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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?

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.

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

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