Free 808 Sample Resources For Electronic And Hip Hop Producers

Oct. 18, 2025, 2:51 p.m.

The 808 kick sound has become one of the most iconic and widely recognized sounds in music production since the introduction of the original Roland 808 drum machine in 1980. Today, even samples that aren't directly from the original 808 drum machine are often referred to as "808s" when they feature sine waves in the sub frequency range. These distinctive bass sounds have become particularly prevalent in modern hip hop, trap, and electronic music genres. Fortunately, numerous resources offer free 808 samples for music producers looking to enhance their productions without financial investment.

The History and Significance of 808 Samples

The Roland TR-808 drum machine was introduced in 1980 and revolutionized music production with its unique analog drum sounds. Among these, the 808 kick drum became particularly famous for its deep, resonant bass tone that could be felt as much as heard. Over the decades, this sound has transcended its original electronic music context and become a cornerstone of hip hop, trap, R&B, and various electronic music genres.

In modern music production, the term "808" has expanded beyond the original drum machine to refer to any sine wave in the sub frequency range that produces a deep bass sound. These basslines often form the foundation of contemporary tracks, providing the low-end energy that drives the music forward. The versatility of 808 samples allows them to be used in various contexts, from punchy kick drums to elongated bass tones that form melodic elements in a track.

Types of Free 808 Sample Packs Available

Several websites and platforms offer free 808 sample packs tailored to different production styles and needs. These packs vary in size, content, and quality, but all provide valuable resources for producers at no cost.

Studio Brootle 808 Sample Pack

Studio Brootle offers a free 808 sample pack specifically designed for techno and electronic music producers. This pack includes a comprehensive collection of drum sounds that can be used in various ways. The kit contains:

2 Kick samples
2 Snare samples
2 Low Tom samples
2 Mid Tom samples
2 Hi Tom samples
2 Rim Shot samples
2 Clap samples
2 Cowbell samples
2 Cymbal samples
2 Low Conga samples
2 Mid Conga samples
2 High Conga samples
2 Clave samples
2 Maraca samples
2 Open Hat samples
2 Closed Hat samples
2 Kick Rumble samples
2 Low Tom Rumble samples

This collection provides producers with a versatile toolkit for creating electronic drum patterns. The creator of the pack mentions using these samples in various genres, including techno, electro, and IDM (Intelligent Dance Music). They also suggest processing techniques, such as gating the drums short for IDM or using the kick tail in a sampler for basslines by removing the main punchy part at the start. The samples reportedly sound great both on their own and when heavily processed with distortion.

Cymatics Free 808 Sample Packs

Cymatics, a well-known sample pack provider, offers several free 808 sample collections that cater to different production styles. Their free packs include:

Orchid Pack

The Orchid pack contains a folder of 808 samples designed to work across multiple production styles. This compilation-style collection features some of Cymatics' personal favorite samples from various drum packs they've released. The pack includes a diverse range of sounds beyond just 808s, such as melodies, drum one shots, drum loops, MIDI files, FX, vocals, and other elements. All samples in this pack are 100% royalty-free, allowing producers to use them in their commercial releases without restrictions.

Astroworld-Inspired Pack

Inspired by Travis Scott's "Astroworld" album released in 2018, this pack contains 85 samples and loops that capture the essence of the 808 sounds featured on the production marvel. The album was noted for its innovative use of 808 samples to drive the songs, and this pack aims to provide producers with similar tools to create their own impactful tracks.

Ultimate 808 Bundle

For producers seeking an extensive collection of 808 samples, Cymatics offers a bundle with over 200+ various 808s in different forms and lengths. This comprehensive pack is designed to be a one-stop resource for 808 sounds, eliminating the need to download multiple packs. Additionally, the bundle includes the Vortex 808 Enhancer plugin for free, providing producers with tools to further shape and enhance their 808 samples.

Oracle Pack

The Oracle pack contains 34 free 808 samples curated by Cymatics' production team. The team analyzed 808s used in tracks from top hip hop producers to identify the key characteristics that make these samples hit hard and loud. The pack aims to provide producers with a perfect collection of 808s for their productions.

Cobra Pack

As an all-encompassing hip hop sample pack, Cobra includes every element needed to create placement-ready trap beats. In addition to free 808s, the pack contains melody loops, MIDI chord progressions, and other drum one shots. This comprehensive approach allows producers to create complete tracks from start to finish using just this pack.

Ableton and drumboii 808 Samples

In celebration of 808 Day, Ableton partnered with drumboii to offer free resources for producers. This collaboration provides:

A free 808 bass Instrument Rack designed for use with Ableton Live 12 Suite
A sample pack of 50 sounds inspired by Roland's seminal TR-808 drum machine

These resources are specifically designed for users of Ableton Live 12 Suite, which is required to utilize the Instrument Rack. The collaboration aims to help producers create "booming 808 bass" using just a few of Live 12 Suite's instruments and effects, along with the provided samples.

How to Access Free 808 Samples

The process for accessing free 808 samples varies depending on the provider:

Studio Brootle 808 Pack

To download Studio Brootle's free 808 sample pack, producers must subscribe to the mailing list on the website. After subscribing, they receive a link to download the pack. This email subscription requirement allows the creator to stay in contact with interested producers and potentially notify them of future free offerings or products.

Cymatics Sample Packs

Cymatics typically makes their free sample packs available directly through their website. The process usually involves clicking a download button, which may require users to provide their email address. The company has established itself as a reputable source for high-quality samples, and their free offerings serve as an introduction to their paid products.

Ableton and drumboii Collaboration

The free resources from Ableton and drumboii are available through Ableton's blog. Users can download the 808 bass Instrument Rack and sample pack by following the links provided in the blog post. However, it's important to note that the Instrument Rack requires Ableton Live 12 Suite to function properly.

Using Free 808 Samples in Music Production

Free 808 samples can be utilized in various ways depending on the producer's creative vision and the requirements of their project:

Processing Techniques

As mentioned by the creator of Studio Brootle's pack, 808 samples respond well to various processing techniques. These can include:

Distortion: Adding saturation and harmonics to make the samples cut through the mix
Gating: Shortening the decay of the drums for specific rhythmic effects, particularly useful in IDM
Layering: Combining multiple 808 samples to create a fuller, more complex sound
Pitch modulation: Changing the pitch over time to create movement and interest
Filtering: Adjusting the frequency content to fit the track's overall sonic palette

Genre Applications

Different genres utilize 808 samples in distinct ways:

Hip Hop: Often features prominent 808 basslines that serve as melodic elements
Trap: Typically uses heavily processed and layered 808s with significant sub-bass content
Techno: May incorporate 808 kick drums with shorter tails and more aggressive processing
R&B: Frequently uses 808 samples as the foundation for smooth, melodic basslines
Electronic Music: Utilizes 808 samples both for rhythmic elements and atmospheric bass textures

Integration with Other Drum Elements

808 samples rarely exist in isolation within a full production. They typically work in conjunction with other drum elements:

Kick drums: 808 samples often serve as the primary kick in hip hop and trap
Snares and claps: These provide the mid-range rhythmic counterpoint to the sub-heavy 808s
Hi-hats: These add texture and rhythmic complexity in the higher frequencies
Percussion: Various percussion elements can add interest and variation to the groove

Legal Considerations for Free 808 Samples

When using free 808 samples, producers should be aware of the licensing terms:

Royalty-Free Usage

Several of the free sample packs, including Cymatics' offerings, are labeled as 100% royalty-free. This means producers can use these samples in their commercial releases without having to pay additional royalties or licensing fees. However, it's always advisable to check the specific terms of each pack, as licensing can vary between providers.

Personal vs. Commercial Use

While most free sample packs allow for commercial use, some may restrict usage to personal projects only. Producers should carefully review the licensing terms for each pack to ensure compliance with the intended use.

Attribution Requirements

Some free sample packs may require attribution to the creator or provider. This typically involves crediting the sample source in the liner notes or project documentation. Again, checking the specific terms for each pack is recommended.

Conclusion

Free 808 samples offer an accessible entry point for producers looking to enhance their productions with iconic bass sounds. From Studio Brootle's comprehensive drum kit to Cymatics' genre-specific packs and the Ableton-drumboii collaboration, numerous resources are available at no cost. These samples can be processed and manipulated in various ways to suit different musical styles and production approaches.

When selecting and using free 808 samples, producers should consider factors such as the specific characteristics of the samples, the processing techniques required, and the licensing terms. By understanding these elements and experimenting with different approaches, producers can effectively incorporate 808 samples into their workflow, creating tracks with powerful, memorable bass foundations.

As the 808 sound continues to evolve and remain relevant across contemporary music genres, free sample packs provide an excellent starting point for both new and experienced producers to explore the possibilities of this iconic sound.