Alesis SR16 - Classic Drum Machine with MIDI Support

Alesis SR-16 – Classic drum machine with MIDI support

The Alesis SR-16 is one of the most iconic drum machines on the market. It combines 233 stereo drum and percussion sounds with Dynamic Articulation for natural pitch variation, 12 velocity-sensitive pads, and an architecture geared both toward performance and programming. Its 50 preset and 50 user kits , along with a pattern system with A/B variations and fills, allow you to fluidly build entire arrangements. With 16-voice polyphony , flexible quantization, swing, a metronome, step editing, and creative features like sound stacking , the SR-16 integrates effortlessly into studios, rehearsals, and stages via MIDI In and Out/Thru , two pedal inputs, and four 1/4" audio outputs (Main and Aux) , plus a headphone output. All this in a compact (235 × 38 × 165 mm) and lightweight (1.13 kg) format with power supply via a 9 V AC adapter.

Main features

• 233 stereo drum and percussion sounds , with “dry” and ambient takes for added realism.
• 12 velocity-sensitive pads (8 levels per pad; 127 levels via MIDI) for expressive performance.
• 50 preset kits + 50 customizable user kits (sound assignment, volume, panning, tuning and outputs).
• Expanded pattern architecture: 50 preset and 50 user patterns, each with A/B variations and their respective fills, up to 400 sub-patterns available for detailed arrangements.
• Precise sequencing: 96 ppq resolution, selectable quantization, swing, and built-in metronome.
• 16-voice polyphony and trigger modes (Multi, Single, Groups 1/2) to control overlaps and cuts (ideal on hi-hat).
• Professional connectivity: 4 assignable 6.35mm outputs (2 stereo Main/Aux pairs), 6.35mm headphone output, MIDI In and Out/Thru, 2 pedal inputs (Start/Stop and Count/A/B/Fill).
• Large memory: capacity of approximately 12,000 notes and up to 100 songs.
• Tempo range: 20–255 BPM; measures: 1–128 beats per pattern.
• 7-way panning per pad and the ability to route each sound to Main or Aux for independent mixing and processing.
• Powered by external 9V AC adapter (included).

User benefits

• Fast Workflow: The A/B fill system makes it easy to build verses, choruses, and transitions without programming from scratch.
• Realistic sound from the first moment: patterns played by professional drummers and dynamic articulation that responds like an acoustic kit.
• Full integration: Sync or control external gear via MIDI (Clock and SPP), change kits via Program Change, and control key functions with pedals.
• Flexible mixing: Main/Aux outputs and pad panning to send, for example, kick and snare to dedicated channels and process them separately.
• Portability without compromise: compact and lightweight chassis to take from rehearsal to stage without sacrificing connections or memory.

Use cases

• Composition and layout: generate quick beats with A/B variations and fills, record ideas and link them into songs (up to 100).
• Live and rehearsal: Control starts, A/B changes, and fills with footswitches; route sounds to separate outputs for clear PA/monitoring.
• Studio and production: Use the SR-16 as a sound module via MIDI (pads respond to 127 levels), or trigger its sounds from a sequencer.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can it be used as a MIDI sound module? Yes. It receives MIDI notes and responds to 127 velocity levels; it also transmits notes and clock.
• How many patterns does it actually have? There are 50 numbered presets and 50 user patterns; each includes A/B and its two associated fills, totaling 400 manageable subpatterns.
• What power supply does it use? External 9V AC adapter (not DC).
• Can I output the kick and snare drum through separate outputs? Yes. Assign those pads to Aux L/R and the rest to Main L/R, with pad panning.

Description for projects

Stand-alone digital drum machine with 233 stereo sounds, 12 responsive pads, 16-voice polyphony, 50 preset + 50 user kits, 50 preset + 50 user patterns with A/B variations and fills (400 subpatterns), approx. 12,000 note and 100 song memory, 96 ppq resolution, 20–255 BPM tempo, 1–128 measures; 4 audio outputs (2 stereo Main/Aux pairs) on 1/4" (6.35 mm), 1/4" (6.35 mm) headphone output, MIDI In and Out/Thru, 2 pedal inputs; 7-way panning per pad and Main/Aux routing; 9 V AC power supply; dimensions 235 × 38 × 165 mm; weight 1.13 kg.