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Alesis SR-16 Drum Machine

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Alesis SR-16 Drum Machine

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Equipboard's ranking is determined by analyzing factors such as professional artist usage, popularity, user ratings, reviews, and more.

$133.00 to $159.00 Price Tier: Budget

4.0 (53)

2 Critic Reviews

7 Reviews

Find out who is using Alesis SR-16

3 community setups

19 wishlisted

169 saved

Page last updated Jun 24, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 9 stores. Prices updated June 24, 2026.

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Reviews

Price

4.5 (90)

$159.00

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4.0 (51)

$159.00

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4.4 (2164)

$159.00

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5.0 (56)

$135.20 19 available New

$50.00 33 available Used

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4.0 (170)

$159.00

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5.0 (23)

$159.00

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4.3 (10)

$159.00

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4.3 (256)

$135.00 $133.00 $2.00 · All time low

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£118.75

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Average Price: $141

Budget/Beginner

$150

$601+

Price Tier

In the Drum Machines category, Alesis SR-16 Drum Machine is priced in the Budget/Beginner range. This is great gear to get started with or for creators on a budget.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 6 merchants for "Alesis SR-16 Drum Machine". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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The Alesis SR-16 Drum Machine is more than just a drum machine, it's an artist's rhythm partner, perfect for songwriters, live performers, and remix engineers. This essential piece of gear comes loaded with 233 realistic drum sounds, both in dry and digitally reverberated form, courtesy of Alesis's signature digital reverbs. The SR-16 isn't about delivering just any drum sound; it's about delivering your drum sound.

The Dynamic Articulation feature makes this drum machine stand out. This unique technology changes the tone and timbre of the drum sounds based on your playing intensity, providing an incredibly authentic performance.

What's more, the SR-16 comes pre-loaded with 50 patterns played by professional drummers, not just programmed beats. This gives you a rhythmic foundation to create complete musical arrangements. With its blend of technology and practicality, the SR-16 is a musician's dream, integrating seamlessly into any studio or live setup.

Key Features:

233 realistic, natural drum sounds both in dry and digitally reverberated form
Dynamic Articulation feature allows drum sounds to change in tone and timbre based on playing intensity
50 pre-loaded patterns played by professional drummers
Flexible controls to adjust volume, EQ, and reverb
MIDI implementation for seamless integration into any setup
Supports saving custom sounds and patterns
12 velocity-sensitive drum pads for playing grooves manually
Tempo adjustable from 20-255 bpm
2 footswitch inputs for Start/Stop and A/B Fill
Outputs for Main Left, Main Right, Aux L/R, and headphones
24-bit sound engine for dynamic, high-fidelity grooves

Owner's manual

Alesis SR-16 Drum Machine User Manual

Product specs

Pads	12, velocity sensitive
Sounds	233
Kits	50
Patterns	200
Analog Inputs	1 x 1/8" stereo
Analog Outputs	2 x 1/4", 1 x 1/4" stereo
Headphones	1 x 1/4"
MIDI I/O	In, Out/Thru
Power Source	12V DC power supply (included)
Height	1.5"
Width	9.25"
Depth	6.5"
Weight	2.5 lbs.

FAQs

How many drum sounds are available on the Alesis SR-16?: The Alesis SR-16 features 233 natural-sounding drum sounds, making it versatile for various musical styles and genres.
Can the Alesis SR-16 be used with a MIDI setup?: Yes, the Alesis SR-16 includes MIDI In and Out/Thru ports, allowing it to be easily integrated into a MIDI setup for expanded control and functionality.
Is the Alesis SR-16 suitable for live performances?: The Alesis SR-16 is designed for both studio and live use, with features like Dynamic Articulation and a wide range of built-in sounds that make it a reliable choice for live performances.
What power supply does the Alesis SR-16 require?: The Alesis SR-16 operates with a 12V DC power supply, which is included with the drum machine.
Does the Alesis SR-16 have velocity-sensitive pads?: Yes, the Alesis SR-16 is equipped with 12 velocity-sensitive pads, allowing for expressive and dynamic drum programming.

Videos

Add video

SynthMania

Alesis SR18 - a few pattern demos

SynthMania

Alesis SR-16 Video Manual - Part 1 of 2

noterepeat

Alesis SR16 Classic Electronic Drum Machine - Alesis SR16

American Musical Supply

Bad Gear - Alesis SR-16 - Least S€xy Drum Machine???

AudioPilz

Alesis SR 16 drum machine. Programming a simple beat.

Riff

BEATBUDDY vs ALESIS SR16

Deb Erney (DebErneydotcom)

Alesis SR-16 introduction & basic operation.

GuitaBassBreaker

A Review of the Alesis SR 16 Drum Machine

Tech Review Guy

Alesis SR-16 : Checkit!

Helius' Music

A Review of the Alesis SR 16 Drum Machine : Part 2: How to Program Beats

Tech Review Guy

Alesis SR-16 drum machine. Record setup.

GuitaBassBreaker

Reviews

Add review

PROS

1. High-quality real drum sounds, not computerized beats
2. Easy to use, even for beginners
3. Durable build quality and solid construction
4. Extensive MIDI functionality for expanded control
5. Affordable, offering great value for the price
6. Dynamic Articulation enhances expressiveness of drum pads
7. Versatile programming options and easy pattern switching
8. Useful for songwriting and creative prompts
9. Supports real-time song recording for spontaneous composition
10. Large library of drum sounds and patterns for various styles

CONS

1. Display lacks backlighting, difficult to see in the dark
2. Sounds may feel outdated or not realistic for some users
3. Entirely plastic, potentially fragile if dropped
4. Limited modern features compared to newer drum machines
5. Learning curve for programming and creating own beats
6. No intrinsic accessories included, wall wart required
7. Manual necessary for unlocking full potential
8. Memory retention issues without constant power
9. Some may find the drum pads overly dense
10. Not ideal for techno or electronic music production due to sound quality

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

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The SR16 offers 8 velocity levels with built-in pads, but using MIDI allows access to all 127 velocity levels for more dynamic control.
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The SR16 includes a step sequencer mode accessible through the record menu, which some users might overlook without reading the manual thoroughly.
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The SR-16 offers 233 sounds, some with reverb and some dry, providing diverse tonal options.
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Includes a song mode for chaining patterns, which is a feature not commonly found in similarly-priced drum machines.
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Comparisons

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The SR16 is often compared to the SR18, which allows disabling effects and EQ for cleaner sound, and the Volca Sample, which offers sample loading and sequencing.
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The Yamaha RX11 is noted for its instant synthpop sound, whereas the SR-16 offers a wider variety of sounds, appealing to different musical styles.
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Use cases and applications

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Some users integrate the SR16 with a Beatstep Pro for enhanced MIDI control, using it as a sound module in a larger setup.
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The SR16 is recommended for sketching beats and jamming, especially when used with an external MIDI controller or DAW for detailed sequencing.
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Ideal for industrial metal sounds, the SR-16 can mimic Godflesh-like tones when the reverb on presets is removed.
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User experience

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Owners suggest adjusting pad velocity sensitivity to improve playability, although some find the pads still require excessive force.
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Some users find the SR-16's sequencer cumbersome, while others appreciate its functionality.
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Mods and upgrades

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Routing audio through an equalizer and compressors can enhance the SR16's sound by allowing more tailored effects and sound sculpting.
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Running the SR-16 through a Boss ODB-3 bass overdrive pedal can achieve a heavily distorted, industrial sound similar to :Wumpscut:.
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Value and pricing

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Despite being dated, the SR16 is praised for its affordability and professional-grade features like sample quality and full-sized MIDI in/out.
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Build quality

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The SR-16 has a dated sound with some drum hits featuring an undesirable reverb, which some users modify through circuit bending for improved usability.
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Software and compatibility

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Lacks multichannel compatibility with modern DAWs, requiring separate MIDI and audio track recording for each element.
Source

Critic Reviews

Alesis SR16 (MT Feb 91)

muzines.co.uk

The Alesis SR-16 Drum Machine is a compact powerhouse, packing 233 versatile 16-bit drum and percussion sounds into a deceptively small frame. Its intuitive user interface makes it easy to operate without a manual, offering a rich library of kick, snare, and tom sounds ideal for modern dance music. The SR-16 impresses with its real-time song recording, interactive programming, and 16-voice polyphony. However, the lack of a backlit screen and limited velocity levels are drawbacks. Despite these, the SR-16's innovative features and affordability make it a standout choice in the budget drum machine market.

positive

Full Review

Alesis SR-16 Review (2025) | Drum Helper

drumhelper.com

The Alesis SR-16 Drum Machine remains a beloved staple for musicians thanks to its impressive 233 realistic drum sounds and deeply programmable features. It's compact, affordable, and perfect for both songwriting and live performances. Despite its outdated design, lack of a backlit screen, and small pads, its value and versatility make it a worthy budget-friendly option for any musician seeking rhythmic inspiration.

positive

Full Review

Add review

4.0 out of 5

Based on 7 Reviews and 53 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

dukeuke

3378

almost 10 years ago

Solid, but minorly faulted

FIRST IMPRESSIONS: At the time of this first review I've only owned this for three days, and in that I've still, unlike most music hardware I've used to date, only scratched the surface. This is a combination of two things: One, the sr16 is packed to the rim with features, and settings, and buttons that it can take a while to learn how to use, or even uncover, and Two, this is one of the most ridiculously un-user friendly devices I've ever used, though considering these are from originally, and mine is dated to also, 1990, they are decent. I think that if a product has been in production for the last 26 years non stop, pretty much, it is probably okay.

jimmarchi1

41010

10 years ago almost 10 years ago

oh hey, that's an sr16? I have one of those somewhere! How much do you think its worth? What did yours cost you?

Yeah, there are tons of features to dive into, but they are pretty dated by today's standards of drum programming.... and the sounds are most certainly of the time Alesis has always been a Johnny-come-lately (other than the mighty Andromeda). You are definitely looking at lofi interpretations of the Emu and Yamaha sounds that were allover mif 8s pop (like Janet Jackson).... on the other hand, those same drum machines were used by the likes of Depeche Mode, Ministry and Skinny Puppy, so....

jimmarchi1

41010

10 years ago almost 10 years ago

oh, and like a lot of alesis stuff you are really meant to command it with MIDI from a PC or more user friendly external sequencer.... heck, you can even use a midi keyboard to play beats on one of these...

dukeuke

3378

10 years ago almost 10 years ago

Yeah I could use a MIDI setup to control it with my 25 key controller, but I mostly use it in conjunction with my guitar looper system (TC FB X4), tapping the beats out, or pre-programming them, and using the A/B/Fill function. I could do with getting a couple of piano sustain pedals, for the exp. jacks; adds a lot of function.

I bought mine 2nd from a mate for £50. They go for about £45-£80 2nd hand on Ebay. After a tonne of research there's basically nothing better within a budget range, and its actually pretty good once you get your head around it

tel_nobody

3007

over 9 years ago

Great drum machine.

Fell in love with the SR-16 when it hit the shelves of the music store I worked at in 1990 and had to have one!. So simple to program, sequencing at an entry level even a guitarist could understand. This has been my drummer for 27 years now and while the sounds are a little "of that era", I do not know what I would transition to.

jimmarchi1

41010

9 years ago over 9 years ago

if you read the latest TapeOp flood mentions this little guy as a favorite sequencer for triggering other gear because he likes its groove.... the internal sequencer does have its own thing and its really fast compared to other digital beatboxes

tel_nobody

3007

9 years ago over 9 years ago

We used to use it for an old Klute cover, We would take a Nasty Brass tone from the Kawai K1 and use the SR as the trigger. Because drum voices are all attack/ minimal decay it replicated the sound almost perfectly, just hacking off the decay where anything else would snip or trim... Would love a copy or link to the article if you have it handy!

austinnoise

418

over 6 years ago

Does its job

I bought this one specifically because its the kind my favorite band uses. I was not disappointed, even if you cant write drum patterns yourself, the presets on this bad boy make up for your failure. I use it to jam, write songs, and everything in between. This is the most useful tool in my rig, easily.

Roles:

Singer Guitarist Bassist

Genres:

Rock Techno Alternative rock

azrof

149

almost 7 years ago

The only real drum machine I own.

This drum machine has been around me since I was a kid. my dad bought it in 2004 so it's always been around me.

rotten77

almost 11 years ago

Great old-school drum machine

Great old-school drum machine with classics drum sounds but some of samples, which can be used in electronic music. Great as an automatic drummer or drum module in your setup.

Roles:

Guitarist Bassist Composer

Genres:

Electronic Rock Folk, World, & Country