Alesis SR16 Review – The Classic Drum Machine (Updated Dec 2024)

If you are looking forward to purchasing a classic drum machine, Alesis SR16 would be a great option available to consider. This is not a relatively new drum machine. It was initially introduced to the market in 1990. For more than 30 years, the Alesis SR16 drum machine has been able to maintain its popularity and demand. Due to the same reason, we can still see how this drum machine is being manufactured. Among the best-selling drum machines, you can find out there in the world, it is possible to find the name of Alesis SR16 as well. While keeping this in mind, let’s explore the drum machine and figure out what it can deliver to you. Based on that, you can decide whether you are going to spend your money on the purchase of the Alesis SR16 classic drum machine or not.

Design of Alesis SR16

The very first thing you will notice as you see the Alesis SR16 classic drum machine is the design. You can find a minimalist and appealing design in the drum machine. When you get the drum machine to your hand, you will figure out how lightweight and compact it is. Likewise, you can easily use the drum machine to get your work done as well. 

Even if you are a complete beginner, you may think about spending your money on the purchase of the Alesis SR16 classic drum machine. That’s because you can understand the basics and start playing it without going through any struggles. You don’t have to go through a learning curve when you are trying to understand the functionality of the drum machine.

In the menu, you can find how all features are available to you in a simple and easy-to-understand format. It is paired with basic and easy-to-use software as well. Regardless of the intuitive design, you can receive excellent sounds out of the drum machine. This is one of the main reasons behind the popularity of Alesis SR16 among people for over three decades.

The Hardware of Alesis SR16

The technology introduced along with the initial manufacturing of the Alesis SR16 classic drum machine in 1990 is still being used. Hence, you cannot find any advanced or smart hardware specifications here. However, you can still receive a basic functionality, which will cater to your purpose, and help you with getting work done. 

No changes to the design of the drum machine have been made since its inception. Hence, this might even look like a piece of a vintage electronic product. You can take advantage of it, especially due to the simple features available. This is a genuine product manufactured during the 90s, which is still available for you to purchase and use.

When analyzing the hardware of Alesis SR16, it is worthy to leave a note on the size of it. This is a portable drum machine available for people who have any such requirement. You will not have to go through any struggles when you are playing it or moving from one place to another.

Touch-Sensitive Buttons 

You can find touch-sensitive buttons located within the Alesis SR16 drum machine. Touch-sensitive buttons were quite popular during the era where this drum machine was initially produced. Regardless of the compact size, you can discover some touch-sensitive buttons, which will help you to get the functionality of the drum machine without a struggle.

You can discover dedicated buttons, which you can use to navigate through the menu, and access other settings. However, a considerable area on the top of the drum machine is allocated for the velocity-sensitive pads. You can get 8 different levels of velocity response out of the drum machine. This can benefit you when you are trying to get your work done out of the drum machine. On the other hand, you will also have the ability to control the dynamics effectively, as per the wishes that you have.

Common Questions About Alesis SR16 Classic Drum Machine

Is it possible for you to save your beats on the SR16 Classic Drum Machine?

Yes, you can use the SR16 Classic Drum Machine and save your beats without a problem.

Can you turn on the SR16 Classic Drum Machine with a battery?

The SR16 Classic Drum Machine is an AC-powered device. Hence, you will not be able to power it with the help of a battery, unless you have an AC converter along with you. You should also make sure that you are having a 12V battery, which is providing a current of at least 500 milliamps. Check out the Best Portable AMP for a better live sound.

How many pre-programmed beats can you get with this drum machine?

The drum machine will provide you a total of 50 pre-programmed beats. However, there are two different versions in the beats as Version A and Version B. Due to the same reason, you can discover a total of 100 beats in the drum machine. Depending on your preferences, you can go ahead and program your beats to the drum machine as well. Find the ideal strings of your guitar in the Phosphor Bronze and 80/20 Guitar Strings.

Do you need to connect the SR16 Classic Drum Machine to your computer before using it?

No, there is no need for you to connect the drum machine to the computer before you start using it. That’s because you don’t have to do any programming on the drum machine on your own. It comes fully pre-programmed to cater to the needs you have. All you have to do is to connect the drum machine to the amplifier or headphones and start playing. You can visit Yamaha DTX that matched with other electronic drum kit’s.