What is the primary material used for the UFIP Supernova 18" China?

This cymbal is crafted from high-quality sheet bronze. This material choice helps provide the consistent, bright, and cutting tone necessary for its intended urban musical styles.

How is the Supernova China shaped during manufacturing?

It is shaped using an innovative hand-hammering technique. This distinguishes it from many other sheet bronze cymbals that are purely machine-pressed, adding a level of professional refinement to its sound.

What kind of finish does this cymbal have?

The cymbal features a polished brilliant finish. This finish not only adds a high-sheen visual appeal but also helps the cymbal deliver sharper and more defined tones.

Which musical genres best suit the Supernova 18" China?

It is ideal for urban styles including Hip Hop, Drum and Bass, and Funk. Its fast response and clear tone make it perfect for the intricate beats found in these genres.

How does the response time of this cymbal affect its playability?

It features a very fast response time. This means the sound reaches its peak volume immediately after being struck and decays quickly, which is ideal for playing rapid accents and complex rhythms.

Can this cymbal be used in a professional studio setting?

Yes, its crystal-clear tone and defined sound are specifically noted as being suitable for professional settings. Its ability to stand out in a mix makes it a reliable choice for recording.

How does the 18" Supernova China compare to the UFIP Bionic series?

While the Bionic series (such as the 13" Hi Hats) is known for power and depth, the Supernova series focuses on brilliance and speed. The Supernova China is specifically designed for a sharper, more modern 'urban' sound profile.

Is the sound of this cymbal dark or bright?

The sound is distinctly bright. The combination of sheet bronze construction, hand-hammering, and a brilliant finish results in a cutting, high-frequency tone.

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

The UFIP Supernova Series 18" China typically retails for approximately GBP 179. This positions it as a professional-tier effects cymbal within the UFIP catalogue.

Does the Supernova China have a long sustain?

No, it is designed for a fast response and quick decay. This allows drummers to play sharp accents without the sound lingering and interfering with the following beats.

How does it compare to the Masterwork Iris 21 Ride?

They are very different instruments; the Masterwork Iris 21 Ride is a large, resonant cymbal for keeping time, while the Supernova 18" China is an effects cymbal designed for short, sharp, and 'trashy' accents.

Is this cymbal suitable for low-volume practice?

It is a full-volume professional cymbal designed to cut through a mix. For low-volume needs, one would typically look at products like the Gear4Music 5pc Low Volume Cymbal Pack instead.

Gear article

UFIP Supernova Series 18" China

The UFIP Supernova Series 18" China is a professional-grade effects cymbal crafted from sheet bronze and designed for contemporary urban music styles. It is distinguished by its innovative hand-hammering process and a brilliant finish that produces a sharp, fast, and crystal-clear tonal response.

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Overview

The UFIP Supernova Series 18" China is an effects cymbal specifically engineered to meet the demands of modern percussionists. Unlike traditional cymbals that focus on wash and sustain, this model prioritises a quick attack and a sharp decay. It is constructed from sheet bronze, a choice that contributes to its consistent and focused sonic profile. The cymbal is intended for professional use, offering the durability and clarity required for both live performance and studio recording environments.

Construction and Design

While many entry-level cymbals made from sheet bronze are stamped and finished by machine, the Supernova Series utilises an innovative hand-hammering technique. This process allows for more precise control over the cymbal's tension and shape, resulting in a more complex harmonic structure than typical sheet bronze instruments. The exterior features a highly polished brilliant finish, which serves two purposes: it provides a sleek, reflective aesthetic for stage use and physically contributes to a brighter, more aggressive high-end frequency response.

Sound Profile and Character

The primary characteristic of the Supernova 18" China is its 'crystal-clear' tone. It delivers a high-pitched, cutting 'trash' sound that is essential for China cymbals, but with a refined dynamic range. Its response time is exceptionally fast, allowing it to speak immediately upon being struck and then disappear quickly. This makes it particularly effective for intricate patterns where a slower, heavier cymbal might muddy the rhythm. The sound is bright and cutting, ensuring it can penetrate through dense mixes of electronic or amplified instruments.

Musical Applications

This cymbal is primarily targeted at drummers playing urban genres. The specific tonal qualities make it a natural fit for:

Hip Hop: For sharp, percussive accents that mimic sampled sounds.
Drum and Bass: For high-speed, syncopated rhythms and quick 'stabs'.
Funk: To provide bright, rhythmic highlights that complement snappy snare work.
Modern Fusion: Where a mix of electronic and acoustic textures is required.

Comparison to Alternatives

Compared to other UFIP offerings, such as the Bionic Series 13" Hi Hats or the Class Series 14" Light Hi Hats, the Supernova China is significantly more aggressive and focused on high-frequency projection. While cymbals like the Istanbul Agop 19" Lenny White Epoch Crash or the Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash offer darker, more earthy 'wash' and complex overtones, the Supernova 18" China is designed for brilliance and speed. It serves a different purpose than the Masterwork Iris 21 Ride, which is built for sustained resonance, whereas the Supernova is built for immediate impact.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary material used for the UFIP Supernova 18" China?: This cymbal is crafted from high-quality sheet bronze. This material choice helps provide the consistent, bright, and cutting tone necessary for its intended urban musical styles.
How is the Supernova China shaped during manufacturing?: It is shaped using an innovative hand-hammering technique. This distinguishes it from many other sheet bronze cymbals that are purely machine-pressed, adding a level of professional refinement to its sound.
What kind of finish does this cymbal have?: The cymbal features a polished brilliant finish. This finish not only adds a high-sheen visual appeal but also helps the cymbal deliver sharper and more defined tones.
Which musical genres best suit the Supernova 18" China?: It is ideal for urban styles including Hip Hop, Drum and Bass, and Funk. Its fast response and clear tone make it perfect for the intricate beats found in these genres.
How does the response time of this cymbal affect its playability?: It features a very fast response time. This means the sound reaches its peak volume immediately after being struck and decays quickly, which is ideal for playing rapid accents and complex rhythms.
Can this cymbal be used in a professional studio setting?: Yes, its crystal-clear tone and defined sound are specifically noted as being suitable for professional settings. Its ability to stand out in a mix makes it a reliable choice for recording.
How does the 18" Supernova China compare to the UFIP Bionic series?: While the Bionic series (such as the 13" Hi Hats) is known for power and depth, the Supernova series focuses on brilliance and speed. The Supernova China is specifically designed for a sharper, more modern 'urban' sound profile.
Is the sound of this cymbal dark or bright?: The sound is distinctly bright. The combination of sheet bronze construction, hand-hammering, and a brilliant finish results in a cutting, high-frequency tone.
What is the typical price for this model in the UK?: The UFIP Supernova Series 18" China typically retails for approximately GBP 179. This positions it as a professional-tier effects cymbal within the UFIP catalogue.
Does the Supernova China have a long sustain?: No, it is designed for a fast response and quick decay. This allows drummers to play sharp accents without the sound lingering and interfering with the following beats.
How does it compare to the Masterwork Iris 21 Ride?: They are very different instruments; the Masterwork Iris 21 Ride is a large, resonant cymbal for keeping time, while the Supernova 18" China is an effects cymbal designed for short, sharp, and 'trashy' accents.
Is this cymbal suitable for low-volume practice?: It is a full-volume professional cymbal designed to cut through a mix. For low-volume needs, one would typically look at products like the Gear4Music 5pc Low Volume Cymbal Pack instead.