Take a listen to Hip Hop, Trap, Pop, EDM, or just about any other genre these days and you’ll hear the distinct tones of the “808 Bass” – a term used to describe tuned and pitched sub-bass lines whose origins come from a classic drum machine, not a bass synth. But as standard as the 808 Bass is, the way everyone makes them these days is not quite as standard. That’s one reason why 808 Bass sounds and bass lines are something of a mystery for aspiring producers and beat makers.
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808 bass lines tutorial in Reason
In this tutorial, we’ll be looking at how to create classic 808-style bass lines in Reason. We’ll be using the Subtractor synth and the Scarlett 6i6 audio interface. By the end of this tutorial, you’ll be able to create your own 808 bass lines with Reason!
What is an 808 bass line?
An 808 bass line is a type of bassline that uses the sound of the Roland TR-808 drum machine. These basslines are often used in electronic dance music, and they can add a lot of power and energy to a track.
The Roland TR-808 is a classic drum machine that was first released in 1980. It quickly became popular for its unique sound, and it is still widely used today. The TR-808 has a very distinctive sound, and it can be easily recognized in many tracks.
An 808 bass line is created by using the kick drum sound from the TR-808. This sound is then played at a lower pitch to create a deep, powerful bassline. 808 basslines are often used in techno, house, and other types of electronic dance music.
If you want to create an 808 bass line, you will need to use a software synthesizer or sampler. There are many different plugins and software instruments that can create this sound.
Once you have your plugin or instrument ready, you will need to choose the right kick drum sound. The TR-808 has several different kick drum sounds that you can choose from. Each one has its own unique character, so try out a
Different ways to create an 808 bass line
There are many different ways to create an 808 bass line. You can use a bass synth, a sampler, or even a MIDI keyboard.
The most important thing is to find the sound that you want and then create a pattern that fits the song.
Here are a few tips to help you get started:
1. Start by creating a simple four-note pattern. Try playing around with different rhythms and note lengths.
2. Once you have a basic pattern, start adding in other notes to create more complex harmony.
3. Experiment with different sounds and textures. An 808 bass line can be as simple or as complex as you want it to be.
4. Try playing your bass line against other instruments in the track. This will help you find the perfect balance between your bass line and the rest of the music.
5. Don’t be afraid to experiment! The best way to learn is by trial and error. So go ahead and try out different ideas until you find something that sounds great.
The history of the 808 bass line
The 808 bass line is one of the most iconic and influential sounds in modern music. It was first heard on the classic track “Planet Rock” by Afrika Bambaataa and has since been used on countless hits in a variety of genres.
The sound of the 808 bass line is created by a drum machine called the Roland TR-808. The TR-808 was first released in 1980 and was used on a number of popular tracks in the early 80s, including tracks by New Order, Marvin Gaye, and Madonna.
Despite its popularity, the TR-808 was discontinued in 1983 due to financial problems at Roland. However, it remained popular among underground producers and DJs who continued to use it on their tracks.
In recent years, the 808 bass line has made a comeback in mainstream music. It has been used on hits by artists like Kanye West, Drake, and Kendrick Lamar.
If you want to create your own 808 bass line, you can do so using Reason’s built-in drum machine. To get started, load up a kick drum sound and a snare sound into two separate cells. Next, add a hi-hat sound to one of the cells.
Pros and cons of using an 808 bass line
The Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer, commonly known as the 808, is a drum machine manufactured by the Roland Corporation between 1980 and 1983. It was one of the first drum machines to use analog synthesis to create its sounds.
While the 808 was not commercially successful when it was first released, it has since become one of the most iconic and influential drum machines of all time. Its sounds have been used on numerous hit records, and it has been featured in countless films and TV shows.
The 808 has a very distinctive sound that can be both good and bad depending on how it is used. For example, its bass lines can be very catchy and hypnotic, but they can also be repetitive and monotonous.
If you are thinking about using an 808 bass line in your music, there are a few things you should consider before making your decision. Here are some pros and cons of using an 808 bass line:
Pros:
-The 808 has a very unique sound that can make your music stand out.
-Its bass lines can be very catchy and hypnotic.
-It can add a lot of energy and excitement to your music.
Cons:
-The 808 can be very time consuming to learn, although, when you master it, it will be worth it.
How to use an 808 bass line in your music
An 808 bass line is a type of bass line that is typically used in hip hop and electronic music. The name comes from the Roland TR-808 drum machine, which was one of the first drum machines to use digital samples.
The 808 bass line is characterized by its deep, booming sound. It is often used to create a sense of space and depth in a track.
To create an 808 bass line in Reason, you will need to use a subwoofer or bass module. These devices are designed to reproduce low frequencies with a lot of power.
Start by creating a new MIDI track in Reason. Then, add a subwoofer or bass module to the track.
You will then need to program the notes for your bass line. If you are not sure how to do this, you can find tutorials online or in books about Reason.
Once you have programmed your bass line, you can then add effects to it such as reverb or delay. This will help to create a more polished sound.
Remember, there is no right or wrong way to create an 808 bass line. Experiment with different sounds and techniques until you find something that you like.
Choose your tempo and time signature
When it comes to generating a bass line in Reason, tempo and time signature are two of the most important factors to consider. The tempo will determine how fast the bass line is played, while the time signature will dictate how many beats there are in a measure.
Generally speaking, you’ll want to choose a tempo that is comfortable for you to play at. If you’re not sure what tempo to start with, try something in the range of 80-120 beats per minute. As for the time signature, 4/4 is a good choice for most bass lines.
Once you’ve chosen your tempo and time signature, you can start creating your bass line. Start by coming up with a few simple notes that fit within the chord progression of the song. Once you have a few notes that you like, start adding in some embellishments and flourishes to give the bass line more personality.
Remember, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to creating a bass line. The most important thing is to have fun and experiment until you find something that sounds good to you.
Add a bass instrument to your project
In Reason, there are a couple of ways to add a bass instrument to your project. You can either use the built-in instruments in Reason, or you can use a third-party plugin.
If you want to use a built-in instrument, you can add a Subtractor to your project. The Subtractor is a synthesizer that is great for creating bass sounds. To add a Subtractor to your project, go to the Instruments Rack and click on the Add Instrument button. Then, select the Subtractor from the list of instruments.
If you want to use a third-party plugin, you can add it to your project by going to the Plugins section of the Reason preferences. Here, you can add VST plugins that will be available in Reason. Once you’ve added your plugins, you can access them from the Instruments Rack.
Use the sequencer to create your bass line
In the sequencer, create a new MIDI track and select the bass instrument you want to use. In the Note Editor, input the notes for your bass line. You can quantize the notes to tighten up the timing, and add effects to taste.
Now that you have your bass line, it’s time to add some groove! Use the pattern editor to create a drum beat to go along with your bass line. Experiment with different rhythms and feels until you find something you like.
With your bass line and drum beat in place, it’s time to start jamming! Add some chords or other melodic elements and see what happens. The possibilities are endless!
Edit your bass line as needed
If you’re not happy with the bass line you’ve generated, don’t worry! You can always go back and edit it to perfection. Simply select the notes you want to change and tweak them as needed. You can also add or remove notes as desired. Once you’re satisfied with your bass line, save it and you’re good to go!
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 808 bass line is a classic sound that can be used in many different genres of music. With Reason, you have all the tools you need to create your own 808 bass lines. By following the tutorials in this article, you’ll be able to create your own 808 bass lines in no time.
FAQ
What is Reason?
Reason is a music composition and production software created by Swedish company Propellerhead Software. It allows users to create and edit music using a wide range of virtual instruments, effects, and other tools.
Bass lines are an important part of many genres of music, and Reason provides users with a number of different ways to create them. One way is to use the built-in virtual instruments. These include a number of different bass guitars, as well as a bass synth. Another way to create bass lines is to use Reason’s sampler. This allows users to import audio files and play them back at different pitches, speeds, and other parameters.
Once you’ve created your bass line, you can then add effects to it using Reason’s numerous built-in effects. These include EQs, compressors, delays, and more. You can also use Reason’s rack devices to further process your bass line.
Overall, Reason provides users with everything they need to create great-sounding bass lines. Its wide range of virtual instruments, effects, and other tools make it easy to get creative and produce professional-sounding results.
What is an 808 bass line?
An 808 bass line is a type of bass line that is typically used in hip hop and electronic music. The 808 bass line gets its name from the Roland TR-808 drum machine, which was popular in the 1980s.
The 808 bass line is characterized by a deep, booming sound that can be created using synthesizers or samplers. It is often used as a foundation for other instruments in a track, such as drums and melodies.
Creating an 808 bass line in Reason is relatively simple. First, you will need to create a new instrument. To do this, go to the “Instruments” menu and select “Create Instrument.”
Next, you will need to select an oscillator type. For an 808 bass sound, you will want to choose a sawtooth or square wave oscillator. You can experiment with different oscillator types to find the sound that you like best.
Once you have selected an oscillator type, you will need to adjust the envelope settings. The envelope settings control how the sound of the instrument changes over time. For an 808 bass sound, you will want to use long attack and release times.