A Review of the Alesis SR 16 Drum Machine
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- Опубліковано 10 лют 2025
- My review of the Alesis SR 16, which was first released in 1990. This is one of the best selling drum machines ever produced. It has been used by numerous artists.
drum machine, Alesis, SR 16, gear, studio gear, musical instrument, electronic music, MIDI, rhythm, equipment, bateria electronico, musica, home recording, home studio
It’s interesting to see you talking about this as a historical piece of kit.I’m considering buying one brand new in 2022. As an entry level device it still seems pretty compelling. I’m stunned that this is true after 30 years.
Yep, it definitely still holds up well!
We used one from 91-95. I remember my friends asking me "who is playing the drums?"
I recently got another for $50 second - hand. Stoked!
They are definitely a work horse!
I just bought one of these to make a grunge album. After realizing Collective Soul used it for an entire album completely fooling me and many other youths of the 90s.thank you
Ha ha. It really is a great drum machine. I think every band has used one at some point. :)
Fine young canibals Apperently used its snare on "she drives me crazy", either that or they did some mad elaborate reamping process.
@@whisperingwoods420 Very interesting. I have an old Boss drum machine, and there is a sound on it called 909 clap. It sounds exactly like the snare on "She Drives Me Crazy". More than likely it was the SR 16, as I think everyone and their dog was using it at that time.
Remember getting a Boss Dr-550 and wishing I’d got the Alesis. Did made an update a little later to the Dr-660 which was an improvement. I do miss the simplicity these days and the over complex VSTs. Planning on getting one of the to feed into Logic.
Yeah, VSTs are great, but I like the simplicity of the old drum machines.
I had an SR 16 for about 10 years, it got lost somewhere when I moved. Just bought another one !
I am very glad I bought mine. I got it second hand about 9 years ago. It is a tank!
If your drum machine is kinda stiff use double tempo, Then you can move your hits a little off grid to make things a bit free-er.
That's good advice. I also find that a little bit of echo can sometimes make a stiff beat swing.
Thanks for the review.
My pleasure!
2023; still selling these. Just gotta used one having eyed these like, 4ever. I like, study, try-2-play Jazz & related styles so appreciate realistic drum / percussion sounds and arranging
Have fun with it!
Always thought it was pronounced "uh lease iss" rather than "uh less iss" great vid!
I've heard multiple pronounciations. :)
I purchased mine 1991, its software got updated in 1996 and its still working
I recently got a Simmons Express and using the midi out from the kit to trigger the way better samples from Mr Al
Yes, many of them still work very nicely!
Very good review. Great breakdown of this machine. Thank you for your efforts. Very informative. Keep up the good work.
Thanks! I appreciate the feedback!
I'm surprised to learn that this machine has not been made for nearly 20 years. We can still buy them new.
Still a popular machine!
: / THEY HAVE BEEN AND ARE STILL BEING MADE TO THIS DAY! INFACT, YOU CAN BUY THEM BRAND NEW FROM GUITAR CENTER, MUSICIANS FRIEND, AND SEVERAL OTHER PLACES! FOR $150 BRAND NEW IN A BOX, OUT OF THE FACTORY!
Thanks!
@@techreviewguy7771 : ) Youre welcome!
My friend just gave one to me, its cool 😎
It certainly is. It's fun to use!
True homie
I just picked one up off of Facebook market place for $50. I'm very pleased.
Wow, you got a great deal!
@@techreviewguy7771 it still has the protective film over the screen.
@@techreviewguy7771 and it came with a foot pedal.
@@JonSchappell Excellent! Good for you!
thinking of buying one to help develop my ideas into full songs. i know i could just use a midi keyboard or even something like superior drummer, but i want to use something that's affordable, reliable, and to the point.
Sounds like the SR 16 would be perfect for your needs.
Great review found a 24bit version so i have ordered one.
Nice!
I just got one of this last week..... my quest for real drum sounds and tired of digging through samplepacks... got this baby to sequece it with an octatrack and have the real drumset feel... MIDI implementation is my graetest interest with this if you feel like diving deeper into that for another video
I will keep your suggestion in mind! Thanks.
@@techreviewguy7771 I second that motion! Thank you for the review 👏
The song, The Way you Make me feel, came out in 1987. The alesis sr- 16 came out in 1990.
Yes, very good point. I wouldn't be surprised if Michael did use an earlier Alesis model.
I just bought mine from a friend for $75. He got it new but didn't have the patience for it. I like it so far. It's a 24 bit one that's like 2 years old or so.
That's great! You got a good deal!
For sure
that the sr18?
I would have bought one of these when I was out of town for 60 bucks today if I would have seen this first. Now I am about to have to take another road trip.
:) Let us know what you think about it!
Nice sounds! Thanks for the video. Just started using one myself for my computer-less recording setup. Anyone else has a problem with ‘stiff’ response from the buttons? Really have to smash away if i don’t keep the velocity fixed. I have a sense that it might need to be ‘worn in’ (mine looks quite unused), but i don’t know how much sense that makes with gear like this.
I have a Boss drum machine with very sticky pads. I plan to make a future video about how to fix this.
Cool! Looking forward, subbed in the meantime so i’ll see it pop-up
The Sr-16 sells new on Thomann, for $ 150in 2021 with some updates,... ;) i consider to buy one, .. owned it in the 90´s Cheers
Yeah, I like it a lot.
Great review. I got a new one for Christmas. When set to loud velocity I am having to pound the buttons unexpectedly hard for full volume. Is this normal or might there me a defect with my model?
I would try turning off the velocity sensitivity and see if that makes a difference.
So, you it will work fine for some dub-techno?
Nice review by the way!
I would say, yes. I recorded a techno album with it years ago and it sounded great. It can make really stiff, mechanical beats.
Great overview but "The Way You Make Me Feel" was released in 1987 before this unit existed but perhaps Jackson used a predecessor?
Yes, someone else pointed that out to me. Thanks. Yeah, I have a feeling he used an earlier version of this machine.
@@techreviewguy7771 I have the Alesis HR-16 that came out in 1987. The buttons are all sticky. Need to open it up and attempt a cleaning. It was a workhorse for years of 4 track home recordings. Now I still have my working SR-16. Great machines!!!
What’s the difference between the 16 bit and the 24 bit beside the obvious...bit rate ? Thanks
I have only used the 16 bit one, so I am not sure of the difference.
@@techreviewguy7771 thanks. I think it’s firmware and the rear connections are designed differently
Inresting, just looked on sweetwater and they are selling supposedly brand new SR-16s
Knowing that this design is so old I think I am going to go with the Korg KR Mini
I wonder if the new ones are still programmed with the same sounds that they came with 30 years ago?
@@techreviewguy7771 www.andertons.co.uk/alesis-sr16-drum-machine its the same machine, they still sell them.
@@damiengreen28 Very interesting.
Impossible as MJs- The Way U make me feel is from '87.
Good point! I stand corrected. However, whatever he used, it does sound very similar to the SR 16.
Maybe Alesis " borrowed" it from another Library !
It could have been the mighty Alesis HR-16 that came out new in '87, the model right before this SR.
I'm so torn. I really want something I can plug into the Zoom H4n to help me write songs. I'm trying to move away from the computer because I just don't like the workflow for writing songs. Producing music, love it! But it's so difficult to write music when there's UA-cam and Twitter just a click away.
So I have my dining room set up which features a pen, a pad, a Zoom H4n, a Tascam DP006 and a pair of headphones.
I was considering a Roland TR-8s, but it's expensive and can only sound like electronic music, which isn't a terrible thing but I'd have to sequence it and that might take time away from writing lyrics (which is the bit I struggle with).
On the other hand, an Alesis SR16 or 18 would certainly sound a little corny, but it'd potentially be a quicker workflow and sound a little more authentic.
However, the TR-8s would be so much fun to jam and potentially create bangers.
So basically, I need to buy both.
If you can afford it, get both! :)
Looking at purchasing. My question is, does this have any generational updates or even updated versions or is it just left as basically the original SR 16 unit?
From what I understand (and anyone can feel free to correct me if I am wrong), the older units, like the one I have, cannot take updates. However, I believe they are still making this drum machine to this day, and I suspect that those ones may be able to be updated.
Well done this video, thanks.
Thanks. Glad you liked it!
Great video. I'm thinking of buying one to use with tascam dp 03 sd. How would i connect the alesis sr 16 to the tascam? Would i use the tape out or the aux dual outs and connect to tascam input? I appreciate any help you can offer. Thanks.
Sorry but I am not familiar with the Tascam DP 03 sd. Anyone?
24 bit versions are available new as of Nov 2021.
Cool!
What does that mean?
I had one for writing because of the presets that could be altered to suit. Haven’t found another machine with this facility. Just sequencers which need sequencing from scratch. You could also midi to another sound source if you don’t like the onboard sounds.
Mine Became unusable due to crackle. I was sad bout that.
Yeah, it is sad when a beloved piece of gear gets old and doesn't work as well. I still have my Boss DR 550 Mk II. It works, but the pads are super sticky. I need to crack it open and clean the contacts.
Can i send Midi to it from a computer and make it play it ?
I believe so, yes. But I have never used it that way, so I am not 100% sure.
Thank you for this video.Question,why is the click track clicking 12 beats to the bar?Thank you in advance.
Thanks for watching! I think that was just the setting that the drum machine was on. I think I currently have it set to program two bars at a time, but I think that can be changed.
@@techreviewguy7771 Thank you,I'll look into that,much appreciated.
@@digital6string1 You're welcome!
I've just bought one off eBay for £30 it was sold as spares or repair . . It doesn't power up!
Anyone got an idea why it's not working? Maybe it's something simple like a common fault?
There could be many reasons why it is not powering up. Does the adapter jack seem loose?
@@techreviewguy7771 Thanks for the reply . . I haven't got the drum machine yet.
When it comes I'll check connection.
Thanks again.
@@1xstew Let us know how things go!
Hello, great video. I bought one of these and right out of the box it doesn't turn on... no display. Was wondering if you know if you have to plug it into other components, etc. before it will turn on..... or should the display turn on if you ONLY plug it into the wall adapter power supply? Wondering if this is DOA or if I'm just doing something wrong. I did test the power supply with my DMM and it's delivering 12V so the machine IS getting the correct power. I DID press the power on button on the back and it is not broken, meaning it stays depressed as it should when you press it in/ON. Anyone can reply if they know. Thanks!
hmmm...I am not sure what is going on with your SR 16. If you know for sure that power is going to it, but it is still not turning on, I would think there is something wrong internally. Did you buy this new or used?
@@techreviewguy7771 It was brand new. I've contacted the manufacturer twice and they haven't responded. It's definitely getting power as I tested the power supply with my DMM. It's gotta be a defective unit. I'd like to return/replace it, but the company won't get back to me lol.
Can i use this for a death metal album?
I don't see why not. :)
@@techreviewguy7771 good
good morning..I JUST bought the same exact model which has no headphone jack..How did you readliy get around that??I wanted to just sit on the bed with headphones and mess with it,making beats and learning it..
Hi Michael. Thanks for your comment! That is one of the drawbacks of the SR 16....no headphone jack. Basically what I do is I have a very cheap, simple mixer. I run the drum machine into the mixer and then listen through headphones. OR, if you have a boombox or some other device that has auxiliary in, you could plug it into that device and then listen through headphones. Hope you enjoy your SR 16!
@@techreviewguy7771 okkkkk..I guess now I have to buy something else.I was thinking of taking the Alesis with me on a trip but that will never work with no headphone jack..Question...Is it possible to light up the screen,either in the unit or installing an LED?
If not I might have to get something else like the S16 that has a headphone jack and lights up..I am pretty sure I will keep it though..
@@michaels5166 I have never heard of anyone installing an LED, but that doesn't mean it couldn't be done. If anyone reading this knows more about lighting up the screen, please leave a comment.
@@pete2070 Later models of the SR 16 had a headphone jack. Earlier models did not.
@@techreviewguy7771 In that case I'm pretty chuffed I got the one with a headphone output! 🎧 it's nice to put yer feet up and program new 💡 ideas!
Hi! Can you sync this drum machine with the arpeggiator of the roland gaia sh-01? Because to tell you the truth, i just bought this machine. Thanks Marco agius 🇲🇹
I am sorry but I am not familiar with the Gaia SH-01. If the SH-01 has a midi out port, you should be able to synchronize it.
@@techreviewguy7771 okay thanks
Guy went from drum reviews to inventing cardano
Really???
They still make these, eh.
As far as I know they stopped making the SR 16 in 2003. The model being manufactured now is the SR 18.
@@techreviewguy7771 Nope you can still get them anywhere. I'm thinking of picking one up shortly from Long and Mcquade
SR 18 is just a different machine
@@troyh1602 I’m thinking about picking up one today. I seen it at guitar center.
@@techreviewguy7771 They still make these. I’m thinking about picking one up today. I saw two brand machines at my local guitar center.
reverb on this machine? thx. W.
Yes, there is.
Can I alter the Latin / Rumba beat. I 'd like to create the snare drum with that particular sound and take out some of the added sounds in the preset one... thank you for your time.
Yeah, you should be able to make your own fully customized rhythms. Pretty much all the sounds you hear in the presets can be used in your original beats.
Got one of these I’ll sell.
Good luck! You shouldn't have much difficulty selling it.
One thing I hate about all synths/drum machines is "presets" which can't be overwritten - it's a lame and ridiculous waste of memory space. If the presets could be overwritten that was an instant major plus for me, regardless any possible cons...
You have a very good point. Funny enough, I find that most drum machines I have used do have presets. Can you tell me an example of one where the presets could be overwritten?
Historically drum machines were just that: machines to replace the drummer for practice - a more elaborate metronome so to speak. The idea that they should be used creatively is relatively recent. There might be more drum machines that are preset only than ones you can actually program.
I have an old Elgam one that has a grand total of 7 presets (that you can combine for some crazy reason) but I absolutely love it because it sounds so soft it doesn't tire out my ears while practicing.
Its not good drum machine,,,because 12 pad very hard,,its for swing tauch problem,,,
It's not for everyone.
Jesus, no damp sponge handy? Great tutorial but major distraction.
Good point. I will keep that in mind moving forward. Thanks.