The display says ### BEAT and START. This indicates a Pattern's length in beats (quarter notes). Enter the desired length with the INC/DEC or number buttons (this must be a three digit number; enter leading zeroes if necessary). A smaller value compared to the original length will remove the difference, in beats, from the beginning of the Pattern. A larger value will add the difference, in beats, to the beginning of the Pattern.

Background An example will help clarify how beats are added to or removed from the beginning. Assume an original length of 008 beats. Changing START to 007 will delete 1 beat from the Pattern beginning. Therefore, what had been beats 002-008 will now be beats 001-007. Because a beat was removed, the Pattern will be 7 beats long.

Changing START to 009 will add a beat to the beginning of the Pattern. What had been beats 001-008 will now be beats 002-009. Because a beat was added to the beginning, the Pattern will be 9 beats long and the beat added at the beginning will be silent.

2 . 8 PAGE 8: OFFSET A PATTERN OR DRUM PART

Offset shifts a Pattern or individual drum parts ahead of or behind the beat in 1/384th note increments to allow for altering the "feel" of a piece. This only affects already-recorded parts.

1. The SR-16 should be in Pattern mode and stopped. The display says OFFSET, which will be 00/384 (no offset).

2. Press the pad to be offset (as confirmed by the display). If you don't select a pad, offset affects the entire Pattern.

3. Enter the two-digit offset value with the INC/DEC or number buttons. Positive numbers shift events ahead of the beat (lead), negative numbers shift events behind the beat (lag).

The default is positive numbers; to enter a negative number with the number buttons, press DEC first. Example: To offset a part 1/16th note later, enter -24 as the offset value since 24 sub-beats equals a 1/16th note.

Press PLAY to enter this number into the SR-16. To apply the same amount of offset to additional pads, press the next pad then press PLAY.

Notes: The display counter resets after you exit the function. Therefore, it does not keep track of the total amount of offset, but only changes in offset.

Drums offset to before the first beat "wrap around" to the end of the Pattern; drums offset past the end of the last beat "wrap around" to the beginning of the Pattern.

2 . 9 PAGE 9: STEP MODE RECORDING (STEP MODE)

The display shows STEP MODE? This is your "gateway" to step editing, which provides detailed Pattern editing and recording. To enter the step editor, press PLAY.

The display now shows the beat and sub-beat. If a drum event exists on this beat/sub-beat, the display will also show the drum pad that played the event and the event volume. If more

15

Page 19
Image 19
Alesis SR-16 manual Offset a Pattern or Drum Part, Step Mode Recording Step Mode

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.