Few pieces of music technology have had the impact of the Roland TR-808. From hip-hop to house, techno to trap, its unmistakable bass boom and crisp percussion have shaped entire genres. Reason Studios recognizes this legacy with its 808th sound pack release, aptly titled Celebrate 808. More than just a collection of sounds, this milestone pack is a tribute to the cultural icon that continues to inspire music creators worldwide. But does it live up to the weight of its historic number? Let’s dive in.
A Milestone Worth the Hype?
Reason+ users are already familiar with the weekly Sound Pack drops—carefully curated collections designed to spark creativity through production-ready Combinator patches. But Celebrate 808 isn’t just another weekly release. It’s the first-ever collective Reason+ pack, featuring contributions from both dedicated sound designers and Reason Studios colleagues. This unique collaboration results in an incredibly diverse set of patches, each offering a fresh take on the 808 aesthetic.
Sonic Palette – More Than Just Boom and Clap
What makes Celebrate 808 stand out is its variety. Sure, the signature elements are here—thunderous kicks, snappy snares, and punchy hi-hats—but the pack expands beyond classic drum programming. Expect lush atmospheric pads, reimagined bass textures, and experimental percussion twists that add a modern flavor to the legendary sound. Each patch is highly tweakable, ensuring that producers of all styles can mold these sounds to fit their unique workflow.
Hands-On Experience – Plug and Play with Customization
Loading up Celebrate 808 in Reason Companion feels instantly rewarding. The patches are mapped with intuitive macro controls, allowing users to quickly manipulate key parameters. Whether you’re shaping transient details on a kick drum or dialing in filter sweeps on a bass patch, the Combinator setups provide just the right balance of usability and depth. This flexibility ensures that whether you’re producing lo-fi beats or high-energy club bangers, the pack adapts seamlessly to your style.
Who Is This For?
Whether you’re a veteran beatmaker looking to refresh your sonic arsenal or a newcomer wanting to tap into the spirit of the 808, Celebrate 808 offers something for everyone. Its inclusion in the Reason+ subscription model means that for just $1, new users can get access—not just to this pack, but to a growing archive of sound design tools.
Final Verdict – A Fitting Celebration of the 808
Celebrate 808 isn’t just a marketing gimmick or a nostalgia grab. It’s a well-crafted, creatively rich expansion that captures the legacy and future of one of music’s most important instruments. While die-hard analog purists may still prefer the original TR-808 hardware, Reason Studios has delivered a digital homage that stands on its own merit. This pack is a must-have for Reason+ users and a compelling reason to consider joining for those who haven’t yet.
Pros:
- Wide range of 808-inspired sounds beyond standard drum hits
- Highly tweakable Combinator patches
- First-ever collaborative Sound Pack brings diverse creative input
- Accessible to new users via the Reason+ subscription
Cons:
- Requires Reason+ and Reason Companion, limiting standalone usability
- Some patches may lean too experimental for traditionalists
