Alesis SR-18 (2008)
A 24-bit drum machine and three-part sequencer with dynamic articulation and built-in effects
Overview
The Alesis SR-18 is a standalone drum machine introduced in 2008 as the successor to the iconic SR-16. It features 500 professional drum and percussion sounds plus 50 bass sounds, stored in a 32MB multi-sampled sound set. Designed for both studio and live use, it includes 12 pads, a backlit LCD, and built-in effects including reverb, EQ, and compression. The SR-18 supports MIDI in and out/thru, with synchronization enabled when switched to ClockIN mode, and offers footswitch inputs for start/stop control.
Specifications
| Sound set | 32MB, multi-sampled |
| Polyphony | 32 voices |
| Inputs | 1/4" instrument (guitar) |
| Outputs | 1/4" stereo pair, 1/4" TRS, 1/4" TRS stereo headphone |
| MIDI | in, out/thru |
| MIDI synchronization capability | SR-18 is switched to ClockIN |
| Footswitch | two inputs – start/stop |
| Power | AC and Battery Power capability (6 AA's - not included with product) and AC Adapter |
| Features | Backlit LCD |
| Features | Built-in Effects - Reverb, EQ and Compression |
| Features | 100 Preset Patterns and 100 User Patterns |
| Features | 500 professional drum & percussion sounds, 50 bass sounds |
| Pads | 12 pads |
| Dimensions (W×H×D) | 9.6" × 1.9" × 7.5" |
| Weight | 1.1 lbs |
| Country of origin | Taiwan |
Design
The SR-18 features Alesis' exclusive Dynamic Articulation™ technology, which allows drum sounds to change their tonal content dynamically based on playing intensity, enhancing realism and expressiveness.
Context
Marketed as the "Best Selling Successor To The Iconic SR-16" and the "true successor to the legendary SR-16!", the SR-18 was positioned as the next-generation professional drum machine following the long-standing success of the SR-16, which dominated the market since 1990.
Market
Current market prices for the SR-18 range from $175 to $222 used, with new units listed up to $235.88. Units have been observed in mint, as-new, and new-in-box conditions.
eBay Listings
As an eBay Partner, we earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support our independent vintage technology research.