Downgrade the Alesis SR-18 to get a SR-16... but why?

Downgrade the Alesis SR-18 to get a SR-16... but why? Reasons.
Check out our new partnership : Deko Creative Design on Etsy!
www.etsy.com/ca/shop/DekoCrea...
Why just buy 1 shirt or t-shirt when you can buy 2?
Seriously though, if you want to help this channel out, please
visit their site to see their designs.
#arturia #minibrute #bleeps #bloops
#heritageaudio #73jr #solder #desolder #electronics
#moog #mother32 #moog mother32 #eurorack #euro #rack #synth #synthesizer #behringer #patches
#daking #micpre #uafx #universalaudio #neve #api #neotek #trident #homeaudio #homerecording #gear #musicgear #ssl #uad #tonemaster #fendertonemasterpro
#indierock #indie #parody #funnygearshow #taylorswift #georgeclooney #chatgpt #tonemasterpro #ai #chatgpt
#moog #grandmother #grandchild #herchild #namm #2024
#daking #micpre #uafx #universalaudio #neve #api #neotek #trident #homeaudio #homerecording #gear #musicgear #ssl #uad #tonemaster #fendertonemasterpro
#indierock #indie #parody #funnygearshow

[@atypicallavender77]

I've had my SR-18 for about 3 months now and love it. I thought it was going to be difficult to learn how to navigate but it's not as bad as I thought. The only thing I dislike are the pads and how hard they are. They give my fingers calluses. lol

[@QuestForGear]

Yeah it was a fine unit... my REAL reason for downgrading was... I could get basically the same function and also stuff some cash back in my pocket. Had I not seen the 16 sitting in a pawn shop cheap, Id still have the 18.

[@romanyel]

I like my SR-16, it sounds close to my live kit. I use it with Keystep Pro, Kross 2 and synths.

[@QuestForGear]

Having now had some time between both units... I like how theSR-16 is a bit more cut back. The SR-18 is probably good for someone who wants to program each and every molecule of air in their drum performance, but the SR-16 gives me what I need... spin it to a preset and press play.

[@RichardCyberPunk]

They still sell the SR-16 for 140 euros and SR-18 for 240 euro (both new) in the Netherlands in 2023

[@QuestForGear]

Amazing run on these, I seen the advertised the other day - what long running product ! I'm still loving my SR-16 and not missing the slightly bigger and more complicated 18.

[@SyddBlobb]

I was just looking through some drum videos and found yours, interesting decision. From memory... There are two (main) versions of the SR16. Neither have a back light, unlike the SR18. The original which you appear to show images of in your video (is the 16 bit version from 1990) requires an AC supply (9v 1amp AC). It has discrete (through hole/socketed) components, so should be easier to repair/ROM swap/circuit bend. Sound is routed to the "MAIN LEFT" (of the four paired output jacks at the back) by default and head phones can be plugged in for listening in privacy if required. The second (is the 24bit version from 2013) requires a DC supply (12v 1amp DC) and has surface mount components. A DC supply via a power pack gives portability off grid. Of the four output pairs at the back, there is now a labeled headphone output. Expect the latest ROM version 1.04 in the 24bit version. (The third version bears a different marque and has reduced functionality...cough). I owned both the 16bit and the 24bit. They both sound great regardless of the "bit" difference. If the print on the pads has rubbed off you can get vinyl stickers made and add them under the pads. There may be a build up of oxide on the pad contact surfaces affecting response, never mind cleaning with alcohol, a smear of "light" oil will keep the oxide off. If you do need to open one up please do not nudge the LCD part (it has rubber strips which are a pain to re-align).

[@QuestForGear]

Thanks for the great info! Now that you mention it - I found it odd when mine has a sticker that says '24-bit ' when I know the reviews I had read clearly said 16-bit, so thanks for clearing up that there were version differences. I'm wondering if I might have the third version. The power supply I have is not original.

[@SyddBlobb]

@@QuestForGear Sorry for the typo, the 24bit came out around 2003. The third version was the "Ion iDM02"and you would know if you had it because there would be no Alesis branding or SR-16 name around the screen bezel.

[@QuestForGear]

I'll check it again in detail asap.. see what the screen bezel says. You really know your Alesis products !

[@desbrowne1900]

I have been using the SR16 for years..would not use any other drum machine! Great drum sounds and so easy to operate.

[@QuestForGear]

Yeah it's my go to for sure! Wrote so many songs using 'Rock 3'.

[@TheVideogamemaster9]

One man's trash is another man's treasure - I just learned about the SR-18 after seeing someone selling a cheap WAV sample pack for it, and I was totally in love with the youtube demos of the official preset grooves (including the basses). But I'm very in-love with early/mid 2000s music gear and will automatically enjoy anything from that era, with characteristic tones that aren't necessarily realistic, but don't sound like they're from the 80s.

[@QuestForGear]

I think I forgot to say... I use about 10% of the functionality on these. I literally spin through them, and write songs to the beats - and that is IT. Glad you're liking yours!

[@AT-eh2eo]

The pads on the sr16 are so stiff, it’s not even worth playing. I really wanted to use alongside a rack sampler, but making beats is such a headache

[@QuestForGear]

The pads are.bad for.sure. I don't use them... but yeah... really bad.

[@AmbientMelancholy]

Just purchased the SR-18...but after watching this video...I don't know what to expect. I want something to create simple lofi style boom bap beats, so I can play my guitar along with it. Hoping the SR-18 does what I want, but I've never owned a drum machine before. Chose the SR-18 over the beatbuddy, sdrum, and some others, but only because I don't know what I am doing! lol

[@QuestForGear]

It will be fine. I was nitpicking... the 18 was bigger, heavier, more complicated , more expensive than the 16. Had I not seen the 16 in a pawn shop for cheap, id still be using the 18. I dont miss my SDrum or Beat Buddy at all. My favorite solution of all though .... Ez Drummer 3.

[@AmbientMelancholy]

@@QuestForGear I need to check out that Ez Drummer 3. Thanks!

[@QuestForGear]

It is software.... but to my ear, you wont get more legit. I cant afford to go to Chicago to pay Steve Albini to let me in his studio and record me playing his drums with his mics... but with Ez Drummer 3... that's all possible. You are getting the best drum sounds money can buy... at your house.

[@QuestForGear]

Could be overkill for 'lofi style boom bap beat' though!

[@newignis]

@@AmbientMelancholy i left aside my SR-18 for a long long time, and it took really not much time to know again how to operate. But the bass is indeed something I turn off on start-up.

[@ytpremium7649]

Same here. The SR18 is a stupid sequel which I sold and just ordered an SR 16 for its great reviews

[@QuestForGear]

Yeah, I have no regrets on the downgrade!

[@jer0051]

Do you like the sr-16 better? I just ran across this video..

[@QuestForGear]

For my needs... I only use 10% of the function of the machine... I turn it on , change tempos, change patterns - until I end up writing a song. So for me... it's 100% a song writing tool. The 18 was too expensive and too feature rich for how I use it. So really, my review isn't very good. I should re do the video.

[@jer0051]

@@QuestForGear ok I was curious thanks

[@QuestForGear]

They are both great, but so it all the Boss stuff. I guess it really depends on what you want out of it.

[@koalemos1679]

I was checking out one of these. $250? Nah fam.

[@QuestForGear]

Yeah... inflation on everything is out of control.

[@koalemos1679]

@@QuestForGear I bought a used Electribe 2 for $200. Not like the E2 is amazing(it's my third one) but it's a better deal for sure.

[@QuestForGear]

I'll check that out !

[@xp50player]

SR-16 pads are like mush. No backlit display is a loser too in this day & age.

[@QuestForGear]

I found all that out when I got it home. Luckily I don't use the pads at all - but you are right.

[@bobgure]

I just bought the SR-18 and pretty disappointed. They tried to do way too much (bass, effects, etc) and compared to the many drum machines I’ve programmed, poorly designed and overly complicated. The touch velocity is negligible (defective?) and a great deal of the drums ( too many ) sound un-natural. I remember the Roland R5and R8 having better samples, so maybe I’ll try the DR-880. Problem is that it’s kind of large for my space. Any 880 users out there to describe it’s sound quality? Next stop UPS to return. Thanks!

[@QuestForGear]

I found it overcomplicated - very much more so for what I do... I just write songs to the beats. The touch velocity on the 18 is bad but on the 16 is worse!

[@DougDimbarre]

Eu tenho ritmos a venda da Dr_880 feito por um baterista Sao uns 105 ritmos

[@miscmisc1023]

THE SR 16 16 BIT DOESNT HAVE A DEDICATED HEADPHONE PORT THE SR 18 DOES

[@QuestForGear]

I never thought of that. I'm not sure I'd.ever listen to my drum.machine with headphones on .

[@miscmisc1023]

@@QuestForGear the Akai mpc and several other machines have headphone ports

[@QuestForGear]

With a.drum.machine though... I'm only playing guitar to it. For my use.. I won't be listening.to just a drum machine via headphones. Or I plug it into an interface.... which newrly all have headphones. I can't.imagine any scenario where I'm listening to just a.drum machine on its own.

[@miscmisc1023]

@@QuestForGear my sr 16 has very low sound and sounds like a dial up sound when I play the pad any suggestions. My power adapter I know is 9v ac a few people said switch the adaptor to 9v dc but with the ac adaptor it powers the unit currently

[@TheCliffzone]

Before they didn't have that dedicated headphone port when it was released. Years later, they've added that extra port and also made the sr16 into the 24 bit drum machine.

[@clintbowers5524]

Use 3m Duel lock fasteners. Way better than Velcro.

[@QuestForGear]

Thanks, I will check this out.

[@donmilland7606]

what an uniforming video. No reason to sell a SR18 just to get SR16.

[@QuestForGear]

Is it uniforming? It puts a uniform on?

[@QuestForGear]

' No reason to sell a SR18 just to get SR16' -- I put money back in my pocket, it was less overcomplicated, it was physically smaller, physically lighter, I liked the patterns on the 16 better..... so there were 5 reasons for me.

[@juana1483]

Cos he says it's the thing to do. He's not even sure eh???

[@juana1483]

I've had, I've had, I've had, But still can't tell y'all why I now have this unit?????????????? SHOW us PEASE?????

[@QuestForGear]

Sorry I don't understand the question ?

[@truslu1]

I have always believed in programming my own beats and have never used a preset for anything in thirty years of using drum machines. I don't understand why you would write off an piece of gear based on the presets.

[@QuestForGear]

"I don't understand " ... that's for sure. You really don't! I use drum machines to play riffs through a bank of 100 presets ... which then inspires me to write songs. I have written hundreds of songs this way. I'm not going to program 100's of my own beats to inspire myself.

[@truslu1]

@QuestForGear I've owned two SR16s and I've always found that the presets lack finesse. Interesting that someone actually found a use for them. I also find that the samples lack detail compared with some of the instruments made after 1991.

[@QuestForGear]

@@truslu1 I don't record them, or use them in songs. I use the machine instead of having someone there to jam ideas with.

[@QuestForGear]

*That's not always... I may have recorded the beats for 2 or 3 songs. Typically.... I'm using the Drum Machines as song writing tools.

[@phillippowers6905]

It is better for so many reasons. Sooooo many reasons.

[@phillippowers6905]

The SR 16 i mean. Its way better

[@QuestForGear]

Hey Phillip - can you tell me why you think so?

[@truslu1]

@@phillippowers6905 Yes. Please say why. I've owned two SR16s and the only thing I find wrong is that the samples don't have the presence of those in the Boss DR 880. It's very easy to program unlike the DR880 however. From reading the manual it looks as though they've retained all of the features from the SR16 in the SR18 that made it so good.