What drum machine was used on Notorious BIG Juicy?

The Roland TR-808 drum machine was the primary source for the drum samples on "Juicy," particularly the iconic 808 kick drum sound. These samples were then processed and sequenced using an Akai MPC60 sampler.

How to get the Juicy drum sound?

Start with authentic TR-808 samples, especially the kick drum, and sequence them using an MPC-style sampler or DAW. Apply low-frequency EQ boost and compression to enhance the punch, then use subtle saturation for the gritty texture.

What sampler did Puff Daddy use on Juicy?

The Akai MPC60 was likely used to sample and sequence the drums on "Juicy." This was the standard sampler in hip-hop production during the early 90s and was essential for the genre's signature sound.

Who produced the beat for Juicy by Biggie?

Sean 'Puffy' Combs (now known as Diddy) produced "Juicy" with engineering by Prince Charles Alexander. The track famously samples Mtume's "Juicy Fruit" for its main musical elements.

What mixing console was used on Notorious BIG Juicy?

An SSL 4000 G+ console was used for mixing "Juicy." This console provided the EQ, compression, and overall sonic character that helped create the punchy, professional sound of the final mix.

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Tone Profile

Boomy, hard-hitting 90s hip-hop drums with a strong low-end presence and a slightly gritty texture. The overall sound is punchy and impactful, providing a solid foundation for the track.

Shop This Rig

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Roland TR-808(instrument)
Akai MPC60(drums)
SSL 4000 G+ Console(channel_strip)

The Story

The drum sound on "Juicy" was built around samples from the Roland TR-808 drum machine, particularly its iconic bass drum. Producer Sean 'Puffy' Combs and engineer Prince Charles Alexander likely used an Akai MPC60 to sequence and manipulate these drum samples, a standard practice in 90s hip-hop production. The final mix was processed through an SSL 4000 G+ console, which would have provided the EQ and compression needed to achieve the track's punchy, hard-hitting drum sound.

Production Credits

Producer: Sean 'Puffy' Combs

Engineer: Prince Charles Alexander

Signal Chain

Instrument: Roland TR-808Shop on Reverb

Recreation Tips

Start with a clean TR-808 sample.
Use a sampler like Akai MPC60, or a software equivalent to sequence the drums.
Apply EQ to boost the low frequencies and add punch.
Use compression to glue the drum sounds together and increase their impact.
Experiment with saturation or distortion to add a subtle gritty texture.

Original Gear

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Roland TR-808Shop on Reverb(drums)
Akai MPC60Shop on Reverb(drums)
SSL 4000 G+ ConsoleShop on Reverb(channel_strip)

Substitutions & Recommendations

Roland TR-8SShop on Reverb$700-$800

Alternative to: Roland TR-808

Contains authentic TR-808 samples and allows for real-time manipulation of the classic 808 kick and other drum sounds that define this track

Akai MPC Live IIShop on Reverb$1200-$1400

Alternative to: Akai MPC60

Modern MPC with the same workflow and sampling capabilities as the MPC60, perfect for chopping and sequencing 808 samples

Solid State Logic SSL 2+ Audio InterfaceShop on Reverb$350-$400

Alternative to: SSL 4000 G+ Console

Provides SSL's signature analog sound and compression characteristics in an affordable desktop interface

Samples From Mars TR-808 sample packPlugin Boutique$30-$40

Alternative to: Roland TR-808

High-quality multisampled TR-808 sounds that can be loaded into any DAW or hardware sampler for authentic 808 textures

Waves SSL G-Master Buss CompressorPlugin Boutique$30-$180

Alternative to: SSL 4000 G+ Console

Emulates the SSL console's bus compression that glues drum samples together and adds punch to the overall mix

Native Instruments Maschine MK3Shop on Reverb$600-$700