For serious programmers and those who want to use it as a sound module, the SR-16 provides comprehensive MIDI programming and MIDI implementation. In addition to more than 200 drum and rhythm samples (both in dry form or with reverb), a Dynamic Articulation feature enables a drum's tone to change, depending on how hard it's hit. Comes with fifty preset rhythm patterns (played in by top studio drummers), each with an A and B variation, plus A and B fill, for a total of four different rhythms in each pattern. Of course, you can create and save your own customized patterns and songs. Also includes four outputs, twelve velocity-sensitive pads, 16-voice polyphony, sample/DAC bit resolution 16/18, sound stacking, step editing and a 20-255BPM tempo range.

No doubt the SR-16 is a powerful drum machine, but ultimately it also sounds like a drum machine. If you need some drums to accompany your keyboard or guitar playing, for example, the SR-16 has been the go-to drum machine for many years. But all those bumper stickers about drum machines having no soul just might be directed at the SR-16. It may be a great tool for musicians but in the studio its sound just can't beat the real deal - or loops and more modern drum & percussion instruments and software. It has been used by Autechre and Vangelis.

19 VISITOR COMMENTS

the gof

January 27, 2012 @ 4:44 pm

@bryan Fairly sure the 'stop' button doubles as a tap tempo button

Bryan

December 13, 2011 @ 10:15 am

I love this thing for electronic drums and its not half bad to use as a midi clock either, although tap tempo would make a world of difference. They gotta update the estimated value. The normal price for this thing is $149 brand new.

the gof

November 25, 2011 @ 4:25 pm

I've had 2 of these, and although the sounds aren't awesome, the whole song/composition workflow is awesome.

minijack

October 15, 2011 @ 5:50 pm

Throw a little bit of reverb on these sounds and they sound absolutely massive in a mix. A very convincing, powerful and timeless sound. Has some great 80's-y "DOOOOO!" tom sounds (you know, syn-toms). If you can't make a dope beat on this box you should probably just give up.

LJUBO

October 5, 2011 @ 10:20 am

SR 16: good : midi in +thru together , 4 outs, foot switches well organised;
small,good for gig
50 user patterns A+B, plus 100 songs is enough ;)

bad: trigger-pads not impressive , lack of Backlight screen!!
too many snares and kicks, on the other side lack of ethnic+elec/tecno samples..programming is better from another midi device (keyboard, comp, or Ry machine) greetings from Serbia

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