What is the primary function of the holes in the Sabian HHX 20" Complex Aero Crash?

The 'Aero' hole pattern is designed to provide a bright, lively attack and a faster decay. It adds a slight 'trashy' character to the sound without sacrificing the cymbal's fundamental musicality.

What tonal qualities does the 'Complex' series offer?

The Complex series is known for a rich, dark sound achieved through proprietary hammering. It combines elements of both HH and HHX series to produce a highly nuanced and warm tone.

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

The Sabian HHX 20" Complex Aero Crash is typically priced at approximately £521. This reflects its position as a professional-grade, premium instrument.

How does the raw bell affect the sound?

The raw bell design helps to produce a more focused and earthy tone. It provides a distinct contrast to the more sensitive and shimmering response of the hammered and perforated bow area.

Is this cymbal suitable for beginners?

While it is a professional-level cymbal, it is suitable for anyone looking to upgrade their setup. Its versatility makes it a good investment for players experimenting with new styles.

Can this cymbal be used for heavy music styles?

Yes, it is designed to accommodate both light and heavy playing styles. Its 20-inch size and B20 bronze construction provide enough volume for louder musical environments.

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

The Sabian HHX Complex Aero is generally more lively and bright in its attack than the Meinl Extra Dry series. The Sabian maintains a wider frequency range, whereas the Meinl is focused on a very short, dry decay.

Does the Aero design make it an 'effects' cymbal?

It sits between a traditional crash and an effects cymbal. While the holes add an effects-like trashiness, the design retains enough body and tone to function as a main crash.

What kind of hammering is used on this model?

Sabian uses proprietary multi-axis hammering techniques for this model. This process creates the 'complex' tonal profile that allows for warm, even frequencies.

How does the 20-inch size impact the sound?

The 20-inch diameter provides a lower fundamental pitch and a larger soundstage compared to smaller crashes. It offers more volume and a fuller wash, making it very expressive.

Is the finish natural or brilliant?

The cymbal features a natural finish on the bow with a distinctive raw bell. This combination contributes to its warm and grounded aesthetic and sound.

What is the difference between this and a standard HHX crash?

The 'Complex' version uses more intricate hammering for a darker, richer tone, while the 'Aero' designation refers to the specific hole pattern that increases attack and reduces sustain.

Gear article

Sabian HHX 20" Complex Aero Crash

The Sabian HHX 20" Complex Aero Crash is a high-end cymbal that integrates the hole-pattern design of the Aero series with the dark, hand-hammered characteristics of the HHX Complex line. Designed to provide a rich, dark sound with a bright attack, it offers a versatile frequency response suitable for both light and heavy playing styles.

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Overview

The Sabian HHX 20" Complex Aero Crash represents a fusion of two distinct Sabian design philosophies. It utilises the 'Aero' pattern—a series of small, precisely drilled holes—which affects the air displacement and decay of the cymbal. This is combined with the 'Complex' manufacturing process, which employs proprietary multi-axis hammering techniques to create a more nuanced and dark tonal palette.

Constructed with a raw bell and a natural finish, this cymbal is positioned as a premium instrument for drummers seeking a balance between modern effects and traditional warmth. The 20-inch diameter ensures a significant presence within a drum kit, offering a larger surface area for dynamic expression.

Manufacturing and Design

The 'Complex' series is noted for using a combination of HH and HHX hammering styles, which results in a cymbal that is thin and responsive but maintains structural integrity and projection. The raw bell design is a key feature, which helps to ground the sound and provides a more focused, earthy tone when struck directly.

The Aero hole pattern serves to shorten the decay and increase the 'white noise' or trashy character of the crash. However, unlike dedicated 'O-Zone' cymbals which have larger holes, the Aero design maintains more of the fundamental pitch, allowing the cymbal to function effectively as a primary crash rather than just an effects piece.

Sound Character

This cymbal is characterised by a bright and lively initial attack that quickly gives way to warm, even tones across the entire frequency range. The sonic profile is described as rich and dark, a result of the extensive hammering process.

Because of its design, the HHX Complex Aero Crash produces a 'complex' wash—a mixture of high-end shimmer and low-end warmth. The attack is fast due to the perforations, but the overall tone remains musical and less aggressive than standard perforated cymbals.

Versatility and Application

One of the primary advantages of this model is its ability to accommodate diverse playing styles. It is sensitive enough for light touch and jazz-influenced playing, where its dark undertones can breathe, yet it possesses the durability and volume for heavier rock or pop applications.

It is particularly well-suited for drummers experimenting with new musical genres, as it bridges the gap between a traditional crash and a modern effects cymbal. Its ability to remain articulate at various dynamic levels makes it a reliable choice for both studio recording and live performance.

Comparative Analysis

When compared to other professional cymbals, the Sabian HHX 20" Complex Aero Crash occupies a unique niche. Compared to the Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash, the Sabian tends to offer a more lively attack and a broader frequency range, whereas the Meinl is drier and shorter in decay.

In contrast to standard crashes like the Paiste Giant Beat 14" Hi-Hats or UFIP Class Series hi-hats, the Aero Crash provides a much 'trashier' and more complex texture. While cymbals like the Istanbul Agop Lenny White Epoch Crash focus on a vintage, smoky vibe, the Sabian HHX Complex Aero integrates modern perforation technology to achieve a faster response.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary function of the holes in the Sabian HHX 20" Complex Aero Crash?: The 'Aero' hole pattern is designed to provide a bright, lively attack and a faster decay. It adds a slight 'trashy' character to the sound without sacrificing the cymbal's fundamental musicality.
What tonal qualities does the 'Complex' series offer?: The Complex series is known for a rich, dark sound achieved through proprietary hammering. It combines elements of both HH and HHX series to produce a highly nuanced and warm tone.
What is the typical price for this cymbal in the UK?: The Sabian HHX 20" Complex Aero Crash is typically priced at approximately £521. This reflects its position as a professional-grade, premium instrument.
How does the raw bell affect the sound?: The raw bell design helps to produce a more focused and earthy tone. It provides a distinct contrast to the more sensitive and shimmering response of the hammered and perforated bow area.
Is this cymbal suitable for beginners?: While it is a professional-level cymbal, it is suitable for anyone looking to upgrade their setup. Its versatility makes it a good investment for players experimenting with new styles.
Can this cymbal be used for heavy music styles?: Yes, it is designed to accommodate both light and heavy playing styles. Its 20-inch size and B20 bronze construction provide enough volume for louder musical environments.
How does it compare to the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry series?: The Sabian HHX Complex Aero is generally more lively and bright in its attack than the Meinl Extra Dry series. The Sabian maintains a wider frequency range, whereas the Meinl is focused on a very short, dry decay.
Does the Aero design make it an 'effects' cymbal?: It sits between a traditional crash and an effects cymbal. While the holes add an effects-like trashiness, the design retains enough body and tone to function as a main crash.
What kind of hammering is used on this model?: Sabian uses proprietary multi-axis hammering techniques for this model. This process creates the 'complex' tonal profile that allows for warm, even frequencies.
How does the 20-inch size impact the sound?: The 20-inch diameter provides a lower fundamental pitch and a larger soundstage compared to smaller crashes. It offers more volume and a fuller wash, making it very expressive.
Is the finish natural or brilliant?: The cymbal features a natural finish on the bow with a distinctive raw bell. This combination contributes to its warm and grounded aesthetic and sound.
What is the difference between this and a standard HHX crash?: The 'Complex' version uses more intricate hammering for a darker, richer tone, while the 'Aero' designation refers to the specific hole pattern that increases attack and reduces sustain.