Alesis SR-16 manual 2B The Four Different Types of Patterns

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After perfecting these Patterns, Song mode offers two ways to create a song:

•Program a list of Patterns, in the order in which they are to be played.

•Select Patterns in real time, and the SR-16 will remember your performance.

The SR-16 stores up to 100 User-programmable Songs.

Breaking a song into Patterns saves time since elements of a song often repeat. Example: The second verse might have the same drum pattern as the first verse. Rather than record the same Pattern twice, simply record one Pattern, then list it twice when assembling a Song. This also saves memory (thus leaving room for more Patterns and Songs) since listing a Song step takes up much less memory than recording a Pattern.

1.2B The Four Different Types of Patterns

The SR-16 introduces exciting new Song construction techniques. The SR-16 excels at live performance—something usually not associated with drum machines. The key to using these advanced features is understanding the different types of available Patterns.

•Preset Patterns provide a variety of rock, jazz, pop, and other rhythms programmed by professional drummers.

•User Patterns are Patterns you can program, edit, and save. The Preset/User button selects between these two master banks of Presets. The only way to modify a Preset Pattern is to copy it to a User Pattern, where it can be edited.

There are 50 of each type of Pattern, numbered 00-49. However, each numbered Pattern actually contains four different "sub-Patterns":

•A pair of independent Main Patterns (A and B, selected by their respective buttons).

•A pair of associated Fill Patterns (A Fill and B Fill, selected by pressing the FILL button when either A or B is selected). The Fills primarily provide transitional Patterns between Main Patterns, which makes for more realistic drum parts. The associated Fill Patterns share the same length, Drum Set, and name as their Main Patterns (e.g., if A is 16 beats, A Fill is 16 beats). Otherwise, they are independent.

The reason for pairing the two different A and B Patterns together is simply so that you can switch back and forth between them rapidly in live performance or while improvising. However, A and B Patterns can be treated as completely independent Patterns if desired and can have different lengths, Drum Sets, etc.

Always think of the Main Pattern and its associated Fill as a unit. For example, if you copy a Main Pattern to another Main Pattern, its Fill will travel along with it.

Note that even though there are "only" 50 Patterns, the A and B variations double that to 100 Patterns, and the Fills double that again to 200 Patterns. Added to the Preset Patterns, 400 total Patterns are available.

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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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