Keep the 808 Slides. Stop Losing the Kick.

Five small moves for a drill beat that hits through the slides. You can keep the movement you love.

By Nuhu Najeemuddin Shaik3-minute read · Updated

Save the slide for a moment that matters.

Start with a simple bass pattern. Add slides where you want movement.

Listen with the drums playing. A slide that sounds exciting on its own may get in the way of the kick.

End the bass just before the kick.

Try ending the bass just before a key kick hit. Even a small gap can help.

If changing the note length does nothing, check the sampler’s Release control. That affects how long the sound keeps playing.

Make space for the next kick.

Still ringing when the kick lands. Pull it back a little.

Note-length illustration. Try the same move in your beat and listen.

A shorter kick can feel bigger here.

Try a shorter kick with a clear first hit. A long, deep kick can get lost next to a long 808.

Turn the bass down a little before making the kick louder.

Give your phone something it can play.

Check it on a phone. If the bass disappears, a little Drive or distortion can add a buzz that small speakers can play.

Keep checking your headphones too. Stop before the sound gets harsh.

Take one sound out. Feel the difference.

Turn the hats and extra percussion down, then bring them back slowly. Keep the kick and snare clear.

Listen to the busiest part of the beat. If it feels crowded, try taking a note or sound out before adding an effect.

You’re done when...

0 of 3 checked on your own beat.

Keep this next to your beat

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Drum Breaker · Drive
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Same drum loop. Original first, then one Drum Breaker effect.

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Grit. Warmth. Punch.

Hear what Drum Breaker does, then try it in your own beat.

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A few quick answers.

Do all the bass notes need to slide?

No. A few well-placed slides can have more impact than constant movement.

Should I use sidechain?

Try volume and note length first. Sidechain can help by turning the bass down briefly when the kick hits.

Why do my slides sound messy?

There may be too many notes playing over each other. Simplify the pattern and check how long each sound keeps playing.

Written by Nuhu Najeemuddin Shaik, the creator of Drum Breaker. Try these ideas with the effects you already have.