20805XA vs 20805XAB — Compare
Sabian 8" AAX Air Splash vs Sabian 8" AAX Air Splash Brilliant Finish
Both are 8" AAX Air Splashes with identical construction (B20 bronze, extra-thin, six holes, AAX hammering and lathing), but the Brilliant Finish model has a polished surface that enhances high frequencies for brighter, more explosive tone, while the standard raw-bell version delivers a slightly darker, more natural articulate voice. Choose the Brilliant Finish for rock, metal, and high-cut live settings; choose the standard for general studio work and balanced tonal palette.
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Specs side by side
| Sabian 8" AAX Air Splash | Sabian 8" AAX Air Splash Brilliant Finish | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $184.29 | $184.29 |
| Brand | Sabian | Sabian |
| Cymbal Type | Splash | Splash |
| Cymbal Size | 8" | 8" |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose Sabian 8" AAX Air Splash
- ✓ Raw bell finish offers natural, warm articulation without artificial brightness boost
- ✓ Slightly more versatile across multiple genres and recording contexts
- ✓ Subtle, cutting accent without aggressive edge
Why choose Sabian 8" AAX Air Splash Brilliant Finish
- ✓ Brilliant finish maximizes projection and cut-through in loud live and rock/metal contexts
- ✓ Punchy, explosive response with wider dynamic range
- ✓ Enhanced high frequencies bite through dense arrangements more aggressively
Frequently asked questions
What's the only real difference between these two splashes?
The finish. The Brilliant Finish version has a polished surface that enhances high frequencies for brighter, more explosive tone across all dynamics. The standard model uses a raw bell finish for a more natural, slightly darker articulate character. All other specs—size, weight class, bronze alloy, holes, hammering—are identical.
Which one cuts better in a loud rock or metal band mix?
The Brilliant Finish is specifically designed for this. Its polished surface and AAX Modern Bright character produce a more explosive, biting attack with wider dynamic range that projects through dense arrangements more aggressively than the raw-bell version.
Can both handle studio recording equally well?
Both excel in the studio, but they serve different goals. The raw-bell standard splash offers cleaner, more neutral articulation that blends easily into mixed genres. The Brilliant Finish imprints a brighter, punchier character that suits aggressive styles but may dominate gentler material.
Is the Brilliant Finish better for jazz or traditional styles?
No. The product descriptions note the Brilliant Finish is not ideal for jazz and traditional/classic music. Its explosive, high-frequency emphasis works better in rock and metal. The standard raw-bell splash is more suitable for jazz contexts requiring subtlety.