Alesis SR-16 manual 1B About Sequencing, Midi Channel Messages, 2A Voice Messages

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16's MIDI out jack can be switched to a thru function that merges MIDI in data with SR-16 MIDI data.

9.1B About Sequencing

Sequencing, the computerized equivalent of tape recording, is a very common and popular MIDI application. The SR-16 is a special-purpose sequencer optimized for drum machine applications.

Sequencing takes advantage of the fact that MIDI data can be time-stamped with rhythmic data and recorded in computer memory. The computer acts like a recorder, but instead of recording audio, it stores digital data that represents the pads you played, the exact order in which you played those pads, and the pad dynamics.

Once stored in memory, the performance can be played back. The principle is the same as a player piano, but instead of having keys triggered by holes in a roll of paper, drum sounds are triggered by data contained in the computer's memory.

The SR-16 also works well as a drum sound expander module for separate stand-alone or computer-based sequencers. Each of MIDI's 16 available channels can carry a unique set of MIDI data. Since all this data travels over one cable, each piece of data includes its appropriate channel ID so that MIDI receivers can "tune in" to a particular channel and accept only that data. The SR-16 can tune in to the channel that plays drum notes, and respond by triggering sounds.

9 . 2 MIDI CHANNEL MESSAGES

There are two main types of MIDI messages. Channel messages, which are channel-specific, consist of Voice and Mode messages. System messages, which do not have a channel number and are received by all units in a system, include Common, Real Time, and Exclusive messages.

9.2A Voice Messages

Playing a pad on the SR-16 produces the following MIDI data:

Note On Corresponds to the pad's assigned MIDI pitch; values can range from 000 (lowest note) to 127 (highest note). Middle C is 60.

Note Off This indicates the end of the note.

Velocity Corresponds to the dynamics of your playing; values range from 001 (minimum velocity) to 127 (maximum velocity).

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Contents Alesis Table of Contents Midi Setup Song ModeCreating Drum Sets Midi Supplement BackupTroubleshooting Chart Applications1B SR-16 Quick Description IntroductionWelcome to the SR-16 Drum Machine 1A If You Just Cant Wait…Ground 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? Pattern select buttons 2F Physical LayoutText Protocols 2G Display LayoutImportant 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 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 BasicsSelect Individual Patterns Set Pattern TempoStop/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 Creating Drum Sets Drumset Select1 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 Patt1A Select Songs and Enter/Exit Song Mode Song Mode Basics1B 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 SongReal Time Song Creation 1G Change Song Tempo as the SR-16 Plays2A 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 CH Omni Midi Setup1 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 OFF8 Select Drum Sets VIA Midi Program Changes PRG Chng PRG Chng OFF9 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?5 Load ONE Pattern from Tape Load in Patt Load in SONG016 Load ONE Song from Tape Load in Song 0 page 7 Check Available Memory Free MEM Free MEM 100%1 Clear MEMORY/RE-INITIALIZE Parameters Version2 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 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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