11923XCN vs FRX1816 — Compare
19" HHX COMPLEX SUSPENDED vs SABIAN 18" FRX Chinese
The HHX COMPLEX SUSPENDED is a thin, orchestral-focused suspended cymbal for classical and chamber settings, while the FRX Chinese is an 18-inch rock and metal cymbal with micro-perforations for controlled wash and cutting attack. Choose the HHX for refined concert music; choose the FRX for rock, metal, and studio work.
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Specs side by side
| 19" HHX COMPLEX SUSPENDED | SABIAN 18" FRX Chinese | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $514.99 | $514.99 |
| Brand | Sabian | Sabian |
| Cymbal Type | Suspended | Hi-Hats |
| Cymbal Size | 19" | 18" |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose 19" HHX COMPLEX SUSPENDED
- ✓ Thin B20 construction optimized for immediate, articulate response in chamber and orchestral contexts
- ✓ Sweet, dark tone with sustained resonance across dynamic range
- ✓ Refined harmonic complexity essential for classical ensemble work
- ✓ 19-inch size provides fuller presence for concert settings
Why choose SABIAN 18" FRX Chinese
- ✓ Micro-perforated design controls overtones and reduces harshness in dense mixes
- ✓ Compact decay ideal for studio recording and live rock/metal performances
- ✓ Cutting attack with articulate stick definition cuts through in high-energy styles
- ✓ 18-inch size versatile as secondary crash or experimental ride
Frequently asked questions
Why are these cymbals different sizes and types?
The HHX COMPLEX SUSPENDED is a 19-inch suspended cymbal designed to be struck with mallets in orchestral settings and mounted on a stand without cymbals clanging together. The FRX Chinese is an 18-inch crash-ride typically paired with other cymbals on a drum kit for rock and metal applications. They serve fundamentally different musical purposes.
Can I use the FRX Chinese for orchestral work?
No. The FRX is explicitly not ideal for jazz or folk and is designed for rock, metal, and studio contexts. Its modern dark profile with compact decay and micro-perforated overtone control makes it unsuitable for the refined, sustained resonance needed in classical ensemble work.
What does the micro-perforation on the FRX actually do?
The micro-perforations function as built-in EQ, reducing unwanted overtones while preserving definition and projection. This keeps the cymbal articulate and cutting without harshness, ideal for dense modern mixes where cymbal ring needs restraint.
Which cymbal sustains longer?
The HHX COMPLEX SUSPENDED is engineered to maintain color and vitality with sustained resonance across the dynamic range. The FRX Chinese has a compact decay by design, making it better for studio and live settings where long ring is undesirable.