms. As technology continues to evolve, the legacy of the 808s with late attack is sure to live on for generations to come.

Tables

Table 1: Roland TR-808 Drum Machine Specifications

Table 2: Popular Songs Featuring the 808 Bass Drum with Late Attack

Table 3: Tips for Using the 808s with Late Attack