Alesis SR-16 Drum Machine  (Used)

Comments about Alesis SR-16 Drum Machine:

I have been a professional musician, songwriter for over 40 years. In the last 20 years or more I have been doing a single since I retired from the road and the Alesis SR-18 has been my accompaniment all those years. I have 2 of them, one for stage and one for studio and both have never let me down, including the foot switches that are recommended for those units.Yes I would re- purchase them if it ever becomes necessary. I'm getting older, bot the SR-18s are staying young and intact. Thank you Alesis. Frank T.

Comments about Alesis SR-16 Drum Machine:

What can I say. Its just so user friendly. This is my second unit the first one got used to death. Lcd was damaged but the machine still work. I dont think theres a better machine for the money!

Comments about Alesis SR-16 Drum Machine:

It is unfortunate that the Alesis SR 16 does not incorporate ballroom rhythms such as waltz, rumba, cha-cha etc. I believe it is aimed at the youth market. Perhaps Alesis could come out with a new model with these rhythms.

Comments about Alesis SR-16 Drum Machine:

Not recommended for use as a midi drum module. The architecture is oriented around the 12 key pads and their midi note assignments are not sequential by default. Note numbers 000-119 are pre-arranged as a series of 12-note drumsets 00-09 which only partially align with general midi note assignments. To reassign them so that your sequencer plays the expected drums is a awkward process, and apparently circumvents the SR-16's usefulness as a drum machine.

As a drum machine the SR-16 is a good economical choice. The A and B main and Fill patterns when operated by footswitches, make for a natural sounding, varied background. The 50 preset patterns are missing waltz and 6:8 patterns, but these can be programmed into the user section. Each pattern has a drumset assigned so there is a wide variety of sounds available just from the presets. Despite the quirky midi architecture, I find it to be quite usable as a practice machine, or for solo or small group accompaniment.

Comments about Alesis SR-16 Drum Machine:

Unless you're into all the new electronic sounds, this machine is perfect and sounds like a real set of drums.
This is a great little box. The main thing is NOT to get overwhelmed by all the buttons. Look on the bottom of the machine for a quick start. Don't try to master everything at once. Decide on a Preset you like and stick with it through whatever songs you play that it fits until you get sick of hearing the same ole same ole. Then try something else. Go to Alesis support and ask for the FREE DVD (not advertised). Take your time and have fun. This machine has much to offer! If you order it, get 2 universal footswitches, you'll need them. Enjoy!
Nice size and feel.
Great device for the price.

Comments about Alesis SR-16 Drum Machine:

Best drummer I every played with.
This is something I've always wanted. I really checkerd many machines out and a lot of opinions about this one was old sounding drum beats, but hey, I grew up with these beats. The newer machines were much more expensive and I'm not into the synthesized sounds. Don't get me wrong, I am NOT saying this machine is limited. If you get into the manual and take your time going step by step, you will find tons of adjustments and tweaks that will definitely keep your creativeness happy. It's simple to operate and you can get started with the presets right out of the box. Just remember to have FUN! Also order 2 universal foot pedals with it and your all set!
Does everything I want.
Great price!!!

Comments about Alesis SR-16 Drum Machine:

Very happy with this tool. I've written songs based solely on the presets (alternate between A & B, with the appropriate fills is the easiest way, but it is entirely possible to string various patterns together). I've also composed my own drumlines, both on the fly and through programming (which can be just a bit tedious, but definitely not a deal breaker). This little fella has proved invaluable as a songwriting tool and back when I first got it, I noticed a definite improvement in my playing (specifically, staying in time). The quantize feature is nice to give a song a little sense of urgency or to mellow it out. If this one dies, I will be in the market for another one. With a USB mixer (Alesis makes a nice little low cost one which I also own), it is possible to enter the realm of digital recording with free software downloadable from the internet (I use Audacity quite bit when I'm travelling so I can leave my digital recording console at home). Overall, I am very satisfied with this product and would recommend it to anyone looking to purchase a drum machine. Again, great price!!!!!!
Plenty of versatility, fairly easy to use, good amount of customization
I've had mine for about 10-11 years and it still works fine. I've had the scratchiness of the volume pot that another user mentioned, but as was said; it happened after sitting idle for some time and it worked itself out.
Like I said, 10 plus years and it's still going strong. That's a pretty good value in my book. Also, 10 years ago, it was more expensive, so at the price, it's a no-brainer.

Comments about Alesis SR-16 Drum Machine:

Over all, this machine came along when I was a" back yard" studio owner in the late 80's. It was a superior product then, and remains so today. It does, what I need!
This little unit features great sounding drums that are super easy to MIDI sync to my 2488neo recorder. The preloaded patterns let me lay down a drum line for a new song almost immediately. That's why I bought it. I am not disappointed!
Well built.
Hard to imagine a better value.

Comments about Alesis SR-16 Drum Machine:

I turned on the unit and played the first preset pattern and it played just fine. Then, when I tried to adjust the tempo, the thing froze up on me and hasn't played since. I tried consulting the "troubleshooting" section of the manual ... no dice. I will be returning this unit for a replacement. Hopefully I'll get one that works for more the two and a half minutes this time.

Comments about Alesis SR-16 Drum Machine:

The one we received was defective. It was to replace an older Alesis SR-16 and now, we're in return cycle limbo with Alesis. It's been weeks since we've sent it back and will take more time to replace, since they're backordered. My wife and I are both professional musicians and will think twice before buying another Alesis.