Sabian 19″ HHX X-Plosion Crash Cymbal

Sabian’s classifies their HHX series as “Modern Dark . . . drier, dirtier, funkier”. The word “Dark” translates to lots of low frequency undertones, and I think, after having analyzed quite a few cymbals, “dirtier” means more midrange wash . . . more “SHHHHH” to the sound. One of the models is the HHX X-Plosion Crash, and that means it plays loud and is meant to be hit hard. The 19″ version reviewed here delivers.

Specifications

  • Manufacturer Line: HHX X-Plosion
  • Type: Crash
  • Style: Medium
  • Alloy: B20 – CuSn20 – 80% Copper, 20% Tin
  • Diameter: 18″
  • Metal Work: Machine Hammered, Machine Lathed, Brilliant Finish
  • Weight: 3.2 Pounds
  • MSRP: $554 USA; Street Price $329
  • Sabian

The close-up photo shows that the cymbal is finely lathed only on the main body of the cymbal, not the bell. The crash is piercing, yet has the deep undertones that meet the definition of “dark”, and the sustain is quite long. It rides well, and the bell is very musical.

sabian-19-inch-hhx-x-plosion-crash-photo-closeup

There are peaks at 470 Hz, 790 Hz, 1.6 kHz, 1.7 kHz, 2.9 kHz, and 3.5 kHz, with a roll-off to 50 kHz.

sabian-19-inch-hhx-x-plosion-crash-spectrum

The peak of the crash occurs at 0.15 seconds with a slow decay.

sabian-19-inch-hhx-x-plosion-crash-level-vs-time

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).

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