Opinions on best cymbals for recording.

[Doug Paluch]

I am considering purchasing two new crashes specifically for recording my kit. I feel that a warm fast decaying crash would fit the bill (16-17" HH sabian, K or a custom zildjian, or maybe Paiste Signture). In your infinite wisdom (duc), do you agree? I currently have aa sabians (thicker sized 17-18"), and they seem a little brash.
Thanks in advace.

[Swaphappy]

Well you could save some money by duct taping some
foam on it. [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

[MikeD]

Paiste Signature's sound very good IMHO. I have to say, of the cymbals I have recorded, they have been my favorite, and I have recorded all of the ones you mentioned. Their clarity really cuts through. I really like the Paiste Signature Dry Ride. Cuts through perfectly without being harsh at all.

[Sabe]

MikeD is right on the money about the Paiste cymbals, excellent choice. I use a pair of those myself and really enjoy the way they sit in a mix.

Also, you may look for an older (mid 70's, nice and aged by now) Zildjian 16" medium crash, or a Zildjian 16" thin crash. Both will give you a fast decay with the "medium" being warm and the "thin" being warm with a little edge to cut thru a tight mix.

Try and find a cymbal tree at a local drum shop and tap around.

Your overhead micing distance will greatly affect the cymbal decay and warmth also, as well as compression/limiting and a gate. I prefer my overheads to be wide open w/no comp/limit/gate, however that doesn't fit all styles of music.

Best of luck Doug Paluch [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

[Bloux]

Start Here

then click on cymbals at the top of the page...
then in the middle of page go to series....
click on "A" Customs.....
go to crashes....
You now can listen to each one!

I have always loved the sound/recording of the A custom fast crash 16" and 18" and the 16" projection crash. they record awesome.

sorry for the steps above, I couldnt get it to link right to the page I wanted.

good luck

[Jopry]

I like the sounds we get out of the Custom A Zildjian's, but I imagine that its really going to be dertermined by the mixture of the cymbals with the sound of the drums. any local music store around you willing to let you try out a few different cymbals with your own kit?