What is the difference between a sub and an 808?

Question

While fundamentally different because of each of their origins, they are confused with one another because of their effects while operating in the low end of popular music. Subs derive from low, often sine wave synthesizers that have an easily programmed sustain function. While 808's synths, deriving from the 808 drum machines made popular the 70's and 80's, are basically slowed down kick drums with a much sharper impact and shorter sustain.

Answer 1

As well as what others have said above, a typical 808 is focused in the higher low-end ranges (think 70-130 Hz), usually paired with warm or distorted upper harmonics which can reach the mid-range or even high frequencies in some cases. A traditional "sub" is usually focused into the deep sub ranges (below 90 Hz, often down to the 30s or even lower in modern production). Subs will often have carefully tuned upper harmonics as well, but typically with a cleaner, more digital "pure" timbre. In general, for 808s think distorted and analog, and with subs think clean and digital.

Answer 2

Great question!

You pretty much have it right. Subs take on more of a sustained bass instrument function and appear frequently in EDM & sometimes even film scores. Meanwhile, 808s tend to assume the role of a tuned kick drum and pop up more often in trap & other forms of hip-hop than anywhere else. Neither instrument is used exclusively in those respective genres--sometimes you can find 808s and subs in the same track--it just depends on the vibe you're going for in those specific moments.

Answer 3

Ive created dozens of sample packs with 808s and modern users expect the 808 folder content to be a punchy kick mixed with a sustained bass tone, often distorted and/or saturated and compressed together then possubly low passed with a filter.

Even though most sustaining basses are considered/accepted as "808s", the classic drum machine 808 sound was a short and punchy kick drum, more recently augmented with a longer bass tonality.