Making 808s Boom in FL Studio: A Comprehensive Guide
FL Studio is a popular digital audio workstation (DAW) known for its versatility and ability to produce a wide range of sounds, including those iconic 808 drums. For those who want to replicate the classic sound of the legendary 808 drum machine, this article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to make 808s boom in FL Studio.
Understanding the 808 Sound
Before we dive into the making of 808s, it’s essential to understand the sound itself. The 808 sound is characterized by its deep, rich, and resonant low-frequency (LFI) notes, often described as sounding like a wet, spongy drum. The sound is typically played on a kick drum with a hollow body, which produces a deep, resonant frequency.
Step 1: Choosing the Right Drum Kit
To produce an authentic 808 sound, you’ll need a drum kit that’s specifically designed for this purpose. Here are some tips for choosing the right drum kit:
- Look for a kit with a single-to-five-piece configuration (kick drum, snare drum, hi-hat, and toms).
- Choose a kit with a hollow body or a soft, foam drum head to reduce resonance and prevent the sound from cutting through.
- Consider a kit with a mesh or paper drum cover to add weight and depth to the sound.
Step 2: Setting Up Your Drum Kit in FL Studio
Once you’ve chosen your drum kit, it’s time to set it up in FL Studio. Here’s how to do it:
- Create a new project in FL Studio with a project preset for your drum kit.
- Set the following settings:
- Bit Depth: 24-bit or 32-bit.
- Sample Rate: 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz.
- Output Bitrate: 128 kbps or higher.
- Use the EQ plugin to set the following settings:
- Low End (30 Hz-100 Hz): Boost the low-end frequency to 100-120 Hz to bring out the bass notes.
- High End (5 kHz-10 kHz): Boost the high-end frequency to 5-7 kHz to add clarity and definition.
- Mid Range (100 Hz-5 kHz): Boost the mid-range frequency to 5-7 kHz to add depth and warmth.
Step 3: Creating the 808 Sound
Now that your drum kit is set up, it’s time to create the 808 sound. Here’s how to do it:
- Create a new track in FL Studio and set the following settings:
- Bit Depth: 24-bit or 32-bit.
- Sample Rate: 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz.
- Output Bitrate: 128 kbps or higher.
- Use the FX Strip plugin to create a new effect chain.
- Use the EQ plugin to boost the low-end frequency (30 Hz-100 Hz) to 100-120 Hz.
- Use the Compression plugin to compress the sound to bring out the bass notes.
- Use the Reverb plugin to add depth and roominess to the sound.
Step 4: Adding Overtones and Shaping the Sound
To add more character to the sound, you can introduce overtones and shape the sound to suit your style. Here’s how to do it:
- Use the Harmonic plugin to add overtones to the sound. Here are some tips:
- Use a high-pass filter (10-20 Hz) to remove low-end energy and create space for overtones.
- Use a compression plugin to control the level of the overtones and create a sense of tension and release.
- Use the Delay plugin to create a sense of distance and space. Here are some tips:
- Use a short delay (1-2 seconds) to create a sense of space and separation.
- Use a high level (30-50%) to create a sense of depth and width.
- Use the Filter plugin to shape the sound and create a sense of width. Here are some tips:
- Use a low-pass filter (30-100 Hz) to reduce the low-end energy and create a sense of clarity.
- Use a high-pass filter (10-20 Hz) to remove high-end energy and create a sense of width.
Step 5: Tweak and Edit the Sound
Once you’ve created the basic 808 sound, it’s time to tweak and edit it to get the sound just right. Here’s how to do it:
- Use the KVR Audio plugin to adjust the volume, EQ, and compression levels.
- Use the Aux Bus plugin to create a copy of the original track and make adjustments to the sound.
- Use the Auto Pan plugin to create a sense of distance and space.
- Use the Decimator plugin to remove unwanted frequencies and create a sense of clarity.
Conclusion
Making 808s boom in FL Studio requires a combination of knowledge, skill, and practice. By following these steps and tips, you’ll be able to create a authentic 808 sound that’s sure to impress. Remember to experiment with different settings and plugins to find the sound that suits your style, and don’t be afraid to try new things and make mistakes. Happy producing!