MIDIROCK.XYZ
Alesis / Drum machine

Alesis SR-16

SR-16 following clock but not playing drum notes, or starting an unwanted pattern? Check note reception separately from timing.

Manufacturer documented SR-16 Reference Manual Rev C scope, not SR-18. Drum-note assignments are global and may have been changed on a used unit. No physical tests are claimed.

Published by MIDIrock.xyz · About Pete and the site · Page updated

Choose a task

What are you trying to do?

Reference

Look up MIDI

Check documented settings and connection behavior.

Troubleshoot

Fix a problem

Start with the fastest documented checks.

Workflow

Connect gear

Find wiring guides and see which setups still need testing.

At a glance

MIDI quick reference

MIDI channel
MIDI SETUP page 1: one channel or Omni
Manufacturer documented
Drum-note reception
DRUM IN: ON V1, ON V2 or OFF on page 2
Manufacturer documented
External tempo
CLOCK IN on MIDI SETUP page 5
Manufacturer documented
Example default notes
Kick 36; snare 38; closed hi-hat 42. Assignments are editable and global.
Manufacturer documented
Full MIDI reference
Answer first

Common problems

Manufacturer documented
SR-16 follows clock but does not play MIDI drum notes
DRUM IN can be off while timing still works.Manufacturer documented
SR-16 starts its own pattern when the DAW plays
Use note reception without external clock when treating it as a drum module.
Official resources

Manuals & resources

SR-16 Reference Manual

Alesis · SR-16 · Reference Rev C · last checked 2026-11-05

References

Sources & review

Sources reviewed: . Documentation does not replace a physical hardware test.

Sections reviewed: §6.1, p. 42; §6.2, p. 43; §6.5, p. 45; §6.4, p. 44; §6.1–6.4, pp. 42–44; §6.5–6.6, pp. 45–46.