Leslie Brathwaite uses Waves plugins to add more weight and body to 808s and kicks in hip-hop tracks.
He starts with the Waves LoAir to enhance the low-end, giving the 808 that essential "oomph" and shaping its thickness.
For further tonal shaping, Brathwaite employs the Waves SSL E-Channel EQ to dial in the chest frequencies and refine the low-end. This approach helps the 808 and kick sit well in the mix without overpowering other elements.
Additionally, he uses the Waves PuigTec EQ to add more thump to the kick. Brathwaite emphasizes pushing EQ parameters to extremes initially and then dialing back to find the perfect balance, ensuring the changes are perceptible and effective.