How to EQ an 808 bass

For most 808 basses, high-pass at 25Hz to clean inaudible rumble, leave 50Hz untouched (that's the sub), cut 2dB at 250Hz to remove low-mid mud, and add a small 1–2dB lift at 1.

Updated 2026-05-03

Short answer

For most 808 basses, high-pass at 25Hz to clean inaudible rumble, leave 50Hz untouched (that's the sub), cut 2dB at 250Hz to remove low-mid mud, and add a small 1–2dB lift at 1.5kHz so the 808 cuts through on phone speakers.

High-pass: 25Hz, 12dB/oct slope
Optional shelf: +1dB below 50Hz if the sub feels weak
Cut: 250Hz, −2dB, Q 1.5, clears low-mid mud
Boost: 1.5kHz, +1.5dB, Q 1.0, distortion bite for small speakers

Try this in Cue

High-pass at 25Hz

Even an 808 has inaudible energy below 25Hz that just eats headroom on the master. A gentle 12dB/oct slope at 25Hz removes the rumble without touching the fundamental. Don't go higher than 30Hz, 808s rely on their bottom octave.

Leave the sub alone (50–80Hz)

The fundamental of most 808s sits between 40 and 80Hz depending on the note. Boosting here usually backfires, you trade clarity for mud. If the sub feels weak, add a wide +1dB shelf below 50Hz. Otherwise leave it untouched and let the 808's natural body do the work.

Cut 250Hz to clear low-mid mud

808s often have a build-up around 200–300Hz that fights with kick body and bassline mids. A 1.5–3dB cut at 250Hz with a moderate Q (1.5) opens up the mix without thinning the 808. If the kick still clashes, also check the kick's body around 80Hz and side-chain instead.

Add bite at 1.5kHz for small speakers

Phone speakers and laptop speakers can't reproduce sub frequencies, the 808 disappears. A small 1–2dB lift at 1.5kHz with a wide Q brings out the saturation harmonics so the 808 is still felt. If your 808 is already distorted, you can skip this step.

Frequently asked

What frequency is an 808?

An 808's fundamental is the note you play, usually between 40 and 80Hz (E1 ≈ 41Hz, A1 ≈ 55Hz, C2 ≈ 65Hz). Above the fundamental, distortion harmonics extend up to 2–3kHz and let the 808 cut through on small speakers.

Should I high-pass an 808?

Yes, at 20–30Hz with a gentle slope. Anything below 25Hz is inaudible rumble that eats headroom. Never high-pass higher than 30Hz on an 808 or you kill the sub.

How do I make my 808 louder without it clipping?

Three options: (1) saturate the 808 to add upper harmonics so it's perceived louder, (2) side-chain to the kick so they share headroom, (3) cut 250Hz mud so the sub has room to breathe. Don't just turn it up.

Why does my 808 sound weak on phone speakers?

Phone speakers can't reproduce frequencies below 200Hz. The 808's fundamental is invisible. Add saturation or a small EQ boost at 1–2kHz so the upper harmonics carry the bass note.

Apply this in Cue

Open the app with this question pre-loaded. Free to use, no signup.

Try this in Cue