Sabian 18" HHX X-Plosion Crash Brilliant Finish
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- Simmering, dark tones are boosted by explosive attack of this best-selling Killer Crash.
- HHX Tone Projection stirs up simmering heat, musical dirt.
- Delivers simmering Modern Dark tone at all volumes.
- Protected by Sabian Two-Year Warranty!
In stock
- SKU
- 11887XB
Description
Sabian 18" HHX X-Plosion Crash Brilliant Finish
The 18" HHX X-Plosion Crash captures explosive transients with a dark, focused character engineered to cut through dense mixes in the studio and live. Super-sized hammering creates projection and articulation that responds immediately to stick strike, translating aggression with clarity across aggressive rock, metal, and contemporary jazz sessions. The brilliant finish reflects studio lighting while the cymbal's sonic personality remains intentionally dark and forward in the mix.
Sonic Character & Mix Presence
Built from B20 bronze alloy with pinpoint lathing, this crash produces a dark, modern sound with exceptional tone projection that sits distinctly in recordings. The combination of super-sized hammering and medium-thin weight ensures quick response and defined sustain without muddy decay, capturing clean attacks that enhance punch without sacrificing definition.
Build & Session Versatility
At 1529 grams, this cymbal balances responsive dynamics with enough mass to generate cutting volume across tracking and mixing applications. The brilliant finish provides visual appeal in the studio, and the polished surface contributes to the cymbal's articulate attack despite its inherently dark tonal profile, making it adaptable across session styles.
Key Features
- 18" diameter
- B20 bronze alloy construction
- Medium-thin weight classification
- 1529 grams (specific weight)
- Brilliant finish (highly polished)
- Super-sized hammering
- Pinpoint lathing
- Tone Projection design feature
- Dark sound profile
- Modern style
This HHX X-Plosion delivers on its design mandate—aggressive articulation paired with dark, projecting tone—making it an essential recording tool for producers and engineers demanding cutting clarity and immediate transient capture.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Cymbal Size | 18" |
| Cymbal Type | Crash |
| Country of Manufacture | Canada |
Reviews
At a Glance
The Sabian 18" HHX X-Plosion Crash brings dark, focused aggression to studio sessions, cutting through thick arrangements while maintaining modern tone projection that sits clear in dense mixes. Medium-thin weight and pinpoint lathing ensure fast stick response and defined sustain—no muddy decay—making it versatile for tracking metal, hard rock, and contemporary jazz where cymbal articulation and clarity are critical to the final recording. Its B20 alloy and brilliant finish deliver the cutting character and immediate attack that translates well to tape or digital capture.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Aggressive Rock
- ✓ Contemporary Jazz
Not the best pick for
- – Folk
- – Worship
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What size is this crash and what does the 18" diameter mean for my kit?
This is an 18-inch crash cymbal, a mid-sized crash that balances volume projection with defined sustain. It works well as a primary crash or secondary crash in a two-crash setup, and sits naturally between smaller crashes (16") and larger ones (20").
Is this crash good for metal and aggressive music?
Yes—the HHX X-Plosion is engineered specifically for metal, hard rock, and aggressive rock. Its dark tone profile, explosive attack, and cutting articulation make it ideal for cutting through dense mixes in those styles.
What does B20 bronze mean, and how does it affect the sound?
B20 is a bronze alloy (80% copper, 20% tin) that Sabian uses across its professional lines. It produces warm, complex tones with good projection and durability—in this crash, the B20 paired with super-sized hammering and pinpoint lathing creates a dark, modern sound with cutting clarity.
How responsive is this cymbal to stick strikes?
The medium-thin weight and aggressive hammering design ensure quick response and immediate articulation on stick strike. It will speak fast and cut clearly without requiring heavy playing.
Will this crash work for jazz or only metal?
While optimized for metal and hard rock, the HHX X-Plosion is also listed for contemporary jazz applications where cutting clarity and focused articulation matter. It is not designed for folk, worship, or traditional jazz styles seeking wash and sustain.
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