Alesis SR-16 Return Your Warranty Card Now, Ground Rules, 2A The Pattern/Song Recording Method

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8.Applications: This additional information will help you get the most out of the SR-16.

9. MIDI Supplement: This brief, entry-level explanation of MIDI explains the basic theory behind the MIDI protocol.

Feel free to cover topics in a different order. For example, if creating a whacked-out Drum Set is important to you, read the Drum Set section before you start recording. If you come up with a great tune, skip ahead to the Backup section so that you don't accidentally erase the tune or otherwise lose it. If you only want to use the SR-16 as a MIDI expander module, then the MIDI Setup section might be a priority.

Experts as well as beginners should read the following "ground rules" (definitions, concepts, and how to communicate with the SR-16) very carefully. The SR-16 is easy to use, but only if you read and understand these basic principles.

Certain subjects, such as quantization and output assignments, will be familiar to experienced drum machine users but new concepts to others. As a result, some sections contain background material tailored specifically for beginners. These sections are identified as "background" and set in a smaller type size.

1 . 1 D Return Your Warranty Card Now!

Your warranty will be in effect and you will receive product update information only if you send in your warranty card. See the back page of the manual for full warranty information.

1 . 2 GROUND RULES

The SR-16 drum machine consists of two main elements:

•The drum sounds themselves, recorded using16-bit resolution (the same resolution as CDs). For additional realism, many sounds use advanced "dynamic articulation" techniques so that these sounds, when hit loudly, have a different timbre than when they're hit softly.

•An internal computer to control and trigger the sounds. This computer simulates an advanced, easily editable tape recorder.

The SR-16 offers two main modes, Perform (for playback) and Compose (for recording). You can switch between these while the SR-16 is playing, making it easy to test out different sounds without recording them and then drop back into record mode.

1.2A The Pattern/Song Recording Method

When recording with a drum machine, it's often easier to divide a song into shorter individual Patterns and work on these rather than record an entire song. A typical Pattern might be 8,16, or 32 beats long, and correspond to a verse, chorus, bridge, instrumental, intro, etc. While recording these Patterns, the SR-16 will be in Pattern mode. The SR-16 holds 50 Preset (i.e., can't be edited) Patterns and 50 user-programmable Patterns, each of which can be from 1 to 128 beats long.

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Contents Alesis Table of Contents Song Mode Midi SetupCreating Drum Sets Applications BackupTroubleshooting Chart Midi Supplement1A If You Just Cant Wait… IntroductionWelcome to the SR-16 Drum Machine 1B SR-16 Quick DescriptionReturn 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? 2F Physical Layout Pattern select buttons2G Display Layout Text ProtocolsImportant 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 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 ButtonSet Pattern Tempo Select Individual PatternsStop/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 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 Drumset Select Creating Drum Sets1 Select Drum SET Drumset Select 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 ModeSong Mode Basics 1A Select Songs and Enter/Exit Song Mode1B Set Song Tempo Start from the Middle of a Song Continue, Re-start, or Jump to Next Song StepLoop a Pattern Indefinitely 1F Name a Song Name1G Change Song Tempo as the SR-16 Plays Real Time Song Creation2A Real Time Song Editing 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 SongMidi Setup Midi CH Omni1 Select Midi Channel Midi CH 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 MidithruPRG Chng OFF 8 Select Drum Sets VIA Midi Program Changes PRG Chng9 MAP Drum Notes Note MAP 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?Load in SONG01 5 Load ONE Pattern from Tape Load in Patt6 Load ONE Song from Tape Load in Song Free MEM 100% 0 page 7 Check Available Memory Free MEMVersion 1 Clear MEMORY/RE-INITIALIZE Parameters2 Check Software Version 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 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.
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