Photo of Alesis HR-16 in a studio, signal chain, and closeup

Photo of Alesis HR-16 and more gear in a studio, live, and synths

Alesis HR-16

^# 24

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$152.10 Price Tier: Standard

4.0 (19)

2 Critic Reviews

3 Reviews

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

Find out who is using Alesis HR-16

3 community setups

25 wishlisted

81 saved

Page last updated Jun 04, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated June 4, 2026.

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Reviews

Price

5.0 (10)

$152.10 13 available Used

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Average Price: $152

Standard/Professional

$150

$601+

Price Tier

In the Drum Machines category, Alesis HR-16 is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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Standard

High-end

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Description

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The Alesis HR-16 is a classic piece of hardware that carved its niche in the world of electronic music production. A staple in the late 1980s, this drum machine is renowned for its distinct sound and user-friendly interface, making it a favorite among both aspiring and seasoned musicians. Its robust design includes a comprehensive set of drum and percussion sounds, perfect for crafting rich, textured beats across various genres.

The HR-16 offers 49 PCM-based sounds, giving users a wide palette to create with, and its 16-voice polyphony ensures that your compositions are layered and full. With a simple interface and a straight-forward layout, the HR-16 makes it easy to program sequences, adjust the tempo, and tweak individual drum sounds to your liking. This machine is not only about nostalgia; it remains relevant in modern setups, thanks to its MIDI compatibility, which allows seamless integration with other gear.

The HR-16's rugged build means it's more than ready to handle the rigors of touring or daily studio use. Whether you're layering it into your live DJ sets or using it to lay down rough ideas in the studio, the HR-16 provides a reliable rhythm foundation that's hard to match.

Key Features:

49 PCM-based drum and percussion sounds
16-voice polyphony for rich, layered sound
MIDI compatibility for easy integration
User-friendly interface for quick programming
Classic design with modern functionality

Product specs

Brand	Alesis
Model	HR-16 High Sample Rate 16-Bit Drum Machine
Finish	Gray
Year	1980s
Categories	Drum Machines
Analog / Digital	Digital
MIDI I/O	MIDI Input, MIDI Output
Number of Pads	16 Pads
Polyphony	16 Voices

FAQs

How many sounds can the Alesis HR-16 drum machine produce?: The Alesis HR-16 features 49 high-quality drum and percussion sounds, allowing for a wide range of rhythmic possibilities in your music production.
Does the Alesis HR-16 support MIDI connectivity?: Yes, the Alesis HR-16 includes both MIDI input and output, enabling it to integrate seamlessly with other MIDI-compatible equipment and software.
How many pads does the Alesis HR-16 have, and are they velocity-sensitive?: The Alesis HR-16 is equipped with 16 velocity-sensitive pads, which allow for dynamic and expressive drum programming.
Is the Alesis HR-16 suitable for live performances?: The Alesis HR-16 is well-suited for live performances, thanks to its robust build, intuitive interface, and real-time control features, making it a reliable choice for gigging musicians.
What is the polyphony capability of the Alesis HR-16?: The Alesis HR-16 offers 16-voice polyphony, enabling complex and layered drum patterns without voice stealing.

Videos

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AnalogAudio1

ALESIS HR-16 Vintage Drum Machine 1988 | HD DEMO

AnalogAudio1

Alesis HR-16 Drum Machine - Overview

FarewellOldFriends

One of the Best Kick & Snare Ever ! The Legendary Alesis HR16 Made a Beat Using the HR16 Drums ⚠️🎶🎶🔥

DJ ROCK CEE TV

Alesis HR-16 drum machine: From studio staple to forgotten classic

Justin Joe

Alesis HR-16 High Sample Rate 16 bit Drum Machine: Why I Use It

Powercoat Music

Alesis HR-16 Drum Machine from 1987

Bata

How to program the Alesis HR-16 drum machine

Capital University Music Technology

Reviews

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PROS

Classic, musical drum sounds that are still very usable
4 outputs for realistic sound tracking in home recordings
User-friendly and easy to program interface
Highly customizable with 49 drum samples, adjustable pitch, volume, and stereo pan
Dynamic pads with velocity sensitivity and 8 levels of volume
Sequencer provides a genuine groove and feel
Durable design with a service manual available for maintenance

CONS

Sounds can be considered dated or "dorky" early 90s PCM samples
Prone to button issues requiring maintenance, even though fixes can be DIY
Generic/common sounds compared to other products in the category

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Alesis HR-16.

Setup and maintenance

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Regularly dump MIDI data as some units can crash and erase memory; later serial numbers might be less used but not necessarily more stable.
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The HR-16 may require power stage capacitor checkups due to its age, which is common for vintage electronics.
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Mods and upgrades

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It's possible to replace EPROMs with custom sounds; some users create their own using an EPROM burner and software.
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Some users suggest considering a Korg Volca Sample loaded with Linn drum sounds for a similar lo-fi grit in synthwave music.
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Owners successfully upgrade HR-16 with TR-808, TR-707, and TR-727 sounds using custom EPROMs, significantly enhancing its versatility.
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To install custom sounds, users recommend purchasing new blank EPROMs and using an EPROM programmer for programming.
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Build quality

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LCD screens can dim over time but are easily replaceable without soldering; sticky buttons are common due to aging plastic films.
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Features and functionality

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The HR-16 has a versatile sequencer; users can assign sounds to four separate outputs by panning sounds hard left and right.
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Value and pricing

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Current eBay prices are high; it's advised to seek machines in good condition for a fair price rather than settling for overpriced listings.
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Comparisons

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Users note that the HR-16's sound, with added reverb, can resemble cannons, offering a unique texture compared to other drum machines.
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The HR-16 is praised for its simplicity and ease of use compared to more complex modern drum machines.
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Use cases and applications

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The HR-16 is favored for retro synth-pop and 80's style music, and its drum/percussion sounds can be tuned or pitched for a wide sound palette.
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The HR-16 is an alternative for those seeking Roland TR-727 sounds, offering similar sound capabilities with customization.
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Software and compatibility

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The HR-16 utilizes 8-bit samples but uses a trick to mimic a 16-bit dynamic range, improving sound quality with the right encoding software.
Source

Critic Reviews

Alesis HR16 Drum Machine (MT Mar 88)

muzines.co.uk

The Alesis HR-16 drum machine impresses with its realistic sound quality and user-friendly programming, making it a versatile choice for various music styles. Despite its affordable price, it boasts an extensive range of 49 high-quality, 16-bit sampled voices, offering great flexibility. However, the device's build quality is questionable, with flimsy buttons and sliders that could struggle with heavy use. While the song editing features are basic, the HR-16's unique character and ability to sound like a real drum kit make it a standout option for musicians looking for an authentic drumming experience without breaking the bank.

positive

Full Review

Alesis HR-16 Drum Machine (SOS Jan 88)

muzines.co.uk

The Alesis HR-16 drum machine is a mixed bag of innovative features and sonic limitations. On the upside, its 16 touch-sensitive pads, customizable sound assignments, and MIDI integration offer flexibility for creative setups. The clever inclusion of a 'scribble strip' for note-taking is a user-friendly touch. However, the HR-16's sound quality, particularly its bass and toms, leaves something to be desired, described as lacking power and depth. While it offers high fidelity and bright metallic sounds, those craving robust drum sounds might find it lacking. Overall, it's a decent contender for those interested in exploring new drum trends, but it might not satisfy those seeking classic, beefy drum tones.

neutral

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4.0 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 19 Ratings

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1 star

finhiphop

548

over 7 years ago

just a word of warning

if you're gonna buy one of these, make sure all the buttons work! these things are majorly prone to issues with the contacts, and that makes the buttons really tough to press. I heard it's pretty easy to fix, but I know nothing about electronics, so I just sampled the sounds from it and use them in an Ableton drum rack.

jimmarchi1

40991

almost 6 years ago

big and bulky but has a groove

this giant piece of junk, err history... the sounds are super dated PCM samples, big banks of dorky early 90s kits.... but the sequencer has a real feel. Its hard to explain, but the thing grooves. Also, this is pumpkins 1979.

Roles:

Guitarist Bassist Keyboardist

Genres:

Electronic Orchestra Alternative rock