TS-808: Reviving the Rhythm Legend in Your DAW
The world of electronic music and hip-hop is unimaginable without the iconic sound of the Roland TR-808 drum machine. Its deep, resonant kick drum, distinctive snares, hi-hats, and unique clap have shaped countless hits and defined entire genres. For decades, the 808 sound has remained a benchmark for many producers.
The TS-808 plugin from Tactile Sounds is a meticulous software emulation of this legendary drum machine, allowing you to bring its authentic sound directly into your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW). Forget about searching for the perfect samples or expensive hardware analogs – the TS-808 provides a complete set of 808 instruments, reproduced with impressive accuracy.
Authenticity Based on Details
The developers of Tactile Sounds approached the creation of the TS-808 with the utmost seriousness, striving to achieve not just similarity, but true authenticity of sound. The emulation process was based on in-depth analysis and the use of official Roland TR-808 service notes, which contain complete schematics for each voice of the drum machine.
Technical Approach to Emulation
The creation of the TS-808 is the result of a combination of technical expertise and musical ear:
- Circuit Analysis: Using the official documentation allowed for understanding the inner workings of each sound-generating element of the TR-808.
- SPICE Simulations: Based on the schematics, SPICE simulations of electronic circuits were conducted. This allowed for understanding and reproducing the dynamics, component interactions, and nuances of analog sound generation.
- Sample Analysis: The developers analyzed the best available samples of the original 808 sounds, including “The Tape808” collection from Goldbaby, known for its quality and authenticity.
- Precise Tuning: The plugin sounds were refined through fine-tuning to make their waveforms and spectral content as close as possible to the real equipment. This ensures that you get not just a similar, but the very same characteristic “punch” and “snap” you expect from the 808.
More Than the Original
Despite the commitment to authenticity, the TS-808 offers some advantages over the original hardware instrument. Most voices in the plugin have an extended set of parameters and a wider range of adjustments than their physical predecessors. This gives you extra flexibility in shaping the sound, allowing you to experiment and create new variations of classic timbres while preserving their recognizability.
TS-808 is ideal for creating beats in various genres where the 808 sound reigns: hip-hop, trap, R&B, techno, house, drum-and-bass, and many others. You can use it to create a solid rhythmic foundation, add distinctive bass parts with the kick drum, or create complex percussive patterns.
Ease of Use and Compatibility
The TS-808 plugin is available in VST format, making it compatible with the vast majority of modern DAWs on the Windows operating system. It easily integrates into your workflow, allowing you to instantly access the legendary sound. The intuitive interface displays the controls familiar to drum machine users, but with the added flexibility of software.
Get the authentic Roland TR-808 sound with all its nuances and character, complemented by modern editing capabilities. TS-808 from Tactile Sounds is your key to creating powerful and stylish beats that carry the legacy of one of the most influential drum machines in music history. Whether you’re an experienced producer or just starting out, the TS-808 will become an indispensable tool in your musical palette, providing the same “lows” and “groove” that have defined the sound of generations of music.
