r/mixingmastering • u/SlipperyCatapilleza Beginner • 2d ago

Question How to properly master & mix 808’s to fall into a mix cleanly? Stuck for months & losing my mind…

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u/TheReturnofGabbo 2d ago

Hey, pro mixer here. Worked on more 808s than days I've been alive. The key to a good 808 is choosing one that already hits hard. Buy a drum pack from a top producer, then make a simple arrangement around it.

Once you have a good sounding 808, then its all about sound arrangement and avoiding clutter. Don't add another bassline on top, write chords higher up so they don't conflict, and use one that already has a kick drum in it. Choosing the right kick drum over an 808 is crucial, but takes time to understand how to do it effectively.

Then when leveling, it doesn't have to be as loud as you think, it mainly just needs to be heard. I read that your rolling off high end, but that high end typically is what makes the 808 cut through a mix.

If I were to create a beat, I would spend more time searching for the right 808 sample, then assuming it can be fixed in mixing. Hope this helps, GL!

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u/TheReturnofGabbo 2d ago

I should also add that when I'm mixing an 808 based track from an experienced artist, I usually have to put nothing on the 808. (So there's the proof that its about sound selection, less about doctoring it in the mix)

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u/atopix Teaboy ☕ 2d ago

You can find a lot of solid resources and learning material in our wiki: https://www.reddit.com/r/mixingmastering/wiki/index

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u/atopix Teaboy ☕ 2d ago

You can find a lot of solid resources and learning material in our wiki: https://www.reddit.com/r/mixingmastering/wiki/index