Some time ago, we received yet another parcel from Zildjian. Inside, was a set of Zildjian FX Stacks cymbals, which we immediately took under our microscope. All the cymbals were tested at our own recording facility.
We’re testing Zildjian FX Stacks
1. Test
We tested each Zildjian FX Stack in our recording room. We played a few individual notes at different levels of dynamics, and then moved on to presenting the sound of each instrument in grooves, using a bass drum, a snare drum and a hi hat.
2. Basic product specification:
- Manufacturer: Zildjian
- Series: FX
- Model: Stack 8″, 10″, 12″, 14″, 16″
- Material (top): Same as Zildjian Low Volume cymbals
- Material (bottom): Rolled steel
- Finish: Traditional
- Weight: Thin
- Sound: Dark, raw
3. Product
Each stack consists of two cymbals. The upper one is made of a patent protected alloy. The same material is already known from the Zildjian Low Volume series, while the bottom cymbal is made of rolled steel. In isolation, the perforated cymbals sound do not sound too nice, but when you put them together into a stack or hi hat, it starts to get really interesting.
Zildjian 8″ FX Stack
The smallest cymbal in today’s test. It is fairly high in pitch and makes a lot of noise despite the small size. The sound of this cymbal mounted as hats using a dedicated assembly system called Cymbolt is much more to our liking.
Zildjian 10″ FX Stack
Another pair of cymbals we played was a 10 “stack. As in the case of the 8-inch brother, we liked the hat sound although the form of a stack sounds very good as well. It works great as a typical EFX accent cymbal.
Zildjian 12″ FX Stack
The 12-inch stack goes very well in different licks with the 8-inch version – they contrast each other very nicely as far as the sound is concerned. It is a great pair of cymbals that will work as an additional hi hat.
Zildjian 14″ FX Stack
Starting from this size, things started to get really interesting. When playing these cymbals for the first time, we got the impression that when tightened a bit too loosely, the pair sounds more like a garbage lid. When we slightly increased the pressure of the mount, it turned out to be a really great stack. It sounds insane both in isolation and in the mix, especially in the company of distorted guitars!
Zildjian 16″ FX Stack
This stack is simply AMAZING! Low in pitch, short in decay, sandy in character. It easily cut through the wall of sound produced at rehearsal, and they did not have to be hit very hard to achieve that. Very easy to control, even when we quite loosely tightened.
4. Summary
Zildjian FX Stacks will undoubtedly find devoted fans among drummers, not only those practicing progressive playing, but also those who like to experiment with sound. In separation, the cymbals may not seem the most beautiful, but they work well in the company of distorted guitars and powerful vocals. All the boys working at BeatIt used these cymbals during the rehearsals of their bands.
Another thing we have noticed is that the Zildjian FX cymbals record very well, or at least they did on our microphones. Check for yourselves in the video below.
Manufacturer: www.zildjian.com
OUR VERDICT 5/5
Advantages:
- Very well crafted
- Good value for money
In-between:
- Cymbolt Mounting System
Disadvantage:
- None
