Not so long ago, we locked ourselves away at Perlazza Studio (based in Poznań, Poland), where, among other things, we tested two cymbal sets from the Impression Cymbals company. We performed the test under the sonic supervision of musician, award-winning producer, studio owner and, most of all, a drum maniac, Przemysław Wejmann. To be more exact, it was drummer Max Psuja, who tested all the gear while the beatit.tv team recorded the video and the sound engineer/producer took care of the sonic side of things. The first set we tried out for you was the Traditional series (HERE). Now, it is time to check out a few Impression Dark cymbals.
Max Psuja, as an utter drum freak, a former employee of a drum shop, and a great drummer, who has collaborated with a host of popular acts in Poland, such as Kumka Olik, Holak, Lilly Hates Roses or Yoachim, was perfect for the role of ’lab tester’. Needless to say, he was more than eager to do the job.
We are testing an Impression Dark Series cymbal set
1. The test
As already mentioned, the test was performed at Perlazza Studio in Poznań, Poland. When testing the cymbals, we also used a Tama Artstar II kit, a 14″ x 8″ Tama Superstar Mastercraft snare, and Aquarian heads (Response 2 Coated on the toms, Texture Coated on the snare and Super Kick I Coated on the bass drum).
Max first presented the sound of each of the cymbals produced by single strokes at different levels of dynamics. Then, he performed some rudiments on the cymbals to finish off with a rhythm figure using all the kit elements as well as playing a groove.
2. Basic specification of the cymbal set tested here:
- Company: Impression Cymbals
- Series: Dark
- Cymbal set elements: 15″ hi hat, 18″ crash, 19″ crash, 22″ ride, 24″ ride, 21″ flat ride
- Material: Hand hammered B20 bronze
- Finish: Unlathed top and bottom
- Character: Dark, raw, moderately loud, short sustain
- Weight: Thin
3. The sound
It is clear that Impression Cymbals are out to ride the crest of the most recent fashion for dark-sounding and raw-looking cymbals with this series. They surely sound the way the name suggests, i. e. dark, raw, but juicy (they are not as dry as one might think), great stick definition, responsive, quite explosive, and energetic (although it is not a term frequently used in music instrument description, we consider it the most apt here).
The hi hat produces a nice-sounding chick, both when hit with a stick and played with a pedal. When open, it gives a broad, dark, not yet crash sound, which does not irritate the ear in any way. One could easily say that the 22″ and 24″ rides are ideal for jazz, but it just wouldn’t be the whole truth as they will deliver in numerous styles. We use this comparison simply to capture its character, which obviously is dark, not excessively sandy, with a lot of wash and moderately loud bells. Despite their sizes, they are easily crashable. The 19″ crash is explosive and sensitive, when hit in the body, it behaves like a small ride. The 21″ flat ride produces beautiful, warm and dark wash, as well as non-abrasive, yet audible stick definition. The 18″ crash responds very nicely to hard hits, is appropriately explosive and warm thanks to the highest frequencies having been eliminated.
Overall, we must say that Impression Cymbals have got off the tiger’s back, not only as far as our test is concerned, but also in confrontation with the present market trend for dark and earthy cymbals by offering a dark but not dry sound with a lot of warmth and not too sandy-sounding.
4. Summary
We think we should let Max Psuja himself sum up the whole experience: “The Impression Dark series are cymbals that are definitely dark, slightly dry, and with frequencies which are very pleasant to the ear. My attention was especially drawn by the 24″ ride, which produces beautiful, low wash, and displays perfect proportions between wash and control. A very musical cymbal family.”
Producer: https://www.impressioncymbals.com
Distributor in Poland: http://talerzeperkusyjne.pl
OUR VERDICT: 5/5 TOP
Advantages:
- Very well crafted
- Dark, raw sound, not overly dry or sandy
- Great stick definition
- Elegant look
Disadvantages:
- None
Drummers and Drummerettes! It’s time to put the Impression Dark Series cymbals to the most important test of all, i. e. the en.beatit.tv viewers’ test! Exclusively for you, we give you Max Psuja!
Special thanks to the MW-Vintage company for making the drum kit and snare available for this test.
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