I think the series has potential. It definitely sounds better than ultra-quiet cymbals like Zildjian gen16s. I just want to hear what a larger cymbal would sound like.
Defiantly think you’re on point when you question it being a “fad.” So much of drum gear now is gimmicky. Like, the low volume cymbals have a great place... but medium volume? What ever happened to playing quieter if you need to... ?I think it’s more important to develop the skill to play quietly than to use a crutch.
Not sure why it matters - build your kit for how you want to play; if these cymbals allow you to play hard in quieter environments, more power to anyone that wants to There's absolutely NOT one "right way" to play
I understand the concept. & I'm not against the concept. (If it works for you have at it) But drummers on light gigs might try finding some old thin, or better yet, paper thin crashes. And play them softly. Most of the cymbals we normally use are too loud, shrill, clangy for a light gig because they weren't made for a light gig. They are medium or heavier. Which may work great for us on our other gigs. But a heavier cymbal doesn't open up unless you lay into it. A good thin or paper thin crash will spread open with even a light touch. And will sound pretty normal at the same time. My buddy had a 70's 16" A Zildjian paper thin crash that sounded absolutely gorgeous with even the lightest hit. But would, of course, disappear in a high volume gig. So if you are in a pit band for your high school or community theatre etc. Or playing a coffee shop. (And hate cajóns) pick up some good thin used pro level cymbals. Leave the ZBTs & A custom rock crashes at home they not gonna work! But for the love of god do not use those beautiful fragile pies on a hard rock or metal gig. You will destroy them. P.S. rdavidr videos seldom (if ever) disappoint.
Nope. Sorry. I love Sabian crashes. I have my share of 'em. Nine to be exact. And my 16" and 18" AAX Dark are in my top ten favorite cymbals. But this one is a no go. When you start riding on it around 3:43 it sounds like you're hitting a piece of sheet metal covered with jingles. All piercing highs with no mids or lows.
MeTuLHeD that's because they cut out "...specific frequencies, resulting in the lower perception of volume. Remove these specific frequencies, and suddenly your cymbals sit perfectly in the mix, no matter how hard you play." (Quoted directly from their website.) With that in mind, I believe that they had to cut out the low-pitch growl or wash that caused cymbals to be percieved as loud, and that was the sacrifice made to have a quieter cymbal. With the low frequencies, it would have more "punch" in the mix and would be more apparent. That's what I think
these cymbals aren't supposed to be amazing sounding, they're like a very expensive option for people who can't play dynamically or don't know how to eq overheads
Holmes, Spencer Jacob : "these cymbals aren't supposed to be amazing sounding...a very expensive option" And there you have it. Two phrases which do NOT belong together. LOL! I'm not parting with my hard earned money. And pardon my side rant here...but people need to get OVER this already. Drums are NOT a quiet instrument people. They were not designed from the get go to be quiet. They are a percussion instrument. You beat on them. Yes. I know. I can play dynamically. I've been playing for over 40 years and have played every kind of gig from the softest folk rock stuff to loud hard rock stuff. But by their very nature, drums are loud. There is only so soft a drum kit can be before you might as well just give it up and not have drums at all. As I see, there are three options. 1. Have real drums and deal with the volume. 2. Have e-drums and turn the drums down to where they don't drown out the Martin D28. 3. Play without drums.
drums are not by nature meant to be played loud. it's just significantly harder and requires more articulation and control when playing at extremely quiet volumes. Sabian's "never hold back" slogan for these cymbals is to appeal to people who just wanna bang the drums and be loud. also, I've never, ever, ever seen, nor would warrant someone playing electronic drums alongside an acoustic guitar.
I have a full set of these (14 hh, 17, 18 crash, 21 ride) and I use them at home and they are awesome. Just waiting for them to make some splashes and chinas
I love the FRX. I have a full set-up. 2x18", 2x20", and a 21". I've found that you have to use them, and only them together to get the full effect, though. They don't mix and match well with full volume cymbals. Also, I'm happy to hear some overtones in that snare, dude. I love me some overtones. Keep it real, dude. Always looking forward to new videos.
i think sabian is gonna make a pretty penny selling these to institutional buyers like schools, pit orchestras (plays, concerts, etc.), churches, etc. every MD for every institutional buyer is gonna put these at the top of their list. any pro players that are on stage and getting volume complaints from (1) other players, (2) house engineer, or (3) MD are gonna put these at the top of their list. if you gig every night in a stadium of 50,000 fans you don't need these. if you play with other musicians that sit 3 ft from your kit (aka, the string section), these will make the other musicians not hate you.
Roe Sham Boe you phrased that perfectly. I must agree with you. I’m already on that list. I just hope they offer a full line of these cymbals cause I could really benefit from them personally.
Yeah, it's easy to tell from the comments who are the actual drummers that play out with other musicians and deal with things like "stage volume", angry sound engineers, super loud wedges, complaining singers, etc. Then you see all the home hobbyists who never play out are like "I don't get these cymbals???"
I feel like, although it's considerably more quiet, it doesn't sound bad. but, being that the rest of the cymbals are loud it blends pretty easily in the mix of things. I agree that a full set would be nice to have.
I can see these being great for studio usage and live stuff but for overall tone they're really bright sounding and kinda annoying. So they definitely have their use and I know many recording engineers will fall in love with these. Great video.
It definitely sounds brighter, and I get why people are saying it's shrill. But I'm assuming it was treated in post the same way as the other cymbals. And given the purpose of the cymbal a better test may be hearing it in context through maybe just a room mic. Like you were saying, it needs to be heard in person. Probably not an ideal studio or recording crash. But a lower volume crash with "too much high end" in it's intended setting would probably sound good at a gig and sit appropriately in the mix acoustically.
I like it. I would love to see Sabian add a China to this line. A quieter China sounds like something that needs to be explored because they are sooo loud and it’s a type of cymbal most just wanna bash the hell out of, which only results in the loudest sound on your kit.
Tx for the demo. It made a great contrast for me. While I do prefer the HHX sound, the frx sound was great. Those would come in very handy for me at times. I recently acquired some low volume cymbals which are too quiet and I am afraid to hurt them ! Now they just need to produce the frx at half the price lol :)
How do you tune your snare to sound that good with less sustain?And I don't get why other people don't like your Apollo ride.And damn that frx is a lot quieter.
I will always love sabian. I do think that is was not the best comparison using a slightly bigger and a very much so darker cymbal was too much of a contrast and these are not meant for recording gigs but for small venues. I think the FRX idea is genius and will only get better with time. Sabian does make improvements overtime. I will always love your stuff david
love sabian! it's just an interesting sounding cymbal! I have an 18" 'freq' crash.....it's pretty low-key and quieter than I expected. my guitar player won't shut up about it.
I have a couple of thin Wuhan crashes and freezer or painters tape seem to reduce the volume. On Bonzoleom youtube channel he switched to quiter steel cymbals for a while even with the band.. Also tape on some parts of a cymbal produce different results.
The other day I went out and bought a pair of Danny Carey signature sticks and they are 2B and I've been playing on a 5A since I started playing I think you should do a video on DIY Danny care in signature sticks
Is it just me, or is your ride actually the quietest cymbal there? Also, I'm pretty sure a cymbal being loud might have just a *little* to do with the sticks you're using... but hey, I'm glad they're trying to make the kit a little quieter, maybe one day we won't need earplugs.
WoodEllve I agree! I think it sounds a bit odd because it's next to the other normal cymbals. But I'm almost sure a full set of these could be nice in some applications.
I like the video, because it shows the FRX in all its (lack of) glory. But I dislike the fact that so many good YT channels are seemingly becoming infomercial channels. Too bad, I really hope it's going to change. BTW: I like how you pair up the FRX with a Holy China, which is clearly not aimed at the "lower volume" market.
Nice shout out, even if I can't understand why to use this kind of cymbals... If you have a snare and play 'loud', use normal cymbals... If you play in a small room, play soft on normal cymbals and your snare and bass drum... cool video anyway :)
I agree totally with the critics that these frx cym are 2 much in between highs and mids...... but maybe it is because the basic material of the frx's are hhx's without holes...... and (for me), this is my main critics at sabian all over..... I wait for companies bringing out that kind of cyms which are more into real dark sounds......maybe meinl...?!
It just sounds like a cheap knock off. If you want to be quieter on the drums, just don't play as hard lol. I think we have already dealt with this problem a long time ago. Rdavidr rules! Keep making videos.
Honestly I feel like a crash is something that should sit on top of the mix and cut but when you started playing the ride every time you hit the 1 it got buried in the fucking mix. This thing is also like really bright. No mids or lows.
The FRX cymbals are quieter for sure. For me they sound bad. I'm not that big of a fan of Sabian in general, I like the HH and HHX lines some AA and thats it. The Holy China does rock though. They are not my cup of tea. The FRX have a weird frequency build up in the decay. For me they don't sound like quieter cymbals more like EFX cymbals. They would work well in a stack not on their own for me anyway. Still like the video and get exited to watch a new video from you. Keep at it man I love your content.
Am I the only one that gets excited seeing a new rdavidr video no matter what it is?
Thunder Gives Me Glee
His videos are always an immediate click when they show up in my feed. 👍
It's 1 am here I have no idea what I'm doing with my life. But rdavidr uploaded and now I have something to do!
prob not, but he bearly post vids now. :C
Jajajajajaja is true
Always always always
I'm always hyped for new rdavidr videos
By far the best demo video I have seen with the FRX Series.
It may be quieter, but it also sounds like shit
I think the series has potential. It definitely sounds better than ultra-quiet cymbals like Zildjian gen16s. I just want to hear what a larger cymbal would sound like.
oh fuck off no they dont
They sound very dead because of trimmed off high end and have an awful whistle to them.
+1
I disagree. If you hear them in context in other vidoes, they sound pretty good.
Hmmm... i would like a darker version, but it sounds pretty clean
I feel the FRX stacked with a splash will sound sweet
Defiantly think you’re on point when you question it being a “fad.” So much of drum gear now is gimmicky. Like, the low volume cymbals have a great place... but medium volume? What ever happened to playing quieter if you need to... ?I think it’s more important to develop the skill to play quietly than to use a crutch.
preach!
My point exactly.
These are total junk. And they're more expensive than regular cymbals too. Fuck this.
Not sure why it matters - build your kit for how you want to play; if these cymbals allow you to play hard in quieter environments, more power to anyone that wants to
There's absolutely NOT one "right way" to play
I came here for the FRX and left with the Apollo Ride!
I understand the concept.
& I'm not against the concept.
(If it works for you have at it)
But drummers on light gigs might try finding some old thin, or better yet, paper thin crashes. And play them softly.
Most of the cymbals we normally use are too loud, shrill, clangy for a light gig because they weren't made for a light gig.
They are medium or heavier.
Which may work great for us on our other gigs.
But a heavier cymbal doesn't open up unless you lay into it.
A good thin or paper thin crash will spread open with even a light touch. And will sound pretty normal at the same time.
My buddy had a 70's 16" A Zildjian paper thin crash that sounded absolutely gorgeous with even the lightest hit. But would, of course, disappear in a high volume gig.
So if you are in a pit band for your high school or community theatre etc. Or playing a coffee shop.
(And hate cajóns) pick up some good thin used pro level cymbals.
Leave the ZBTs & A custom rock crashes at home they not gonna work!
But for the love of god do not use those beautiful fragile pies on a hard rock or metal gig.
You will destroy them.
P.S. rdavidr videos seldom
(if ever) disappoint.
Nope. Sorry. I love Sabian crashes. I have my share of 'em. Nine to be exact. And my 16" and 18" AAX Dark are in my top ten favorite cymbals. But this one is a no go. When you start riding on it around 3:43 it sounds like you're hitting a piece of sheet metal covered with jingles. All piercing highs with no mids or lows.
MeTuLHeD that's because they cut out "...specific frequencies, resulting in the lower perception of volume. Remove these specific frequencies, and suddenly your cymbals sit perfectly in the mix, no matter how hard you play." (Quoted directly from their website.) With that in mind, I believe that they had to cut out the low-pitch growl or wash that caused cymbals to be percieved as loud, and that was the sacrifice made to have a quieter cymbal. With the low frequencies, it would have more "punch" in the mix and would be more apparent. That's what I think
these cymbals aren't supposed to be amazing sounding, they're like a very expensive option for people who can't play dynamically or don't know how to eq overheads
Holmes, Spencer Jacob
: "these cymbals aren't supposed to be amazing sounding...a very expensive option"
And there you have it. Two phrases which do NOT belong together. LOL!
I'm not parting with my hard earned money.
And pardon my side rant here...but people need to get OVER this already. Drums are NOT a quiet instrument people. They were not designed from the get go to be quiet. They are a percussion instrument. You beat on them. Yes. I know. I can play dynamically. I've been playing for over 40 years and have played every kind of gig from the softest folk rock stuff to loud hard rock stuff. But by their very nature, drums are loud. There is only so soft a drum kit can be before you might as well just give it up and not have drums at all. As I see, there are three options.
1. Have real drums and deal with the volume.
2. Have e-drums and turn the drums down to where they don't drown out the Martin D28.
3. Play without drums.
drums are not by nature meant to be played loud. it's just significantly harder and requires more articulation and control when playing at extremely quiet volumes. Sabian's "never hold back" slogan for these cymbals is to appeal to people who just wanna bang the drums and be loud. also, I've never, ever, ever seen, nor would warrant someone playing electronic drums alongside an acoustic guitar.
MeTuLHeD or just play the cajon
I have a full set of these (14 hh, 17, 18 crash, 21 ride) and I use them at home and they are awesome. Just waiting for them to make some splashes and chinas
I love the FRX. I have a full set-up. 2x18", 2x20", and a 21". I've found that you have to use them, and only them together to get the full effect, though. They don't mix and match well with full volume cymbals. Also, I'm happy to hear some overtones in that snare, dude. I love me some overtones.
Keep it real, dude. Always looking forward to new videos.
Sounds like a watery 128kbs mp3 crash. Cool grooves man!
i think sabian is gonna make a pretty penny selling these to institutional buyers like schools, pit orchestras (plays, concerts, etc.), churches, etc. every MD for every institutional buyer is gonna put these at the top of their list. any pro players that are on stage and getting volume complaints from (1) other players, (2) house engineer, or (3) MD are gonna put these at the top of their list. if you gig every night in a stadium of 50,000 fans you don't need these. if you play with other musicians that sit 3 ft from your kit (aka, the string section), these will make the other musicians not hate you.
and thats exactly who these are marketed to
Roe Sham Boe you phrased that perfectly. I must agree with you. I’m already on that list. I just hope they offer a full line of these cymbals cause I could really benefit from them personally.
Yeah, it's easy to tell from the comments who are the actual drummers that play out with other musicians and deal with things like "stage volume", angry sound engineers, super loud wedges, complaining singers, etc. Then you see all the home hobbyists who never play out are like "I don't get these cymbals???"
Exactly... these are a new product for a specific market usage. Most of the commentators here aren't grasping this concept very well.
I feel like, although it's considerably more quiet, it doesn't sound bad. but, being that the rest of the cymbals are loud it blends pretty easily in the mix of things. I agree that a full set would be nice to have.
I can see these being great for studio usage and live stuff but for overall tone they're really bright sounding and kinda annoying. So they definitely have their use and I know many recording engineers will fall in love with these. Great video.
Damn that ride sounds goooooodd!
I really do not like the sound...at all.
It sounds like its a 20 euro, 16" Splash or something :/
Excellent demonstration. The sound difference is amazing.
What a difference in sound. Cool!
I appreciate that intro, don't let UA-cam know you're not being fake.
I like the 3 - 8 - 3 - 8 hole pattern, it looks cool.
agreed!
Im a simple man. I see a new rdavidr video up, I click
man your snare sounds awesome in this vid, keep em coming
Your so good at playing drums. Keep up the good work!
soundguys are gonna love those!
It definitely sounds brighter, and I get why people are saying it's shrill. But I'm assuming it was treated in post the same way as the other cymbals. And given the purpose of the cymbal a better test may be hearing it in context through maybe just a room mic. Like you were saying, it needs to be heard in person. Probably not an ideal studio or recording crash. But a lower volume crash with "too much high end" in it's intended setting would probably sound good at a gig and sit appropriately in the mix acoustically.
I like it. I would love to see Sabian add a China to this line. A quieter China sounds like something that needs to be explored because they are sooo loud and it’s a type of cymbal most just wanna bash the hell out of, which only results in the loudest sound on your kit.
Love that beat man! Groove tasty.. Like that cymbal as well.. Thanks for showing us the goods!
Tx for the demo. It made a great contrast for me. While I do prefer the HHX sound, the frx sound was great. Those would come in very handy for me at times. I recently acquired some low volume cymbals which are too quiet and I am afraid to hurt them ! Now they just need to produce the frx at half the price lol :)
Do you think where the holes are would impact frequency? For example farther out on the cymbal would effect low while closer in would effect high end?
Nic Rawbuns yep they intentionally placed these holes to reduce the low frequencys
FINNALY A NEW VID!!!!!!
I know this not about the video but I love the China about how much is one of them
How do you tune your snare to sound that good with less sustain?And I don't get why other people don't like your Apollo ride.And damn that frx is a lot quieter.
Y E S. N E W V I D E O
s a m e
Love that snare
I will always love sabian. I do think that is was not the best comparison using a slightly bigger and a very much so darker cymbal was too much of a contrast and these are not meant for recording gigs but for small venues. I think the FRX idea is genius and will only get better with time. Sabian does make improvements overtime. I will always love your stuff david
rdavidr, do you think you could build a cocktail drumkit and make it a diy video?
love sabian! it's just an interesting sounding cymbal! I have an 18" 'freq' crash.....it's pretty low-key and quieter than I expected. my guitar player won't shut up about it.
I have a couple of thin Wuhan crashes and freezer or painters tape seem to reduce the volume. On Bonzoleom youtube channel he switched to quiter steel cymbals for a while even with the band.. Also tape on some parts of a cymbal produce different results.
Its a pretty cool concept, nice groove btw lol
Is there a garden hose reverb in the background?
Good idear & concept. Sound good. A little bright for me. Would like to hear in person & a bigger size for lower pitch.
Yo put some rivets in dem holes lmao
EDIT: is it just me or is there some sort of strong resonance on the cymbal?
That china is a beauty, sounds amazing!
I like what I heard. It has, IMHO, a nice quicker decay.
I'm kinda running out of videos of yours but I can watch them again as they are GREAT (my favorits the 'hack' videos)☺
Grammar error
Are you planning on getting some endorsments? I think it could help you save some money...
I like the snare drum sound.
where can i get one of those sick rdavidr shirts?
Hi David I was wondering how to get people to buy my drumset?
ask them? idk haha
The other day I went out and bought a pair of Danny Carey signature sticks and they are 2B and I've been playing on a 5A since I started playing I think you should do a video on DIY Danny care in signature sticks
Is it just me, or is your ride actually the quietest cymbal there? Also, I'm pretty sure a cymbal being loud might have just a *little* to do with the sticks you're using... but hey, I'm glad they're trying to make the kit a little quieter, maybe one day we won't need earplugs.
Frx sounds sooooooo sick
Has a tambourine sound to it, sounds good tho. Love the evolution crash!
Can you make a video on a D.I.Y remote hi hat stand?
how come you never play zildjian cymbals or paiste cymbals
I have the feeling that the FRX have a little delay on response... even so, that’s a great sound.
Nice I'd like To hear a whole set as well. Would be perfect for a lot of places my band tries to squeeze into lol.
WoodEllve I agree! I think it sounds a bit odd because it's next to the other normal cymbals. But I'm almost sure a full set of these could be nice in some applications.
When are we going to able to buy that shirt you're wearing
sounds very good
hey bro can I ask a favor?please ineed a drum stick like a Vic firth or any stick you can give me one only please
I like the video, because it shows the FRX in all its (lack of) glory. But I dislike the fact that so many good YT channels are seemingly becoming infomercial channels. Too bad, I really hope it's going to change.
BTW: I like how you pair up the FRX with a Holy China, which is clearly not aimed at the "lower volume" market.
Throw them shirts on the merch site
That snare sound though.
What is the time signature in that drum beat?
IndieTimber Studio I think it's in 6/8
3/4 for the most part. The ends of each phrase (essentially all the fills) are in 4/4 though.
I just re-watched this video, after your comment, and I would say that it's in 13/4 (3+3+3+4).
More quiet, yes absolutely.
Good review...But I don’t understand why drummers can’t just hit the cymbals softer or use thinner cymbals.
Where do you get that music from???
freddy cruger 158 he makes it
It’s on his soundcloud
Big Pooter thx
As much as I hate show choirs these would be a good fit for them
F R X = frequency reduced cymbals
Why not xymbals? Where tf does the C come from?
How much was it ?
the room gets darker for the frx, coincidence?
you should make a video playing some drum cover
This might sound weird, but it's like there is an undertone that sounds like a bell
0:00 that storage/shelf thing looks crate!
Beautiful cymbals! plus you strain your spaghetti on noodle night!...
I have to agree with MeTulHed. Lots of high frequencies. Has to be better in person.
thats a good sounding crash at whatever volume.
it sounds a bit like my AA thin
Nice shout out, even if I can't understand why to use this kind of cymbals... If you have a snare and play 'loud', use normal cymbals... If you play in a small room, play soft on normal cymbals and your snare and bass drum... cool video anyway :)
I agree totally with the critics that these frx cym are 2 much in between highs and mids...... but maybe it is because the basic material of the frx's are hhx's without holes...... and (for me), this is my main critics at sabian all over..... I wait for companies bringing out that kind of cyms which are more into real dark sounds......maybe meinl...?!
Andreas Breitwieser These are pretty dark in person. The FRX hats were just a little brighter than my extra dry byzance hats.
I need your Merch! LET ME REP YOU!
It just sounds like a cheap knock off. If you want to be quieter on the drums, just don't play as hard lol. I think we have already dealt with this problem a long time ago. Rdavidr rules! Keep making videos.
Only thing missing from the test/comparison was a swell.
The crash is quiet but your wispers are very loud
lol
You fuckn rock dude!!
rock and roll!
Kind of sounds like some meinl hcs cymbals i have
You are so impressive
lit
Honestly I feel like a crash is something that should sit on top of the mix and cut but when you started playing the ride every time you hit the 1 it got buried in the fucking mix. This thing is also like really bright. No mids or lows.
To me it sounds like a big bag full of nails and broken glass. Very shrill.
Certainly quieter tho!
Just what I was about to say
This. To me it sounds like something between a box of jewels and a cheap splash.
It sounds like a UFO spinning right next to me - metallic squealing and scraping. What a complete fail. Sabian what are you doing?!
The FRX cymbals are quieter for sure. For me they sound bad. I'm not that big of a fan of Sabian in general, I like the HH and HHX lines some AA and thats it. The Holy China does rock though. They are not my cup of tea. The FRX have a weird frequency build up in the decay. For me they don't sound like quieter cymbals more like EFX cymbals. They would work well in a stack not on their own for me anyway. Still like the video and get exited to watch a new video from you. Keep at it man I love your content.
Sounds really muddy, i would probably just use an edrum kit if you're just trying to play quiet, That's just my opinion.
damn that snare sounds great tho, not so sure about the crash, especially when you're riding on it
So I don't have to HOLE-d back do I?
I need those....
hhx what a power
Ever played Murat Diril cymbals?
I have not, never heard of them actually
I personally wonder how many times he can say "person" in person