Alesis SR-16 manual Strategies for Assembling Patterns and Songs, Save Memory Through Song Steps

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8 . 2 STRATEGIES FOR ASSEMBLING PATTERNS AND SONGS

Ideally, you should be able to translate your inspirations into tangible form with a minimum amount of effort. The following tips and techniques help speed up the process of creating Patterns and Songs.

8.2A Create Fills Quickly with the Copy Function

Many times a Fill will simply be a variation on another Pattern, but with a few minor differences to add variety or serve different musical purposes. To save time, use the Copy function to copy the main Pattern to the Fill, then add variations to the Fill in real time or with Step Edit mode.

8.2B Assemble Short Patterns into Longer Patterns with the Copy Function

It's less time-consuming to work with short Patterns, since you don't have to wait for the entire Pattern to cycle through before overdubbing or "spot erasing" events. After assembling several short Patterns, use the copy function to append Patterns into a longer Pattern. Example: Create four eight-beat Patterns, then use the copy function to combine these into a single 32-beat Pattern.

8 . 2 C Save Memory Through Song Steps

Whenever possible, repeat Patterns using Song steps rather than program long Patterns. Example: Suppose you have a 16-measure figure where the first three groups of four measures are identical, and the final group of four measures provides some sort of variation. Recording this as one 16-measure Pattern will take up more memory than recording two Patterns (one of the first group of four measures and one of the last group of four measures), and while in Song mode repeating the first group three times followed by the last group once.

8 . 2 D Odd Time Signatures

For time signatures based on quarter notes, changing the number of beats in a Pattern can also change the time signature. Example: Programming a Pattern length seven beats long will yield a measure of 7/4. Programming a Pattern length 14 beats long will yield two measures of 7/4. Time signatures such as 2/4, 3/4, 5/4, 9/4, and so on are easy to implement.

For time signatures based on eighth notes, it's easiest to double the tempo so that each beat lasts an eighth note instead of a quarter note. However, you will have to take this into account when quantizing and setting the metronome—if the display says a quarter note, read it as an eighth note.

Plan carefully when mixing odd time signatures within the same piece. If some Patterns use a time signature based on quarter notes and others on eighth notes, you will need to double the tempo for the quarter note-based Patterns to match up with the eighth-note based Patterns.

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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.
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