"Okay TH-cam this is my Alesis SR-16 as you can see it has buttons for TOM which is funny because I know a guy called Tom and yeah there's a closed hat and be sure to like and subscribe and you can change the tempo this is 120bpm so let's make it a bit faster so now it's 130bpm the SR-16 was used by Fluke and Apollo 440" etc
I had a Boss DR550 back in the day, and I really really wanted an SR16. I just picked one up on Craigslist for $40. Sure it doesn’t have the nuances of, let’s say, an Arturia Spark. But throw some FX on it, for the price, it can be quite useful
With some inspiration from you I dusted off my old SR16 recently and have been using it with my Microbrute and the CRAVE. I forgot how good that thing sounds and how many features it has. We are spoilt these days but in its day that SR16 was about as good as you could get. Still sounds great.
This is the first sr-16 demo I've seen that doesn't make it sound like crap. I mean, generally, drum machines only sound good if you can embrace that they are machines, not actually drum sets, and that first pattern actually had me thinking that maybe I'll give one a shot in my setup sometime...
@@SynthManiaDotCom I was thinking of buying that same synth....So before buying it, I went to youtube and found your video! That made my decision sooo much easier. Plus I already had the SR16. I really enjoyed your video a lot!
Nice, I still have that sr16 machine collecting dust in a box somewhere. It's great, but the lack of a back lit screen is kind of intolerable, it's such a downer. There one I own also has technical issues, maybe I should try to reconfigure it and add a back light. Those Arturia machines can rock on, ingenious affordable Analog gear, but that could be good or bad possibly.
I JUST got one,the one with 4 outs and no headphone jack..Then yeah,no backlit screen,and I dont know how the heck they though I am supposed to see that display.If someone knows an easy to light it other than a lamp,let me know...
One of them released in 1990 and the other in 2013. I like the 80s sound. HR-16 is great too. I guess I'll sell my micro. I like the idea but can never find a way to use it. Sounds brutal. It always feels like you've connected the mains to the mixer as a line source. It has its own sound for sure but I always used the minitaur when they were next to each other. I have so many monos anyways. I guess I had GAS (gear acquisition syndrome) when I bought it.
I still have my original SR-16 from around the time they first came out and it works fine. Surprised they still sell them new now! I had an HR-16 before then and kinda want to get one again because I ran across data cassettes of some kinda awesome patterns for that I didn't think to capture as MIDI sequences before getting rid of it.
+BreatheWithMe Super easy and to program beats on it. Can program fills and A and B patterns for live performance. Has two aux outputs. Fairly decent soundset although not entirely editable. Most annoyingly (and someone correct me if I'm wrong) you can't turn off the reverb .
I'm certainly thinking about buying an Alesis SR-16, you can sometimes pick them up for next to nothing on EBay and they are small and compact. I think the SR-16 also has many of the HR-16's sounds. It could probably even be used as a drum controller inside any DAW if it has midi out. I think Alesis still make the SR-16 as far as I know.
Is there a great quality difference between the Alesis sr16 & sr18...?.. Wich could be really the best one of both... (For... I've just had tons of ofstacles and barriers to make full songs in several styles fastly for years, beginning with the DAWs and I want the fastest and simple path to work at last... I just need a powerful drums machine which can record the bass line perfectly for then... I could record all the orher instruments needed but, already over a perfect foundation...)... Thanks a lot for any useful idea...
Great video! Just can´t decide between the Alesis, Volca Beats/Sample or Pocket operator for drum machine to go along with the Microbrute. Any advice? Thanks!
exionem The Pocket OP is honestly a glorified toy. The Volca doesn't have great sounds, but it's majority analog. The Alesis has tons of sounds and infinitely better programming.
Hi SynthMania. I'm trying to get my SR-16 to do exactly that with my Novation Mininova. Could you please fill in the blanks below for the SR-16 MIDI Settings? MIDI Channel _____ Drum In _____ Drum Out _____ Note _____ Clock In _____ Clock Out _____ MIDI Thru _____ PRG Change _____ Note Map _____ Also, was it MIDI-out from the Microbrute to MIDI-in on the SR-16? Thanks!
Wow, the Arturia sounds amazing and huge. Much more flexible than I thought it would be. If only they made a keyboardfree smaller version. If they want to sell these things, Arturia should link directly to this video. Some drum loops and MIDI sync and it's a party!
Marcus Corbridge Yeah, micro. I'm looking for nano or pico or femto. Some people have small apartments and I just don't need yet another cheap keyboard hogging my desk space. I wish they made a keyless version of it like the Moog Minitaur, Boomstar 4075, DSI Mopho, etc.
***** Save me the BS. The Nord Lead A1 and the Nord Lead A1 Rack are the same instrument but one has a keyboard. The Moog Slim Phatty and the Little Phatty are the same instrument but one has a keyboard. The Access Virus TI2 Keyboard and Desktop are the same instrument but one has a keyboard. The Elektron Analog keys and Analog four are the same instrument but one has a keyboard. I'm looking from the same thing from Arturia and when they make one I'll buy it. Their effort to produce it would be minimal. I already have a nice MIDI/CV controller and I don't need hundreds of keys staring me in the face when I'm only playing one at a time. I'm glad you live in an aircraft hanger with 1024 4 tier A frame keyboard stands in it, but I don't. I'm not saying there is anything wrong with the Arturia, in fact I gave it high praise it above. I just wish there was a keyless version.
***** I'm not at all dedicated as an artist. It's fun, that's it. Why would you assume that I would/should be sleeping with my instruments and playing until my fingers bleed? Is that level of neurotic dedication so common as to be assumed on videos about $300 synths? Please sleep soundly tonight, secure in the knowledge that you're a million times more talented and dedicated than I am. It's beneath you really to even need to wonder about an insignificant worm such as myself. Like I said to start with, this is BS. I just want a version without a keyboard without a heaping helping of smug ad hominem.
Fantastic Paolo !. Bought a alesis sr 16 yesterday after i have watched that video a few days back - it took me a day to spot one in mint condition - and for the same reason i got a Arturia Microbrute mint too after trading that with my yamaha cs2x , btw can i ask please. What is the use of connecting the two machines and what settings to i need to do in the Alesis in order to sync these together. In the old days you could produce a whole album using only these two and maybe some catchy vocals, the Arturia is a GREAT synth, clean pure analog circuit and dirty if needed too. Think it will be a classic in the future. Best, Panos.
I left the computer alone alone to do other stuff with youtube going, after I while I heard good music coming. What is that stuff? Let me check... ah is Paolo, OK.
I enjoy seeing every time.I am considering purchasing microbrute. I have a jomox drum machine, xbase 09, and I'd like to sync with the microblute's sequencer. This video is very helpful. Does SR-16 and microbrute synchronize with midi connection? If so, I thought that my xbase 09 would do the same.
It's possible with the waveform mixers set below the halfway point and the brute factor turned down, but it's obviously not what the synth was designed for. It does it well, just it's obviously been engineered towards grimy, distorted bass.
This is exactly how I'm trying to get my SR-16 and MB to connected to each other... But I'm not having any luck finding out what the settings are for each device. I've got the midi cable between the two - and the SR-16 will send signal to the MB. But it's basically sending drum beats to the MB and the MB is playing the corresponding midi "note", not my sequence. I've tried all sorts of settings between the two machines. There's not many settings to change on either device, so I'm not sure what I need to do at this point. Can I ask how you set the settings on each machine? This demo video was the reason I subscribed in the first place! I just now got around to actually trying to repeat what you're doing :-)
All you need to do is read the manual for both. On the SR-16, read page 43 "The display shows DRUM OUT. To have the SR-16 output MIDI note data from pad hits or when playing a Pattern/Song, use the INC/DEC buttons to select ON. Select OFF if you don't want the SR-16 to transmit note data. Background Select ON to send Pattern data into a sequencer for recording, or drive other drum sound expander modules. If the SR-16 is acting as a drum machine and provides the master clock to a MIDI system, select OFF so that other devices don't respond to the MIDI note data.". On the Arturia, download also the MicroBrute Connection software so you can change arpeggio settings there too if needed.
@@SynthManiaDotCom thanks for the quick reply! I actually have the ION model which apparently isn't exactly the same software are the SR-16. The screens are slightly different... I think that's why I was getting confused when I looked at the SR-16 manual. Plus the MB Connection software is different now as well (Midi Control Center). It has some of the same things, but it looks totally different. Oh Well! I certainly appreciate your help and your awesome channel!
Ion brand is just the SR-16 rebadged, so it should be the same. As far as I remember, the MIDI Control Center is to control other Arturia models - not the MicroBrute. For that I think you still need the Connection software
+MrBoommer1 Try a factory reset? Press and hold the "Play" and "Erase" while turning on the power. Be aware that if there are any patterns that you want to stay there, they will be erased and all factory patterns will be loaded instead.
Have you ever had any troubles with volume/distortion? I picked up a gen2 model, and it was working just great! Then suddenly volume dropped off, and the volume pot got super scratchy/distorted
+kevin berg Do you mean flams? That may happen if you loop-record the pattern and hit the pad at around the same time you recorded the hit on the first pass - if that's not what you mean, please give more details on your problem
intresting thnx i just got this thing at a garage sale for a dallor no instrutiions ive only watched a couple sec of youtube tutorails but im thinking you probly nailed it.... is there a good place to find a manual online ive been so slammed with work i dont have time to sit and try to figure it out like i would normally do. thnx for response
+kevin berg The manual is here under the "Docs & Downloads" section www.alesis.com/sr16 Basically set the quantization for the beat you want to do, and you shouldn't get flams.
Yeah, I bet. It's an updated model that also has loads of pattersn, alternative patterns, fills, and pattern chaining. Just more and better sounds. Although the SR-16 sounds quite nice too, you can hear it's an older device, but the sound works really well with certain styles.
Hi Synthmania, I have a question: does the new Alesis SR-16 sound any different from the old one? I need to buy a drummachine for a (90s-styled) videogame soundtrack I'm scoring
I have both an original SR-16 that I bought when they came out in 1990, and a new SR-16 that I bought in 2009. Apart from the new one having headphones out, the sounds are exactly the same. You can also probably save some money buying the "Ion" iDM01 version, same machine, rebadged, or iDM02 if you need triggers.
So far this is the most decent SR-16 actual demo I've seen. Alesis owes you a kick back dude!
"Okay TH-cam this is my Alesis SR-16 as you can see it has buttons for TOM which is funny because I know a guy called Tom and yeah there's a closed hat and be sure to like and subscribe and you can change the tempo this is 120bpm so let's make it a bit faster so now it's 130bpm the SR-16 was used by Fluke and Apollo 440" etc
@@AshleyPomeroy Every vocoder demo ever - switches on vocoder "This is a vocoder. It's vocoding."
Not only is this the only tolerable demo of the SR 16 on the internet it's actually really good. Super simple super fun I'm loving it!!
I actually like the SR16.
The bass drum just poomps like few others when you hear it on a huge system
It's a very good and solid sounding machine
I had a Boss DR550 back in the day, and I really really wanted an SR16. I just picked one up on Craigslist for $40. Sure it doesn’t have the nuances of, let’s say, an Arturia Spark. But throw some FX on it, for the price, it can be quite useful
Excellent, microbrute is such a great little beast!
With some inspiration from you I dusted off my old SR16 recently and have been using it with my Microbrute and the CRAVE. I forgot how good that thing sounds and how many features it has. We are spoilt these days but in its day that SR16 was about as good as you could get. Still sounds great.
My drum machine, love the Alesis SR16
just got one
I wondered how MIDI works with keyboard/ synths and you demonstrated it brilliantly.. The drums change in time with the bassline excellent..
This is the first sr-16 demo I've seen that doesn't make it sound like crap. I mean, generally, drum machines only sound good if you can embrace that they are machines, not actually drum sets, and that first pattern actually had me thinking that maybe I'll give one a shot in my setup sometime...
You have to put effort in programming. Make it sound loose.
Beauty! 🖤
I have a vintage Alesis HR16 and soon i will have a SR16 too thanks to this video.
THANK YOU for posting this...Nice and simply done!
Thank you
@@SynthManiaDotCom I was thinking of buying that same synth....So before buying it, I went to youtube and found your video! That made my decision sooo much easier. Plus I already had the SR16. I really enjoyed your video a lot!
so inspiring...
Amazing demo and playing..thank you
Just found your channel, got some binge watching to do now.
Thank you and enjoy
Nice, I still have that sr16 machine collecting dust in a box somewhere. It's great, but the lack of a back lit screen is kind of intolerable, it's such a downer. There one I own also has technical issues, maybe I should try to reconfigure it and add a back light. Those Arturia machines can rock on, ingenious affordable Analog gear, but that could be good or bad possibly.
I JUST got one,the one with 4 outs and no headphone jack..Then yeah,no backlit screen,and I dont know how the heck they though I am supposed to see that display.If someone knows an easy to light it other than a lamp,let me know...
Damn man I wish we could make some music together. You have a great creative mind. My brain is compulsively writing/singing lyrics as I listen.
I sold my SR-16 and bought an Arturia Spark. Easier to control ... IMHI. :-) Like the Brute!!!
One of them released in 1990 and the other in 2013. I like the 80s sound. HR-16 is great too. I guess I'll sell my micro. I like the idea but can never find a way to use it. Sounds brutal. It always feels like you've connected the mains to the mixer as a line source. It has its own sound for sure but I always used the minitaur when they were next to each other. I have so many monos anyways. I guess I had GAS (gear acquisition syndrome) when I bought it.
The microbrute is crazy fun isn't it? You got some great tones out of that thing and just kept switching it up.
Goes to prove you don’t need thousands of dollars worth of gear to make good music…just talent!
Cool track.
Pablo got the Funk 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾
I still have my original SR-16 from around the time they first came out and it works fine. Surprised they still sell them new now! I had an HR-16 before then and kinda want to get one again because I ran across data cassettes of some kinda awesome patterns for that I didn't think to capture as MIDI sequences before getting rid of it.
I saw one in a shop for £40, is it worth getting it? What are the pros and cons of the Sr-16, anything I should know about it?
+BreatheWithMe Super easy and to program beats on it. Can program fills and A and B patterns for live performance. Has two aux outputs. Fairly decent soundset although not entirely editable. Most annoyingly (and someone correct me if I'm wrong) you can't turn off the reverb .
I'm certainly thinking about buying an Alesis SR-16, you can sometimes pick them up for next to nothing on EBay and they are small and compact. I think the SR-16 also has many of the HR-16's sounds. It could probably even be used as a drum controller inside any DAW if it has midi out. I think Alesis still make the SR-16 as far as I know.
This is hot fire. Those synths are narsty!
Sounds amazing! Sick!
Is there a great quality difference between the Alesis sr16 & sr18...?.. Wich could be really the best one of both... (For... I've just had tons of ofstacles and barriers to make full songs in several styles fastly for years, beginning with the DAWs and I want the fastest and simple path to work at last... I just need a powerful drums machine which can record the bass line perfectly for then... I could record all the orher instruments needed but, already over a perfect foundation...)...
Thanks a lot for any useful idea...
Great video! Just can´t decide between the Alesis, Volca Beats/Sample or Pocket operator for drum machine to go along with the Microbrute. Any advice? Thanks!
exionem The Pocket OP is honestly a glorified toy. The Volca doesn't have great sounds, but it's majority analog. The Alesis has tons of sounds and infinitely better programming.
Volca beats is kinda whack
Hi SynthMania. I'm trying to get my SR-16 to do exactly that with my Novation Mininova.
Could you please fill in the blanks below for the SR-16 MIDI Settings?
MIDI Channel _____
Drum In _____
Drum Out _____
Note _____
Clock In _____
Clock Out _____
MIDI Thru _____
PRG Change _____
Note Map _____
Also, was it MIDI-out from the Microbrute to MIDI-in on the SR-16? Thanks!
The Videocats 4 months, no reply. Rekt
Wow, the Arturia sounds amazing and huge. Much more flexible than I thought it would be. If only they made a keyboardfree smaller version. If they want to sell these things, Arturia should link directly to this video. Some drum loops and MIDI sync and it's a party!
Smaller version, this thing is micro!
Marcus Corbridge Yeah, micro. I'm looking for nano or pico or femto. Some people have small apartments and I just don't need yet another cheap keyboard hogging my desk space. I wish they made a keyless version of it like the Moog Minitaur, Boomstar 4075, DSI Mopho, etc.
***** Save me the BS. The Nord Lead A1 and the Nord Lead A1 Rack are the same instrument but one has a keyboard. The Moog Slim Phatty and the Little Phatty are the same instrument but one has a keyboard. The Access Virus TI2 Keyboard and Desktop are the same instrument but one has a keyboard. The Elektron Analog keys and Analog four are the same instrument but one has a keyboard. I'm looking from the same thing from Arturia and when they make one I'll buy it. Their effort to produce it would be minimal. I already have a nice MIDI/CV controller and I don't need hundreds of keys staring me in the face when I'm only playing one at a time. I'm glad you live in an aircraft hanger with 1024 4 tier A frame keyboard stands in it, but I don't. I'm not saying there is anything wrong with the Arturia, in fact I gave it high praise it above. I just wish there was a keyless version.
***** ...Was is it necessary to question the dudes dedication just because they one without a keyboard? That makes no sense.
***** I'm not at all dedicated as an artist. It's fun, that's it. Why would you assume that I would/should be sleeping with my instruments and playing until my fingers bleed? Is that level of neurotic dedication so common as to be assumed on videos about $300 synths? Please sleep soundly tonight, secure in the knowledge that you're a million times more talented and dedicated than I am. It's beneath you really to even need to wonder about an insignificant worm such as myself. Like I said to start with, this is BS. I just want a version without a keyboard without a heaping helping of smug ad hominem.
Fantastic Paolo !. Bought a alesis sr 16 yesterday after i have watched that video a few days back - it took me a day to spot one in mint condition - and for the same reason i got a Arturia Microbrute mint too after trading that with my yamaha cs2x , btw can i ask please. What is the use of connecting the two machines and what settings to i need to do in the Alesis in order to sync these together. In the old days you could produce a whole album using only these two and maybe some catchy vocals, the Arturia is a GREAT synth, clean pure analog circuit and dirty if needed too. Think it will be a classic in the future. Best, Panos.
I left the computer alone alone to do other stuff with youtube going, after I while I heard good music coming.
What is that stuff? Let me check... ah is Paolo, OK.
SR-16 or Tempest. Trying to get that Linn Drum feel but I fear the Tempest might be overly complexed.
you're looking at a pretty fucking large price difference there bud.
Legendary comment 😂😂
Very electroclash circa 2001
RAD!
Amazing my friend
I enjoy seeing every time.I am considering purchasing microbrute. I have a jomox drum machine, xbase 09, and I'd like to sync with the microblute's sequencer. This video is very helpful. Does SR-16 and microbrute synchronize with midi connection? If so, I thought that my xbase 09 would do the same.
Can you get a warmer softer sound on the brute too?
It's possible with the waveform mixers set below the halfway point and the brute factor turned down, but it's obviously not what the synth was designed for. It does it well, just it's obviously been engineered towards grimy, distorted bass.
Toe Jam and Earl!
This is exactly how I'm trying to get my SR-16 and MB to connected to each other... But I'm not having any luck finding out what the settings are for each device. I've got the midi cable between the two - and the SR-16 will send signal to the MB. But it's basically sending drum beats to the MB and the MB is playing the corresponding midi "note", not my sequence. I've tried all sorts of settings between the two machines. There's not many settings to change on either device, so I'm not sure what I need to do at this point. Can I ask how you set the settings on each machine? This demo video was the reason I subscribed in the first place! I just now got around to actually trying to repeat what you're doing :-)
All you need to do is read the manual for both. On the SR-16, read page 43 "The display shows DRUM OUT. To have the SR-16 output MIDI note data from pad hits or
when playing a Pattern/Song, use the INC/DEC buttons to select ON. Select OFF if you don't
want the SR-16 to transmit note data.
Background Select ON to send Pattern data into a sequencer for recording, or drive other drum sound
expander modules. If the SR-16 is acting as a drum machine and provides the master clock to a MIDI system, select
OFF so that other devices don't respond to the MIDI note data.". On the Arturia, download also the MicroBrute Connection software so you can change arpeggio settings there too if needed.
@@SynthManiaDotCom thanks for the quick reply! I actually have the ION model which apparently isn't exactly the same software are the SR-16. The screens are slightly different... I think that's why I was getting confused when I looked at the SR-16 manual. Plus the MB Connection software is different now as well (Midi Control Center). It has some of the same things, but it looks totally different. Oh Well! I certainly appreciate your help and your awesome channel!
Ion brand is just the SR-16 rebadged, so it should be the same. As far as I remember, the MIDI Control Center is to control other Arturia models - not the MicroBrute. For that I think you still need the Connection software
Hello!! Can you make a famous beats with alesis HR 16?
SR16 is the drum machine used alongside Jimmy's acoustic drums on Smashing Pumpkins' 1979
+PP7628 They're referring to the song "1979" by the Smashing Pumpkins, which came out in 1995, not 1979.
I keep expecting the dude from The Faint to start singing.
Hey SynthMania, how do I hook up my SR16? I got the cords that it said I needed, but I can't get it to make any sound. Please help me out, and thanks.
+MrBoommer1 Try a factory reset? Press and hold the "Play" and "Erase" while turning on the power. Be aware that if there are any patterns that you want to stay there, they will be erased and all factory patterns will be loaded instead.
Have you ever had any troubles with volume/distortion? I picked up a gen2 model, and it was working just great! Then suddenly volume dropped off, and the volume pot got super scratchy/distorted
Great tune! How are you syncing the two machines?
Thank you - they are sync'ed via MIDI
yes but exactly how,,,midi thru in back of alesis to midi in on the micro and thats it?
Why midi-thru? Midi-out more like it.
@@arjunbhaduri1469 iirc the midi out on an sr16 is labeled "out/thru"
Yeah! It was a noob comment from a while ago. I actually should’ve known better cuz i do the same thing w/ an XR20 and also the SR18 lol
Through MIDI can you get the Alesis to work in conjunction with the Arturia's sequencer?
You use MIDI to time sync the Alesis to the Arturia's sequencer.
do you get unwanted double beats alot on sr16? no matter how i set mine i get lots of unwanted double hits, i am very new to it though seems legit.
+kevin berg Do you mean flams? That may happen if you loop-record the pattern and hit the pad at around the same time you recorded the hit on the first pass - if that's not what you mean, please give more details on your problem
intresting thnx i just got this thing at a garage sale for a dallor no instrutiions ive only watched a couple sec of youtube tutorails but im thinking you probly nailed it.... is there a good place to find a manual online ive been so slammed with work i dont have time to sit and try to figure it out like i would normally do. thnx for response
+kevin berg The manual is here under the "Docs & Downloads" section www.alesis.com/sr16 Basically set the quantization for the beat you want to do, and you shouldn't get flams.
kevin berg I had that issue until I changed input on my mixer.
great inspiration! learned that the micro can be synced through midi, but how do you make it play when not pressing down a key?
Here you go: th-cam.com/video/9GQqIYU_0nk/w-d-xo.html
Groovy :)
Could you do the same with the sr18?
Yeah, I bet. It's an updated model that also has loads of pattersn, alternative patterns, fills, and pattern chaining. Just more and better sounds. Although the SR-16 sounds quite nice too, you can hear it's an older device, but the sound works really well with certain styles.
Hi Synthmania, I have a question: does the new Alesis SR-16 sound any different from the old one? I need to buy a drummachine for a (90s-styled) videogame soundtrack I'm scoring
I have both an original SR-16 that I bought when they came out in 1990, and a new SR-16 that I bought in 2009. Apart from the new one having headphones out, the sounds are exactly the same. You can also probably save some money buying the "Ion" iDM01 version, same machine, rebadged, or iDM02 if you need triggers.
The newer SR-16's have been upgraded to 24-bit sound instead of the 16-bit they used to be.
Love filter music )
Fuck yeah this is my new shit
how does it compare with the boss dr660
came for the demo, stayed for the comments.. Damn, that Stephen Anthony got a mouth on him though! *awaiting some berating comments to follow*
I love how groovy the first two minutes are.
Does it has acoustic drums presets?
Wojciech Nowakowski did you not watch the video?
no
Buena wn 👏
I wish I could program my sr in that manor! Good video
Thank you, Max
Microbrute was designed to be played in the lowest octaves, he show his real character right there
What mixer do you use?
Не приятное звучание в начале, режет слух - модуляция огибающей скорее всего меандром.