What is a 808?

The 808 is a drum machine, originally manufactured by Roland in the early 1980s. It is one of the most iconic and influential drum machines in the history of electronic music, known for its distinctive analog sounds and its role in the development of hip hop, house, techno, and other genres.

The 808 features a simple interface with 16 programmable step buttons for creating rhythms, as well as knobs for adjusting parameters such as tuning, decay, and accent. It also includes a built-in sequencer for creating and storing patterns.

The sound of the 808 is characterized by its deep, booming bass drum, snappy snare drum, and crisp hi-hats, as well as various other percussive sounds like claps, toms, and cowbells. These sounds have become iconic in popular music and have been used in countless hit songs across a wide range of genres.

Despite being discontinued by Roland in the mid-1980s, the 808 has remained popular with producers and musicians, with vintage units commanding high prices on the used market. Roland has also released several updated versions of the 808, including the TR-8 and TR-8S, which offer modern features and additional sounds while retaining the classic 808 sound.