Trying Out the New Sabian HHX Redlight ＆ AA Spotlight Crash Cymbal!

Hello! This is Ichikura here, and I’m in charge of cymbals.

This time, I had the chance to try out SABIAN’s new releases, the HHX Redlight Crash and AA Spotlight Crash that’s scheduled for release within 2025, a little ahead of time!
When it comes to SABIAN, it’s a top brand loved by many professionals. Being able to actually play and review their latest models has me absolutely thrilled since I’m in charge.
What’s more, this time it’s two series with completely different characteristics and directions. I carefully played each one to really get a good sense of their individual characteristics!

Here is the AA Spotlight Crash.

And here is the HHX Redlight Crash.

HHX Redlight Crash

~A refined dark tone that blends into the studio~

True to its catchphrase, “a refined dark tone that blends into the studio,” from the moment I struck it, I could clearly feel the deep, calm dark character typical of HHX.
The attack doesn’t jump out with a bang; rather, it gently blends into the space, with a natural rise that’s very comfortable to the ear.

It’s not the type to show off dramatically; the attack has a roundness and is very smooth. Even a light touch produces a responsive, honest sound, making it extremely easy to handle. Playing it makes me smile a little—it’s just that satisfying.

The sound spreads warmly, with a faintly smoky atmosphere. Even with a wet-sounding sustain, there’s no muddiness, so it’s unlikely to clash with other instruments in a recording environment. I think it’s the type of cymbal that smoothly blends beautifully within an ensemble.

Personally, I really like how it spreads in a calm way—it responds honestly to how hard or lightly you strike it, giving you a reassuring sense of control. Because it doesn’t over-assert itself, it naturally maintains just the right presence in an ensemble, which I think is one of this model’s best traits.
Even when paired with other cymbals or instruments, it doesn’t stick out, creating overall cohesion. I felt it’s easy to handle in situations requiring delicate balance, like jazz or pop, and also in acoustic settings. It responds faithfully to the player’s touch, leaving the impression of a cymbal that truly aligns with the performer’s sensibility.

AA Spotlight Crash

~A sharp presence that shines on stage~

Next, I tried out the AA Spotlight Crash.
I wanted to compare it with the AA Rock Crash from the same series.

As the name suggests, the AA Spotlight Crash is a model designed with the concept of “a sharp presence that shines on stage.”

The first thing that surprised me was how well the sound reflects differences in playing. A light touch produces a soft, gentle rise, while a firm strike spreads the overtones broadly, while resonating powerfully. It responds beautifully from weak touches to strong strokes, making it easy to add nuance according to the music and giving a sense of confidence for live performance. There’s a satisfying feeling that makes you want to play even more!
The attack is softer and more controllable than the AA Rock Crash, giving the impression that it can adapt to your playing style more easily.
In terms of genre, I think it’s highly versatile—it’s great not only for pop and rock in general, but also acoustic, city pop, R&B, and many other music scenes!

The brightness of the sound is more vivid than the AA Rock Crash, with a sparkling sheen, yet it doesn’t over-assert itself and blends smoothly with the band overall.
What left the strongest impression on me was the beauty of the sustain. The overtones expand softly with a wet, clean tone, naturally blending without piercing the ear—it felt very comfortable.
The balance between presence and blendability is truly exquisite, as it produces a sound that makes you want to say, “Good!”

Summary

After trying themboth, I strongly felt that the HHX Redlight Crash offers “great control and blendability in the studio or recording environment,” while the AA Spotlight Crash provides ease of expression and clarity for live performance—each cymbal has its own unique appeal.
Both have distinct personalities, and by using them according to the situation, I think they can greatly expand the range of your playing.

Honestly, I found myself wanting both… this is definitely a “must-buy”!

Both series are available in 18", 19", 20", and 22" sizes.
We’ll announce when they arrive, so be sure to check them out!