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.

Lee

May 2, 2013 @ 6:33 am

Here is a video of me demonstrating the rapid fill functionality. Not fill like a transition but fill a high hat on every 16th beat.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gaWBPP8ytfs

Erotic Cabaret

April 3, 2013 @ 2:49 am

Just picked up one of these. The new 24-bit version. This is honestly one of the best drum machines I've ever heard. You can't modify the sounds much but it sounds like a gem right out of the box. It's like a "best of" 80s drum machine and that works just great for me.

Jack Rayless

March 13, 2013 @ 5:13 pm

The SR-16 was my first drum machine. I'd have to say I'd rate it two stars. It's sounds are small and bland and generally pretty lifeless. With some external effects you can get it to sound pretty decent, and it is incredibly easy to program. I seem to remember the midi integration being a breeze. I never really loved it and can't see what the appeal would be these days aside from using it as a sequencer or clock( for example I can't think of one song that used it). I have no idea what I did with my old one. I wouldn't pay more than $150 for it but it is a fun toy.

Carn Marth

January 21, 2013 @ 8:05 am

Does anyone know which Autechre tracks the SR-16 appears on? If you know of tracks by any other artists that feature this drum machine, please post. Thanks.

the gof

January 27, 2012 @ 4:44 pm

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

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