Help - Triggering Alesis SR-16 with MIDI drum files

[BazzerX]

Can anybody tell me the easiest (and lowest cost) way to trigger the Alesis SR-16 Drum Machine with MIDI drum tracks?

The band I'm in have used Alesis for years, with just the built in patterns plus the fill pedal. Now we want to trigger it with MIDI files to get a more realstic drum backing with all the proper fills and crashes etc...

A sequencer I assume will be quite expensive. Are there other alternatives which can import drum track MIDI files created on the computer, and then play them through the Alesis?

I don't know much about MIDI yet so would appreciate any suggestions.

Cheerz.
Baz.

[themidigooru]

really there is no easy or cheap thing about making real sounding midi drums. its all programing, learning your toys, and spending money on new ones.

[Graeme]

Originally posted by BazzerX
A sequencer I assume will be quite expensive. Are there other alternatives which can import drum track MIDI files created on the computer, and then play them through the Alesis?

A software sequencer can cost you anything between nothing and an awful lot :) - you just need to look at the lower priced ones.

Hardware sequencers are a slightly different market but, providing you are not concerned over the use of computers on stage, then all you need is a laptop with a midi output (easily achieved) and a cheap software sequencer.

[BazzerX]

Thanks guys.

Since posting my original article I've looked around the net etc...

Another possibility is the use of a MIDI files player with it's own built in sound modules and a memory flash card. We then wouldn't need the Alesis for the MIDI stuff, just straight into the PA with it.

However, I also like the sugested idea of a laptop from Graeme.