Sabian 18" AAX Chinese Brilliant Finish
Description
Sabian 18" AAX Chinese Brilliant Finish
The Sabian 18" AAX Chinese cuts through dense mixes with a massive, brash attack and penetrating definition. This cymbal delivers total presence in recordings with a biting, trashy character that holds its own in any arrangement, making it essential for sessions demanding aggressive modern bright tones with unmistakable power and edge.
Tone & Character
Built on the AAX series platform, this Chinese generates a Modern Bright response with crisp, clear, and cutting articulation ideal for tracking and mixing. The B20 bronze alloy construction combined with Dynamic Focus design ensures penetrating definition and consistent sonic quality across the playing surface.
Build & Construction
The Thin weight category contributes to quick response and explosive articulation on the mic. A 3" flanged lip reinforces the edge while the Brilliant polished finish provides both aesthetic appeal and traditional bright cymbal characteristics that capture well in the studio.
Key Features
- 18" diameter
- B20 bronze alloy
- AAX series Modern Bright sound character
- Dynamic Focus design
- Thin weight category
- 3" flanged lip
- Brilliant (polished) finish
- Big, brash, trashy response
- Penetrating definition with presence and power
- Sabian Two-Year Warranty
The Sabian 18" AAX Chinese combines aggressive Modern Bright articulation with the raw, trashy character that defines contemporary China cymbals—a production tool for engineers tracking drums that need to sit prominently in the mix without excessive processing.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Cymbal Size | 18" |
| Cymbal Type | Effects |
| Country of Manufacture | Canada |
Reviews
At a Glance
The Sabian 18" AAX Chinese brings a trashy, high-presence accent cymbal into the kit with explosive articulation and crisp definition ideal for aggressive recording sessions. Its thin weight and modern-bright tone profile sit well in heavy-hitting genres where you need a cymbal that cuts and commands space in the final mix. The B20 bronze construction and Dynamic Focus design deliver consistent, punchy recordings session after session.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Punk
- ✓ Djent
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Folk
- – Worship
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What genres is this cymbal best suited for?
The AAX Chinese excels in metal, hard rock, punk, and djent. Its brash, trashy character and penetrating presence make it less suitable for jazz, folk, or worship styles where mellower tones are preferred.
What makes the thin weight important for this cymbal?
The thin weight category provides quick response and explosive articulation, letting the cymbal speak fast and cut through dense mixes. This is especially important in heavy genres where definition and immediate attack are critical.
How does the 3" flanged lip affect the sound?
The flanged lip reinforces the edge and contributes to the cymbal's brash, trashy response while maintaining penetrating definition. It helps deliver the aggressive modern-bright character Sabian designed into this series.
What is the Dynamic Focus design?
Dynamic Focus is Sabian's design feature that ensures consistent sonic quality and penetrating definition across the entire playing surface, so you get reliable, predictable articulation every time you strike the cymbal.
How does the Brilliant finish affect tone and appearance?
The polished Brilliant finish provides both aesthetic appeal and enhances the traditional bright cymbal characteristics, contributing to the modern-bright, cutting response. It also makes the cymbal visually striking under stage lighting.
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