Listen to the envelopes
A short kick can provide the initial punch while a sustained 808 supplies weight. If both sounds have long, heavy tails, the low end may accumulate between hits.
Choose samples and envelopes that complement each other before reaching for complex processing. Shortening a tail or changing the kick sample can solve a problem more naturally than adding several plugins.
Check tuning and timing
Confirm that pitched 808 notes suit the song’s key and that the kick transient supports the groove. Small timing differences can change the perceived impact.
Not every kick needs to hit with every bass note. Use the rhythm to create movement, and check the relationship at both low and moderate listening levels.
Use processing with a purpose
EQ can reduce unnecessary overlap, and sidechain compression may help the kick transient remain audible. Apply these tools only when listening reveals a real conflict.
Check the low end in mono and on more than one playback system. If the bass disappears on small speakers, consider whether controlled harmonics can improve audibility without simply raising sub-bass level.