Sabian 18" Freq Crash
- Intense, open cut goes beyond the focused high-pitch of other rock cymbals
- Unique dual lathing makes for a Freq-y Crash that looks as good as it sounds
- A Cymbal Vote 2013 Winner
Out of stock
- SKU
- 218XFC
Description
Sabian 18" Freq Crash Cymbal
The 18" Freq Crash delivers an intense, cutting response that breaks from traditional rock crash voicing. Its quick burst of hi-frequency tone cuts through dense mixes with an open, expansive character that achieves definition and modern clarity without relying on a focused bell-driven attack. This cymbal captures articulate transients and projects with authority in tracking and mixing applications.
Construction & Design
Sabian's exclusive dual-lathing process defines this cymbal's distinctive voice and appearance. The bell is dark, raw, and unlathed for complex undertones, while the outer half of the bow features fine lathing with medium polish, and the inner half employs aggressive wire wheel brushing—a combination that generates the model's signature cut and sustain.
Tone & Response
The Medium-Thin profile in B20 bronze alloy produces fast attack with an open, sustained wash ideal for layering in multi-track recordings. The dual-lathing design boosts cut across the frequency spectrum, delivering the intense hi-frequency presence engineered into this cymbal to sit clearly in dense mixes and maintain definition during session work.
Key Features
- Size: 18 inches
- Material: B20 bronze alloy
- Thickness: Medium-Thin
- Model/SKU: 218XFC
- Dual-lathing process for enhanced cut and projection
- Dark, raw, unlathed bell
- Fine lathing with medium polish on outer bow
- Aggressive wire wheel brushing on inner bow
- Cymbal Vote 2013 Winner
- Limited 2-year warranty against manufacturer defects
The Freq Crash combines technical finish work with purposeful B20 construction to deliver a cymbal that cuts, sustains, and sits forward in the mix with modern urgency—backed by Sabian's two-year warranty.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Cymbal Size | 18" |
| Cymbal Type | Crash |
| Country of Manufacture | Canada |
Reviews
At a Glance
The Sabian 18" Freq Crash is a versatile recording crash that captures articulate hi-frequency definition and open sustain, making it ideal for studio sessions where you need a cymbal that sits cleanly in dense mixes without dominating the upper midrange. Its fast attack and engineered cut translate well to multitrack recording, and the dual-lathing process yields complex undertones that add character to rock and metal productions. Record with this crash when you want modern clarity, punchy definition, and a wash that sustains without washing out adjacent tracks.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Rock
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Live Performance
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Folk
- – Worship
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What skill level is this crash designed for?
The Freq Crash is built for intermediate, advanced, and professional drummers. It rewards aggressive, deliberate striking and works best for players with developed technique in rock, metal, and hard rock genres.
How does the dual-lathing process affect the sound?
Sabian's dual-lathing combines a dark, raw, unlathed bell with fine lathing and medium polish on the outer bow and aggressive wire-wheel brushing on the inner bow. This design generates cutting hi-frequency presence and enhanced projection while maintaining complex undertones for modern clarity.
Will this crash work for jazz or worship music?
No—the Freq Crash is engineered specifically for rock, metal, and hard rock. Its cutting, hi-frequency voicing and fast attack are not suited to the warm, controllable tones needed in jazz or worship settings.
What are the key specs?
The Sabian 18" Freq Crash is cast in B20 bronze alloy with a Medium-Thin profile, model number 218XFC. It features a 2-year manufacturer warranty against defects.
How does it compare to other budget rock crashes?
The Freq Crash competes directly with models like the Zildjian K Custom Dark Crash, Paiste PST X Crash, and Meinl Classics Custom Crash. It stands out for its aggressive wire-wheel brushing and dual-lathing design, which deliver intense hi-frequency cut and projection without relying on a focused bell attack.