What is the primary sound profile of the Sabian AAX 18" Medium Crash?

The cymbal delivers a powerful, bright sound with a mid-length sustain. It is designed to cut through loud musical arrangements while maintaining tonal clarity.

How does the bell design affect the sound?

The cymbal features a larger raw bell than previous models. This design adds more 'meat' to the sound and significantly increases the cymbal's projection capabilities.

What is unique about the hammering on this model?

Sabian uses a new style of hammering for this AAX series that is much more visible on the surface. This provides a stunningly vintage aesthetic while influencing the complexity of the overtones.

What is the weight class of this cymbal?

This is a medium-weighted cymbal. This weight provides a balance between the fast response of a thin crash and the volume and durability of a heavy crash.

How much does the Sabian AAX 18" Medium Crash typically cost?

The typical price range for this cymbal is approximately GBP 375. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current market conditions.

Is this cymbal suitable for recording?

Yes, its bright and focused character makes it excellent for studio use. The mid-sustain ensures it doesn't wash out other instruments in a recording mix.

How does it compare to the Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash?

The Sabian AAX is brighter and more projecting, whereas the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry is significantly darker, trashier, and has a shorter decay.

Can this cymbal be used for light jazz?

While it can be used, its medium weight and bright projection are better suited for rock, pop, and metal. Cymbals like the Istanbul Agop 19" Lenny White Epoch Crash are more traditional for jazz contexts.

Does the raw bell make it a 'dry' cymbal?

Not entirely. While the raw bell adds focus, the overall cymbal remains bright and resonant, unlike dedicated 'dry' cymbals like the Masterwork Iris series.

Is the AAX 18" Medium Crash durable for heavy hitters?

Yes, the medium weight and B20 bronze construction make it robust. However, proper striking technique is always recommended to ensure the longevity of professional cymbals.

What is the sustain length of this crash?

It features a mid-sustain. It rings long enough to provide a full crash sound but decays faster than a heavy power crash or a large ride cymbal.

How does it differ from the AAX Thin Crash?

The Medium Crash has a higher pitch, more volume, and a longer sustain than the Thin version. It also features the larger raw bell for increased projection.

Gear article

Sabian AAX 18" Medium Crash

The Sabian AAX 18" Medium Crash is a professional-grade cymbal designed to provide a bright, powerful response with enhanced projection. Part of the redesigned AAX line, it features a larger raw bell and a visible hammering pattern that distinguishes it from previous iterations of the series.

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Overview

The Sabian AAX 18" Medium Crash represents a significant evolution in Sabian's modern cymbal manufacturing. As part of the updated AAX range, this model is designed to offer a broader palette of sound compared to earlier generations. It is constructed from B20 bronze and is intended for drummers who require a balance of durability, volume, and tonal clarity.

Design and Hammering

A defining characteristic of this model is the implementation of a new hammering style. The hammering marks are significantly more visible on the surface of the cymbal, providing a 'vintage' aesthetic that contrasts with the traditionally sleek appearance of the AAX series. Additionally, the cymbal features a larger raw (unlathed) bell. This design choice is not merely cosmetic; the raw bell is intended to add more 'meat' to the sonic profile, resulting in a crash that projects more effectively in high-volume environments.

Sound Character

The AAX 18" Medium Crash is characterised by a powerful, bright sound. Due to its medium weight, it possesses a mid-length sustain, allowing it to cut through a mix without ringing indefinitely. The larger bell provides a strong fundamental tone, while the new hammering technique helps introduce a more complex set of overtones compared to standard machine-hammered cymbals. It is designed to remain clean and bright even when struck with force.

Market Position and Comparisons

Priced typically around GBP 375, the AAX Medium Crash sits in the professional tier of the market.

Comparisons within the brand: It offers more volume and sustain than the AAX Thin Crash variants.
External Alternatives: It provides a brighter, more focused alternative to darker cymbals like the Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash or the Istanbul Agop 19" Lenny White Epoch Crash.
Usage Context: While entry-level options like the Gear4Music Low Volume packs or Meinl HCS series serve practice or beginner needs, the AAX Medium is built for stage and studio recording where high-fidelity sound is required.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary sound profile of the Sabian AAX 18" Medium Crash?: The cymbal delivers a powerful, bright sound with a mid-length sustain. It is designed to cut through loud musical arrangements while maintaining tonal clarity.
How does the bell design affect the sound?: The cymbal features a larger raw bell than previous models. This design adds more 'meat' to the sound and significantly increases the cymbal's projection capabilities.
What is unique about the hammering on this model?: Sabian uses a new style of hammering for this AAX series that is much more visible on the surface. This provides a stunningly vintage aesthetic while influencing the complexity of the overtones.
What is the weight class of this cymbal?: This is a medium-weighted cymbal. This weight provides a balance between the fast response of a thin crash and the volume and durability of a heavy crash.
How much does the Sabian AAX 18" Medium Crash typically cost?: The typical price range for this cymbal is approximately GBP 375. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current market conditions.
Is this cymbal suitable for recording?: Yes, its bright and focused character makes it excellent for studio use. The mid-sustain ensures it doesn't wash out other instruments in a recording mix.
How does it compare to the Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash?: The Sabian AAX is brighter and more projecting, whereas the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry is significantly darker, trashier, and has a shorter decay.
Can this cymbal be used for light jazz?: While it can be used, its medium weight and bright projection are better suited for rock, pop, and metal. Cymbals like the Istanbul Agop 19" Lenny White Epoch Crash are more traditional for jazz contexts.
Does the raw bell make it a 'dry' cymbal?: Not entirely. While the raw bell adds focus, the overall cymbal remains bright and resonant, unlike dedicated 'dry' cymbals like the Masterwork Iris series.
Is the AAX 18" Medium Crash durable for heavy hitters?: Yes, the medium weight and B20 bronze construction make it robust. However, proper striking technique is always recommended to ensure the longevity of professional cymbals.
What is the sustain length of this crash?: It features a mid-sustain. It rings long enough to provide a full crash sound but decays faster than a heavy power crash or a large ride cymbal.
How does it differ from the AAX Thin Crash?: The Medium Crash has a higher pitch, more volume, and a longer sustain than the Thin version. It also features the larger raw bell for increased projection.