Alesis SR-16 manual 1I Record a Pattern

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3.1I Record a Pattern

An empty Pattern defaults to an 8 beat length, with 16th note quantization and swing off (50%). If you need to change the length, it's best (though not essential) to do so before recording. Other parameters can be changed while you're recording.

To record, select the desired User Pattern. Select Compose mode and press PLAY. Remember that you can switch between Compose and Perform while recording.

As you record, the display will show the current beat number and the tempo indicator will flash at the current tempo. You will hear any drum sounds already recorded in the currently selected Pattern.

To record drum parts into the Pattern, tap the drum pads, or send MIDI data to the SR-16 (sections 6.1 and 6.2) that triggers corresponding drum notes. The Pattern will "loop" during the record process so that you can overdub different drums on different passes.

To exit Record mode, press STOP. Pressing PLAY while in Compose mode will re-start the Pattern from the beginning; the SR-16 remains in record mode.

Note: When sending MIDI data into the drums when the SR-16 is not recording (i.e., the SR- 16 serves as a drum sound expander module), the drum sounds respond to 127 different levels of dynamics. However, if MIDI is used as a trigger during the recording process, the Pattern will "quantize" the incoming level to the nearest of eight levels—the same eight levels produced by tapping the pads at various levels.

3.1J Select New Patterns and Fills While in Compose (Record) Mode

In Compose mode, Main Pattern selection works in the same manner as Perform mode— select a Pattern number (with the desired A or B designator), and the newly-selected Pattern will play back as soon as the current Pattern plays through its entire length. The display will show the Pattern to be played next.

In Perform mode, Fills are transitional Patterns. If you press FILL in Compose mode, a Fill will continue playing—not transition to a different Pattern when it's finished playing—so you can record into it, like a standard Pattern. Remember, as mentioned earlier, that the Fill also plays the downbeat of the next Pattern.

If a footswitch is plugged into the Count/A/B/Fill jack when recording Patterns in Compose mode, pressing the footswitch will switch a Main Pattern over to its associated Fill. The Fill will continue playing until you press the footswitch again, at which point the SR-16 will revert to the associated Main Pattern.

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Contents Alesis Table of Contents Song Mode Midi SetupCreating Drum Sets Midi Supplement BackupTroubleshooting Chart Applications1B SR-16 Quick Description IntroductionWelcome to the SR-16 Drum Machine 1A If You Just Cant Wait…Return Your Warranty Card Now Ground Rules2A The Pattern/Song Recording Method 2B The Four Different Types of Patterns About Defaults How Looping Simplifies RecordingWhats a Voice? Pattern select buttons 2F Physical LayoutText Protocols 2G Display LayoutImportant HOW to Communicate with the SR-16 10 Steps to Instant Gratification Setup and Checkout Empty Patt3F Buttons that Toggle Beat Record Setup Quantize Select1 Select the Quantization Value Quantize Select 2 Select the Swing Value Swing Select Swing SelectClick 3 Enable Click Metronome and SET Rhythm Click Select4 SET Click Metronome Volume Click VOL Click SelectVelocity Loud 5 Adjust Velocity Response Velocity7 ADD/REMOVE Beats from Pattern Beginning Start 6 ADD/REMOVE Beats from Pattern END Length8 Offset a Pattern or Drum Part 9 Step Mode Recording Step Mode001/00 VOL Following page summarizes the step edit options 10 Name the Pattern Name No Name Name1A The Dual-Purpose Fill Button RockPlaying BACK/RECORDING Patterns PLAYBACK/RECORD BasicsSet Pattern Tempo Select Individual PatternsStop/Restart a Pattern 1G Select New Patterns While in Perform Playback Mode 1F Using the Start/Stop FootswitchSelect Fill Patterns in Perform Playback Mode 1I Record a Pattern 1K Using Fill to Create Repetitive Drum Hits Erased Erase Functions2A Erase Mistakes While Recording 2B Erase an Entire Pattern3B Copy One Drum Pads Part to Another Drum Pad Copy Functions3A Copy, Append, and Double Patterns Copy to PattCopy a Pattern to Another SR-16 Via Midi 3F Copy a Drum Set to Another SR-16 Via Midi Drumset Select Creating Drum Sets1 Select Drum SET Drumset Select 2 Assign Sounds to Pads Volume3 SET PAD Volume Volume Fatsnare4 SET PAD Stereo Position Panning Panning6 SET Triggering Mode ASN Mode Tuning +3ASN Mode Multi 5 SET PAD Tuning Tuning7 Choose Output Jacks Output Output Main8 Save Drum SET Save SET Save SET to 39? User9 Manual Drum SET Override SET Mode SET Mode PattSong Mode Basics 1A Select Songs and Enter/Exit Song Mode1B Set Song Tempo 1F Name a Song Name Continue, Re-start, or Jump to Next Song StepLoop a Pattern Indefinitely Start from the Middle of a Song1G Change Song Tempo as the SR-16 Plays Real Time Song Creation2A Real Time Song Editing Remove a Fill Manual Song Creation3A Enter a Pattern 3B Add a FillCopy a Song to Itself Double Song Length Delete a Step3F Replace a Step 3G Erase an Entire SongCopy to Song 4J Copy a Song to Another SR-16 Via MidiMidi Setup Midi CH Omni1 Select Midi Channel Midi CH 3 Transmit Midi Drum Notes Drum OUT DrumDrum OUT OFF 2 Receive Midi Drum Notes DrumDrum Pad Number 4 Assign Midi Note Numbers to Drum Pads Note6 Send Clock Data to Other Devices Clockout Clock in onClockout 5 Accept External Clock Data Clock7 Merge Midi in with Midi OUT Midithru Midithru OFFPRG Chng OFF 8 Select Drum Sets VIA Midi Program Changes PRG Chng9 MAP Drum Notes Note MAP Midi Backup Basics BackupSaving to DataDisk Tape Interface HookupLoading from DataDisk Receive Data Directly from Another Midi Device3 Verify Data Recorded on Tape Verify TAPE? 2 Save ALL Memory Contents to Tape Store to TAPE?Store to TAPE? Verify TAPE?4 Load Data from Tape Load in TAPE? Load in TAPE?Load in SONG01 5 Load ONE Pattern from Tape Load in Patt6 Load ONE Song from Tape Load in Song 0 page 7 Check Available Memory Free MEM Free MEM 100%Version 1 Clear MEMORY/RE-INITIALIZE Parameters2 Check Software Version 1B SR-16 as Midi Timing Slave ApplicationsMidi Sync Applications 1A SR-16 As Midi Timing MasterSynching to Synthesizer Sequencers Odd Time Signatures Strategies for Assembling Patterns and Songs2A Create Fills Quickly with the Copy Function Save Memory Through Song Steps3C Editing Stacked Combinations 3B Sound Stacking when Using the SR-16 as a Drum MachineSound Stacking 3A BasicsUnderstanding Rhythmic Notation Midi Supplement Midi Basics1A Midi Hardware 1B About Sequencing Midi Channel Messages2A Voice Messages 2B Mode Messages System Common MessagesBooks on Midi 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.