Alesis SR-16 manual Song Mode Basics, 1A Select Songs and Enter/Exit Song Mode, 1B Set Song Tempo

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CHAPTER 5: SONG MODE

5 . 1 SONG MODE BASICS

After creating the Patterns that make up a Song, it's time to string those Patterns together in a musically useful way. You can incorporate Preset Patterns, or a combination of Preset and User Patterns. There are three ways to create Songs:

•In real time. As the SR-16 plays in Song Mode (with Compose mode selected), it will remember the Patterns and Fills you select.

•Manually. Select Song mode and program a list of Patterns and Fills in the order in which the Patterns are to be played. You can specify the beat and sub-beat on which the Fill takes over from the associated main Pattern.

•A combination of real time and manual recording. Create a Song in real time, then edit it manually to insert extra Song steps, delete Song steps, etc.

The SR-16 holds up to 100 Songs, and each Song can contain up to 254 steps. Each step holds either a Pattern number or Fill. Each Song remembers the tempo at which it was last played.

5.1A Select Songs and Enter/Exit Song Mode

1. The SR-16 should be in Song mode.

2. Select PERFORM mode.

3. Enter a two-digit Song number with the number or INC/DEC buttons. Song numbers must always include two digits; enter a leading zero if necessary.

4. Press PLAY to begin playback. Press STOP to stop playback.

5. To exit Song mode and return to Pattern mode, first stop the Song with the STOP button, then press the PATTERN/SONG button.

5.1B Set Song Tempo

The tempo range extends from 20 to 255 beats per minute. Song tempo can be changed while the SR-16 is stopped or running, and the Song remembers the last tempo that was chosen. There are two ways to set tempo.

1. Before pressing PLAY to start a Song, tap the STOP button several times at the desired tempo. The SR-16 will average the time between taps and derive a tempo; the display will update the tempo with each tap. If a footswitch is plugged into the Count/A/B/Fill jack, tapping the footswitch at the desired rate is equivalent to tapping the STOP button. These techniques work only if the SR-16 is stopped.

2. Use the TEMPO/PAGE up and down buttons. Press once to increment/decrement respectively 1 BPM at a time, or press and hold to scroll through the tempo values.

Background While in Pattern mode, the tempo remains as is until changed. If you switch over to Song mode and the programmed Song tempo is different, the SR-16 will assume the Song's tempo—even if you switch back into Pattern mode—until the tempo is changed again (either manually, or by selecting a different Song).

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Contents Alesis Table of Contents Midi Setup Song ModeCreating Drum Sets Backup Troubleshooting ChartApplications Midi SupplementIntroduction Welcome to the SR-16 Drum Machine1A If You Just Cant Wait… 1B SR-16 Quick DescriptionGround Rules Return Your Warranty Card Now2A The Pattern/Song Recording Method 2B The Four Different Types of Patterns How Looping Simplifies Recording About DefaultsWhats a Voice? 2F Physical Layout Pattern select buttons2G Display Layout Text ProtocolsImportant HOW to Communicate with the SR-16 Empty Patt 10 Steps to Instant Gratification Setup and Checkout3F Buttons that Toggle Beat Quantize Select Record Setup1 Select the Quantization Value Quantize Select Swing Select 2 Select the Swing Value Swing Select3 Enable Click Metronome and SET Rhythm Click Select 4 SET Click Metronome Volume Click VOLClick Select 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 NameRock Playing BACK/RECORDING PatternsPLAYBACK/RECORD Basics 1A The Dual-Purpose Fill ButtonSelect Individual Patterns Set Pattern TempoStop/Restart a Pattern 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 Erase Functions 2A Erase Mistakes While Recording2B Erase an Entire Pattern ErasedCopy Functions 3A Copy, Append, and Double PatternsCopy to Patt 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 Creating Drum Sets Drumset Select1 Select Drum SET Drumset Select Volume 3 SET PAD Volume VolumeFatsnare 2 Assign Sounds to PadsPanning 4 SET PAD Stereo Position PanningTuning +3 ASN Mode Multi5 SET PAD Tuning Tuning 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 Mode1A Select Songs and Enter/Exit Song Mode Song Mode Basics1B Set Song Tempo Continue, Re-start, or Jump to Next Song Step Loop a Pattern IndefinitelyStart from the Middle of a Song 1F Name a Song NameReal Time Song Creation 1G Change Song Tempo as the SR-16 Plays2A Real Time Song Editing Manual Song Creation 3A Enter a Pattern3B Add a Fill Remove a FillDelete a Step 3F Replace a Step3G Erase an Entire Song Copy a Song to Itself Double Song Length4J Copy a Song to Another SR-16 Via Midi Copy to SongMidi CH Omni Midi Setup1 Select Midi Channel Midi CH Drum Drum OUT OFF2 Receive Midi Drum Notes Drum 3 Transmit Midi Drum Notes Drum OUT4 Assign Midi Note Numbers to Drum Pads Note Drum Pad NumberClock in on Clockout5 Accept External Clock Data Clock 6 Send Clock Data to Other Devices ClockoutMidithru OFF 7 Merge Midi in with Midi OUT Midithru8 Select Drum Sets VIA Midi Program Changes PRG Chng PRG Chng OFF9 MAP Drum Notes Note MAP Midi Backup Backup BasicsTape Interface Hookup Saving to DataDiskReceive Data Directly from Another Midi Device Loading from DataDisk2 Save ALL Memory Contents to Tape Store to TAPE? Store to TAPE?Verify TAPE? 3 Verify Data Recorded on Tape Verify TAPE?Load in TAPE? 4 Load Data from Tape Load in TAPE?5 Load ONE Pattern from Tape Load in Patt Load in SONG016 Load ONE Song from Tape Load in Song Free MEM 100% 0 page 7 Check Available Memory Free MEM1 Clear MEMORY/RE-INITIALIZE Parameters Version2 Check Software Version Applications Midi Sync Applications1A SR-16 As Midi Timing Master 1B SR-16 as Midi Timing SlaveSynching to Synthesizer Sequencers Strategies for Assembling Patterns and Songs 2A Create Fills Quickly with the Copy FunctionSave Memory Through Song Steps Odd Time Signatures3B Sound Stacking when Using the SR-16 as a Drum Machine Sound Stacking3A Basics 3C Editing Stacked CombinationsUnderstanding Rhythmic Notation Midi Basics Midi Supplement1A Midi Hardware Midi Channel Messages 1B About Sequencing2A Voice Messages System Common Messages 2B Mode 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.
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