Sabian - 20905XMPV2 Maxx splash 9 AAX V2

When the Sabian 9" MAXX Splash V2 expresses itself, it imposes a frank attack, without the dryness of an overly muffled sound. The choice of B20 bronze, combined with a reworked design in collaboration with Mike Portnoy, allows for a clear response that does not simply exist in the background. The enlargement of the bell and the redefinition of the profile provide effective projection, allowing each hit to flourish with marked clarity. Despite this power, it avoids the pitfall of an invasive tone, thus preserving a flexibility that blends equally well into syncopated grooves as into more intense bursts. This duality makes it perfectly suited to drummers looking for a splash capable of articulating precise accents while remaining usable in varied contexts.

While one might expect a cymbal to systematically impose its presence, the 9" MAXX Splash V2 plays on a subtle balance between power and restraint. Its raw finish on the bow slightly darkens the timbre, avoiding an excess of brilliance that could prove intrusive in certain arrangements. The bright bell, meanwhile, promotes an immediate brilliance, offering clear and distinct impacts. This combination contributes to a nuanced expressiveness, where each stroke can be sculpted according to the intensity and angle of attack. During sections requiring incisive accents or rapid sound explosions, it guarantees optimal readability without ever weighing down the overall mix. As a signature element, the 9" MAXX Splash V2 carries within it the legacy of Mike Portnoy's collaborations, building bold sounds for bands such as Dream Theater, Flying Colors and Transatlantic. This cymbal reflects this constant quest for a piercing percussive articulation, which cuts through dense arrangements without being abrasive. Its assertive projection and controlled brilliance allow it to occupy the sonic space without harming the overall coherence of the set. While other splashes are content to add a fleeting color, this one imposes itself as a marked sonic signature, capable of infusing energy and relief into a rhythmic playing.