Alesis
Alesis SR-18 Studio Drum Machine with Effects and Sounds
★★★★★
The Alesis SR-18 packs 500 drum and percussion sounds with onboard effects into a portable, battery-ready drum machine.
$182.36*
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jun 04, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.
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Overview
Key Features
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
Seamless MIDI Connectivity - Complete MIDI support for use with keyboards, computers, DAWs and electronic drum kits
Production Essentials - Pattern Play Mode enables different patterns to be triggered from the pads directly; programmable Drum Roll function; tap tempo for instant beats exactly as you want them
Production Anywhere - Flexible wall (adapter included) and battery powering (six AA, not included)
Specifications
Brand
Alesis
Model
SR18
Sounds
500 drum & percussion sounds, 50 bass sounds
Preset Patterns
100
User Patterns
200
Effects
Reverb, EQ, Compression
Connectivity
MIDI
Power
AC adapter (included) or 6 AA batteries (not included)
Dimensions
9.25 x 13 x 4 inches
Weight
1.15 pounds
Pros & Cons
👍 Pros
- 500 drum and percussion sounds plus 50 bass sounds provide a wide sonic palette in one unit
- Onboard reverb, EQ, and compression eliminate the need for external effects processing
- Runs on either AC power or six AA batteries for true portability
- Full MIDI connectivity integrates easily with DAWs, keyboards, and electronic drum kits
- Pattern Play Mode and tap tempo enable flexible, real-time performance control
👎 Cons
- 200 user pattern slots may feel limiting for producers building large libraries of custom beats
- No USB audio output—MIDI is the only digital connection for computer integration
- The pad layout and small form factor can feel cramped during fast, expressive pad work
- Does not include AA batteries, so battery-powered use requires a separate purchase out of the box
Frequently Asked Questions
How many sounds does the Alesis SR-18 include?
The SR-18 comes loaded with 500 professional drum and percussion sounds plus 50 bass sounds, all powered by Alesis's Dynamic Articulation technology for realistic playback.
Can the SR-18 run on battery power?
Yes. It runs on six AA batteries (not included) in addition to the included AC adapter, so you can use it on stage, in rehearsal spaces, or anywhere without wall power.
Does the SR-18 support MIDI connectivity?
Yes. It offers full MIDI support, allowing you to connect it to keyboards, computers, DAWs, and electronic drum kits for sequencing and triggering.
What is Pattern Play Mode on the SR-18?
Pattern Play Mode lets you trigger different drum patterns directly from the pads in real time, which is useful for live performance and spontaneous arrangement changes.
What onboard effects does the SR-18 offer?
The SR-18 includes reverb, EQ, and compression, letting you shape your drum sounds without needing external processing.
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