Mastering 808 Processing: Jaycen Joshua's Techniques for Powerful Bass

The Art of 808 Processing: Insights from Jaycen Joshua

In the world of music production, few elements are as crucial and challenging to perfect as the 808 bass. This deep, resonant sound has become a staple in modern music, particularly in hip-hop and electronic genres. However, getting the 808 to sit right in a mix and translate well across different playback systems can be a daunting task. Enter Jaycen Joshua, a 15-time Grammy Award-winning mix engineer, who recently shared his expertise on processing 808s that need an extra boost.

The Foundation: EQ Splitting

Joshua's approach begins with a fundamental yet powerful technique: frequency splitting. Here's how he does it:

1. Start by placing an equalizer (EQ) on your 808 track.
2. Apply a low-pass filter, cutting out everything above 200Hz.
3. Duplicate this channel.
4. On the duplicated channel, switch the low-pass filter to a high-pass filter, removing everything below 200Hz.

This simple process gives you independent control over the low and high frequencies of your 808. By splitting the frequencies, you can apply different processing to each range without affecting the other, allowing for more precise and targeted enhancements.

Adding Character with Saturation

With the frequencies split, Joshua moves on to adding character to the higher range of the 808. This is where saturation comes into play. Saturation is a form of distortion that can add warmth, harmonics, and perceived loudness to a sound.

Joshua mentions using high-end plugins like UAD's Tubescreamer and Plugin Alliance's Blackbox. However, for those without access to these premium tools, there are excellent free alternatives:

• Airwindows Collection: This vast library of free plugins includes several high-quality saturation tools.
• Softube Saturation Knob: A simple yet effective saturation plugin that's easy to use.
• IVGI 2 by Klanghelm: Another free option that offers versatile saturation capabilities.

When applying saturation, it's crucial to focus on the right frequency range. Joshua recommends applying a low-pass filter around 5 kHz after the saturation on the duplicated (high-passed) 808 channel. This effectively creates a band-pass filter, allowing you to add upper harmonics to a specific frequency range of the 808.

The Purpose of Upper Harmonics

Why focus on adding harmonics to this particular range? The answer lies in how we perceive bass on different playback systems. By enhancing the upper harmonics of the 808, you're creating content that smaller speakers can reproduce more effectively. This means your bass will cut through better on devices like:

• Smartphones
• Earbuds
• Laptop speakers

This technique allows the bass to be heard on systems that can't reproduce very low frequencies, without compromising the actual low-end on systems that can. It's a clever way to ensure your 808 translates well across various playback scenarios.

Maintaining Clarity and Avoiding Phase Issues

By processing only the upper range of the 808, Joshua's technique avoids two common pitfalls:

1. Interfering with the low-end: The fundamental frequencies of the 808 remain untouched, preserving the power and weight of the bass.
2. Introducing phase issues: By keeping processing separate from the low frequencies, you reduce the risk of phase cancellation that can occur when processing the full spectrum of a bass sound.

Additionally, this method keeps the highs clear, preventing them from clashing with other elements in the mix like hi-hats, snares, or vocals.

Adding Stereo Width: A Controversial Technique

Perhaps the most surprising aspect of Joshua's 808 processing chain is his use of stereo widening. Traditionally, bass is kept in mono to maintain focus and avoid phase issues on playback systems. However, Joshua takes a nuanced approach to stereo widening that challenges this convention while still maintaining the integrity of the low end.

The Tool: PS22 X-Split by Waves

Joshua uses the PS22 X-Split plugin by Waves for this step. This plugin is designed to convert mono signals to stereo using what Waves calls "Advanced Stereo Synthesis." For those without access to this specific plugin, a great free alternative is Polyverse's Wider, which offers similar functionality and, crucially, retains mono compatibility.

The Technique: Selective Stereo Widening

The key to Joshua's approach is that he's only applying stereo width to the upper band of frequencies, leaving the low end intact. This selective widening serves several purposes:

1. Separation from the kick drum: By widening the upper frequencies of the 808, Joshua creates space for the kick drum in the center of the mix.
2. Enhanced perception of the bass: The stereo width can make the 808 feel larger and more enveloping without compromising its foundational role in the mix.
3. Improved translation across systems: The widened upper harmonics can help the 808 cut through on a wider range of playback systems.

Why PS22 X-Split?

Joshua's choice of PS22 X-Split is significant. Unlike many stereo widening plugins that rely on delay to create the illusion of width, PS22 uses advanced stereo synthesis. This approach has several advantages:

1. Avoids phase issues: Delay-based widening can introduce phase problems, especially when summed to mono.
2. Maintains clarity: The synthesis approach can create width without smearing the transients or muddying the sound.
3. Better mono compatibility: The synthesized stereo image typically folds down to mono more cleanly than delay-based alternatives.

The Free Alternative: Polyverse Wider

For those unable to access PS22 X-Split, Polyverse's Wider plugin offers a compelling free alternative. While it uses a different algorithm (based on comb filtering), it shares some key advantages with PS22:

1. Phase coherence: Wider is designed to avoid phase issues, even when the signal is summed to mono.
2. Simple interface: With just one main control, Wider is easy to use and hard to overdo.
3. CPU-efficient: The plugin is light on processing power, making it suitable for complex projects.

Practical Application and Considerations

While Joshua's technique for processing 808s is powerful, it's important to approach it with some considerations in mind:

Context is Key

Not every 808 will need this level of processing. The technique is most useful when:

• The original 808 lacks presence on smaller speakers
• You need to create separation between the 808 and other low-end elements
• The mix calls for a larger, more enveloping bass sound

Monitoring and Reference

When applying these techniques, it's crucial to:

• Check your mix on multiple systems, including small speakers and headphones
• Use reference tracks to ensure your processed 808 sits well in the context of professional productions
• Pay attention to how the widened 808 affects the overall stereo image of your mix

Balancing Act

Remember that processing is about enhancing, not transforming. The goal is to bring out the best in your 808 while maintaining its fundamental character. Be prepared to:

• Adjust the balance between the low and high-frequency channels
• Fine-tune the amount of saturation and stereo width
• Consider how the processed 808 interacts with other elements in your mix

Advanced Techniques for 808 Processing

Building on Joshua's approach, there are several advanced techniques you can explore to further refine your 808 processing:

Multiband Processing

Instead of using a simple high-pass/low-pass split, consider using a multiband processor to divide your 808 into three or more frequency bands. This allows for even more targeted processing:

• Sub frequencies (20-60 Hz): Keep these mostly untouched to preserve the fundamental
• Low-mids (60-200 Hz): Add warmth and body with subtle saturation
• Upper-mids (200-1000 Hz): Apply more aggressive saturation and possible widening
• High frequencies (1000 Hz and up): Experiment with distortion and stereo effects

Parallel Processing

Create a duplicate of your 808 track and process it heavily with distortion, compression, and even pitch-shifting. Blend this processed version in with the original to add character without losing the fundamental tone of the 808.

Transient Design

Use a transient designer to shape the attack and sustain of your 808. This can help it punch through the mix more effectively or sit back when needed.

• Increase attack for more punch
• Decrease sustain to tighten up long 808 tails

Sidechaining

Use sidechain compression triggered by the kick drum to create space for both elements:

• Set a fast attack and release
• Experiment with the threshold to find the right amount of ducking

Layering

Consider layering your 808 with other bass elements:

• Add a sine wave sub for consistent low-end
• Layer with a more distorted bass sound for added presence
• Use a short, punchy sample to enhance the attack

Creative Effects for 808s

While Joshua's technique focuses on enhancing the core sound of the 808, don't be afraid to experiment with more creative effects:

Pitch Envelopes

Apply a pitch envelope to your 808 to create movement:

• Use a slight downward pitch bend for a "dropping" effect
• Create rhythmic patterns with more complex pitch modulation

Reverb

While reverb on bass is often avoided, subtle use can create interesting results:

• Apply reverb only to the mid and high frequencies
• Use a short decay time to avoid muddiness
• Experiment with gated reverb for a punchy, room sound

Chorus and Flanging

Subtle modulation effects can add richness to the upper harmonics:

• Use a chorus with a slow rate and minimal depth
• Try flanging for a more dramatic sweep effect

Bit Crushing

For a more aggressive, digital distortion:

• Reduce the bit depth to add grit
• Combine with sample rate reduction for a lo-fi effect

The Importance of Restraint

While these advanced techniques can be powerful tools in your 808 processing arsenal, it's crucial to remember the importance of restraint. The goal is to enhance the 808, not to completely transform it beyond recognition. Here are some guidelines to keep in mind:

Listen in Context

Always evaluate your processed 808 in the context of the full mix. What sounds great in solo may not work when other elements are introduced.

Use Reference Tracks

Compare your 808 to professional tracks in a similar genre. This will help you gauge whether you've gone too far with processing.

Take Breaks

Ear fatigue can set in quickly when working with low frequencies. Take regular breaks to reset your ears and come back with a fresh perspective.

Less is Often More

Start with subtle adjustments and gradually increase the processing. It's easier to add more than to dial back overprocessing.

Adapting to Different Genres

The appropriate 808 sound can vary significantly depending on the genre you're working in. Here's how you might adapt these techniques for different styles:

Trap and Modern Hip-Hop

• Focus on a boomy, sustained low end
• Use heavy saturation for presence on small speakers
• Consider more aggressive pitch bends and slides

Pop and R&B

• Aim for a cleaner, more controlled 808
• Use subtle saturation for warmth
• Focus on consistency and evenness across the frequency range

Electronic Dance Music (EDM)

• Experiment with more extreme processing for impact
• Consider layering with synthesized bass for complex textures
• Use sidechaining creatively for pumping effects

Rock and Alternative

• Blend 808s with traditional bass guitar tones
• Use distortion to help the 808 cut through dense mixes
• Consider using 808s more sparingly for impact

The Future of 808 Processing

As music production technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see new tools and techniques for 808 processing emerge. Some areas to watch include:

AI-Assisted Processing

Machine learning algorithms may soon be able to analyze your 808 and suggest optimal processing chains based on the context of your mix.

Advanced Synthesis Techniques

New synthesis methods may allow for even more complex and nuanced 808 sounds, blending the line between samples and synthesized tones.

Immersive Audio

As spatial audio becomes more prevalent, techniques for positioning and moving 808s in a three-dimensional space will likely develop.

Conclusion

Jaycen Joshua's approach to 808 processing offers a solid foundation for achieving powerful, translatable bass in your mixes. By splitting the frequencies, applying targeted saturation, and carefully widening the upper range, you can create 808s that maintain their impact across various playback systems.

Remember that these techniques are just starting points. The key to mastering 808 processing lies in understanding the principles behind these methods and adapting them to suit your specific needs and creative vision. With practice and experimentation, you'll develop your own signature approach to crafting compelling 808 sounds.

Whether you're working on trap beats, pop productions, or pushing the boundaries of experimental electronic music, a well-processed 808 can be the foundation that elevates your entire mix. So don't be afraid to dive deep into these techniques, but always let your ears be the final judge. Happy mixing!

Article created from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fnpu6v5gG6w