What is the primary material of the Sabian FRX 19 Crash?

The cymbal is crafted from high-quality B20 bronze, which is the industry standard for professional-grade cymbals, offering a rich and complex tonal range.

How does the FRX technology work?

It works by reducing specific frequencies that contribute to perceived high volume. This allows the cymbal to sit better in a mix without the drummer needing to alter their playing technique.

Is this a 'quiet' practice cymbal?

No, it is not a silent practice cymbal. It is a professional performance cymbal designed to have a lower perceived volume and a controlled frequency range for live use.

What is the weight profile of the FRX 19 Crash?

This specific model is classified as 'extra-thin,' which contributes to its quick response and soft feel under the stick.

In which settings is the Sabian FRX 19 most useful?

It is ideal for churches, schools, small clubs, and any venue where volume management is critical for the overall sound balance.

Can I play this cymbal with full force?

Yes. One of the main design goals was to allow drummers to play with complete freedom and their natural style without the cymbal becoming too loud for the room.

How does the sound of the FRX 19 differ from a standard 19-inch crash?

It provides a shimmering, quick response but lacks the harsh, piercing high-end frequencies that often cause standard crashes to dominate a small room's acoustics.

Is the Sabian FRX 19 Crash suitable for recording?

Yes, its controlled frequency response makes it very useful in the studio, as it reduces cymbal bleed into other microphones, such as snare or vocal mics.

What is the typical price for this cymbal?

The typical retail price for the Sabian FRX 19 Crash Cymbal is approximately £516.

Does the FRX 19 Crash have a soft or hard feel?

The cymbal is designed to have a soft feel, which is a result of its extra-thin B20 bronze construction.

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

While both are thin and offer controlled decay, the FRX specifically targets frequency reduction for volume management, whereas the Byzance Extra Dry focuses on a dark, earthy tone.

Does using this cymbal require special drumsticks?

No special sticks are required. The frequency reduction is built into the cymbal itself, so you can use your preferred sticks while maintaining volume control.

Gear article

Sabian FRX 19 Crash Cymbal

The Sabian FRX 19 Crash is an extra-thin cymbal crafted from B20 bronze, specifically engineered to manage volume and frequency response in sensitive acoustic environments. By removing specific frequencies that create perceived volume spikes, it allows drummers to play with full intensity while maintaining a controlled sonic footprint.

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Overview and Technical Design

The Sabian FRX (Frequency Reduced) 19-inch Crash represents a technical departure from traditional cymbal manufacturing. While most low-volume cymbals utilise a practice-only approach with large-scale perforations, the FRX is a professional-grade B20 bronze instrument. It is designed to look and feel like a standard crash but functions by strategically filtering out specific frequencies that contribute to excessive volume in a mix.

The 19-inch diameter combined with an extra-thin profile ensures that the cymbal remains highly responsive. Unlike practice cymbals that often sacrifice tone for quietness, the FRX is intended for live performance where the drummer needs to sit 'inside' the mix rather than on top of it.

Performance and Sound Characteristics

The primary sound character of the FRX 19 Crash is described as a quick, shimmering response with a soft feel under the stick. Because it is extra-thin, it opens up with minimal effort, providing a lush wash that decays naturally without the piercing high-end frequencies typically associated with larger crashes.

The 'Frequency Reduced' technology allows the cymbal to be played with a drummer's natural velocity. It eliminates the need for 'holding back' or using lighter sticks, as the inherent design of the bronze prevents the volume from reaching the aggressive peaks found in standard B20 crashes.

Applications and Environment

This cymbal is purpose-built for environments where volume control is a perennial challenge. Key applications include:

Churches and Houses of Worship: Where acoustics are often reflective and stage volume needs to be strictly managed.
Small Venues and Clubs: Where a 19-inch crash would typically be too overpowering for the room size.
Educational Settings: Providing students with a professional feel without the risk of hearing fatigue in small practice rooms.
Recording: When a controlled overhead sound is required with less bleed into other microphones.

Comparative Analysis

Compared to standard professional cymbals like the Paiste Giant Beat 14 Hi-Hats or the Istanbul Agop 19" Lenny White Epoch Crash, the FRX 19 Crash offers a significantly more controlled volume ceiling. While the Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash also offers a fast decay, it does so through physical hammering and drying techniques, whereas the FRX uses specific frequency reduction to manage output.

It is distinct from entry-level low-volume solutions, such as the Gear4Music 5pc Low Volume Cymbal Pack, in that it is a high-end B20 bronze instrument suitable for professional recording and live performance, rather than just quiet practice.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary material of the Sabian FRX 19 Crash?: The cymbal is crafted from high-quality B20 bronze, which is the industry standard for professional-grade cymbals, offering a rich and complex tonal range.
How does the FRX technology work?: It works by reducing specific frequencies that contribute to perceived high volume. This allows the cymbal to sit better in a mix without the drummer needing to alter their playing technique.
Is this a 'quiet' practice cymbal?: No, it is not a silent practice cymbal. It is a professional performance cymbal designed to have a lower perceived volume and a controlled frequency range for live use.
What is the weight profile of the FRX 19 Crash?: This specific model is classified as 'extra-thin,' which contributes to its quick response and soft feel under the stick.
In which settings is the Sabian FRX 19 most useful?: It is ideal for churches, schools, small clubs, and any venue where volume management is critical for the overall sound balance.
Can I play this cymbal with full force?: Yes. One of the main design goals was to allow drummers to play with complete freedom and their natural style without the cymbal becoming too loud for the room.
How does the sound of the FRX 19 differ from a standard 19-inch crash?: It provides a shimmering, quick response but lacks the harsh, piercing high-end frequencies that often cause standard crashes to dominate a small room's acoustics.
Is the Sabian FRX 19 Crash suitable for recording?: Yes, its controlled frequency response makes it very useful in the studio, as it reduces cymbal bleed into other microphones, such as snare or vocal mics.
What is the typical price for this cymbal?: The typical retail price for the Sabian FRX 19 Crash Cymbal is approximately £516.
Does the FRX 19 Crash have a soft or hard feel?: The cymbal is designed to have a soft feel, which is a result of its extra-thin B20 bronze construction.
How does this compare to the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry series?: While both are thin and offer controlled decay, the FRX specifically targets frequency reduction for volume management, whereas the Byzance Extra Dry focuses on a dark, earthy tone.
Does using this cymbal require special drumsticks?: No special sticks are required. The frequency reduction is built into the cymbal itself, so you can use your preferred sticks while maintaining volume control.