The 808 is the backbone of drill music. That deep, rumbling bass that shakes your chest and defines the entire genre. If you are making drill beats, you need hard-hitting 808s that cut through the mix and command attention. But here is the problem: finding quality 808 samples that actually sound professional can be frustrating, especially when you are just starting out or working on a tight budget.
The good news? You do not need to spend hundreds of dollars on premium sample packs to get that signature drill sound. The free 808 sample pack market has exploded in recent years, and there are now dozens of high-quality options that rival paid alternatives. We have spent weeks testing and comparing the best free 808 packs available right now, specifically for drill production.
In this guide, we will break down the best free 808 sample packs for drill beats, what makes a great drill 808, and how to use these sounds to create beats that hit as hard as your favorite producers.
Before we dive into the packs, let's talk about what separates a drill 808 from other 808 samples. Drill production has specific sonic characteristics that define the genre, and your 808 choice plays a massive role in achieving that sound.
Drill 808s are typically:
Dark and distorted. Unlike trap or hip-hop 808s that can be clean and melodic, drill 808s often have grit and saturation. They sound aggressive and menacing, which matches the dark, ominous vibe of drill beats.
Punchy with fast attack. Drill 808s need to hit immediately. The attack should be sharp and present, cutting through the mix without muddiness. This is crucial because drill beats often have sparse arrangements, so every element needs to be felt.
Deep but controlled. While drill 808s need to be deep and powerful, they should not be so subby that they disappear on smaller speakers. The best drill 808s have a balanced low-end that translates well across different playback systems.
Slide-friendly. Drill beats are known for their 808 slides and glides. The 808s you choose should sound smooth when pitched and slid, creating those signature melodic basslines that define tracks from artists like Pop Smoke, Fivio Foreign, and Central Cee.
When browsing 808 sample packs, you will often see two categories:
Tuned 808s are pre-pitched to a specific note (usually C or A). These are easier to work with because you can play them chromatically on your MIDI keyboard without worrying about tuning. Most modern drill producers prefer tuned 808s because they make programming melodic basslines faster and more intuitive.
Untuned 808s are raw samples without a defined pitch. These can be useful if you want maximum control over the sound, but they require more work to tune properly in your DAW. For drill production, tuned 808s are almost always the better choice.
Now let's get into the packs. These are the best free 808 collections we have found for drill production, ranked by sound quality, variety, and usability.
Best for: Beginners and intermediate producers
Unison Audio offers one of the most comprehensive free drill packs available. This pack includes over 60 drill samples, loops, and MIDIs, with a solid selection of 808s that cover both clean and distorted sounds. Everything is 100% royalty-free, which means you can use these sounds in your beats without any restrictions.
The 808s in this pack are specifically designed for drill production. You get deep, rumbling bass sounds that work perfectly for both UK and NY drill styles. The pack also includes bass loops, drum loops, kicks, and melody loops, making it a complete starter kit for drill production.
What makes this pack stand out is the quality. These are not amateur bedroom producer sounds. Unison Audio is known for their professional-grade sample packs, and this free pack reflects that quality. The 808s are properly tuned, well-processed, and ready to drop into your DAW.
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Best for: Producers who want to process their own 808s
DECAP Drums is a legendary free drum kit that has been around for years, and it includes some of the cleanest, most versatile 808 samples available. While this is not a drill-specific pack, the 808s included are perfect for drill production if you know how to process them.
The 808s in DECAP Drums are clean and unprocessed, which means you have full control over the sound. Add distortion, saturation, and EQ to shape them into the aggressive drill 808s you need. This is the pack for producers who want to build their own signature sound rather than relying on pre-processed samples.
Many professional producers use DECAP 808s as their foundation and then add their own processing chain. This approach gives you more creative control and helps you develop a unique sound that stands out.
Best for: Producers already using Splice
Splice offers a free drill pack as part of their Originals, and it includes a solid selection of 808s. The quality is professional-grade, and the sounds are clearly inspired by modern drill production. You get a mix of clean and distorted 808s, all tuned and ready to drop into your DAW.
The catch? You need a Splice account to download it, even though it is free. If you are already using Splice, this is a no-brainer. If not, it is still worth signing up just for this pack.
Best for: Producers who want aggressive, distorted 808s
PAV Beatz released Gassed free drill kit that focuses heavily on aggressive, distorted 808s. These are not subtle sounds. They are designed to hit hard and dominate the low end of your mix. If you are making UK drill or NY drill with that signature dark, menacing vibe, these 808s will fit perfectly.
The pack also includes a few cleaner 808s for contrast, but the real value is in the distorted selections. They are all tuned and processed to sit well in a drill mix without excessive EQ or compression.
Having great 808 samples is only half the battle. You also need to know how to use them effectively in your beats. Here are some essential tips for programming and mixing drill 808s.
Drill 808 patterns are typically more melodic and rhythmic than traditional trap patterns. Instead of simple root notes, drill 808s often slide between notes, creating a melodic bassline that drives the track.
Start with the root note. Build your 808 pattern around the root note of your melody. This creates a solid foundation and ensures your bassline complements the rest of the track.
Use slides and glides. Drill beats are known for their 808 slides. In FL Studio, enable portamento or use the slide note function. In Ableton, use the glide function in Sampler or Simpler. Experiment with different slide speeds to find what sounds best.
Keep it simple. Drill 808 patterns are often sparse and repetitive. You do not need complex basslines. A few well-placed notes with strategic slides can be more effective than a busy pattern.
Layer with kicks. In drill production, the 808 and kick often work together. Layer a punchy kick on the first hit of your 808 pattern to add extra impact.
Getting your 808s to sit properly in the mix is crucial. Here are some quick mixing tips:
High-pass your melody. Cut the low end of your melody and other elements to make room for the 808. Use a high-pass filter around 100-150 Hz.
Add distortion. Drill 808s often benefit from saturation or distortion. Use plugins like Soundgoodizer (FL Studio), Saturator (Ableton), or free plugins like Camel Crusher to add grit.
Sidechain to the kick. Use sidechain compression to duck the 808 slightly when the kick hits. This creates space and prevents muddiness.
Check on multiple speakers. Always check your 808s on different playback systems. They should sound powerful on studio monitors but also translate well on headphones and phone speakers.
The 808 is the heart of drill music, and having the right sounds in your collection is essential. The free packs listed in this guide will give you everything you need to create professional-sounding drill beats without spending a dime. Whether you are just starting out or you are a seasoned producer looking for fresh sounds, these packs are worth downloading.
Start with the Unison Audio Free Drill Pack if you want immediate, usable sounds. If you prefer to shape your own 808s, grab DECAP Drums and add your own processing. And if you are serious about drill production, download all of them. The more options you have, the easier it is to find the perfect sound for each beat.
Now stop reading and start making beats. Your next drill banger is waiting.
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