Sub bass out of 808 - adding some mid frequencies

[hirszu]

To this point I used to create my sub bass using a sine wave in a synth, but today I tried the 808 method - looping a cycle out of an 808 kick. The problem I've come across is adding some meat to the bass line. In the case of a synthesized sine wave I would just add a second square wave oscillator and then filter out the high end. In this case I can't really do that. What is a good method to add some mid frequencies to make the bass more audible and a bit crunchier?
I've tried bouncing the bassline, then distorting it but it sounds like shit - maybe I'm doing it wrong. I've also tried parallel compression as someone on the Internet suggested, but I'm not happy with the result. What are your techniques?

[gen_]

Overcompression or driving it through a limiter are two ways to achieve a level of distortion out of it, else you are looking at tape emulations and saturation.

http://bedroomproducersblog.com/2011/04 ... t-plugins/

Have a look there for something that takes your fancy. Try very light parallel guitar amp emulation as well, I did use that once upon a time.

[hirszu]

Thanks, gonna try that FerricTDS for a start

edit. Oh yes I can see this is definitely going to work I just have to learn the correct settings

[titchbit]

Even just simple overdrive distortion would work. And filter if necessary.