Customer Reviews

Alesis SR16 Drum Machine

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Some history on this device: The Alesis SR-16 has been in production since 1991 and has gone through only slight revisions to the hardware since its original release. The 16-bit drum samples are still the same today as they were on this unit over 15 years ago. It is regarded as a break-through piece of studio gear and regarded by many studio engineers as the first rhythm machine capable of producing a convincing enough drum track capable of replacing a real drummer in studio recordings for rock applications. (Prior to the SR-16, rhythm machines were commonly used in pop music in the 80's, but it was always clear to trained ears that a rhythm machine was used, the SR-16 successfully blurred the line and made it possible to use rhythm machines in genres that generally frowned upon electronic drums such as: rock, country and blues) You'll hear the SR-16 on many professional tracks by top name recording artist from the early to mid-90's.

Today the SR-16 can still be found in many professional and home recording studios. With the emergence of Pro Tools and other PC based Digital Audio Workstations, stand alone rhythm machines have become much less popular today in pro recording, but they are still very popular in home studios and for performing solo musicians around the world.

Comparing the SR-16 to newer products: Rhythm machines produced by Roland/BOSS, Yamaha and ZOOM are the SR-16's primary competition, with Roland and Alesis often cited as leaders and innovators in pro electronic percussion (these companies also produce the best quality electronic kits and the same samples are used in their rhythm machine products). Some of the features common to newer rhythm machines not found on the SR-16 include: 24-bit samples, more memory, bass guitar sequencer ability to store MIDI files on device.

Ease of use: Aside from its convincing sound quality, perhaps the reason the SR-16 has remained in production and a favorite among musicians is its ease of use. The SR-16 was designed with the non-drummer solo musician in mind and is considered one of the easiest rhythm machines to program. It's interface has been copied (but many would say not trumped) by BOSS, Yamaha and others. The manual, while poorly edited does more than any other rhythm machine owners guide to cater to solo musician who doesn't understand the first thing about sequencing drum tracks and it's A,FillA,B,FillB pattern foot switch configuration makes it easier to improvise with... In short, you don't get much customization with the SR-16, but what you do get feature was is going to be the most popular setup which makes the device much more approachable than many modern rhythm machines and sequencer options. Has a full MIDI in/out through implementation so the SR-16 can be patched in and controlled from DAW's (Pro Tools, Cubase, Live, etc...)

Comparing generations: If you're buying previously owned model be aware that some features have changed over the years. First generation SR-16 models (1991-circa 2001) had about 1/2 of the user memory than that of the current production SR-16. Also, the first generation units did not have a headphone jack. In the early 2000's Alesis updated all the preset patterns creating a market for "vintage" SR-16 machines. Also, over the years the price has dropped significantly. The SR-16 was originally marketed as a high-end studio product with a price tag around $400. While the quality of the unit has only improved, the price has dropped as computer parts have become less expensive (also newer units are mass produced in Asia).

Here's the great SR16. Been around since 1990 and still sells well. Probably the most used drum machine of all time considering how long it's been in production. Pretty easy to use and has the added extra of being controlled by a foot pedal or two so you can switch between an A and B version of a beat and an A and B version of the fills at the end of each verse. (You'll need to buy the foot controllers - doesn't come with this purchase). There's loads of other revues out there if you search - but this and the boss range dominate the market in my opinion. At this price it's a great bit of kit to have and a good place to start if you've never tried drum machines before. Also check out the new SR18, just released April 2008, although twice the price is the downside for the extra drum set samples, more memory and bigger construction. I've got the SR18 and it's worth every panny - so the SR16 is a steal at this price - you just have to accept that the SR16 doesn't have the huge scope of it's bigger brother or basslines. Alesis SR18 Drum Machine w/ effects engine

Ive been recording music for 6 years. I'm a bit of a perfectionist.. Always trying to make my tracks sound as legit as possible with the things i had.. Ive never had the money for drum sets in those days but with all the little things I've purchased it adds to well over this small price tag of 150 smackers.

This machine has all your rhythm needs.. You can program a song beat for beat or jam along to the many cool patterns they have.. Also its important to note you can adjust the tempo on all of them so the possibilities are endless. This machine is so simple to use. It could be a great gift for starting musicians and just about anyone who's a creator.

Overall I love this ol thing and I plan on using it for many many MANY years to come.. and if it breaks on me, Ill just buy a new one! Cuz its worth every penny and more.

First of all, I would like to mention to people who complain that it didn't come with anything else. If you don't understand anything about music instruments, please don't say anything. Do some research first.
A drum machine is a professional digital music instrument which works together with other equipment. That is NOT a toy that you buy at toysrus or walmart.

Alesis SR-16 is probably the most affordable drum machine on market, if I am not mistaken. The sound quality is super. Ease of use is OK. I use it with Alesis Control Pad. I tried Control Pad first with a computer. It works, and it is fun, but the latency was driving me crazy. Even using ASIO.
Together with Alesis SR16 my Control Pad make a great team. There is no delay, because only hardware is involved(well, not exactly only hardware) There is no computer processing involved. That makes a huge difference. You play the drums just like the real ones. As soon as you hit the pad the sound is played. No delay.

I think it is a good deal. And the fact that SR16 was produced for so many years means something.
If it could only have some cool base sounds.

My guitar teacher had been harping on me to get a drum machine and he recommended the alesis SR16, so I finally scored a used one off Amazon. Was very happy with the transaction and price was pretty much in line with ebay auctions. I've been quite happy with the pre-sets, as my bass player and I are mostly doing surf classics in 4x4. I have read the instructions and to me, programming a user defined track is not straight forward...I spent about an hour and a half and was able to get a little snippet of a track, but wasn't really sure how I got there. At some point, I'll try again, but I'd rather be playing guitar than fiddling around with user defined drum tracks. I do have to say the I can get a lot of use out of the 4x4 pre-sets, however.

Sold originally back in 1990, this machine is this performer's choice for its ease of operation and ruggedness and seamless, predictable play. This will be my third little work horse for my rhythm section.

This is a great product. Easy to use and sounds great. I wish wouldn't have sold mine. I should have at least taken the sounds off...

I bought this for my husband for his birthday. He loves it! It is easy to use and lets him be creative. It was just as explained, can't wait to hear it on big speakers. Thanks

I just got the SR-16. I unpacked it and turned it on. It worked for a couple of hours and then it simply stopped working. Now, I have to box it up and send it back. This is very uncool. The QA on this product did not work!

Crap!!!!!!!!

Junk!!!
I normally do not give negative reviews. I'm not one of those "Nay Sayers".
Did NOT come with foot pedals.
Did NOT come with connectors to an amp or PA.
I had to buy these separately. Furthermore, it did NOT have any beats in 3/4 time.
Lastly, after I purchased all the other additions necessary for it to run, it died on me after only a year.
Junk!!!!!!!!!!!
Doc