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 SR-16. It has 500 drum and percussion sounds plus 50 bass sounds, stored in a 32MB multi-sampled sound set. It was built for studio and live use, with 12 pads, a backlit LCD, and built-in effects including reverb, EQ, and compression. MIDI is in and out/thru, and synchronization works when the unit is switched to ClockIN mode. Footswitch inputs handle 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 uses Alesis' Dynamic Articulation™ technology. Drum sounds change their tonal content based on playing intensity.

Context

Alesis marketed it as the "Best Selling Successor To The Iconic SR-16" and the "true successor to the legendary SR-16!" The SR-16 had dominated the market since 1990, and the SR-18 was positioned as the next-generation professional drum machine after it.

Market

Current market prices for the SR-18 run from $175 to $222 used, with new units listed up to $235.88. Units have been seen in mint, as-new, and new-in-box condition.

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