X-Eight 2 by Thenatan Audio 808 bass VST plugin interface

X-Eight 2: 808 Bass VST Plugin by Thenatan Audio

Rated 4.7/5 on Plugin Boutique (34 ratings)

X-Eight 2 is an 808 and kick virtual instrument by Thenatan Audio, built around two samplers, a modulation system and a library of 1342 808 and kick samples for low-end sound design.

VST3VST2AUAAXWindowsmacOS64-bit

AVAILABLE ATPlugin Boutique

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01Overview

X-Eight 2 is an expanded edition of the X-Eight 808 VST, with updated sound, interface and controls. Thenatan Audio positions it as a complete 808 tool for producers working in hip-hop, trap and future bass. The plugin combines a sample library ranging from subtle, deep basses to saturated, distorted and long 808s with a sampler, a pitch and filter modulation system and a built-in set of effects. Its 1200 factory presets give you a starting point, and you can also build sounds from scratch.

Best for

Trap 808 basses
Hip-hop low end
Future bass sub-bass
Kick and 808 layering
Distorted bass design
Preset-based bass starting points

Developer: Thenatan Audio
Category: Virtual Instruments
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Two samplers with filters, reverse, pan, gain, drive and tuning
Import your own kick samples into the Kick Player
Layer noise or sine tones over 808 basses
Brain Randomizer for generating new patch variations
1342 808, sub, kick and extra samples included
10 built-in effects including Saturation, Bit Crusher and Damage
Pitch LFO, Filter LFO and Filter Envelope modulation
Glide, velocity control and ±24 semitone transpose
Ducking effect for separating 808s and kicks
Library compressed to about 270 MB, installable on external drives
Resizable interface up to 200%
1200 factory presets and shareable patches

03In depth

Sound Design Tools for 808 Basses

X-Eight 2 uses two samplers, each with filters, reverse, pan, gain, drive and tuning controls. A Pitch LFO, a Filter LFO and a Filter Envelope let you animate a bass over time, from subtle vibrato to heavy filter movement. Glide and velocity control shape how notes connect and respond to playing dynamics, and a ±24 semitone transpose control covers a wide range of pitches.

The Brain Randomizer generates new patch variations, which helps when you want to explore sounds quickly. You can also layer noise or a sine tone over an 808 to add weight or texture.

The built-in effects include Damage, Bit Crusher, Saturation, a 3-band equalizer, DjFilter, MonoBass, Freak, low-pass and high-pass filters and a stereo widener. A Ducking effect helps keep 808s and kicks from fighting for space in the low end.

Sample Library and Kick Player

The library includes 1342 808, sub, kick and extra samples. You can import your own kick samples into the Kick Player, so the plugin can work with the kicks you already use. The sample library is compressed to about 270 MB on disk, and you can install samples on external hard drives.

The interface is fully resizable up to 200%, with sharp or smooth scaling, which helps on high-resolution displays.

04Specs

Will it run?

Formats, systems and requirements as listed by Plugin Boutique. Missing details are left out, not guessed.

Developer	Thenatan Audio
Type	Plugin
Category	Virtual Instruments
Formats	VST3, VST2, AU, AAX
Operating systems	Windows, macOS
Architecture	64-bit

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What formats does X-Eight 2 support?

X-Eight 2 is available in VST3, VST2, AU and AAX formats, and it runs on Windows and macOS. It is a 64-bit plugin.

Does X-Eight 2 work in Pro Tools?

No. The plugin works in most major DAWs but is listed as excluding Pro Tools, so it is not compatible with Pro Tools.

What do I need to use X-Eight 2?

You need a compatible DAW that supports one of the listed formats. On Windows, the plugin supports Windows 7, 8 and 10 or later. On Mac, it supports OS X 10.9.5 Mavericks or later, including macOS Catalina and Big Sur, and it is compatible with Apple Silicon natively. Windows systems need 4 GB of RAM.