Alesis HR-16B

$449.00 Price Tier: Standard

5.0 (2)

1 wishlisted

6 saved

Page last updated Jun 16, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated June 16, 2026.

Store

Reviews

Price

$449.00 2 available Used

View Deal

Average Price: $449

Standard/Professional

$150

$601+

Price Tier

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

Budget

Standard

High-end

^* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Edit description

For seasoned producers and aspiring beat-makers alike, the Alesis HR-16B drum machine offers a nostalgic yet powerful addition to any setup. Known for its distinctive vintage sound, this machine is a staple in the world of electronic music production. Introduced as an upgraded version of the original HR-16, the HR-16B boasts a library of 233 distinct drum and percussion sounds, making it a versatile tool capable of creating a wide range of rhythmic landscapes.

Housed in a durable chassis, the HR-16B features a straightforward interface that remains user-friendly despite its robust capabilities. Its 16 responsive velocity-sensitive pads allow for dynamic playing, catering to both precision and expressiveness. With the ability to store up to 100 user patterns, the Alesis HR-16B makes it easy to compose and store your creative ideas on the fly.

The HR-16B also includes MIDI connectivity, allowing seamless integration with other gear in your studio. This capability expands its flexibility, serving not only as a standalone device but also as a valuable component in a larger setup. With its unique sound palette and reliable performance, the Alesis HR-16B continues to be a cherished tool for music creators looking to inject an authentic, retro vibe into their productions.

Key Features:

233 distinctive drum and percussion sounds
16 velocity-sensitive pads for dynamic playing
Storage capacity for up to 100 user patterns
MIDI connectivity for integration with other gear
Durable and user-friendly interface

Product specs

Brand	Alesis
Model	HR-16:B
Finish	Black
Year	1980s
Made In	United States
Categories	Drum Machines
Analog / Digital	Digital
MIDI I/O	MIDI Input, MIDI Output
Number of Pads	16 Pads
Polyphony	16 Voices

FAQs

What are the key differences between the Alesis HR-16 and the HR-16B?: The Alesis HR-16B features a different set of sounds compared to the HR-16 and comes in a black finish. Despite these differences, the internal hardware remains identical between the two models.
Is the Alesis HR-16B suitable for live performances?: Yes, the Alesis HR-16B is suitable for live performances thanks to its 16-voice polyphony and MIDI capabilities, allowing for versatile integration into live setups.
Can the Alesis HR-16B be used with other MIDI devices?: Yes, the Alesis HR-16B includes MIDI input and output, making it compatible with other MIDI devices for expanded musical applications.
How many drum pads does the Alesis HR-16B have?: The Alesis HR-16B features 16 drum pads, providing a wide range of rhythmic possibilities for programming and performance.
What type of sounds does the Alesis HR-16B offer?: The Alesis HR-16B offers a distinct set of sounds focused on punchy and electronic drum tones, which are ideal for various music genres, especially electronic and dance music.

Videos

Add video

LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER

Old MODIFIED ALESIS HR16B Drum Machine Does it work?

LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER

Alesis HR-16:B Demo Song & Sony VX-2000 Demo Mode

zibbybone

Alesis HR16b Drum Machine Sounds

Synth Universe

Reviews

Add review

Owner Insights

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

Setup and maintenance

0 0

LCD screens often dim but can be replaced easily without soldering. Watch for sticky buttons as the plastic film ages poorly, complicating replacement efforts.
Source
0 0

The capacitors in the power stage may require a checkup due to the age of the HR-16B, suggesting potential servicing needs.
Source

Features and functionality

0 0

The HR-16B allows for creative sound routing with its 4 outputs, effectively splitting sounds by panning hard left or right for more control during mixing.
Source
0 0

The HR-16B firmware can be swapped into an HR-16 by a simple pin grounding or tying, offering a more modern and stable system.
Source

Mods and upgrades

0 0

EPROMs can be swapped for alternative sounds, with custom ROM sets available. Users can even create their own EPROMs with the right software and burner.
Source
0 0

Some users recommend exploring the Korg Volca Sample with Linndrum sounds for a lo-fi grit that complements retro synthwave and 80s music.
Source
0 0

ZIF clampdown style IC sockets are recommended for frequent EPROM swaps, as they simplify the process and reduce the risk of bending chip legs.
Source
0 0

Custom PCB panels for patch bays and keyboard switch panels can enhance usability by replacing the mushy drum trigger keys.
Source
0 0

Installing a patch bay using a custom PCB/panel can be easily integrated into the HR-16's design, enhancing its flexibility for circuit bending.
Source

User experience

0 0

The sequencer is highly praised for its immediacy and logic, but the lack of an undo feature can be frustrating. Regular MIDI dumps are advised to prevent memory loss.
Source
0 0

Owners praise the HR-16B for its wide range of tunable drum and percussion sounds, making it a standout option among vintage drum machines from its era.
Source
0 0

Circuit bending the large PCM ROM chips produces unique sounds without risking CPU damage, though caution is advised with the dm5ag gate array.
Source

Value and pricing

0 0

Current eBay prices are considered high for the HR-16B, especially for non-mint units. Users suggest being patient for reasonably priced options due to the machine's age and condition.
Source

Comparisons

0 0

The TR-8S is noted for its versatility and ability to load custom samples, making it a modern alternative to vintage drum machines like the HR-16B.
Source