SABIAN 18" FRX Chinese
Description
SABIAN 18" FRX Chinese Cymbal
The SABIAN 18" FRX Chinese delivers cutting attack with controlled wash, making it responsive under both light articulation and heavy playing. This cymbal sits well in dense mixes and modern drum kits where clarity matters without sacrificing the trashy character Chinese cymbals are known for. The micro-perforated design keeps overtones focused and manageable for precise mixing and layering in the studio.
Design & Construction
Built from B20 Bronze, this cymbal provides the traditional warmth and complexity expected from SABIAN's premium alloy. The 18-inch diameter places it in the sweet spot for supplementary crashes or secondary ride applications, working across rock, metal, and contemporary sessions where a dedicated accent voice strengthens the drum sound.
Tone & Sonic Character
The micro-perforations engineered into the surface function as built-in EQ, reducing unwanted overtones while preserving definition and projection. The resulting profile is modern and dark—cutting through without harshness, with a compact decay ideal for tracked recordings and overdub work where cymbal ring needs restraint and controlled sustain aids in post-production clarity.
Key Features
- 18-inch diameter Chinese cymbal
- B20 Bronze construction
- Micro-perforated surface for EQ and overtone reduction
- Modern, dark sound profile
- Model FRX1816
- Built-in frequency control via perforation design
- Responsive attack and articulate stick definition
- Compact decay for studio and live applications
- Traditional Chinese cymbal character with contemporary restraint
The FRX1816 excels as a secondary crash or experimental ride for producers and drummers seeking the Chinese cymbal voice with modern tonal discipline, offering session flexibility across overdub, mixing, and arrangement refinement.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Cymbal Size | 18" |
| Cymbal Type | Hi-Hats |
| Country of Manufacture | Canada |
Reviews
At a Glance
The SABIAN 18" FRX Chinese is a B20 Bronze cymbal engineered with micro-perforations that function as built-in EQ, reducing unwanted overtones while preserving articulate stick definition and projection. Its modern, dark profile and compact decay make it ideal for tracked recordings where cymbals need to sit clearly in dense mixes without blooming or ringing excessively. This is a versatile secondary crash or experimental ride for producers and engineers tracking rock, metal, and contemporary styles.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Rock
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Live Performance
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Folk
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the micro-perforated surface do?
The micro-perforations function as built-in EQ, reducing unwanted overtones while preserving definition and projection. This keeps the cymbal's frequency response focused and manageable, ideal for both studio mixes and live settings where cymbal ring needs control.
What size is this cymbal, and what should I use it for?
This is an 18-inch diameter Chinese cymbal, which sits in the sweet spot for supplementary crashes or secondary ride applications. It works well across rock, metal, and contemporary styles where you need the trashy character of a Chinese cymbal with modern tonal discipline.
How does the tone compare to standard Chinese cymbals?
The FRX1816 delivers traditional Chinese cymbal character with contemporary restraint. It has a modern, dark sound profile with cutting attack and articulate stick definition, but compact decay and controlled wash—making it less washy and more focused than typical Chinese cymbals.
Is this cymbal responsive to light playing as well as heavy playing?
Yes, the FRX1816 is responsive under both light articulation and heavy playing, making it versatile for varying dynamics in live performance and studio tracking.
What material is this cymbal made from?
The SABIAN 18" FRX Chinese is cast from B20 Bronze, SABIAN's premium alloy that provides traditional warmth and complexity.