What drum machine was used on Umbrella by Rihanna?

The Roland TR-808 was the primary drum machine used for "Umbrella," providing the signature punchy kick drum that drives the track. The 808 kick was heavily processed with SSL EQ and 1176 compression to achieve its distinctive hard-hitting sound.

How to get Rihanna Umbrella drum sound?

Start with an 808-style kick drum, then boost the low frequencies around 50-80Hz with EQ for sub-bass depth. Apply fast attack/release compression similar to a 1176, and consider adding slight distortion or saturation for an aggressive edge.

What compressor was used on Umbrella drums?

A Urei 1176 compressor was used to process the drum sounds on "Umbrella." The 1176's fast attack and release settings were key to enhancing the punch and sustain of the 808 kick drum.

Who produced and engineered Umbrella by Rihanna?

"Umbrella" was produced by Tricky Stewart with co-production by Kuk Harrell, who also served as the engineer on the track. Their production work, particularly on the drum programming and processing, was crucial to the song's signature sound.

drums from "umbrella" by rihanna

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Tone Profile

The drum sound in "Umbrella" is characterized by its hard-hitting, punchy nature, with a prominent, slightly distorted 808-style kick drum providing the song's rhythmic foundation. The overall effect is both modern and impactful, contributing significantly to the song's signature sound.

Shop This Rig

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Roland TR-808(instrument)
SSL EQ(processing)
Urei 1176(processing)

The Story

The iconic drum sound in "Umbrella" was built around a Roland TR-808 kick drum that was heavily processed through SSL EQ and Urei 1176 compression. The track was produced by Tricky Stewart and engineered by Kuk Harrell, who layered the synthesized 808 kick with additional processing including compression with fast attack and release settings to enhance punch, plus EQ boosting in the 50-80Hz range for deep sub-bass impact.

Production Credits

Producer: Tricky Stewart, Kuk Harrell

Engineer: Kuk Harrell

Signal Chain

Instrument: Roland TR-808Shop on Reverb

Processing: SSL EQShop on Reverb, Urei 1176Shop on Reverb

Recreation Tips

Start with a synthesized 808-style kick drum sound.
Use EQ to boost the low-end frequencies around 50-80Hz for added depth and sub-bass.
Apply compression with a fast attack and release to enhance the punch and sustain of the kick.
Consider adding a slight distortion or saturation to give the kick drum a more aggressive edge.
Layer additional percussive elements, such as claps or snaps, to complement the kick and fill out the drum groove.

Original Gear

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Roland TR-808Shop on Reverb(drums)
Urei 1176Shop on Reverb(compressor)

Substitutions & Recommendations

Roland TR-8SShop on Reverb$450-$500

Alternative to: Roland TR-808

Modern TR drum machine with authentic 808 samples and additional processing capabilities for that signature punchy kick sound

Arturia DrumBrute ImpactShop on Reverb$300-$350

Alternative to: Roland TR-808

Analog drum machine with powerful kick drum and built-in distortion for achieving that aggressive 808-style punch at a lower price point

Universal Audio 1176 Classic Limiter CollectionPlugin Boutique$150-$200

Alternative to: Urei 1176

Faithful plugin emulation of the original 1176 hardware used on the track, perfect for adding that fast attack compression to 808 kicks

Solid State Logic SiX Channel EQShop on Reverb$1500-$1700

Alternative to: SSL EQ

Hardware SSL EQ section that provides the same character and low-end boost capabilities used in the original production

Warm Audio WA76Shop on Reverb$600-$700