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Learn how to build punchy electronic kick drums by layering 909 and 808 samples with HoRNet plugins. We walk you through phase alignment, multiband saturation with Graffio, frequency sculpting with TotalEQ MK2, and final compression with H160 for professional results.
Creating a punchy, professional-sounding electronic kick drum isn’t about magic—it’s about understanding layers, balance, and processing. Today we’re walking you through our exact workflow for crafting a kick that cuts through dense electronic mixes without overwhelming the low end.
This technique combines classic drum machine samples with targeted multiband processing and strategic EQ sculpting. No gimmicks, just practical steps you can apply immediately.
We start with two complementary samples: a Roland TR-909 and a Roland TR-808 kick drum. The 909 delivers that sharp, defined attack that cuts through a mix. The 808 brings the deep, chest-thumping fundamental frequency that you feel more than hear.
But here’s the critical first step most people skip: phase alignment.
Zoom into your DAW’s waveform view and ensure both samples start at exactly the same point in time. Even a few milliseconds of offset can cause phase cancellation that robs your kick of power. The attack transients need to hit simultaneously.
Once aligned, set your levels with the 808 sample slightly lower than the 909. This might seem counterintuitive, but the 808’s role is to provide weight and foundation—not to dominate. If it’s too loud, your kick becomes boomy and muddy.
The 909 leads. The 808 supports.
Now we process only the 909 sample with HoRNet Graffio, our multiband distortion plugin. The goal isn’t destruction—it’s surgical enhancement of the high-frequency attack without touching the clean low-end from the 808.
Start with Graffio’s Saturator module. Gradually increase the input gain until the attack of the kick becomes more present and forward without sounding harsh. You’re looking for that satisfying “snap” that makes the kick jump out of the speakers.
Next, adjust the output level of the high band to balance the attack against the fundamental weight. Simultaneously, reduce the mid band level. This creates a more hi-fi, scooped character—less boxy, more modern. Those midrange frequencies are where kick drums sound cheap. By pulling them back, the kick sounds cleaner and more professional.
Mix both samples together and send them through HoRNet TotalEQ MK2 for precision frequency sculpting.
Create a cut around 800 Hz with a Q of approximately 1.5-2.0. We’re removing the frequencies that make the kick sound nasal, honky, or boxy. This midrange zone is where kick drums often have too much energy. A well-placed cut here creates that modern, hi-fi character you hear on professional electronic productions.
If you still have excessive low-end energy, use a low shelf to reduce the sub-bass region. Better to control your lows precisely than to have a kick that sounds huge in solo but disappears when the bass drops in.
Send your processed kick through HoRNet H160 with maximum 5 dB of gain reduction and a ratio of 4:1.
The goal isn’t heavy squashing—it’s cohesion. The compressor gently glues the two layers together and gives the kick that sense of solidity you hear on commercial releases. You want the kick to feel like a single, unified element rather than two samples playing simultaneously.
That’s the complete workflow:
The beauty of this approach is its flexibility. Want a more aggressive kick for techno? Push Graffio harder. Need something cleaner for house? Ease back on the saturation. The framework remains the same; you adjust the intensity to match your vision.
Sound design isn’t a dark art. With the right tools and a clear methodology, professional results become accessible and repeatable.
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