Alesis SR-16 manual Backup Basics

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CHAPTER 7: BACKUP

7 . 1 BACKUP BASICS

This function allows you to save the SR-16 Pattern, Song, and Drum Kit data to cassette tapes or MIDI system exclusive storage devices. General instructions are:

1. Press the BACKUP button.

2. Use the Page (up and down) buttons to select different "pages" of functions; the display's lower right window shows the page number. These pages are described below.

3. Adjust values on pages, if necessary, as described for each page.

4. After performing the desired backup operation, press BACKUP again to exit, or choose another page.

With all tape operations, pressing STOP during a data transfer cancels the operation from that point on, as indicated by the display (TAPE OUT CANCEL when saving, TAPE IN CANCEL when verifying or loading). If you press STOP during a load from tape, the memory contents may end up partially full, thereby resulting in jumbled data for some Patterns or Songs. However, if you're loading a single Pattern or Song, you can press STOP any time after the desired Pattern or Song has loaded.

If an error occurs while loading, the display will say ERROR; loading continues but the data may be unuseable. Try reloading an alternate take of the data. If the tape stops or a dropout lasts long enough for the SR-16 to think the tape has stopped, the transfer will be cancelled (the display says TAPE IN CANCEL).

Background The SR-16 can save the data in memory by converting this data into audio tones and recording these tones on a standard audio tape machine (usually cassette). Data can also be converted into a special type of MIDI code and stored in a MIDI data storage device such as the Alesis DataDisk, or transferred to another SR-16. As you build up a library of Patterns and Songs, data can be reloaded from tape or MIDI into the SR-16. There are two main reasons to save your work:

•Although the SR-16 can typically store over 15,000 events, eventually it will run out of memory. You can save the memory contents, fill up the memory with new Patterns and Songs, and re-load the old data when needed.

•It is vitally important to back up what's in the SR-16's memory!A mechanical problem (surge on the power line, a quick zap of static electricity) or operator error could alter the data in memory. Save your data whenever you've done enough work on something that you wouldn't want to lose that work. If possible, make two backups, and store the second backup in a different physical location from the primary backup.

Caution! Saving and loading data is very unreliable when done incorrectly, and very reliable when done right. To promote error-free saves and loads, use a high-quality recorder and tape.

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Contents Alesis Table of Contents Creating Drum Sets Song ModeMidi Setup Troubleshooting Chart BackupApplications Midi SupplementWelcome to the SR-16 Drum Machine Introduction1A If You Just Cant Wait… 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 Pattern select buttons 2F Physical LayoutText Protocols 2G Display LayoutImportant 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 2 Select the Swing Value Swing Select Swing Select4 SET Click Metronome Volume Click VOL 3 Enable Click Metronome and SET Rhythm Click SelectClick Select ClickVelocity 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 NamePlaying BACK/RECORDING Patterns RockPLAYBACK/RECORD Basics 1A The Dual-Purpose Fill ButtonStop/Restart a Pattern Set Pattern TempoSelect Individual Patterns 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 2A Erase Mistakes While Recording Erase Functions2B Erase an Entire Pattern Erased3A Copy, Append, and Double Patterns Copy FunctionsCopy 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 1 Select Drum SET Drumset Select Drumset SelectCreating Drum Sets 3 SET PAD Volume Volume VolumeFatsnare 2 Assign Sounds to Pads4 SET PAD Stereo Position Panning PanningASN Mode Multi Tuning +35 SET PAD Tuning Tuning 6 SET Triggering Mode ASN Mode7 Choose Output Jacks Output Output Main8 Save Drum SET Save SET Save SET to 39? User9 Manual Drum SET Override SET Mode SET Mode Patt1B Set Song Tempo Song Mode Basics1A Select Songs and Enter/Exit Song Mode Loop a Pattern Indefinitely Continue, Re-start, or Jump to Next Song StepStart from the Middle of a Song 1F Name a Song Name2A Real Time Song Editing 1G Change Song Tempo as the SR-16 PlaysReal Time Song Creation 3A Enter a Pattern Manual Song Creation3B Add a Fill Remove a Fill3F Replace a Step Delete a Step3G Erase an Entire Song Copy a Song to Itself Double Song LengthCopy to Song 4J Copy a Song to Another SR-16 Via Midi1 Select Midi Channel Midi CH Midi SetupMidi CH Omni Drum OUT OFF Drum2 Receive Midi Drum Notes Drum 3 Transmit Midi Drum Notes Drum OUTDrum Pad Number 4 Assign Midi Note Numbers to Drum Pads NoteClockout Clock in on5 Accept External Clock Data Clock 6 Send Clock Data to Other Devices Clockout7 Merge Midi in with Midi OUT Midithru Midithru OFF9 MAP Drum Notes Note MAP PRG Chng OFF8 Select Drum Sets VIA Midi Program Changes PRG Chng Midi Backup Basics BackupSaving to DataDisk Tape Interface HookupLoading from DataDisk Receive Data Directly from Another Midi DeviceStore to TAPE? 2 Save ALL Memory Contents to Tape Store to TAPE?Verify TAPE? 3 Verify Data Recorded on Tape Verify TAPE?4 Load Data from Tape Load in TAPE? Load in TAPE?6 Load ONE Song from Tape Load in Song Load in SONG015 Load ONE Pattern from Tape Load in Patt 0 page 7 Check Available Memory Free MEM Free MEM 100%2 Check Software Version Version1 Clear MEMORY/RE-INITIALIZE Parameters Midi Sync Applications Applications1A SR-16 As Midi Timing Master 1B SR-16 as Midi Timing SlaveSynching to Synthesizer Sequencers 2A Create Fills Quickly with the Copy Function Strategies for Assembling Patterns and SongsSave Memory Through Song Steps Odd Time SignaturesSound Stacking 3B Sound Stacking when Using the SR-16 as a Drum Machine3A Basics 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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