What is the primary benefit of the 'Air Wave' bottom cymbal?

The Air Wave bottom features a rippled edge that prevents air from getting trapped between the cymbals. This eliminates air lock, ensuring a consistently crisp and powerful 'chick' sound every time the pedals are closed.

How does the Brilliant finish affect the sound of these hi-hats?

The Brilliant finish adds extra shine to the cymbals' appearance and provides a touch more brightness to the audio profile. It smoothens the high-frequency response, making the cymbals sound slightly more 'shimmering' than a natural finish.

Are these cymbals suitable for heavy metal music?

Yes, these hi-hats are ideal for metal and other loud genres because they have a high-pitched sound that cuts through dense mixes exceptionally well. The powerful 'chick' ensures that foot patterns remain audible alongside loud guitars.

What is the typical price for the Sabian AAX 14" X-Celerator Hi-Hats?

In the UK market, these hi-hats typically retail at a price point of approximately £575. This places them in the professional category of Sabian's cymbal lineup.

How do these compare to the Paiste Giant Beat 14" Hi-Hats?

The Sabian AAX X-Celerators are generally brighter and more focused on modern projection, whereas the Paiste Giant Beat cymbals offer a more vintage, multi-purpose tone. The X-Celerators also feature the unique rippled bottom which the Giant Beats lack.

Can these hi-hats be used for jazz or subtle acoustic music?

While they can be used in any genre, they are specifically designed for modern styles that require cut and clarity. Their high pitch and aggressive edge might be overpowering for traditional, low-volume jazz settings compared to darker alternatives.

What size are these X-Celerator hi-hats?

This specific model measures 14 inches in diameter, which is the industry standard size for hi-hats, offering a versatile balance between response and volume.

Does the rippled edge affect stick play on the edge of the cymbal?

Yes, the Air Wave bottom provides more 'cut' when you play accents along the edge. The irregular surface creates a sharper, more pronounced sound when struck with the shoulder of the drumstick.

How does the AAX series differ from other Sabian lines?

The AAX series is designed with 'Dynamic Focus,' ensuring that the cymbal maintains its tonal character and brightness regardless of whether it is played softly or with great force.

Will these hi-hats get lost in a loud guitar mix?

No, the Sabian AAX X-Celerators are specifically marketed for their ability to not get lost in the mix. Their bright, high-pitched frequencies are designed to sit above the midrange frequencies of most amplifiers.

Are these cymbals sold as a pair?

Yes, the product includes both the top cymbal and the specialised Air Wave bottom cymbal required to achieve the intended X-Celerator sound.

How do these compare to UFIP Class Series 14" Light hi-hats?

The UFIP Class Series Light hi-hats are designed for a more delicate and nuanced response, whereas the Sabian AAX X-Celerators are built for maximum clarity, brightness, and volume in modern contexts.

Gear article

Sabian AAX 14" X-Celerator Hi-Hat Cymbals (Brilliant Finish)

The Sabian AAX 14" X-Celerator Hi-Hats are professional-grade cymbals featuring a distinctive 'Air Wave' bottom design to prevent air lock and enhance clarity. These cymbals are characterised by a bright, high-pitched response and a powerful 'chick' sound, designed specifically to cut through dense modern musical mixes.

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Background and Design

The Sabian AAX series was introduced to provide drummers with a modern sonic profile that remains consistent across various dynamic levels. The 14" X-Celerator model specifically addresses common issues found in traditional hi-hat designs, such as 'air lock,' where air becomes trapped between the two cymbals, muffling the sound. By incorporating a rippled 'Air Wave' bottom cymbal, Sabian ensures that air escapes rapidly, resulting in a more immediate and articulated response.

Technical Features

The core innovation of the X-Celerator hi-hats is the Air Wave bottom cymbal. This design features a series of waves or undulations along the edge, which serves two primary purposes:

Elimination of Air Lock: Ensures the cymbals never create a vacuum seal when closed, maintaining consistent clarity.
Enhanced Cut: The irregular edge increases the surface area for edge accents, providing a sharper, more aggressive bite when playing with the shoulder of the stick.

The Brilliant finish applied to these cymbals is not merely aesthetic; it involves a high-pressure polishing process that smoothens the surface, resulting in a touch more brightness and a faster high-end response compared to natural finish variants.

Sonic Character

These hi-hats are defined by a bright, high-pitched tonal profile. The combination of the AAX series' modern lathing and the Air Wave bottom creates a powerful, crisp 'chick' sound that is highly audible even in loud stage environments. The sound is clean and focused, lacking the dark or 'trashy' overtones found in vintage-style cymbals, making them highly effective for precise rhythmic work.

Applications

Due to their high-pitched nature and ability to cut through a mix, the AAX X-Celerator hi-hats are ideal for modern musical styles, including rock, pop, and metal. They suit drummers who require a reliable, consistent sound that remains articulate under heavy playing. While they can be used in lower-volume settings, their design is optimised for maximum clarity and projection.

Comparison with Alternatives

When compared to other professional hi-hats, the X-Celerators offer a more aggressive 'chick' than standard designs like the Paiste Giant Beat 14" or the UFIP Class Series 14". While the UFIP Bionic Series 13" offers similar brightness, the X-Celerator's 14-inch diameter provides a broader frequency range. In contrast to dark, textured options like the Meinl Byzance or Istanbul Agop Epoch series, the Sabian AAX focus is strictly on modern brightness and projection.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary benefit of the 'Air Wave' bottom cymbal?: The Air Wave bottom features a rippled edge that prevents air from getting trapped between the cymbals. This eliminates air lock, ensuring a consistently crisp and powerful 'chick' sound every time the pedals are closed.
How does the Brilliant finish affect the sound of these hi-hats?: The Brilliant finish adds extra shine to the cymbals' appearance and provides a touch more brightness to the audio profile. It smoothens the high-frequency response, making the cymbals sound slightly more 'shimmering' than a natural finish.
Are these cymbals suitable for heavy metal music?: Yes, these hi-hats are ideal for metal and other loud genres because they have a high-pitched sound that cuts through dense mixes exceptionally well. The powerful 'chick' ensures that foot patterns remain audible alongside loud guitars.
What is the typical price for the Sabian AAX 14" X-Celerator Hi-Hats?: In the UK market, these hi-hats typically retail at a price point of approximately £575. This places them in the professional category of Sabian's cymbal lineup.
How do these compare to the Paiste Giant Beat 14" Hi-Hats?: The Sabian AAX X-Celerators are generally brighter and more focused on modern projection, whereas the Paiste Giant Beat cymbals offer a more vintage, multi-purpose tone. The X-Celerators also feature the unique rippled bottom which the Giant Beats lack.
Can these hi-hats be used for jazz or subtle acoustic music?: While they can be used in any genre, they are specifically designed for modern styles that require cut and clarity. Their high pitch and aggressive edge might be overpowering for traditional, low-volume jazz settings compared to darker alternatives.
What size are these X-Celerator hi-hats?: This specific model measures 14 inches in diameter, which is the industry standard size for hi-hats, offering a versatile balance between response and volume.
Does the rippled edge affect stick play on the edge of the cymbal?: Yes, the Air Wave bottom provides more 'cut' when you play accents along the edge. The irregular surface creates a sharper, more pronounced sound when struck with the shoulder of the drumstick.
How does the AAX series differ from other Sabian lines?: The AAX series is designed with 'Dynamic Focus,' ensuring that the cymbal maintains its tonal character and brightness regardless of whether it is played softly or with great force.
Will these hi-hats get lost in a loud guitar mix?: No, the Sabian AAX X-Celerators are specifically marketed for their ability to not get lost in the mix. Their bright, high-pitched frequencies are designed to sit above the midrange frequencies of most amplifiers.
Are these cymbals sold as a pair?: Yes, the product includes both the top cymbal and the specialised Air Wave bottom cymbal required to achieve the intended X-Celerator sound.
How do these compare to UFIP Class Series 14" Light hi-hats?: The UFIP Class Series Light hi-hats are designed for a more delicate and nuanced response, whereas the Sabian AAX X-Celerators are built for maximum clarity, brightness, and volume in modern contexts.