Alesis SR-16 manual Select Fill Patterns in Perform Playback Mode

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3 . 1 H Select Fill Patterns in Perform (Playback) Mode

Fill Patterns are the key to creating expressive drum parts. However, Fill is a sophisticated feature that requires some explanation.

Remember that Fills are always the same length, and use the same Drum Set, as the associated Main Pattern. This lets you "drop in" a Fill at any time. As soon as you press the FILL button, the Fill takes over from the Main Pattern and starts playing until the end of the Fill.

Generally, Fills are transitional Patterns. Example: Suppose an 8-beat A Main Pattern is playing and you press the FILL button on beat 4. The A Fill Pattern will play the last 4 beats and then automatically transition into the B Main Pattern. Conversely, if B Main is playing and you press Fill, after B Fill has played, the SR-16 will transition to the A Main Pattern. You can select the Fill at any time the Main Pattern is playing.

However, Fills do not have to be transitional Patterns. If you press the FILL button (or footswitch) before the Fill has finished playing and hold it down until after the Fill has played (i.e., past the downbeat of the next Pattern), the SR-16 will return to the original Main Pattern. Example: Suppose an 8-beat A Main Pattern is playing and you press the FILL button on beat 4 but hold it down past beat 8. The A Fill Pattern will play the last 4 beats, then the SR-16 will return to the A Main Pattern.

Fills cannot start on the downbeat since a Fill, by definition, starts at some point into the Main Pattern. However, anything you record on the Fill downbeat will play on the first downbeat following the Fill (i.e., the downbeat of the next Pattern). To show why this is a useful feature, consider that when coming out of a fill, you'll often want to hit something like a cymbal crash on the downbeat of the next Pattern yet not have that crash repeat every time the Pattern plays. This way of handling Fills lets the downbeat cymbal crash be part of the Fill instead of the Pattern.

A footswitch plugged into the Count/A/B/Fill jack duplicates the FILL button function when playing Patterns in Perform mode.

Background This way of handling Patterns explains the logic behind having A, B, and Fill Patterns. In typical pop tunes, A would be the verse and B the chorus. A Fill provides the Fill that transitions from verse to chorus, and B Fill provides the Fill that transitions from chorus to verse. Thus, one of the numbered Patterns may be all you need to put together a tune.

This structure makes it possible to put together songs in minutes using the Preset Patterns. It also makes it easy to play drum parts live. For example, if there's a solo happening over the A Main Pattern, you can keep the Pattern repeating until the solo is about to end, at which point you select the Fill that leads out of the A Main Pattern.

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Contents Alesis Table of Contents Creating Drum Sets Song ModeMidi Setup Applications BackupTroubleshooting Chart Midi Supplement1A If You Just Cant Wait… IntroductionWelcome to the SR-16 Drum Machine 1B SR-16 Quick Description2A The Pattern/Song Recording Method Return Your Warranty Card NowGround Rules 2B The Four Different Types of Patterns Whats a Voice? About DefaultsHow Looping Simplifies Recording 2F Physical Layout Pattern select buttons2G Display Layout Text ProtocolsImportant HOW to Communicate with the SR-16 3F Buttons that Toggle 10 Steps to Instant Gratification Setup and CheckoutEmpty Patt Beat 1 Select the Quantization Value Quantize Select Record SetupQuantize Select Swing Select 2 Select the Swing Value Swing SelectClick Select 3 Enable Click Metronome and SET Rhythm Click Select4 SET Click Metronome Volume Click VOL Click5 Adjust Velocity Response Velocity Velocity Loud6 ADD/REMOVE Beats from Pattern END Length 7 ADD/REMOVE Beats from Pattern Beginning Start9 Step Mode Recording Step Mode 8 Offset a Pattern or Drum Part001/00 VOL Following page summarizes the step edit options No Name Name 10 Name the Pattern NamePLAYBACK/RECORD Basics RockPlaying BACK/RECORDING Patterns 1A The Dual-Purpose Fill ButtonStop/Restart a Pattern Set Pattern TempoSelect Individual Patterns 1F Using the Start/Stop Footswitch 1G Select New Patterns While in Perform Playback ModeSelect Fill Patterns in Perform Playback Mode 1I Record a Pattern 1K Using Fill to Create Repetitive Drum Hits 2B Erase an Entire Pattern Erase Functions2A Erase Mistakes While Recording ErasedCopy to Patt Copy Functions3A Copy, Append, and Double Patterns 3B Copy One Drum Pads Part to Another Drum PadCopy a Pattern to Another SR-16 Via Midi 3F Copy a Drum Set to Another SR-16 Via Midi 1 Select Drum SET Drumset Select Drumset SelectCreating Drum Sets Fatsnare Volume3 SET PAD Volume Volume 2 Assign Sounds to PadsPanning 4 SET PAD Stereo Position Panning5 SET PAD Tuning Tuning Tuning +3ASN Mode Multi 6 SET Triggering Mode ASN ModeOutput Main 7 Choose Output Jacks OutputSave SET to 39? User 8 Save Drum SET Save SETSET Mode Patt 9 Manual Drum SET Override SET Mode1B Set Song Tempo Song Mode Basics1A Select Songs and Enter/Exit Song Mode Start from the Middle of a Song Continue, Re-start, or Jump to Next Song StepLoop a Pattern Indefinitely 1F Name a Song Name2A Real Time Song Editing 1G Change Song Tempo as the SR-16 PlaysReal Time Song Creation 3B Add a Fill Manual Song Creation3A Enter a Pattern Remove a Fill3G Erase an Entire Song Delete a Step3F Replace a Step Copy a Song to Itself Double Song Length4J Copy a Song to Another SR-16 Via Midi Copy to Song1 Select Midi Channel Midi CH Midi SetupMidi CH Omni 2 Receive Midi Drum Notes Drum DrumDrum OUT OFF 3 Transmit Midi Drum Notes Drum OUT4 Assign Midi Note Numbers to Drum Pads Note Drum Pad Number5 Accept External Clock Data Clock Clock in onClockout 6 Send Clock Data to Other Devices ClockoutMidithru OFF 7 Merge Midi in with Midi OUT Midithru9 MAP Drum Notes Note MAP PRG Chng OFF8 Select Drum Sets VIA Midi Program Changes PRG Chng Midi Backup Backup BasicsTape Interface Hookup Saving to DataDiskReceive Data Directly from Another Midi Device Loading from DataDiskVerify TAPE? 2 Save ALL Memory Contents to Tape Store to TAPE?Store to TAPE? 3 Verify Data Recorded on Tape Verify TAPE?Load in TAPE? 4 Load Data from Tape Load in TAPE?6 Load ONE Song from Tape Load in Song Load in SONG015 Load ONE Pattern from Tape Load in Patt Free MEM 100% 0 page 7 Check Available Memory Free MEM2 Check Software Version Version1 Clear MEMORY/RE-INITIALIZE Parameters 1A SR-16 As Midi Timing Master ApplicationsMidi Sync Applications 1B SR-16 as Midi Timing SlaveSynching to Synthesizer Sequencers Save Memory Through Song Steps Strategies for Assembling Patterns and Songs2A Create Fills Quickly with the Copy Function Odd Time Signatures3A Basics 3B Sound Stacking when Using the SR-16 as a Drum MachineSound Stacking 3C Editing Stacked CombinationsUnderstanding Rhythmic Notation 1A Midi Hardware Midi SupplementMidi Basics 2A Voice Messages 1B About SequencingMidi Channel Messages Books on Midi 2B Mode MessagesSystem Common Messages Videos on Midi Alesis SR-16 Troubleshooting Chart Won’t load from tape. Note Be sure to verify all saves

SR-16 specifications

The Alesis SR-16 is a legendary drum machine that has carved its niche in the realm of music production since its initial release in the early 1990s. Renowned for its affordability and user-friendly interface, the SR-16 has become a staple for musicians, producers, and composers across various genres. Its robust set of features and reliable performance make it an attractive choice for both beginners and seasoned professionals.

One of the standout features of the Alesis SR-16 is its expansive library of high-quality drum sounds. It houses 233 onboard drum and percussion sounds, encompassing everything from acoustic drum kits to electronic beats. The samples are derived from real instruments and meticulously recorded to provide a rich, authentic sound that can enhance any musical project. Additionally, the SR-16 allows users to layer and mix different sounds, giving them the flexibility to create customized drum tracks.

The SR-16 employs advanced sequencing capabilities, letting users create intricate patterns and beats with ease. It offers 50 preset patterns, spanning multiple musical styles, which can be edited and modified to suit individual needs. Users can also record their own patterns in real-time or step mode, allowing for greater creativity and control over the final output.

Alesis has designed the SR-16 with a user-friendly interface, featuring a backlit LCD screen and intuitive layout that simplifies the programming process. This accessibility makes the drum machine ideal for live performances as well as studio sessions. Furthermore, the SR-16 includes facilities for triggering sounds via MIDI, enabling seamless integration with other hardware and software setups.

Another notable feature is the onboard effects processing, which enhances the sound quality and provides additional sonic possibilities. The SR-16 includes reverb and filter effects, allowing users to manipulate their sounds and create depth within their musical arrangements.

The compact and rugged build of the Alesis SR-16 makes it suitable for musicians on the go. With its substantial battery life and adaptability for power sources, it is a reliable companion for live performances or recording sessions.

In conclusion, the Alesis SR-16 stands out as an essential tool for anyone looking to expand their musical toolkit. With its high-quality sounds, intuitive sequencing, and versatility, it remains a relevant choice decades after its introduction, merging classic design with modern technological advancements. Whether for crafting beats in the studio or performing live, the SR-16 delivers a unique and engaging drumming experience.
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