808 Science™

Understanding the 808

Figure 1
Figure 1 illustrates the activity of harmonics using a fundamental wave. The first harmonic is
called the fundamental. To understand the fundamental frequency, think of a string. Hold the
string between your two hands and pluck the string. You will notice the string has to have a
certain amount of tension before it makes an audible sound. This first audible sound is the
fundamental frequency of that string. Guitar players will identify this aspect when replacing the
strings of their guitar.

The first fundamental will extend the whole string. As we tighten the string and give it another
pluck, it will begin to sound higher in pitch, slowing forming the next harmonic. As the string
wobbles, it creates a wave pattern of motion. The first harmonic has just one arch (peak). As
the wobble generates the second harmonic, it creates a trough which is also called the dip. In
the second harmonic, there is a peak and a trough.

As we raise the harmonic of the frequency, we simply divide the string by the number of the
harmonic. So, the first harmonic will be divided in three lengths when in the third harmonic. As
we raise the harmonic, we raise the pitch. Thinking of 808s in the fundamental view will help
you understand the multiple ways you can manipulate the sound for your desire.

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 808 Science™

Figure 2
Figure 2 illustrates the real-world example of harmonic activity. With a fundamental frequency
of about 60 Hz, we can view the multiples in the harmonic content. If we take the simple
equation from 808 Science, we know that harmonics are simply multiples of the fundamental
frequency. If we start at 60Hz, the second harmonic will be 120Hz. Figure 2 shows the second
harmonic at about 120Hz (The fundamental frequency is a little less than 60Hz). Rounding off
the numbers makes it easier to view this graph. We can see the harmonic exciter created
multiples of 60Hz all the way up to 20kHz.

Also note that the fundamental frequency has a specific shape. Depending on the sound
design, these waves may be sine waves, triangle, square/pulse, or saw waves. As the harmonic
exciter creates higher harmonics, the sine wave shape turns into a jagged saw type shape. This
is important to distinguish because the higher frequencies will give the listener the texture of
the 808. If the higher frequencies are a different shape than the lower frequencies, you will get
a distinct sound. This is why you must analyze your processing of the 808. Focusing on creating
harmonic content will be one of your most important tasks in managing your 808.

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 808 Science™

Figure 3
Humans can hear from 20Hz up to 20kHz and even beyond. The majority of people in the world
can hear from 30Hz to 18kHz. As humans, our hearing is more sensitive at 2kHz than at 30Hz.
We must make up for this sensitivity design. To make your sound more even, you can boost the
lower frequencies to match the loudness of the higher frequencies. By nature, sounds at 2kHz
at the same level sound louder than those at 30Hz. This is why we must boost 808s to compete
with higher frequencies. Take note of this curve in Figure 3. The frequencies which read the
highest in the graph are louder in nature than the lower frequencies. Think of this graph as a
signal running through an EQ. To make all the levels even, you must boost the low end and high
frequencies.

© BusyWorksBeats. All rights reserved. The contents, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form for any purpose without the written permission of Busy Works Beats.