What is the purpose of the holes in the Sabian HHX Evolution O-Zone?

The eight 2-inch holes reduce the weight of the cymbal without decreasing its size. This allows for a faster response and a more 'trashy' sound that mimics a China cymbal.

What finish does this cymbal have?

This specific model features a Brilliant Finish. This high-gloss polish adds a touch of brightness to the sound and gives the cymbal a reflective, professional aesthetic.

How does the bell size affect the sound?

The cymbal features a large bell. This design provides a loud, clear bell tone and helps maintain distinct stick definition when playing on the surface.

What is the typical price for this cymbal in the UK?

The typical price range for the Sabian HHX 16" Evolution O-Zone Crash is approximately £388.

Is this cymbal better for Jazz or Rock?

It is designed to be versatile enough for both. Its dark sustain suits Jazz, while its explosive attack and aggressive bite allow it to cut through in Hard Rock settings.

How does the weight affect the sustain?

The low weight, caused by the thin profile and O-Zone holes, results in an immediate attack followed by a relatively short, dark sustain.

Does this cymbal sound like a China cymbal?

It is described as a hybrid between a thin crash and a China. It possesses the biting, raw response of a China but retains the playability of a crash.

What is the diameter of the O-Zone holes?

The cymbal features eight holes, each measuring 2 inches in diameter. These are strategically placed to alter the vibration and weight of the cymbal.

How does it compare to a Meinl Byzance Extra Dry Crash?

While both are effects-heavy, the HHX Evolution O-Zone typically has a more aggressive, 'biting' attack due to the holes, whereas the Byzance Extra Dry relies on raw hammering for its character.

Can this cymbal be used for stick definition?

Yes, the large bell and the specific HHX hammering allow for clear stick definition, though it is primarily designed as an accent crash.

Is the Sabian HHX Evolution O-Zone a thin or heavy cymbal?

It is classified as a thin crash. The addition of the holes further lightens the metal, contributing to its fast response and low-pitch sustain.

Does the Brilliant finish change the tone compared to a Natural finish?

Generally, a Brilliant finish provides a slightly cleaner, shinier high-end response compared to the warmer, earthier tones of a Natural finish.

Gear article

Sabian HHX 16" Evolution O-Zone Crash Cymbal

The Sabian HHX 16" Evolution O-Zone Crash is a specialised effects cymbal featuring a unique perforated design with eight two-inch holes. Designed for immediate response, it combines the characteristics of a thin crash with the aggressive, biting qualities of a Chinese cymbal.

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Design and Construction

The Sabian HHX 16" Evolution O-Zone Crash is distinguished by its unconventional architecture, most notably the inclusion of eight two-inch holes cut directly into the bow. This design serves a dual purpose: it significantly reduces the overall weight of the metal while maintaining the physical footprint and volume potential of a standard 16-inch cymbal.

The cymbal features a large, pronounced bell that assists in providing clear stick definition and a loud, distinct bell tone. The 'Brilliant' finish gives the cymbal a polished, high-gloss appearance, which typically contributes to a slightly brighter top-end compared to traditional finishes.

Sonic Characteristics

Sonically, the Evolution O-Zone occupies the space between a traditional crash and a trashy China cymbal. Because of the low weight resulting from the O-Zone holes, the cymbal delivers an explosive attack with immediate high-frequency presence.

Following the initial strike, the sound decays into a dark, low-frequency sustain. The raw character of the cymbal is described as biting and aggressive, yet it remains musical enough for diverse applications. The combination of the thin profile and the holes ensures that the cymbal speaks quickly even at lower velocities.

Applications and Versatility

Despite its aggressive description, the HHX Evolution O-Zone is engineered for a wide range of musical genres. Its quick decay and dark undertones make it suitable for:

Jazz: Where subtle, dark accents are often required.
Hard Rock: Where the explosive attack can cut through dense wall-of-sound arrangements.
Studio Recording: The fast decay helps prevent the cymbal wash from bleeding excessively into other microphones.

Comparison to Alternatives

Within the market for effects cymbals, the Sabian HHX Evolution O-Zone is often compared to other 'dry' or 'trashy' models. For instance, the Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash offers a larger surface area and a lower pitch, while the Istanbul Agop 19" Lenny White Epoch Crash provides a different flavour of dark complexity.

Unlike standard hi-hats such as the Paiste Giant Beat 14" or UFIP Bionic Series 13", the O-Zone is strictly an accent cymbal designed for sharp punctuations rather than time-keeping duties. Its unique hole pattern distinguishes it from solid crashes by providing a faster 'bark' and a shorter sustain.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the purpose of the holes in the Sabian HHX Evolution O-Zone?: The eight 2-inch holes reduce the weight of the cymbal without decreasing its size. This allows for a faster response and a more 'trashy' sound that mimics a China cymbal.
What finish does this cymbal have?: This specific model features a Brilliant Finish. This high-gloss polish adds a touch of brightness to the sound and gives the cymbal a reflective, professional aesthetic.
How does the bell size affect the sound?: The cymbal features a large bell. This design provides a loud, clear bell tone and helps maintain distinct stick definition when playing on the surface.
What is the typical price for this cymbal in the UK?: The typical price range for the Sabian HHX 16" Evolution O-Zone Crash is approximately £388.
Is this cymbal better for Jazz or Rock?: It is designed to be versatile enough for both. Its dark sustain suits Jazz, while its explosive attack and aggressive bite allow it to cut through in Hard Rock settings.
How does the weight affect the sustain?: The low weight, caused by the thin profile and O-Zone holes, results in an immediate attack followed by a relatively short, dark sustain.
Does this cymbal sound like a China cymbal?: It is described as a hybrid between a thin crash and a China. It possesses the biting, raw response of a China but retains the playability of a crash.
What is the diameter of the O-Zone holes?: The cymbal features eight holes, each measuring 2 inches in diameter. These are strategically placed to alter the vibration and weight of the cymbal.
How does it compare to a Meinl Byzance Extra Dry Crash?: While both are effects-heavy, the HHX Evolution O-Zone typically has a more aggressive, 'biting' attack due to the holes, whereas the Byzance Extra Dry relies on raw hammering for its character.
Can this cymbal be used for stick definition?: Yes, the large bell and the specific HHX hammering allow for clear stick definition, though it is primarily designed as an accent crash.
Is the Sabian HHX Evolution O-Zone a thin or heavy cymbal?: It is classified as a thin crash. The addition of the holes further lightens the metal, contributing to its fast response and low-pitch sustain.
Does the Brilliant finish change the tone compared to a Natural finish?: Generally, a Brilliant finish provides a slightly cleaner, shinier high-end response compared to the warmer, earthier tones of a Natural finish.