99% Invisible All About That Bass
105 snips
Aug 19, 2025 
Dallas Taylor, host of the 20,000 Hertz podcast and head of DeFacto Sound, joins hip-hop icon DJ Jazzy Jeff to explore the evolution of bass in music. They discuss the revolutionary impact of the Roland TR-808 drum machine, which transformed the sound landscape from scarce bass in vintage tunes to the deep, resonant lows dominating today's hits. They highlight the 808's journey from rejection to becoming a cultural cornerstone, showcasing its significance in shaping hip-hop and other genres, while celebrating music's emotional depth and connectivity.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Why Old Records Sound Thin
- Early recordings have very little audible bass because microphones and consumer speakers couldn't capture or reproduce low frequencies well.
- Advances in mics and home stereo systems in the 60s and 70s made low-end sound meaningful to listeners and producers.
808 Everywhere On The Radio
- DJ Jazzy Jeff recalls that if you listen to modern radio you hear the 808 everywhere even if you don't know it by name.
- He emphasizes that the 808's sounds became ubiquitous in popular music and radio play.
Drum Machines Originated For Homes
- Early drum machines were designed for home organs and to mimic small acoustic drum kits for family music-making.
- Their portability and preset rhythms made them a practical substitute when a full drum kit wasn't available.
