What material is the Sabian FRX 16" Crash made from?

It is crafted from high-quality B20 bronze, which is the industry standard for professional-grade cymbals, offering a rich and complex harmonic profile.

Is the Sabian FRX a 'low volume' practice cymbal?

No, it is a 'Frequency Reduced' cymbal. Unlike practice cymbals meant for near-silent play, the FRX is designed for live performance where a professional tone is required at lower perceived volumes.

How does the FRX technology work?

The cymbal features specific drilling patterns that remove certain high frequencies. This prevents the sound from cutting too aggressively, allowing it to sit 'under' the mix rather than on top of it.

What is the weight of the 16" FRX Crash?

The cymbal is categorized as extra-thin, which contributes to its fast response and soft, buttery feel under the sticks.

Does the FRX 16" Crash feel like a normal cymbal?

Yes, it retains the traditional feel and physical feedback of a standard B20 bronze cymbal, allowing drummers to play with their usual technique and power.

Where is this cymbal most commonly used?

It is ideal for churches, schools, small clubs, and any venue where stage volume is a concern for the sound engineer or audience.

Can I use this cymbal for rock music?

While it can be used for any genre, it is best suited for scenarios where you want to play hard without the volume levels typically associated with rock drumming.

What is the price of the Sabian FRX 16" Crash?

The typical price for this model is approximately £399, reflecting its status as a professional-tier instrument.

How does it compare to the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry series?

While both offer controlled sustain, the FRX specifically uses frequency-reduction technology to manage volume, whereas the Byzance Extra Dry relies on its unlathed surface for a short, trashy sound.

Do I need special sticks for this cymbal?

No, you can use any standard drumsticks. The design of the cymbal itself manages the volume, so you do not have to change your stick choice to play more quietly.

How does it differ from the UFIP Bionic or Class series?

UFIP cymbals like the Bionic or Class series are traditional high-fidelity cymbals, whereas the Sabian FRX is a specialized tool designed specifically for frequency management and volume control.

Does the 16" size offer a fast decay?

Yes, the combination of the 16-inch diameter and the extra-thin profile results in a very quick shimmer that gets out of the way almost immediately.

Gear article

Sabian FRX 16" Crash Cymbal

The Sabian FRX 16" Crash is a professional-grade B20 bronze cymbal designed to provide a quick, shimmering response with controlled volume. It is specifically engineered to remove problematic frequencies, allowing drummers to play naturally in volume-sensitive environments without overpowering the mix.

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Overview

The Sabian FRX (Frequency Reduced) series represents a specialized approach to volume control in acoustic drumming. Unlike 'low volume' practice cymbals that use extensive perforations to drastically reduce decibel levels, the FRX 16" Crash is a professional B20 bronze instrument designed to sound like a traditional cymbal while sitting lower in the mix. It is crafted to an extra-thin weight, ensuring a soft feel and immediate response even at lower velocities.

Design and Frequency Control

The defining characteristic of the FRX 16" Crash is its ability to attenuate specific frequencies that typically make cymbals sound 'piercing' or 'harsh' in small rooms. This is achieved through strategic micro-perforations in the bell and bow areas. By targeting these frequencies, the cymbal allows the drummer to play with a full range of motion and technique without the resulting volume peaks that would typically require the use of lighter sticks or dampening accessories.

Sound Profile

The sound of the FRX 16" Crash is described as quick and shimmering. Because it is an extra-thin B20 bronze cymbal, it opens up easily and decays rapidly. Its character is refined and musical, lacking the abrasive high-end 'wash' that often plagues standard crashes in reflective environments. This allows it to blend seamlessly into a live mix, particularly when microphones are used in close proximity.

Target Applications

This cymbal is primarily intended for professional and semi-professional settings where acoustic volume is a challenge. Common applications include:

Churches and Houses of Worship: Where stage volume must be strictly managed for clear vocal reinforcement.
Schools and Educational Studios: Providing a safer decibel environment without sacrificing the feel of a real bronze cymbal.
Small Venues and Jazz Clubs: Where a full-sized kit might otherwise overpower the room acoustics.
Recording Studios: For drummers seeking a controlled crash sound with less bleed into other microphones.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to traditional thin crashes like the Paiste Giant Beat or the Istanbul Agop Lenny White Epoch Crash, the FRX offers a more compressed volume ceiling. While cymbals like the UFIP Class Series 14" Light Hi Hat focus on a naturally bright tone, the FRX specifically targets frequency reduction. It sits in a different category than 'silent' practice cymbals, such as the Gear4Music Low Volume Pack; while the latter are for quiet practice, the Sabian FRX is a high-fidelity performance instrument meant for live music.

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Frequently asked questions

What material is the Sabian FRX 16" Crash made from?: It is crafted from high-quality B20 bronze, which is the industry standard for professional-grade cymbals, offering a rich and complex harmonic profile.
Is the Sabian FRX a 'low volume' practice cymbal?: No, it is a 'Frequency Reduced' cymbal. Unlike practice cymbals meant for near-silent play, the FRX is designed for live performance where a professional tone is required at lower perceived volumes.
How does the FRX technology work?: The cymbal features specific drilling patterns that remove certain high frequencies. This prevents the sound from cutting too aggressively, allowing it to sit 'under' the mix rather than on top of it.
What is the weight of the 16" FRX Crash?: The cymbal is categorized as extra-thin, which contributes to its fast response and soft, buttery feel under the sticks.
Does the FRX 16" Crash feel like a normal cymbal?: Yes, it retains the traditional feel and physical feedback of a standard B20 bronze cymbal, allowing drummers to play with their usual technique and power.
Where is this cymbal most commonly used?: It is ideal for churches, schools, small clubs, and any venue where stage volume is a concern for the sound engineer or audience.
Can I use this cymbal for rock music?: While it can be used for any genre, it is best suited for scenarios where you want to play hard without the volume levels typically associated with rock drumming.
What is the price of the Sabian FRX 16" Crash?: The typical price for this model is approximately £399, reflecting its status as a professional-tier instrument.
How does it compare to the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry series?: While both offer controlled sustain, the FRX specifically uses frequency-reduction technology to manage volume, whereas the Byzance Extra Dry relies on its unlathed surface for a short, trashy sound.
Do I need special sticks for this cymbal?: No, you can use any standard drumsticks. The design of the cymbal itself manages the volume, so you do not have to change your stick choice to play more quietly.
How does it differ from the UFIP Bionic or Class series?: UFIP cymbals like the Bionic or Class series are traditional high-fidelity cymbals, whereas the Sabian FRX is a specialized tool designed specifically for frequency management and volume control.
Does the 16" size offer a fast decay?: Yes, the combination of the 16-inch diameter and the extra-thin profile results in a very quick shimmer that gets out of the way almost immediately.