The Alesis HR-16 is a 1987/88 drum machine with 49 16-bit samples — 10 kicks, 7 snares, and an ethnic set — each tunable and mixable with individual level controls. It supports step or real-time pattern programming, 16-voice polyphony, and syncs via MIDI or external click. Its drum sounds are described as 'pretty cheesy'.
The Alesis Quadraverb is a rack-mount digital multi-effects processor introduced in the early 1990s. It focuses on reverb and delay but also offers pitch, EQ, and 'Change' effects. It runs up to four effects simultaneously in stereo or mono, covers 20 Hz–20 kHz, and connects via 1/4" stereo I/O and MIDI. Users value its lo-fi character—not its fidelity—for feedback loops and textural layering.
The Alesis SR-16 is a 1990 drum machine built for immediacy: twelve velocity-sensitive pads, four outputs, and step editing deliver fast, routable, mechanical rhythm tracks. Its Dynamic Articulation varies tone with hit strength. Its 233 samples sound distinctly synthetic—not acoustic, not modern. It was used by Autechre and Vangelis. It has no swing, no audio input, no built-in effects beyond reverb on some samples. It remains valuable for hands-on pattern building and discrete signal routing—but only if that’s what you need.
The Alesis Andromeda A6 is a 16-voice, 16-channel multitimbral analog synthesizer released in 2000. It combines a pure analog audio path with digital control. Its VCOs include pitch correction—a feature missing on older synths. Alesis developed a custom ASIC for it. Axel Hartmann designed it. It is high-end, innovative gear from Alesis, a company known for budget equipment. Alesis developed studio equipment during the 1990s.
The ADAT was a tape-based digital multitrack recorder introduced by Alesis in 1991 and shipped in early 1992. It recorded eight tracks of 16-bit audio on S-VHS cassettes, supported locate points and auto play/record for precise editing, and could be synchronised with up to 15 other units for 128-track recording. Its CD-resolution audio and low price disrupted home and project studios. Later models like the HD24 moved to hard disk and introduced File Streaming Technology.