Alesis SR18: Worthy Successor to the SR16

SR18 VS. SR16

Cosmetically, the SR18 looks a lot slicker than the 16. While the essential interface and wedge shape remains intact, the unit sports a slick silver finish and a more modern look, but that’s just the skin-deep stuff. Inside, the SR18 includes a comprehensive set of upgrades and amenities. For starters, the unit’s sample ROM has been expanded to 32MB of sounds, which now includes a bank of synth and bass guitar samples for adding bass lines to your grooves. For adding polish to the over 500 drum and percussion samples, there’s also a selection of integrated effects like reverb, compression and EQ.

One of the more welcome improvements is the ability to run on batteries as well as AC power (adapter included, thankfully). This makes the SR18 a perfect companion for backpacks and gig bags. Also included is a new external audio input for jamming along with the SR18 without the need for an additional mixer. This input is line-level only, so you can’t really plug in a guitar or microphone without a preamp, but it’s still a handy addition for those who like to travel light.

SOUNDS

The SR18’s sound bank leans strongly toward acoustic drums and percussion. That’s not to say that there aren’t any electronic samples. In fact, there’s a bunch. It’s just that, like with the SR16, the sonic focus here is on classic drums rather than beatbox sounds. Of course, it’s possible to create more overtly synthetic drum kits by using extreme tuning combined with sharp EQs, such as those on the included “radio” presets. What’s more, every drum has basic tools like attack, decay, and lowpass filtering of the non-resonant variety. But if you’re after a more “groovebox” type of sound with lots of editable drum parameters, bit-crushing, ping-pong delays, and so on, this isn’t the droid you’re looking for.

That said, if you’re seeking wellproduced acoustic kits, you’ve found a friend. The SR18’s collection of acoustic sounds is outstanding, with a blend of classic SR16 drums along with a slew of new 24-bit samples that cover all kinds of rock, jazz, and country production styles. In fact, there’s something about the SR18 that really lends itself to weekend gigs with small bands and lounge acts. That’s in no way meant to be unflattering, since the SR18 is extremely good at what it does. Its combination of features seems tailor-made for mainstream jobs — as opposed to being an exotic, over-the-top groovebox.

The SR18’s bass sounds are equally high-quality, covering synths, electric bass, and acoustic upright bass. These instruments can also be processed with the aforementioned envelope and filter for a bit more textural variety, but beware the Seinfeld theme slap-and-pop effect that’s endemic to almost any sampled bass guitar — unless, of course, that’s the sound you’re going for.

PROGRAMMABILITY

With all of the new drum sounds and expanded sample ROM, it was nice to discover that the SR18’s pattern memory — 100 each of preset patterns, user patterns, and songs — doubles that of the original SR16. Still, 100 user patterns doesn’t seem like a lot by today’s standards, especially if you sequence a lot of your own accompaniment tracks. Also, there isn’t a slot for Compact Flash, SD, or any other form of external backup other than the oldschool way of dumping the patterns over MIDI sys-ex. Considering the target audience, this may not be a huge issue, but it’s a definite consideration if you plan to use the SR18 for long sets with a lot of complex song arrangements.

Programming your own patterns remains a straightforward affair, with the majority of playing procedures being identical to the original SR16 and to pad-based drum machines in general: Just enter record mode and overdub your parts in real time using the 12 pads, until you have something you dig. A step editor is also available, but rather fiddly due to the relatively limited visual feedback the LCD display offers.

When it comes to tinkering with your groove’s feel, one neat — and easily overlooked — feature is the ability to slide individual drums ahead or behind the beat in time increments of 1/384th of a whole note. On the down side, there aren’t any groove templates, and only three preset shuffle/swing percentages (plus “off”), which is a bit odd in 2009.

CONCLUSIONS

As the successor to one of the most popular drum machines ever, the SR18’s credo seems to be, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” By keeping the hallmark features of the original, then expanding the factory bank of sounds, adding effects, and including battery power, they’ve delivered an exceptional value in drum machines. The SR18 is a total winner for light gigging or beat-making on the go.

PROS

CONS

INFO

NEED TO KNOW

What is it? Battery powered drum machine with over 500 sounds, 50 bass samples, and built-in effects.
Programmability: 100 preset patterns, 100 user patterns, and 100 songs.
Specs compared to SR16? Twice as many sounds, double the preset and user pattern memory, plus effects such as reverb, compression and EQ.
Sound quality compared to SR16? The SR18 is audibly better, partly due to many of the new sounds having been recorded at 24-bit resolution.
Should I buy it? If you’re a die-hard SR16 fan, the SR18 is a must. If you’re looking for more extensive groovebox features, then probably not.

HANDS-ON

1.The classic black wedge is now a classic silver wedge.
2.Massive backlit LCD displays essentials like pattern name and tempo at a glance.
3.New LED indicators show record status and flashing tempo.
4.The oversized dial from the SR16 is even larger on the SR18, and features smoother handling.
5.Twelve pads do double duty for programming bass and drum patterns, as well as mute/solo functions.
6.The Overall volume now has a dedicated knob on the back of the unit.
7.To make room for the external audio input, the second stereo output pair is now handled by a single 1/4" stereo tip-ring-sleeve jack.
8.Dual footswitch inputs allow for start/stop, triggering fills, toggling between patterns, and adding a count-in.