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Average Price: $451

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Description

Elevate your drumming experience with the Sabian 16" AAX X-Plosion Hats, where precision meets power. Crafted for drummers who demand versatility and dynamic response, these hi-hats are engineered to project your rhythm with clarity and cut through the mix, ensuring every beat is heard. Perfect for the studio or the stage, their brilliant finish not only looks stunning but contributes to their bright, explosive sound. Whether closed for a tight, articulate sound or open for a full, roaring volume, these cymbals offer the responsive foot action and defined chick that today's drummers seek.

Key Features:

  • Medium top and medium-heavy bottom combination balances tone and projection
  • Brilliant finish for a bright, cutting sound
  • Versatile for both studio recording and live performance
  • Responsive foot action and defined chick for intricate hi-hat work
  • Designed to integrate well with any drum set configuration

Product specs

Brand Sabian
Model 16" AAX X-Plosion Hi-Hat Cymbals (Pair)
Finish Brilliant, Natural, Brilliant, Traditional
Year 2019 - 2025
Made In Canada
Categories Hi-Hats
Diameter 16"

FAQs

What is the primary musical style suited for the Sabian 16" AAX X-Plosion Hi-Hat Cymbals?

The Sabian 16" AAX X-Plosion Hi-Hat Cymbals are versatile, but they excel in rock and pop genres due to their explosive, bright sound and powerful projection.

How does the 16" diameter affect the sound of these hi-hat cymbals compared to smaller sizes?

The 16" diameter provides a fuller, louder sound with more sustain compared to smaller hi-hats, making them ideal for louder music settings where more volume and presence are needed.

What is the finish of the Sabian 16" AAX X-Plosion Hi-Hat Cymbals and how does it impact the sound?

These hi-hats come in both Brilliant and Traditional finishes. The Brilliant finish offers a brighter, more cutting tone, while the Traditional finish provides a warmer, more complex sound.

Are the Sabian 16" AAX X-Plosion Hi-Hat Cymbals suitable for live performances?

Yes, these cymbals are well-suited for live performances due to their explosive sound and excellent projection, making them stand out in a mix on stage.

Can these hi-hats be used effectively in a studio recording setting?

Absolutely, the Sabian 16" AAX X-Plosion Hi-Hats offer a dynamic range and clarity that work well in studio recordings, providing a crisp and articulate sound.

SABIAN Cymbals

SABIAN Cymbals

CYMBAL VOTE - Mike Portnoy Reviews the 16" AAX X-Plosion Hats

Video thumbnail for CYMBAL VOTE - Mike Portnoy Reviews the 16" AAX X-Plosion Hats by SABIAN Cymbals

CYMBAL VOTE - Mike Portnoy Reviews the 16" AAX X-Plosion Hats

SABIAN Cymbals

SABIAN Cymbals

Video thumbnail for Sabian 16" AAX X-Plosion Hats Hi Hat Cymbals (2160287XB-1011813G) by Memphis Drum Shop

Sabian 16" AAX X-Plosion Hats Hi Hat Cymbals (2160287XB-1011813G)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Video thumbnail for CYMBAL VOTE - Tony Royster Jr Demo's the 16" AAX X-Plosion Hats by SABIAN Cymbals

CYMBAL VOTE - Tony Royster Jr Demo's the 16" AAX X-Plosion Hats

SABIAN Cymbals

SABIAN Cymbals

Video thumbnail for SABIAN 16 AAX X Plosion Hats Test - Hi-Hat Cymbals on Drum Kit by Martin Drumm

SABIAN 16 AAX X Plosion Hats Test - Hi-Hat Cymbals on Drum Kit

Martin Drumm

Martin Drumm

Video thumbnail for Sabian AAX X-Plosion Hats 16" Quick Check by Batera Clube Drum Shop

Sabian AAX X-Plosion Hats 16" Quick Check

Batera Clube Drum Shop

Batera Clube Drum Shop

Video thumbnail for CYMBAL VOTE - Troy Miller Reviews the 16" AAX X-Plosion Hats by SABIAN Cymbals

CYMBAL VOTE - Troy Miller Reviews the 16" AAX X-Plosion Hats

SABIAN Cymbals

SABIAN Cymbals

Video thumbnail for Sabian 16" AAX X Plosion Hats Hi-Hats - 1398/1600g (2160287XB-1031822D) by Memphis Drum Shop

Sabian 16" AAX X Plosion Hats Hi-Hats - 1398/1600g (2160287XB-1031822D)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Sabian 16" AAX X-Plosion Hats.

Use cases and applications

  • The AAX Stage Hats are noted for being very bright, crisp, and loud, which can make them challenging for recording due to overpowering other elements like the snare.

    Source
  • For those seeking a balance between brightness and darkness, the AAX Fusion hats offer a combination of an AAX top and thicker HH bottom, fitting diverse styles.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The AAX Xplosion Hats are considered louder than the AAX Stage Hats, making them suitable for players needing maximum volume in live settings.

    Source
  • The AAX 13" Fusions have a super thick bottom and thin top, with venting holes for a strong "chick" and sizzling sound, unlike X-Celerator or Byzance.

    Source
  • The AAX X-Plosion hats are described as "rambunctious" and "obnoxious," ideal for projecting in large venues, contrasting with the more controlled HHX Evolution hats.

    Source
  • AAX X-Plosion hats are likened to Zildjian A Customs for brightness, while HHX Evolution hats are compared to Zildjian K Customs for darker tones.

    Source

User experience

  • It's mentioned that using louder hi-hats like the Stage Hats requires adjusting playing style, specifically playing quieter during recording sessions to balance sound levels.

    Source
  • Owners note that AAX 13" Fusions are often retained as favorite original cymbals even after replacing others, highlighting their standout sound quality.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • AAX X-Celerator 14" hats are praised for their articulate yet somewhat dirty closed chick, ideal for rock and metal.

    Source
  • AAX 13" Fusions provide a defined "chick" and sizzling sound, enhanced by keeping hats close together, suitable for rock/metal grooves.

    Source

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Paulina Villarreal uses Sabian 16" AAX X-Plosion Hats

Paulina Villarreal

Singer, Drummer

The Warning

...
Verified via YouTube

Video of Pau's current setup Cymbals @ 4:57

See how Frank Ferrer uses Sabian 16" AAX X-Plosion Hats

Frank Ferrer

Drummer

Guns N' Roses

...
Verified via Frank Ferrer

Frank Ferrer uses Sabian 16" AAX X-Plosion Hats, as detailed on his official website.

See how James Muschler uses Sabian 16" AAX X-Plosion Hats

James Muschler

Drummer

Moon Hooch

...
Verified via Modern Drummer Magazine

Mentioned in this July 2016 Modern Drummer Online interview.

MD: Can you describe your setup and the gear you use?

James: Currently, and for the last three years, I’ve been using a Tama Starclassic kit with an 18×22 kick, a 10×10 rack tom, and a 14×14 floor tom, and a 5.5×14 Ludwig Acrolite snare. I’m playing 16″ Sabian AAX hi-hats and a 16″ flat ride with a 15″ Zildjian K crash on top. On my right side I have a broken 22″ Zildjian Dry Complex ride on top of a 22″ Jack DeJohnette Signature ride, a 12″ UFIP crash, and a 22″ Wuhan China cymbal.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Sabian 16" AAX X-Plosion Hats, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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