Planet Rock
Afrika Bambaataa & the Soulsonic ForceThe 808 kick, snare and metallic percussion define the track's futurist sound.
8INSTRUMENT · KNOWLEDGE GUIDE
808 Drum Machine
Its long synthesized kick, crisp snare and metallic percussion became a modern production vocabulary.
- Instrument family
- Electronic
- Origin
- Japan; introduced by Roland in 1980
- Related genres
- 3
ORIGIN
Where does it come from?
The TR-808 synthesizes drums with analog circuits. Initially criticized for sounding unlike acoustic drums, its long kick and distinctive percussion became a modern production language.
ROLE IN ARRANGEMENT
What does it do in an arrangement?
It is a rhythm machine, but its tuned kick is also frequently used as a bass instrument.
Sustained kickStep programmingPitch automation
COMMON USES
Where will you hear it?
Used across electro, hip-hop, trap, R&B and pop; the kick is often tuned and treated as bass.
LISTENING EXAMPLES
Recordings and repertoire to recognize
COMMON GENRES
Common in these genres
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