Alesis USB Studio Drum Kit Five-Piece USB Drum Set Review

Alesis USB Studio Drum Kit Five-Piece USB Drum Set Feature

• Five-piece electronic drum set with USB/MIDI computer interface
• RealHead drum pads feature genuine 8″ mylar drum heads for customizable feel
• Low-noise DMPad Cymbals: Hi-Hat, Crash, dual-zone Ride; Crash and Ride with choke
• Dual-zone snare and tom pads for a wide palette of sounds from a standard setup
• Ultra-fast triggering with software sequencers, recording software, and MIDI hardware

Alesis USB Studio Drum Kit Five-Piece USB Drum Set Overview

USB/MIDI drum set, RealHead 8” snr, 3 toms, DMPad Hi-Hat, Crash, Ride, Trigger|iO USB/MIDI interface, 10 ins

Available at Amazon Check Price Now!

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Customer Reviews

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Mar 11, 2010 08:11:06

Alesis DM5 18-bit Drum Module Review

I just recently got into triggering my drums. For a while i researched a few drum modules and eventually came to the Alesis DM5. So far it’s been fun. On my acoustic kit, i normally just trigger my bass drums. When it comes to electric, I use the Alesis with a cheap ION drum set. I use Ddrum Red shot triggers and together they work pretty well. The Module contains a good variety of sounds. I noticed on some other reviews about using the module. I don’t think the module itself is hard to use. It just takes some time to getting use too. I kind of wish the DM5 had a feature so you could record your own sounds and use those, but that’s ok. Overall, i recommend it.

Alesis DM5 18-bit Drum Module Feature

• 540 sounds
• 21 programmable drum sets recorded in 48kHz, true stereo, with ambient effects
• Dynamic Articulation feature allows drum sounds to change volume, tone, and pitch depending on how hard they’re hit - just like real drums
• Ultra-fast trigger-to-MIDI converter with 12 trigger inputs, 5 programmable parameters for each trigger

Alesis DM5 18-bit Drum Module Overview

Versatile, Affordable Drum/Percussion Sound Module For drummers and MIDI composers on a budget, the Alesis DM5™ offers professional performance features and an excellent selection of drum, percussion and special effect samples. The DM5 puts over 540 sounds into a single rack space, many recorded in true stereo and with ambient effects. Both classic Alesis studio drum sounds and new cutting-edge sounds for the latest musical styles are well represented. You’ll find a great selection of kicks, snares, toms, hi-hats, percussion instruments, special effect samples and more. Plus, the DM5’s Expanded Dynamic Articulation™ feature allows drum sounds to change volume, tone, and pitch depending on how hard they’re hit – just like real drums. Plus, the DM5’s Random Sample feature brings new life to static tracks by realistically varying the sound of the drum as you play. The DM5 includes an ultra-fast trigger-to-MIDI converter with 12 trigger inputs, 5 programmable parameters for each trigger, 21 programmable drumsets, and four audio outputs for discrete processing and control. Whether you’re looking for a MIDI-controlled percussion module, a drum replacement tool for mixing, or an affordable answer for triggering sounds from electronic drum pads, the DM5 is the affordable solution.

Alesis DM5 18-bit Drum Module Specifications

A classic drum-sound module for drummers, programmers, and producers, the Alesis DM5 18-bit drum module contains 540 stereo, 18-bit drum sounds that can be assigned to any of the 21 programmable drumsets. And 12 trigger inputs enable DM5 to be used with all Alesis drum and cymbal pads, SURGE Cymbals, and the triggering devices from most other major manufacturers.

This drum module also has full MIDI I/O so it can be used as a sound source for composing, programming, and sequencing with a wide variety of controllers including keyboards, pad triggers, MPCs, and more. Built-in Alesis studio effects including reverb and ambiance ensure that you can send a complete, finished sound to the PA, recording system, and your headphones with no additional processing. And the DMF offers Alesis’ exclusive Dynamic Articulation technology, which modifies sample sounds so they change as you play them.

The Alesis DM5 drum module (see also a larger schematic of front controls and rear ports.

Key Features

• 540 drum, percussion, and cymbal sounds
• Dynamic Articulation modulates tone and pitch of sounds for realism
• Stereo samples with reverb and ambiance
• Seven-position, user programmable panning
• 128 dynamic levels via MIDI or trigger inputs
• 21 drumset-memory locations with defaults stored permanently

Dynamic Articulation
Discerning ears will notice that each sound is actually a series of different samples; multiple dynamic-level samples and articulations are all built in so as you play harder and softer, the drum or cymbal changes its timbre, not just its volume. This engineered realism is known as Dynamic Articulation, an Alesis exclusive.

This results in sounds that respond accurately not only to dynamic changes, but also with the appropriate timbral and color changes you’d expect from their acoustic counterparts. You can play with or without reverb for different room sounds and enjoy a wide variety of rimshots, rim clicks and different stick-placement sounds on the cymbals. The Random Sample feature also ensures you don’t get the same sound twice for further creative realism.

Specifications

• Inputs: (12) 1/4-inch (each with 5 user adjustable trigger parameters)
• Outputs: Two 1/4-inch stereo pairs
• Headphone: 1/4-inch TRS with variable gain
• MIDI: In, Out/Thru
• 18-bit sample resolution
• 48kHz Sample rate
• Footswitch: 1/4-inch, assignable to hi-hat control or program advance
• 16-voice polyphony
• Panning: 7 position, user programmable
• Kits: 21 Memory locations w/defaults permanently stored in ROM
• Tuning Scheme: Coarse (chromatic) and Fine (cents)
• Data Input: Data knob, front panel keypad (sound auditioning via velocity sensitive
• Preview button on front panel)
• Expanded Dynamic Articulation: Modulates tone and pitch
• Power: 9V AC external transformer, UL and CSA approved
• Dimensions: 19 x 1.75 x 6 inches (WxHxD)
• Weight: 4.5 pounds

Available at Amazon Check Price Now!

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Customer Reviews

Great oriduct - Nash - SJ, Costa Rica
This is a great machine!!
You do can adjust pretty much everything, the pitch, the gain, noise, pan…etc
Very realistc, you can play super fast or slow and still recognizes the weak hits and the strong hits. The perfect mate is the Ddrum acoutic pro triggers
I use all this for metal. Awesome help for home and professional use.

Alesis is OK - Matt Lyssy - Houston, TX USA
You get what you pay for. I like the sound reproduction and this generally performs well in practice type situations. However, it does seem to have some trouble triggering if you play too fast, and I dont like that the Bass pedal has to be triggered and not switched. My rock band bass pedal is switched which means i have to plug it into the high hat slot and then tweak the sound to get a working bass pedal out of this. All in all, it was worth the ~0, but not any more than that.

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Mar 10, 2010 09:47:04

Alesis USB Studio Drum Kit Five-Piece USB Drum Set Review

Alesis USB Studio Drum Kit Five-Piece USB Drum Set Feature

• Five-piece electronic drum set with USB/MIDI computer interface
• RealHead drum pads feature genuine 8″ mylar drum heads for customizable feel
• Low-noise DMPad Cymbals: Hi-Hat, Crash, dual-zone Ride; Crash and Ride with choke
• Dual-zone snare and tom pads for a wide palette of sounds from a standard setup
• Ultra-fast triggering with software sequencers, recording software, and MIDI hardware

Alesis USB Studio Drum Kit Five-Piece USB Drum Set Overview

USB/MIDI drum set, RealHead 8” snr, 3 toms, DMPad Hi-Hat, Crash, Ride, Trigger|iO USB/MIDI interface, 10 ins

Available at Amazon Check Price Now!

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Customer Reviews

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Mar 08, 2010 01:58:05

Alesis DM5 Pro Kit Professional Electronic Drum Kit with DM5 Module Review

Alesis DM5 Pro Kit Professional Electronic Drum Kit with DM5 Module Feature

• It containing 540 sounds and 21 programmable drum sets recorded in 48kHz, true stereo, with ambient effects in a single rack space module
• Dynamic Articulation feature allows drum sounds to change volume, tone, and pitch depending on how hard they’re hit
• Ultra-fast trigger-to-MIDI converter with 12 trigger inputs, 5 programmable parameters for each trigger
• 5 Piece velocity sensitive pad drum kit (5 drum pads) snare, 3 toms, kick, (3 cymbal pads) ride,crash and hi-hat
• Professional quality hardware with real drum shells, firm grip hardware mounts and heavy-duty Hi-hat control pedal

Alesis DM5 Pro Kit Professional Electronic Drum Kit with DM5 Module Overview

The Alesis DM5 Pro Kit puts electronic drums in the hands of everyone with this super-affordable electronic drum kit. The DM5 Pro Electronic Drum Kit is a fully self-contained 5-piece electronic drum set that ships with the DM5 sound module, five responsive playing pads (one which serves as the hi-hat in conjunction with the included foot controller), two natural motion cymbal pads, tubular support rack, and all essential interconnection cables. Complete with a headphone output, the DM5 is the ideal percussion sound module and controller system that enables players of all skill levels to practice quietly or take to the stage with confidence. Everything you need is included with the DM5 Pro kit. You get a full set of drum pads including snare, kick, three toms, and the drum sound module. You even get cymbal pads to trigger crash and ride sounds. Everything you need is included for a remarkably low price.

Available at Amazon Check Price Now!

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Customer Reviews

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Mar 04, 2010 05:27:05

Alesis SR18 Drum Machine with Effects Engine Review

I believe this to be the best sounding drum machine made today for the price, it is fairly simple to program, has the most real sounding drums has a nice fill feature… it realy looks cool and has large pads…it doenst save very well, seems once saved, the original is there forever… but still one can create patterns you can save in in cubase, magix or samplitude or another recording program once youve done your program to be sure except for future tempo changees could be off and funny sounding…

I have both the Zoom tr-223 and this and i feel the Zoom tr-223 to be more a Toy compared to the sr-18….but the Zoom can come back to previous patterns once shut off…Zoom has a little better sounding bass, but ill record my own real sounding bass with a real bass ….both can be used in your studio

The output is rather weak using line outs…Neither drum machine is perfect, but the Alesis is a more professioanl Drum machine in my humble opinion….Jim

Alesis SR18 Drum Machine with Effects Engine Feature

• Professional drum machine -12 velocity sensitive pads (w/Dynamic Articulation) enabling a drum sound to change its tonal content
• Backlit LCD, MIDI I/O, Stereo Main and Aux outputs, drum Roll function, headphone output, 1/4″ instrument input jack, 2 footswitch jacks
• ,Battery powered (6xAA - not included) or AC adapter - included
• 32MB sound set with percussion bank and bass synth including over 500 Drum and percussion sounds and 50 bass sounds
• Built-in Effects- Reverb, EQ and Compression on each pad, preset or editable by the user

Alesis SR18 Drum Machine with Effects Engine Overview

INSTANT DRUMS FOR ON-THE-GO MUSICIANS. Alesis knows drums. Our SR16 has dominated the drum machine market since 1990 and continues to be in-demand today. Following in the tradition of its relative, the next-generation SR18 is loaded with cutting-edge drumsets, electronic drums, one-shot hits, and modern percussion sounds for any cutting-edge musician’s performances and compositions. From hip-hop to country and everything in between, SR18 nails it on the first take. SR18 has an effects engine with Alesis reverb, EQ, and compression so you can output recording or performance-ready sounds. Dynamic Articulation™ enables sound to change in color and timbre, the same way that acoustic instruments do for truly realistic performances. SR18 can be powered by AC or batteries, so whenever or wherever you need to lay down a groove, you’re ready to roll. It’s time for the next Alesis drum machine.

Alesis SR18 Drum Machine with Effects Engine Specifications

The next-generation Alesis SR18 drum machine is loaded with cutting-edge drumsets, electronic drums, one-shot hits, and modern percussion sounds–from hip-hop to country and everything in between–for any cutting-edge musician’s performances and compositions. It also offers an effects engine with Alesis reverb, EQ, and compression so you can output recording or performance-ready sounds. And Alesis’ exclusive Dynamic Articulation feature enables a drum sound to change its tonal content as it’s played harder–just like an acoustic drum–for truly realistic performances.

The next-generation Alesis SR18 drum machine (see larger image).

The rear ports of the SR18 (see larger image).

You can plug in an instrument, such as a guitar, and play along for setup simplicity. You can play in bass parts using the pads on the SR18 or connect a MIDI keyboard for fast, musical low end. The SR18 can be powered by AC or batteries for on-the-go composition

Key Features

• Large, 32 MB sound set with percussion bank and bass synth
• Over 500 drum and percussion sounds and 50 bass sounds
• Built-in Alesis effects: reverbs, EQs, and compression
• Pattern Play Mode enables different patterns to be triggered from the pads directly
• Programmable Drum Roll function
• Mute/Solo Function: mute drums, bass, and percussion or individual pads
• Flexible wall (adapter included) and battery powering (six AA, not included)
• Backlit LCD
• 100 preset patterns, 100 user locations
• 12 velocity sensitive pads
• Tap tempo for instant beats exactly as you want them

Dynamic Articulation
Discerning ears will notice that each sound is actually a series of different samples; multiple dynamic-level samples and articulations are all built in so as you play harder and softer, the drum or cymbal changes its timbre, not just its volume. This engineered realism is known as Dynamic Articulation, an Alesis exclusive.

This results in sounds that respond accurately not only to dynamic changes, but also with the appropriate timbral and color changes you’d expect from their acoustic counterparts. You can play with or without reverb for different room sounds and enjoy a wide variety of rimshots, rim clicks and different stick-placement sounds on the cymbals. The Random Sample feature also ensures you don’t get the same sound twice for further creative realism.

Specifications

• Sound set: 32 MB, multi-sampled
• Polyphony: 32 voices
• Inputs: 1/4-inch instrument (guitar)
• Outputs: 1/4-inch stereo pair, 1/4-inch TRS, 1/4-inch TRS stereo headphone
• MIDI: in, out/thru
• Footswitch: two inputs - start/stop, count/A/B/fill

Available at Amazon Check Price Now!

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Customer Reviews

Drum Machine - Philippe Jean Jorat - Palo Alto
Alesis SR18 Drum Machine with Effects Engine Works great. Eliminates need to bring my amp for practice even in the car since it’s battery operated as well, although my car radio has an input for just about anything.

Excellent and Musical Drum Machine - Captainbob - Atlanta
I have used drum machines in the past, but for performing live, the Alesis SR18 is the best one I have ever tried. Good manual makes programming and editing patterns and kits a piece of cake. The sounds are really good, and the feature that really rocks is the tap function to set the tempo, which can even be done with a foot switch. Since I play keys, the idea of using foot switches to stop and start, set tempo, and trigger pattern changes and fills is the greatest. The other thing I love is the large, brightly lit, lcd display which is a life saver in dark clubs when playing live.

It is a great product at a really great price.

Great Drum Machine - macboogie - NYC
While it won’t replace a real drummer, I find it to be a great practice and song writing tool.

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Feb 28, 2010 20:26:32

Alesis e-Practice Pad Electronic Drum Practice Pad Review

Alesis e-Practice Pad Electronic Drum Practice Pad Feature

• Electronic drum practice pad with metronome and learning exercises
• 65 different drum sounds
• Metronome with six sounds, adjustable time signatures and subdivisions
• 50 practice games and exercises
• Headphone jack for silent practice

Alesis e-Practice Pad Electronic Drum Practice Pad Overview

The Alesis E-Practice Pad is the fun way to learn and practice the drums. This electronic drum pad has 65 different drum sounds, a built-in metronome with six different sounds, and more than 50 practice games and exercises. The E-Practice Pad is way more fun than you can have with a standard practice pad. It feels great, it sounds great, and it gives you a full range of dynamics from the lightest touches through the loudest accents. Just plug in your headphones and play silently or plug into an instrument amplifier or your stereo system and jam with other musicians. When you’re not using the E-Practice Pad as a traditional practice tool, you can mount it on a standard cymbal stand or snare stand and use it on your drumset to expand your range of sounds. Unlike a standard pad, the E-Practice Pad has an advanced metronome built in with six different sounds and the ability to play nearly any note value or subdivision in the time signature of your choice. On top of the metronome, the e-Practice Pad has advanced games and learning features like Beat Check, Stroke Balance, and even recording and playback so you can hear your performances. The E-Practice Pad is an instrument that helps you grow as a drummer, developing your time, dynamics, consistency, and more. The E-Practice Pad runs on batteries for portability or on wall power with the included adapter. You can add bass drum and hi-hat pedals using Alesis Expansion Pedals or any other footswitch.

Alesis e-Practice Pad Electronic Drum Practice Pad Specifications

Practicing your drumming shouldn’t be a chore, and with the portable Alesis e-Practice Pad you’ll enjoy learning drum technique wherever you roam. The e-Practice Pad features 65 different drum sounds, a built-in metronome with six different sounds and more than 50 practice games and exercises. And it gives you a full range of dynamics–from the lightest touches through the loudest accents.

Practice your drumming skills wherever you roam with the Alesis e-Practice Pad (see larger schematic image to view the front controls).

The E-Practice Pad runs on batteries for portability or on wall power with the included adapter. You can add bass drum and hi-hat pedals using Alesis Expansion Pedals or any other footswitch. Just plug in your headphones and play silently or plug into an instrument amplifier or your stereo system and jam with other musicians. When you’re not using the E-Practice Pad as a traditional practice tool, you can mount it on a standard cymbal stand or snare stand and use it on your drumset to expand your range of sounds.

Unlike a standard pad, the E-Practice Pad has an advanced metronome built in with six different sounds and the ability to play nearly any note value or subdivision in the time signature of your choice. On top of the metronome, the e-Practice Pad has advanced games and learning features like Beat Check, Stroke Balance, and even recording and playback so you can hear your performances. The E-Practice Pad is an instrument that helps you grow as a drummer, developing your time, dynamics, consistency, and more.

Key Features

• Electronic drum practice pad with metronome and learning exercises
• 65 different drum sounds
• Metronome with six sounds, adjustable time signatures and subdivisions
• 50 practice games and exercises
• Natural feel and performance with full dynamic range
• Headphone jack for silent practice
• Amplifier outputs for playing with other musicians
• Mountable on standard 8mm cymbal stand or snare stand
• Recording and playback for listening to your playing
• Runs on batteries for portability or on wall power with the included adapter
• Expandable with optional bass drum and hi-hat pedals

Specifications

• 65 pad sounds
• 6 metronome sounds
• 60 exercises, games, and songs
• Trigger inputs: kick pedal (1/4-inch TS), hi-hat cymbal (1/4-inch TS), hi-hat pedal (1/4-inch TRS)
• Outputs: 1/4-inch stereo headphone
• Power: 9V AC, adapter included or 4 AA batteries

Available at Amazon Check Price Now!

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Customer Reviews

no drum sounds - Colette H. Whittle - arizona
Just got this for a Christmas present for our son and can not get it to work. The power comes on but there are no drum sounds. For an item which advertises 65 different drum sounds it is a little disappointing. Hope i can get a refund….

Junk - unk - Kingston, New York USA
I purchased this for a gift and had to return the first one because it would not power on. The replacement one powered on, but does not work beyond that. I would think that there should be someone testing these before they ship them out. I am now out .00 in return postage and have nothing to show for it except a disappointed daughter on Christmas morning

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Feb 26, 2010 23:42:06

Alesis DM5 Pro Kit Professional Electronic Drum Kit with DM5 Module Review

Alesis DM5 Pro Kit Professional Electronic Drum Kit with DM5 Module Feature

• It containing 540 sounds and 21 programmable drum sets recorded in 48kHz, true stereo, with ambient effects in a single rack space module
• Dynamic Articulation feature allows drum sounds to change volume, tone, and pitch depending on how hard they’re hit
• Ultra-fast trigger-to-MIDI converter with 12 trigger inputs, 5 programmable parameters for each trigger
• 5 Piece velocity sensitive pad drum kit (5 drum pads) snare, 3 toms, kick, (3 cymbal pads) ride,crash and hi-hat
• Professional quality hardware with real drum shells, firm grip hardware mounts and heavy-duty Hi-hat control pedal

Alesis DM5 Pro Kit Professional Electronic Drum Kit with DM5 Module Overview

The Alesis DM5 Pro Kit puts electronic drums in the hands of everyone with this super-affordable electronic drum kit. The DM5 Pro Electronic Drum Kit is a fully self-contained 5-piece electronic drum set that ships with the DM5 sound module, five responsive playing pads (one which serves as the hi-hat in conjunction with the included foot controller), two natural motion cymbal pads, tubular support rack, and all essential interconnection cables. Complete with a headphone output, the DM5 is the ideal percussion sound module and controller system that enables players of all skill levels to practice quietly or take to the stage with confidence. Everything you need is included with the DM5 Pro kit. You get a full set of drum pads including snare, kick, three toms, and the drum sound module. You even get cymbal pads to trigger crash and ride sounds. Everything you need is included for a remarkably low price.

Available at Amazon Check Price Now!

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Customer Reviews

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Feb 21, 2010 01:15:09

Alesis SR16 Drum Machine Review

Some history on this device: The Alesis SR-16 has been in production since 1991 and has gone through only slight revisions to the hardware since its original release. The 16-bit drum samples are still the same today as they were on this unit over 15 years ago. It is regarded as a break-through piece of studio gear and regarded by many studio engineers as the first rhythm machine capable of producing a convincing enough drum track capable of replacing a real drummer in studio recordings for rock applications. (Prior to the SR-16, rhythm machines were commonly used in pop music in the 80’s, but it was always clear to trained ears that a rhythm machine was used, the SR-16 successfully blurred the line and made it possible to use rhythm machines in genres that generally frowned upon electronic drums such as: rock, country and blues) You’ll hear the SR-16 on many professional tracks by top name recording artist from the early to mid-90’s.

Today the SR-16 can still be found in many professional and home recording studios. With the emergence of Pro Tools and other PC based Digital Audio Workstations, stand alone rhythm machines have become much less popular today in pro recording, but they are still very popular in home studios and for performing solo musicians around the world.

Comparing the SR-16 to newer products: Rhythm machines produced by Roland/BOSS, Yamaha and ZOOM are the SR-16’s primary competition, with Roland and Alesis often cited as leaders and innovators in pro electronic percussion (these companies also produce the best quality electronic kits and the same samples are used in their rhythm machine products). Some of the features common to newer rhythm machines not found on the SR-16 include: 24-bit samples, more memory, bass guitar sequencer ability to store MIDI files on device.

Ease of use: Aside from its convincing sound quality, perhaps the reason the SR-16 has remained in production and a favorite among musicians is its ease of use. The SR-16 was designed with the non-drummer solo musician in mind and is considered one of the easiest rhythm machines to program. It’s interface has been copied (but many would say not trumped) by BOSS, Yamaha and others. The manual, while poorly edited does more than any other rhythm machine owners guide to cater to solo musician who doesn’t understand the first thing about sequencing drum tracks and it’s A,FillA,B,FillB pattern foot switch configuration makes it easier to improvise with… In short, you don’t get much customization with the SR-16, but what you do get feature was is going to be the most popular setup which makes the device much more approachable than many modern rhythm machines and sequencer options. Has a full MIDI in/out through implementation so the SR-16 can be patched in and controlled from DAW’s (Pro Tools, Cubase, Live, etc…)

Comparing generations: If you’re buying previously owned model be aware that some features have changed over the years. First generation SR-16 models (1991-circa 2001) had about 1/2 of the user memory than that of the current production SR-16. Also, the first generation units did not have a headphone jack. In the early 2000’s Alesis updated all the preset patterns creating a market for “vintage” SR-16 machines. Also, over the years the price has dropped significantly. The SR-16 was originally marketed as a high-end studio product with a price tag around 0. While the quality of the unit has only improved, the price has dropped as computer parts have become less expensive (also newer units are mass produced in Asia).

Alesis SR16 Drum Machine Feature

• Professional drum machine with 12 velocity sensitive pads (w/Dynamic Articulation)
• 50 Preset / 50 User drum kits with 233 sounds assignable to any pad
• Exclusive Alesis Dynamic Articulation feature enables a drum sound to change its tonal content as it’s played harder for truly realistic performances
• Sound stacking, step editing, stereo samples with reverb and ambience
• 2 Footswitch Jacks, MIDI I/O, Stereo main and aux outs, headphone jack, power supply included

Alesis SR16 Drum Machine Overview

As one of the most popular drum machines ever made, the SR-16™ has been used by everyone from songwriters to live performers to remix engineers as their drum machine of choice. The reason is simple: it features a great selection of 233 realistic, natural drum sounds, offered both in dry form and sampled with our incomparable digital reverbs. Our exclusive Dynamic Articulation™ feature enables a drum sound to change its tonal content as it’s played harder for truly realistic performances. The SR-16 features 50 preset patterns that were actually played in by top studio drummers, not just programmed and quantized. You’ll find enough built-in rhythmic variations (with A, B and two Fill sections) for composing complete arrangements, and you can create and save your own customized patterns and songs. Plus, the SR-16 also provides complete MIDI implementation, a footswitch input, flexible programming and editing features and velocity-sensitive pad buttons. Plus, it’s so easy to use that you’ll be up-and-running and composing new music in minutes. Whether you need a songwriting partner or an accompanyist for live performance, turn to the all-time world standard in drum machines: the SR-16.

Available at Amazon Check Price Now!

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Customer Reviews

Only wish I got this sooner. - Ramon Serrano - Chicago Ill Noize
Ive been recording music for 6 years. I’m a bit of a perfectionist.. Always trying to make my tracks sound as legit as possible with the things i had.. Ive never had the money for drum sets in those days but with all the little things I’ve purchased it adds to well over this small price tag of 150 smackers.

This machine has all your rhythm needs.. You can program a song beat for beat or jam along to the many cool patterns they have.. Also its important to note you can adjust the tempo on all of them so the possibilities are endless. This machine is so simple to use. It could be a great gift for starting musicians and just about anyone who’s a creator.

Overall I love this ol thing and I plan on using it for many many MANY years to come.. and if it breaks on me, Ill just buy a new one! Cuz its worth every penny and more.

Robbed of Manual - André Soltes - Somewhere in the slops of Jersey
Although I sent several e-mails (as you can see below) to the person who sold this machine to me, after the correspondance of: “I’ll definitely look it up and send it to you asap”, I have never heard from him again. I bought this product as: “New” but was robbed of the manual. My suggestion, never buy from this person.

So, today is five days. Is the manual on it’s way?
André

From: “anjerome
To: André
Sent: Friday, March 6, 2009 2:45:14 PM
Subject: Re: SR 16/ Sorry

Will definitely do that. I will be on it as soon as I get home tonight. You’ll know when I find and getting ready to ship it.

Again, I’m totally sorry for the inconvenience I caused you.
Btw, since you might be using it right now, check it out on youtube and alesis.com for a few pointers. Also, if you’re interested, I’m selling my MBOX2 protools for 350 or best offer. Let me know… I can break you off a good deal.

From: André
Date: Fri, 6 Mar 2009 11:40:21 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: SR 16/ Sorry

Thank you for your honesty.
Please let me know when it will be coming to me.

André

Sent: Friday, March 6, 2009 2:37:26 PM
Subject: SR 16

Hi, it is definitely disappointing. You are absolutely right. I thought I put it under the drum machine. I’ll definitely look it up and send it to you asap.

This is my email address. You can email me anytime. Sorry abt the trouble.

Ange

Buyer Beware - J. Polson - Philadelphia, PA USA
I bought this as a gift for my husband - it was on his Amazon wish list. However, upon checking, he said that it’s part of a kit and they no longer make the other components, so it’s basicly useless. There was also no invoice included with the product when it arrived. I’ve been trying to return the item to the manufacturer but they refuse to reply to my inquiries, so I’m likely out the 0 and am extremely disappointed.

Love this Drum Machine - McKendrick D. Preston - FL, USA
This is a great product. Easy to use and sounds great. I wish wouldn’t have sold mine. I should have at least taken the sounds off…

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Feb 18, 2010 20:13:37

Alesis DM5 18-bit Drum Module Review

I just recently got into triggering my drums. For a while i researched a few drum modules and eventually came to the Alesis DM5. So far it’s been fun. On my acoustic kit, i normally just trigger my bass drums. When it comes to electric, I use the Alesis with a cheap ION drum set. I use Ddrum Red shot triggers and together they work pretty well. The Module contains a good variety of sounds. I noticed on some other reviews about using the module. I don’t think the module itself is hard to use. It just takes some time to getting use too. I kind of wish the DM5 had a feature so you could record your own sounds and use those, but that’s ok. Overall, i recommend it.

Alesis DM5 18-bit Drum Module Feature

• 540 sounds
• 21 programmable drum sets recorded in 48kHz, true stereo, with ambient effects
• Dynamic Articulation feature allows drum sounds to change volume, tone, and pitch depending on how hard they’re hit - just like real drums
• Ultra-fast trigger-to-MIDI converter with 12 trigger inputs, 5 programmable parameters for each trigger

Alesis DM5 18-bit Drum Module Overview

Versatile, Affordable Drum/Percussion Sound Module For drummers and MIDI composers on a budget, the Alesis DM5™ offers professional performance features and an excellent selection of drum, percussion and special effect samples. The DM5 puts over 540 sounds into a single rack space, many recorded in true stereo and with ambient effects. Both classic Alesis studio drum sounds and new cutting-edge sounds for the latest musical styles are well represented. You’ll find a great selection of kicks, snares, toms, hi-hats, percussion instruments, special effect samples and more. Plus, the DM5’s Expanded Dynamic Articulation™ feature allows drum sounds to change volume, tone, and pitch depending on how hard they’re hit – just like real drums. Plus, the DM5’s Random Sample feature brings new life to static tracks by realistically varying the sound of the drum as you play. The DM5 includes an ultra-fast trigger-to-MIDI converter with 12 trigger inputs, 5 programmable parameters for each trigger, 21 programmable drumsets, and four audio outputs for discrete processing and control. Whether you’re looking for a MIDI-controlled percussion module, a drum replacement tool for mixing, or an affordable answer for triggering sounds from electronic drum pads, the DM5 is the affordable solution.

Available at Amazon Check Price Now!

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Customer Reviews

Great oriduct - Nash - SJ, Costa Rica
This is a great machine!!
You do can adjust pretty much everything, the pitch, the gain, noise, pan…etc
Very realistc, you can play super fast or slow and still recognizes the weak hits and the strong hits. The perfect mate is the Ddrum acoutic pro triggers
I use all this for metal. Awesome help for home and professional use.

Alesis is OK - Matt Lyssy - Houston, TX USA
You get what you pay for. I like the sound reproduction and this generally performs well in practice type situations. However, it does seem to have some trouble triggering if you play too fast, and I dont like that the Bass pedal has to be triggered and not switched. My rock band bass pedal is switched which means i have to plug it into the high hat slot and then tweak the sound to get a working bass pedal out of this. All in all, it was worth the ~0, but not any more than that.

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Feb 16, 2010 06:34:05

Alesis SR18 Drum Machine with Effects Engine Review

This is just a huge sounding drum machine. Forget what they used to sound like years ago - this sounds like a real drummer - and a very good one at that. With the basslines added this machine can be used to back a singer / guitarist / keys player and you could go on the road solo (what I plan to do).

It can be complicated if you want to go the whole mile and programme it rather than use the sample tracks, but it comes with a very thorough instruction manual. Plan to learn how to do most of the good things during a month of tinkering with it in your spare time. I bought it with two Yamaha FC5 pedals to work it ‘live’.Yamaha FC-5 Sustain Pedal for Portable Electronic Keyboards (But it does work with other on/off pedals like the Yamahas as well.) This allows me to start stop and switch between A / B fills and A / B rhythms. You’ll need pedals like these if you plan to use this box in front of an audience - but you won’t need it for practice.

This is a great tool. And better than a drummer because it doesn’t have an ego, doesn’t need beer to fuel it, and I get to keep all the money from gigs. (I’ll do a video review soon.)

If you’re on a tight budget or want something a bit easier to programme, try the SR16. Alesis SR16 Drum Machine

Alesis SR18 Drum Machine with Effects Engine Feature

• Professional drum machine -12 velocity sensitive pads (w/Dynamic Articulation) enabling a drum sound to change its tonal content
• Backlit LCD, MIDI I/O, Stereo Main and Aux outputs, drum Roll function, headphone output, 1/4″ instrument input jack, 2 footswitch jacks
• ,Battery powered (6xAA - not included) or AC adapter - included
• 32MB sound set with percussion bank and bass synth including over 500 Drum and percussion sounds and 50 bass sounds
• Built-in Effects- Reverb, EQ and Compression on each pad, preset or editable by the user

Alesis SR18 Drum Machine with Effects Engine Overview

INSTANT DRUMS FOR ON-THE-GO MUSICIANS. Alesis knows drums. Our SR16 has dominated the drum machine market since 1990 and continues to be in-demand today. Following in the tradition of its relative, the next-generation SR18 is loaded with cutting-edge drumsets, electronic drums, one-shot hits, and modern percussion sounds for any cutting-edge musician’s performances and compositions. From hip-hop to country and everything in between, SR18 nails it on the first take. SR18 has an effects engine with Alesis reverb, EQ, and compression so you can output recording or performance-ready sounds. Dynamic Articulation™ enables sound to change in color and timbre, the same way that acoustic instruments do for truly realistic performances. SR18 can be powered by AC or batteries, so whenever or wherever you need to lay down a groove, you’re ready to roll. It’s time for the next Alesis drum machine.

Available at Amazon Check Price Now!

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Customer Reviews

Drum Machine - Philippe Jean Jorat - Palo Alto
Alesis SR18 Drum Machine with Effects Engine Works great. Eliminates need to bring my amp for practice even in the car since it’s battery operated as well, although my car radio has an input for just about anything.

Excellent and Musical Drum Machine - Captainbob - Atlanta
I have used drum machines in the past, but for performing live, the Alesis SR18 is the best one I have ever tried. Good manual makes programming and editing patterns and kits a piece of cake. The sounds are really good, and the feature that really rocks is the tap function to set the tempo, which can even be done with a foot switch. Since I play keys, the idea of using foot switches to stop and start, set tempo, and trigger pattern changes and fills is the greatest. The other thing I love is the large, brightly lit, lcd display which is a life saver in dark clubs when playing live.

It is a great product at a really great price.

Great Drum Machine - macboogie - NYC
While it won’t replace a real drummer, I find it to be a great practice and song writing tool.

Could have been great, but isn’t. - S. martinez - Baytown, TX United States
Sounds great but they changed and removed some of the commands that were essential for building songs to record -Such as being able to change the lenghth of patterns and copying one sub-pattern to another pattern(even though the book says that you can, it doesn’t work). The machine treats the Patterns and subparts as if they are all one and cannot be seperated. Writing and Recording is what I bought it for, so I wasted my money and my time. Ok to practice with but not for the studio. So I’m back to using the old model.

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Feb 12, 2010 07:08:06