Clap with Burst Envelope
A hand clap patch using ENV-B as a burst envelope.
1: Send white noise into the filter. Experiment with different flavours of noise. Use something bright.
2: Set the filter to bandpass 2 or 4. The bandpass filter in the 808 is set to 1,000 Hz / B5 +21¢. Use that as a starting point, then tune to taste.
Raise Q to accentuate the high frequencies and give the whole sound more punch.
The filtered noise is then sent to both VCAs in parallel paths.
3: Path 1 - ENV-A: This is the tail of the sound. ENV-A should have a longer decay than ENV-B. This will create a ‘fake reverb’ effect to simulate the sound of a clap ringing out in a large space. For a snappier sound, reduce ENV-A release time.
4: Path 2 - ENV-B: This is the attack / clapping portion of the sound.
4a: Set ENV-B to burst mode. Keep it as a short burst of 4 to 6 pulses. The burst env creates the effect of a group of people clapping together.
4b: Patch the filter out to VCA-B in.
4c: Patch ENV-B to VCA-B CV.
5: Patch VCA-B to main out 2.
6: Adjust VCA-A MOD level to taste. Use lower levels for a snappier clap.
Further Reading
A short post about the 808 Hand Clap.
Pg. 6 has a brief description of the clap circuit (CP / MA).
Pg. 6 there is a chart showing the voltage being shaped into the ‘sawtooth’ envelope.
Pg. 7 has a block diagram (top centre).
Pg. 9 the circuit (lower left).
Pg. 14 has a chart displaying the amplitude, and decay time.