Drum Machine Recommendations, Alesis SR16 maybe?

Meatrus · #1 02-01-2010, 11:00 AM

Sorry if this has been done before, I did a couple of searches and didnt find anything relevant.

I would like to get a drum machine, for practice and a bit of fun. I had the Zoom B2 pedal before, which had some preset drums on it, but I didnt really like it (40 beats, and if you dont like the theme to The Fresh Prince your screwed)

I'm looking for one that would work in the same way as that did, in that it can run through my amp, like a stomp box. But I dont need the effects the Zoom had. Also under £100 (lets say $200 roughly... I know I'm cheap) would be preferable. Any recommendations?

I have seen the Alesis SR 16 mentioned on an ancient TB thread, but they are a quite old design now, so thought there may be something better by now? Having said that they are within my price range... Anyone got one, and like it? If so would that connect to my amp?

Thanks

bassteban · #2 02-01-2010, 11:03 AM

The SR16 will indeed connect right to a typical bass amp. I had one but couldn't sort out programming, so for me it was a matter of using the existing presets. I'm sure a well-polished rock could do better than I, but perhaps worth mentioning. Beyond that, I liked mine except for the non-editable reverb on everything.

MNAirHead · #3 02-01-2010, 11:05 AM

software or used roland were thew few I liked

bigchiefbc · #4 02-01-2010, 11:49 AM

I use an SR-16 and love it. Although in full disclosure, most of the time, I'm triggering it with my PC, not using the on-board programming.

Meatrus · #5 02-01-2010, 11:55 AM

Thanks so far. So each drum beat has reverb? That sounds kind of annoying!

I would prefer an actual machine to software, I can just about figure out buttons, but not great with software. I dont have a computer in my bass room either.

bigchiefbc · #6 02-01-2010, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Meatrus

Thanks so far. So each drum beat has reverb? That sounds kind of annoying!

I would prefer an actual machine to software, I can just about figure out buttons, but not great with software. I dont have a computer in my bass room either.

Not every sample does, but some of them have over-the-top reverb

Stumbo · #7 02-01-2010, 12:11 PM

Here are some links you may want to check out:
~Backing Tracks & Drum Machines
1 Drum Machines
2
3
Free, full-use,downloadable drumtrack software
Drum Tracks
Free backing tracks
Different methods to play drum tracks
Build your own backing tracks

etoncrow · #8 02-01-2010, 12:17 PM

I use the SR-16 with a duo: bass/vocals, guitar/vocals and the SR-16. I only use about six or seven of the pre-set patterns and trigger stop/stop and fill with Boss FS pedals. I have the option of programming the drums but then you are locked in to an arrangement while using the pedals allows me more freedom. Yeah, most of the beats are not usable but I found more than enough that are and in live show usage the reverb is really inconsequencial. Two major pluses: the SR-16 has always been on time for practice and stays out of my beer.

megadan · #9 02-01-2010, 12:27 PM

The SR16 is a great machine, flexible, highly featured, easy to use, and available at a good price.
The sounds are a little lackluster however - most of them are preset with an 80's reverb sound which can sound quite dated.

CliftonBonney · #10 02-01-2010, 12:34 PM

Isn't there an SR18 out now? Anyone got any thoughts on it?

Meatrus · #11 02-01-2010, 01:03 PM

Thanks for the replies, sounds like I will get a SR 16 then. I noticed the SR18 when looking at the 16, but the 18 is over double the price here (16 is £80, 18 £180), and I'm just after something fairly basic anyway.

Thanks again, any other suggestions feel free to let me know.

etoncrow · #12 02-01-2010, 01:06 PM

I believe the SR-18 has bass and synth as well as drums...the SR-16 is just a very simple drum machine.

**TheFantod** · #13 02-01-2010, 01:08 PM

I was in a similar situation a few months ago.

I was leaning towards the SR-16, but then I listened to some samples, and I HATED it. All the preset drums have that 80's electro vibe to them.

I ended up getting a Boss DR-670. I got one off eBay (used) for under $140 USD. It has a bit of a steep learning curve, but the overall sound of the percussion simply blows away the Alesis.

Just my opinion.

Meatrus · #14 02-01-2010, 01:50 PM

I have only listened to a couple of samples on Youtube, and some definitely had an 80s feel to them! So know what you mean, and thanks for the caution.

However I just spied a couple on Ebay, should be able to get a used one for £50 including postage judging by the completed listings....

, (actually thats probably still more than you pay over there

). Even if I dont like it at that price, its no huge loss, I would just sell it and end up losing only postage money.

grovest · #15 02-01-2010, 03:50 PM

Pure, mainstream drum machines are not exactly abounding. I've had the SR16, SR18, Boss DR770, and a couple niche units (MFB 522).

The SR16 does have a dated sound... because it's dated! Or more to the point, because it was the actual source, or inspiration, of many of the sounds in those 'dated' (some might say 'classic') recordings. An increasing component of its demand is no doubt people seeking out that retro tone.

My advice would be to find an SR18. The backlit display, battery power, and interface - and price - are a pretty nice blend. And some of the presets (including the bass lines!) are really funky. Funky in a kitchsy way, yes, but fun all the same.

Meatrus · #16 02-01-2010, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grovest

Pure, mainstream drum machines are not exactly abounding. I've had the SR16, SR18, Boss DR770, and a couple niche units (MFB 522).

The SR16 does have a dated sound... because it's dated! Or more to the point, because it was the actual source, or inspiration, of many of the sounds in those 'dated' (some might say 'classic') recordings. An increasing component of its demand is no doubt people seeking out that retro tone.

My advice would be to find an SR18. The backlit display, battery power, and interface - and price - are a pretty nice blend. And some of the presets (including the bass lines!) are really funky. Funky in a kitchsy way, yes, but fun all the same.

How does the 18s presets compare to the 16s? Are they much less dated, or are they like the same beats repackaged?

grovest · #17 02-01-2010, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Meatrus

How does the 18s presets compare to the 16s? Are they much less dated, or are they like the same beats repackaged?

All of them add bass and aux percussion lines. Very cool! With some beats (rock feel), there is only so much 'evolution' that needs to happen in 20 years. But there are many that seem totally new as well.

Swimming Bird · #18 02-01-2010, 07:49 PM

I went the SR16 route, but really wanted something more like a 16-step sequencer.

The coolest and potentially cheapest way to go on that is to get an old Gameboy with pro-sound and backlight mods with a 'Nano-loop' cartridge. Of course if you have an old GB (or GB pocket or color), you could just get the cart and use somewhat the somewhat lackluster headphone out. I'm in a duo with the guy behind Nonfinite Electronics -- sweet stuff.

Meatrus · #19 02-02-2010, 04:00 PM

Ok thanks all, I may end up getting the 16 down to price, but if I get lucky and a used 18 appears in the mean time, I will go for it.

Thanks again.

Low_blow · #20 02-25-2010, 05:37 PM

I own two SR-16's. The first SR-16 I got as a birthday present in 1998. I use it a lot and it still works. I don't care for the preset drum grooves. Yes, most of them are just funny sounding and are outdated. I make my own "user" patterns, such as latin claves, odd-meter, 2&4 accents, etc. SR-16 is easy to program and there are many really usable sounds in it. It serves my needs for a drum machine quite well. It can be a great tool for improving your time if you use it properly and not only play with the factory-preset grooves.