I say just replace that DR-3 with another one if the new Alesis SR-18 isn't to your liking. Have you looked at the Zoom RT-223 as well? The RT-223 is essentially Zoom's competitor to the DR-3, and it's a hell of a lot cheaper. When I bought my DR-3 it was when the price was only $179. Boss jacked that puppy up now and it's going for around $220.
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GEAR: Yamaha MOXF-6, Casio MZX-500, Roland Juno-Di, M-Audio Venom, Roland RS-70, Yamaha PSR S700, M-Audio Axiom Pro-61 (Midi Controller). SOFTWARE: Mixcraft-7, PowerTracks Pro Audio 2013, Beat Thang Virtual, Dimension Le.