Sabian 8" AAX Air Splash Brilliant Finish
Description
Sabian 8" AAX Air Splash Brilliant Finish
This compact splash cuts through dense mixes with punchy articulation and genuine sonic substance. The 8" AAX Air Splash responds quickly to both stick and hand work, delivering a biting tone that projects with clarity and presence despite its small footprint. It's an essential splash for studio and live tracking when you need articulation without sacrificing tonal depth.
Design & Construction
Built from B20 bronze with an extra-thin profile, this cymbal combines a raw bell with AAX hammering and lathing for responsive articulation. The six ¾"-diameter holes engineered into the surface enhance response and add bite to every strike, creating a splash with real substance despite its diminutive size.
Tone & Brightness
The brilliant finish enhances high frequencies for a brighter, more explosive character across all dynamic ranges. This cymbal delivers wide dynamic range with the explosive attack expected from AAX Modern Bright cymbals, whether playing delicately or driving hard.
Key Features
- 8-inch diameter size
- B20 bronze alloy construction
- Extra-thin profile for quick response
- Six ¾"-diameter holes for enhanced articulation and bite
- Raw bell with AAX hammering and lathing
- Brilliant finish for bright, enhanced high frequencies
- Model number 20805XAB
- AAX Modern Bright series—bright explosive tone with wide dynamic range
- Cymbal Vote 2013 Winner
- Protected by Sabian Two-Year Warranty
The Sabian 8" AAX Air Splash Brilliant Finish combines compact size with punchy projection, making it essential for recording and mixing scenarios where definition and cut shape the drum performance.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Cymbal Size | 8" |
| Cymbal Type | Splash |
| Country of Manufacture | Canada |
Reviews
At a Glance
The Sabian 8" AAX Air Splash Brilliant Finish captures explosive, punchy articulation in recordings with its bright, engineered tone and wide dynamic range, making it ideal for tracking rock, metal, and high-energy sessions. The brilliant finish and six ¾"-diameter holes provide definition and bite that translate well to the mix, and the extra-thin profile gives you responsive, fast transients whether you're layering accent hits or driving full drum takes. This is a versatile splash for producers and engineers tracking genres that demand cymbal clarity and presence without muddiness.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Live Performance
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Rock
- ✓ Metal
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Traditional/Classic
Skill level: Beginner · Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the 8-inch size mean for my kit setup?
The 8-inch diameter is compact and designed as an accent or splash cymbal, not a ride or crash—ideal for punctuating fills, adding texture, and creating definition without occupying much physical space on your kit.
Will this splash work for jazz or traditional music?
No; the AAX Air Splash is engineered for rock, metal, and modern genres that demand bright, explosive tone and aggressive cut. Its biting character and high-frequency emphasis are not suited to the warmer, sustaining tones jazz and traditional styles require.
What does the brilliant finish do?
The brilliant finish polishes the cymbal surface to enhance and brighten high frequencies, creating a more explosive character across all dynamic ranges—from delicate touches to hard strikes.
How does the extra-thin profile affect playability?
The extra-thin profile makes the cymbal respond and open up quickly under stick or hand, with fast transients and articulation; this design prioritizes responsive bite over sustain.
What are the six holes in the cymbal for?
The six ¾"-diameter holes are engineered into the surface to enhance response and add bite to every strike, creating articulation and definition while keeping the cymbal compact and lightweight.
Similar Gear
Complete the Rig
Gear that pairs well with this.
✨ For You
Based on what you've been looking at.