SABIAN 9" AAX MAXX SPLASH V2
Description
SABIAN 9" AAX MAXX SPLASH V2
This 9" AAX MAXX SPLASH V2 delivers a soft yet cutting response with a medium weight that balances control and projection. Designed in collaboration with Mike Portnoy to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the original Max Splashes, this cymbal features a redesigned large raw bell and updated profile that enhance volume and cut without introducing a dominant fundamental pitch.
Sound & Timbre
The bright-mid timbre combined with the absence of a strong fundamental pitch makes this splash exceptionally versatile for cutting through dense live mixes. The soft volume classification and medium feel deliver articulate attacks across your dynamic range without overshadowing other cymbals in the kit—perfect for accents that land clean on stage.
Design & Construction
Built from B20 bronze, the cymbal incorporates a large, raw bell with new shape that produces enhanced projection compared to earlier Max Splash iterations. At 204g, the medium weight sits in the sweet spot between responsiveness and enough mass to project in live venues without fatigue from repeated hits.
Key Features
- 9" diameter
- B20 bronze alloy
- Medium weight (204g actual)
- Soft volume classification
- Bright-Mid timbre
- Large, raw bell with new shape
- No strong fundamental pitch
- Designed with Mike Portnoy
- 25th anniversary Max Splash redesign
- Model Reference: 20905XMPV2
- Medium feel
- Enhanced volume and projection
This AAX MAXX SPLASH V2 combines articulate definition with stage-ready projection, making it a reliable choice for drummers seeking a splash that cuts through the mix without overpowering the rest of the kit.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Cymbal Size | 9" |
| Cymbal Type | Splash |
Reviews
At a Glance
The SABIAN 9" AAX MAXX SPLASH V2 is a bright-mid splash cymbal with a soft volume and medium weight that delivers cutting articulation without overwhelming your kit—designed by Mike Portnoy and built from B20 bronze with a redesigned raw bell for enhanced projection. Its lack of a strong fundamental pitch makes it sit cleanly in dense mixes, whether you're tracking in the studio or performing live rock, metal, or progressive music. Choose it for a splash that responds to dynamic touch work while maintaining definition across your cymbal stack.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Rock
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Progressive
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Live Performance
Not the best pick for
- – Traditional Jazz
- – Folk
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the AAX MAXX SPLASH V2 different from the original Max Splash?
This redesigned V2 features a new large raw bell profile and updated shape that deliver enhanced volume and projection compared to earlier Max Splash iterations, while maintaining the same soft volume classification and bright-mid timbre.
Will this splash work for jazz or traditional cymbal setups?
No—this cymbal is designed specifically for rock, metal, progressive, and studio applications. Its bright-mid timbre and cutting articulation are not voiced for traditional jazz or folk playing styles.
How heavy is this cymbal, and will it respond to lighter playing?
At 204g (medium weight), it's responsive enough to articulate cleanly at lower dynamics while providing sufficient mass for projection at higher volumes, making it versatile across a wide dynamic range.
Does this splash have a dominant pitch I need to tune out?
No—one of its key design features is the absence of a strong fundamental pitch, which helps it sit cleanly in dense mix environments without introducing unwanted tonal coloration.
What material is this cymbal made from?
It is cast from B20 bronze alloy with a large, raw bell and new redesigned shape for enhanced projection.
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