This post was updated on: April 26th 2024
Alesis SR 18 vs SR 16 has been taking the world by storm and enrolled themselves on the list of the most popular drum machines.
 But you don't know which device is best suited as both of these machines have the same essential functions?
We noticed a few differences. If you need a brief breakdown of the differences and common points between these two products, this post might help.
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Alesis SR 18 vs SR 16 - The Similarities
Price
With a relatively low budget, most people will tend to choose the Alesis SR 16 and Alesis SR 18. Both of these electric drum machines are considered budget-friendly products.
The Alesis SR 18 may usually be a bit more expensive than the Alesis SR 16, but both are viable options. They were released at roughly the same time together and achieved considerable success.
Easy to Use
Both drums incorporate Alesis-exclusive Dynamic Articulation technology. This innovative technology can help you tailor sample sounds to suit the tone of your music.
This makes the resulting drum sounds more realistic. You also only need to set up the system for a few minutes, mainly to mix tones and create a complete tone arrangement.
MIDI implementation
Both SR18 and SR16 give you a complete MIDI implementation. This unit makes it easy to connect it to an external MIDI keyboard.
This feature is especially useful for beginners in chord playback or setting a timer with other bundled devices. You can also use this keyboard to program features and some of the sensitive pad buttons.
Last update on 2024-04-25 at 23:51 UTC - 4/ Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Alesis SR 16 vs SR 18 - The Differences
In terms of details, there are quite a few differences between these two products. However, there are a few key points that you should keep in mind.
Soundtracks
The SR18 is a drum machine designed for those who are genuinely passionate and creative with sound. In this respect, of course, the Alesis SR18 is better than the SR16.
Although the SR16 version is considered extremely successful for the manufacturer, the SR18 offers a lot more. You get much larger percussion and drum options than the SR16.
On the SR 18, performance and editing are something to be captivated with, with 500 available drum sounds, while on the SR16, it's only 233.
The SR18 version also adds 200 built-in music samples, and all you need to do is be as creative as you can be.
Design
This is also the most prominent feature of the Alesis SR-16. It's more compact than the SR-18 (9.25 x 6.5 x 1.5 inches compared with 9.25 x 13 x 4 inches), and this makes it an excellent choice for those who are on the go or prefer something close to playing music.
The interface of the SR 16 is also more intuitive and easier to understand than the SR18.
Last update on 2024-04-25 at 23:51 UTC - 4/ Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Alesis SR-18 Overview
Physical design
On the SR18, Alesis tried to use a wheel-shaped knob to adjust the volume. You get 100 pre-made templates and 100 built-in storage slots for your music creation.
You can also use the sample play mode to adjust the sample tone accordingly on the pads.
Also, you need to adjust the box to adjust the sound quality because the knob is mounted on the back.
Sound
With over 500 drum tones and percussion, and 50 basses, Alesis makes the most of its 32mb memory to accommodate the SR18's dual techniques.
Percussion also sounds very similar to natural drumming but could have more "Bass".
The bass set of this machine is also very carefully invested. We have 50 different tones and span all 12 of the machine's pads.
You can select and listen to what you want with the SR 18's unique mute function, which comes in handy in eliminating external noise during recording.
Unique features
The most expensive addition of the SR 18 are real-time effects. It includes 1EQs and a compression system, allowing the monitor to classify original sounds and reverbs.
Therefore, the player can control the noise when playing music.
You can adjust the response to be heavier or lighter, depending on your preference. Overall, the effects are quite tokenistic, with low customization and not the bulk of presets to choose from.
The Alesis SR18 is an instrumental version for upgrading music quality without having to invest too much money. It is an all-around, robust, and well-functioning electric drum.
With the built-in quite large battery capacity, you can use this machine even in the street, not just at home.
- A Studio Icon - Legendary classic drum machine for songwriters, live performers and remix engineers
- In Demand Sound - 500 professional sounds included, built-in digital effects for added realism and powered by Alesis exclusive Dynamic Articulation
Last update on 2024-04-25 at 23:51 UTC - 4/ Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros
Cons
Who Should Buy Alesis SR-18?
Clearly, this product will be for those who want to upgrade their music's quality to the best but do not want to spend too much money. The operation is also quite complicated and may be more suitable for professional electronic music players.
Alesis SR-16 Overview
The SR-16 has been used experimentally and has proven useful in its optimum configuration.
When used for creative purposes, it is difficult to find an electronic drum that is more cost-effective and efficient than this machine.
It has caused a massive upsurge at its inception and until now still retains its values.
Technical specifications
The SR-16 comes with 233 drum pattern tones, 100 preset patterns, and full 100 additional trays for your creativity. This machine also integrates many digital effects, relatively modern and user-friendly.
It can help you do almost anything as long as you work with the dashboard. The device also features 12 speed-sensitive pads and is entirely digitally adjustable.
The beat range can also be turned over a sizable stretch of 20 to 255 beats per minute.
Another standout spec is that the SR16 comes with two footswitch sockets in a two-button configuration, ensuring that you can use the latch-free and temporary switches.
Sound quality
The music produced on the SR16 is pretty cool. Samples are recorded in the studio with authentic and catchy percussion.
However, its limitation is that the record only stops at 24 bits, which is quite a disadvantage compared to many more modern machines.
This means this machine is not suitable for studios producing industrial music.
Ease of use
SR16 is probably the most unprofessional but best suited for newbies. It can help musicians to compose without having to pay too much attention to technical elements.
Recording an acoustic drum sound has never been easier, and its operations are relatively easy to follow.
- A Studio Icon - Legendary classic drum machine for songwriters, live performers and remix engineers
- In Demand Sound - 233 professional sounds included, built-in digital effects for added realism and powered by Alesis exclusive Dynamic Articulation
Last update on 2024-04-25 at 23:51 UTC - 4/ Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros
Cons
Who Should Buy Alesis SR 16?
If you are looking for a machine that can be used in high capacity studios, this is not the right choice. But if you're a novice or your budget isn't too much, this might be the best machine. You must carefully consider your working conditions to choose the right device.
Alesis SR-18 vs SR-16 - Which is Better?
After Alesis SR 18 vs 16 comparisons above, we evaluate that the SR18 is a machine with many outstanding advantages in terms of specifications, support features, and sound quality.
Specifically, the SR18 has more bass systems than its rival. Besides, the number of storage trays of the SR18 is also twice as much as that of the SR16.
So when using the SR18, you will be able to get more creative to create the best quality music. The SR18's electronic audio sample bank is also far superior to the SR16's.
Furthermore, this version SR18 is also designed to be compatible with many popular AC batteries on the market, while the SR16 cannot be used to replace the power supply directly.
This is hugely detrimental to the SR16 in power supply shortage situations such as playing music on the street, on the pier, or in some passenger cars.
However, each tool will suit its different customer segments. As analyzed above, if you are a professional electronic music player, surely the SR16 cannot satisfy.
You need to look for versions that allow more creativity and integrate more sounds like the SR18. On the contrary, the SR16 seems to be affordable and functional for amateur musicians alike.
FAQs
Do I have to plug the machine into an amp?
You can play it directly through the keyboard. All you need to do is remove the keyboard's back and connect the electronic drum machine to the keyboard's volume pedal via the RCA jack.
Of course, you need a 1/4 TR RCA connector to do this. Cable quality must be ensured for the most accurate transmission of audio signals.
How would I connect the SR18 to a piano?
The answer is the same as above. You will need a cap that matches the port of the piano and this electronic drum machine.
Usually, that cable will be compatible with the RCA port. Connect and start playing the music you want.
Can you run the machine on a battery?
With the SR-16, you won't be able to use the battery for it because there isn't a battery suitable for the type of AC inverter it is using. Most batteries on the market are AA batteries.
With the SR-18, you can use a battery for it as it is designed to be compatible with all batteries on the market. If you have a 12dvc battery, you can start this machine without using any other power source.
Conclusion
The above are all our informational and educational reviews of the two popular Alesis SR 18 vs SR 16 currently available.
Thereby, we hope to help you partly analyze and identify which one is better. Ultimately, the decision to buy still depends on your perspective as well as your budget.
Be a smart buyer!