Sabian 18″ HHX Evolution Crash Cymbal

Sabian’s HH line represents the dark side of the force, and the HHX are classified as “Modern Dark”, with the Evolutions being a specific set of crashs, splashes, high hats, and rides that have special dynamics that make them easy to play. They only come in several diameters, not specified weights, and a Sabian distributor told me that they vary in weight depending on the particular style (Evolution, Legacy, X-Plosion, Studio, etc.) The 18″ HHX Evolution Crash is reviewed here.

The lathing becomes just barely visible adjacent to the bell and then gets progressively deeper as it moves towards the outside edge of the cymbal. Hammering is light. The bell is not hammered or lathed. This unusual lathing pattern gives the cymbal its distinct sound. It has dark undertones, but some piercing highs as well.

Compare the sound files of this cymbal with the Sabian 18″ AA Medium Crash Cymbal, for example. Look also at the spectra of the two cymbals. Note that the HHX Evolution has higher energy in the lower frequencies. That is what gives a cymbal its “Dark” character. Although you can ride this cymbal, the wash is as loud as the ping. The bell does ride very nicely though. Also compare the HHX Evolution with the Sabian 18″ HH Thin Crash. Notice that the decay is more rapid with the HH Thin than the HHX Evolution.

The spectrum shows peaks at 280 Hz, 390 Hz, 450 Hz, 1.7 kHz, and 2.9 kHz. Then the response is smooth out to 10 kHz from which it declines to 55 kHz. The decay is about the same from 250 Hz up to the high frequency limit.

The peak of the crash occurs at 0.18 seconds and is followed by a medium rapid decay.

Click HERE to listen to an audio sample, which will include crash (when appropriate), ride, and bell sounds (these are 24 bit, 176.4 kHz wav files, so be sure your sound card is capable of handling these high resolution sound files).

RETURN TO SABIAN INDEX.