Anyone used this machine?
I know it's old technology (early 90s) but it sounds ok ... I cen get one for about 100$ ... is it worth it or do I have better options in that price-range (100+/-)
(http://www.synthmania.com/Alesis%20SR-16/Images/SR-16.jpg)
I was looking at the next generation, SR-18, they look pretty good to me, I am seriously considering one (sr-18). I think it is worth it big time Geir, this is considered one of the best out there, it is a classic, still is.
I have an SR-18, it's pretty good and not expensive, good sounds. Haven't used it much though as I use the druums on the MBR and my PMA-5 more.
Cheers,
Nigel
Quote from: Ferryman on November 20, 2009, 02:03:41 AMI have an SR-18, it's pretty good and not expensive, good sounds. Haven't used it much though as I use the druums on the MBR and my PMA-5 more.
Cheers,
Nigel
So tell me more about the SR-18 Nigel, I am seriously looking at one. Of course I have pretty good drums on the BR-1200 but I am looking for a more realistic sound, will this get more realistic drums or just be similar to what i already have in the BR-1200?
i have the sr16, its a great machine but im rubbish at creating loops and have styuck mainly to using the presets which are pretty impressive but i dont get it out enough am too lazy.
Quote from: oldrottenhead on November 20, 2009, 06:46:09 AMi have the sr16, its a great machine but im rubbish at creating loops and have styuck mainly to using the presets which are pretty impressive but i dont get it out enough am too lazy.
Same here!
When I'm using my laptop and Cakewalk, I program in the DAW (or even record parts using a keyboard), but I always use the SR as the sound module.
Classy sounds - and you can layer them... I have drum maps all set up, mapping the piano to complicated drumset configs via my PC, etc, etc... (so long since I used it though, I'd probably need a day to make it work again!!)
However, I reckon there might be a little too much options on it for a boy like me... to be honest, the best drum sounds I have ever managed on recordings are... on my MBR!
But if I wanted a drum sound module, cheap - I'd recommend the SR-16 :)
I was also recently looking at the SR-16 , there are pretty cheap on ebay, specially if you are in the US ..
Salut !
I've had one for a few years and it's a real workhorse. If budget was not an issue I'd say go ahead and move up to the SR-18 but at 100+/- you're not gonna do better than a SR-16. ;)
You will need to have a plan for how to get in sync if you intend to use with the Micro-BR. Sometimes I'll record song tracks on the M-BR using an on-board drum pattern as a metronome. Then export a mixdown (without drums) to the multitracker on the PC (in this case, Sonar) and set the BPM for the song. In Sonar I've switched on 'Send MIDI Timecode' and on the SR-16 setup I've switched on 'Recieve MIDI Timecode'. This locks the SR-16 in perfect sync with the song playing in Sonar. When you push Play in Sonar the SR-16 magicaly starts drumming (in time). Then I route the audio output from the SR-16 and record in Sonar. Then export the drum tracks from Sonar to the M-BR, which arrive perfectly in-sync. I don't know of a shorter way to do it...
One of the things I like best about the SR-16 is that you can build your own drum kits and actually tune each drum in the kit.
It comes with some great pre-set patterns and you can build your own patterns. Like the M-BR there is an initial learning curve to get past (really, no worse than the M-BR) However, the manual is terrible. At one time you could send an email to Alesis requesting a free instructional DVD. I did that and they promptly sent me one which helped a lot. I don't know if that's still available.
Quote from: Ferryman on November 20, 2009, 02:03:41 AMI have an SR-18, it's pretty good and not expensive, good sounds. Haven't used it much though as I use the druums on the MBR and my PMA-5 more.
Cheers,
Nigel
Nigel,
You have a PMA-5, I didn't know. Had it long, do you like it? I'm a big fan.
at one time I could'nt manage without my sr-16 -
they are cheap now --and as said above a real workhorse -
myself and a bass player used to do pub gigs and we used the 16 -had it hooked up to the PA and also a 15" cab for the stereo split -used to use the presets and put them into the song area(99 songs can be stored) verse-chorus -verse-chorus--and use a footpedal -great realistic drum sets----
worth thinking about -if you can pick one up cheaply --
I had an SR-16 for a very short and I liked it a lot. One of the cool features it has is the aux outputs for quad panning. You can't mix and match main/quad, but you can perform some serious surround sound drumming. I don't see a practical use, but always thought it was a cool feature.
I also ended up with a DR-670 at one time and wish I never got rid of it:
(http://www.promusicaustralia.com/guitar/BOSSImages/dr670.jpg)
If you can get the Alesis for 100 bills you will be very happy, IMO.
Peace,
Mark
Quote from: Bluesberry on December 27, 1973, 01:34:02 PMSo tell me more about the SR-18 Nigel, I am seriously looking at one. Of course I have pretty good drums on the BR-1200 but I am looking for a more realistic sound, will this get more realistic drums or just be similar to what i already have in the BR-1200?
BB - I have both the SR18 and the Boss 880, and both are very good at what they do. The SR18 has some brilliant Slow Blues patches which can be altered to suit, and also other commendable attributes. But I would have to say that if I had to choose one, and by extension if you can save up your Canadian Dollars, I would advise you to get the Boss. The 1200 & the 880 were made for each other, if only by virtue of the RCA-connections; and it really is a powerhouse of a machine. However, good luck with your decision.
SB
If you are considering buying a secondhand Boss 880 then be aware that they have had their problems.
http://www.roland.com/support/en/DR-880.html
TNY - Yep, but the version2 have resolved the probs. And as caveat, I would advise anyone to try and buy new gear. The prices of most of these items aren't that expensive these days. And second-hand stuff just seem to have inherent problems. And yeah, yeah, we've all had a second-hand bargains, and also problems with brand new gear, but in the long run, if you can afford the new, buy it.
I wasn't advising anyone on how to spend their hard earned (new or secondhand). I was just recognising that people do buy secondhand, and, in the case of the Boss 880, there may be hidden problems with a secondhand unit. The original question was about the Alesis SR-16 at $100. I'm not entirely sure how we got into the range of the DR-880.
TNY, Ah, sorry. Maybe I should have PMd BB about the 880. As the rest of the thread's Public, we'd best let it stand. In the long run BB will probably buy the whole Alesis & Boss range anyway!!
SB
Ha Ha thats funny stuff SteveB, I just may end up with the whole line before I am done. I am going to stick with the BR-1200 drums for now, I just realized that I can use wav file loops like "discrete drums", etc to add some nice realistic sounding drums into my songs, I am going to experiment with this for my next song and see how it turns out.
Back to the thread, if you can get a sr-16 for so little money, go for it, it will be significantly better than the microBR drums.
BB - Of course I was only part-joking! :)
Yeah, someone mentioned the other day about loopers being included on the BR-Series. Well, of course, the larger versions 1200 & 1600 have them after a fashion do they not?
i got my sr16 for about £70 pound uk sterling brand new, but damned if i can remember where , it was online tho.
just had a look on ebay lots on offer new and used at good prices, checked completed listings and are selling at about £60 uk sterling.