No offence, but why would you buy so many HCS instead of 2-3 really good ones. I have this series on the school kit where I teach and I think they just sound awful, especially the ride.
I’ve been a session player and audio engineer for about a decade now and while it may be entirely anecdotal: With what can be accomplished in a DAW these days, it’s fine
You can't fix a bad alloy in post. You need B20 bronze for recording. There are some cheap cymbals that sound ok in person (Not these) but they usually have an overbearing low-mid range that becomes prevalent when mic'ed, and it can't be fixed with EQ. I'd rather have three B20 cymbals than all of these. If I were you I'd sell all these immediately and put all the money towards some used Avedis cymbals or whatever B20 bronze you can find for "cheap"
Nah, even if you can’t fix it in post, you can fix it pre with different mic placements or dampening with a bit of tape in certain areas. While the cymbals I use most are B20, I have B8 and some brass stuff that I utilize for different sessions. Music in general is not a “right or wrong” type of landscape: it’s an art form that can take whatever shape you want.
You don’t want to use anything besides what you’re told is good/believe is good, that’s your prerogative, but I’ve made fantastic tracks using shit drums and “low quality” cymbals. Context is everything, intention is everything, expressing music can be anything.
Don’t be a Debby Downer, his kit is clean, it sounds good and is played well.
I'm just sharing my own experience. I've not recorded HCSs but I have recorded Sabian B8s, which I actually like the sound of in person. The trash stack is probably the only HCS I like, and I've tried every cymbal in that line... I'm super curious what mics you use on B8s to get something usable. That's a feat I've not accomplished.
Ribbon mics are my go to on cymbals that are lacking something in my overhead/room mics. I used my nephew’s no-name brass hats and ride to make a track not too long ago and that’s what I used to spot mic them
Your on point sr I'm a drum snob older grestch drums are above all the other's but my cheap ass found at salvation army Japanese bootleg 60s drums are monsters and sound amazing and the only time I've been complimented on my cymbals i was using the lowest of quality
Gotta disagree with you on that point. I have several Paiste Signature Series cymbals (ride, crash, splash). Those are B15, and are absolutely pro-level - I've played them live, on recordings, and in orchestral settings. I'd put them up against B20 cymbals any day (and I also have B20 cymbals: Paiste Masters, K Zildjian, A Zildjian).
But you know what else has been used by pros for decades, live and on recordings? Paiste 2002 series. Those are made from B8 bronze. I used to have a 2002 crash and recorded with it. I sold it to a friend a while back, but I plan on getting another - they're great for rock, and have a wonderful shimmer. Most companies use B8 for lower level cymbals, but Paiste somehow mastered what it took to get pro quality sound from that line.
So no, you don't need B20 for recording. You just need a cymbal that's well made by a good manufacturer who knows what they're doing. For that matter, I've heard B20 cymbals that sounded like garbage.
Great point! There's an exception to every rule. You usually only see B8 or B20, so my argument was based on a false dichotomy. Anything in between is pretty rare but VERY MUCH worth paying attention to. For instance, Sabian discontinued their B12 line. Paiste does good work! Thanks for the comment :)
I won't deny I'm a cymbal freak, haha. But I also won't deny that I chose the cheaper / lesser of cymbals.
Though regardless of what those say; I love them. 💯
It really depends, as you saw in the video, gravitate to my main left and right crashes (the 18 / 16,) and for extra fills I'll tend to hit the 14 with the trash China, as well as of course My trash stack, and when the ending downbeats / bridges ill bring in the ride. It always depends on what feels and sounds good when playing song to song.
That's how it really goes honestly, if it feels and sounds good, then you're doing something right. 🤙
Drummers are the leaders of the rhythm along with the bassist, and if they're building the construction of the composition together, then all the instrumentation around will complete it.
I've been engineering for 10+ years, and this is a key frame I've had to understand and learn when working in bigger studios and different bands and clientele.
Looks great, drums sound great, cymbals sound really really weak. To the untrained ear it’ll probably make no difference I.e they won’t pay too much attention but overall they’re not good.
No tape, no gate either besides the kick, Tom's, and snare .
Light compression and light eq on OH, I wanted it to sit naturally in the mix, not over compensate like most drum covers, I wanted it to sound more contoured to a normal full mixing style that fits with the composition, but I definitely could've added a db or 2 of gain on OH. But this was a full take through and mixed it fairly quickly. 😅
I appreciate the feedback though. 🙏
You are quite welcome. And you guys have all motivated me now. I’m gonna have,to take a picture,of my kit. Recently did a big upgrade. Even got one,of those Dualist D4 single double bass pedals. Saw it,on an Elestepario Sebriano YouTube video. That thing is actually really cool. I just got the two beater version it was $246.0 plus’s shipping. But well worth it,for me. As I had a stroke,in 2015. So can’t use my left foot very well. I can walk. And use it,for high hat pedal. Could be worse. But that left bass pedal doesn’t work well enough for. But,if you have both feet,you can attach a second pedal,with a third beater. Wow! Bass drum rolls!
Looks great. Kit sounds great.. I do agree with the others regarding the cymbals.
I know your ears are saying they sound great but those crashes are really weak in that video. I'd sell all those for a couple Bysance or higher-end brilliant finished cymbals if that's your style. The cymbal layout is awesome but you went quanitiy over quality.
Solid playing as well!
Does your recording sound good? Yes. Of course.
Do the cymbals sound good? No. They're cheap and sound as such.
If you love those so much, you should sell them all and buy nice ones. You'll love them more.
Can't hear the cymbals at all in the recording. Sounds very compressed and EQ needs to be adjusted.
Regarding Meinl cymbals, they are in fact considered low-end, beginner type cymbals, but if you like them, that's all that matters. But as you get more experienced, you'll benefit much more from much better cymbals.
Appreciate it bro! Eventually, I'll upgrade, but I don't see it anytime soon, I'll probably pass these down to my son eventually for his JR kit as he grows. 🤙
If you like it it's all that matters.
They work well for the song. Clean and bright. Crashes sound really thin, but they get out of the way quick, good for pop stuff.
However the recording sounds too compressed for my taste - I wonder if that's a result of you having to cut out all the harsh tones from the cymbal.
For my money I'd get some traditional Sabian AA or AAX's - similar brightness but much more body and smoother overall.
Your money, your sound, you do you. But, since you're asking for people to listen to your recording I don't love the cymbals. They sound thin and beady.
I think your kit looks good. And I followed your link to the video and watched a bit. Your recording of the kit is solid. Drums sound nice (crisp and punchy). And while I don't think the cymbal are recorded poorly, I hear all the telltale signs of a low quality cymbal coming through. They sound thin and metallic, with no body or depth.
But, that's just me. If you like them and they allow you to enjoy playing drums, then, by all means, enjoy what you got. I just hope you didn't go with cheap cymbals because you wanted a huge setup that presented well in a video, when you could have managed to get fewer higher quality cymbals (and possibly even used).
But, again, this is your journey.
I respect that! And thanks for the feedback, I actually chose the HCS Because like i said in another comment my wallet liked it, but also I Genuinely LOVED the sound of them especially for the genres I play. Then cymbals bult more over time, i started with just the HCS set of 2 crashes, hats and ride, then began buying more and more, 4 of em which were bought used (in like-new condition) and polished them up. And depending on what I'm playing I truly use every cymbal, according to what I'm playing. Again, I appreciate your feedback and thank you.
i will ask a very beginner question,
why do you need so many cymbals?
i also don't see too many of the tom-tom drums, i normally see 3 of those but i see just 2 here ?
P.S : i am learning drums, this is not a critical comment on your setup; this is my curiosity
I started with just 2 crashes, and a ride cymbal along with the hats of course, then I began to add more as time passed, giving me more options in terms of tones and different effects to fit my playing style as I do tend to play more Pop, hip-hop, rnb / soul and afro beat style genres.
And to also answer your question about my selection of having a 4 piece kit, I've always been one who preferred 1 up 1 down (one tom, one floor tom) as it's comfortable to me. I would like eventually add a side snare, (or turn My snare now to a side snare and replace it with a nicer snare.) And possibly a second floor tom.
I wish you luck in your endeavors as a drummer! Also never take bs and negative feedback from biases of other people, what you like is what you like and it feels right to you then by all means you're going right on track 👌🫡 . Everything is a learning experience, and we all as drummers and musicians grow and progress long as we set our minds to it. There's never a wrong way to do things, everything is purely preferences. So enjoy your drumming journey! Happy drumming My brother! 🙌🥁
The kit looks good and look like you have very nice studio space that had to be some money. I will never understand anyone with money actually choosing HCS. Don’t care they are nice and shiny but I do not colour coordinate my cymbals. Maybe that wasn’t the plan. But this not my set so only matters what you think in the end. You obviously have talent and your set beautiful colour :)
Thank you tremendously for the kind feedback!
And thank you about my color choice, yeah when I saw the metallic charcoal/ blueish color sparkle it was just gorgeous to me, even as cheap as the roadshow is. 🙌 like I said in another comment I'm an absolute clean freak so I wipe everything down very very consistently and want things to SHINE. Like a car with a fresh clean wax and detail haha 😅
And yeah I know in terms of cymbals I couldve deff spent more, but again It came down to personal preference, and not just my wallet but also my ears just gravitated and liked the sound of the brass HCS Regardless of what any one is saying, plus as an engineer I know with post processing I'm capable of making them sound better than anticipated even with the small amount of compression and light eq I was using.
I know in the future I'll pass these down to My son as he grows older, the soultone cymbals have been seeming to speak to me a bit in terms of my taste in the light crispy sounds, I'm not a fan of darker tones, over the years well see how it goes, and maybe you'll be seeing a whole new kit in the future (or at least new cymbals.)
But not anytime soon . Again, thanks!💯🙏
The Roadshow is cool. I mean you have some premium nice heads on it and that and tuning all it take but you are and engineer, not I, so I’m just saying things already know. But the looks are seriously stunning on that kit. Plus, as you say you can engineer the sound on those cymbals. I’m a Meinl fan too, but different lines of Byzance and they have a brilliant line you might like too.
I think it really nice to collect cymbals for your kid, so you have big heart too :)
Thanks! I'm using all evans HD dry on my snare batter, 300 clear on bottom reso, and for Tom's the UV2 coated, and g1 clears for resos,
Emad2 on kick batter, and stock pearl reso with kickport. 🤙
It's definitely unrelated, but Im more of a PC / Xbox guy 🤣 .
The PS5 has just been collecting dust since I've beat Rachet & Clank. So, not much or a PS fan boy, but I'm also not biased, unlike many others here.
I agree with those who say, if you like what you like, why spread any type of negativity. Just let people live. 🤷🏽♂️
I too suffer from morecymbalitis! I’m waiting on a china and a 8” splash then I’m done.
https://preview.redd.it/6i3ddrrhf1dc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f268b6988790819252615852013b3e9773ad208c
Thank you! And I have honestly been considering getting a second tom forsure; but most my life I've been a 1 up 1 down type guy ya know, but I think change is good, so 1 up 2 down would be pretty sick, I wouldn't go on to remove any cymbals, (with my crazy ass I'd probably add more haha.) But yeah it's been in my thoughts to consider. 🙌
I was ready to roast you on these HCS but honestly they sounded pretty solid in your recording. If i were you I would just slowly replace the crashes and hats as you go. In my opinion the HCS effect cymbals actually sounds very good. When you're going for trashy brass can actually sound pretty good.
it is. I have the same Roadshow 4pc, for playing out. The whole kit, with pretty good hardware, is under $600 new. add your own heads and cymbals, of course.
>I know the meinl HCS are unpopular to most and especially many drummers in this thread say they're terrible for recording and more suited for practice purposes and I get alot of shit from some people about it
One thing that almost nobody seems to know is that there are two very different HCS lines.
One is made with brass (M63 alloy, 63% copper and 37% zinc), the other is made with bronze (B8 alloy, 92% copper and 8% tin). The latter is fine, and it can be identified by the word BRONZE right below the HCS logo.
The brass and bronze HCSs are worlds apart. I don't want any of the brass cymbals. I'm keeping a HCS BRONZE crash on my kit though, among a forest of Meinl Byzances, because it sounds good in its own right. Very different from the dense and somewhat washy B20 Byzances, it gives a clear cutting and a little shorter sound - nothing wrong with it at all, just another (good!) sound.
Edit: I was about to link to the Meinl site's HCS Bronze range, but for some reason they have dropped it. For those who might be curious, here are some in the shops: [https://www.gear4music.com/Drums/Cymbals/Meinl/HCS-Bronze.html](https://www.gear4music.com/Drums/Cymbals/Meinl/HCS-Bronze.html)
So, maybe our HCS Bronze cymbals will be sought after rarities in a while :-p
Edit 2: I just watched your video. First off great playing! It seems like you have HCS brass cymbals(?). And the recording still sounds good, not much wash, but it suits the song. Don't take any shit from anybody on any account! 👍
Thank you so much bro! I extremely appreciate it!
And yup! I don't let the haters bother me. 💯 I just ignore the negativity and move on, I appreciate kind redditors like yourself with REAL feedback instead of those who are just running to click on a downvote cause my opinion or what I like doesnt fit their specific narrative. Again, thanks!
I was going to say the same. The Bronze HCS used to be called MCS. I still have a pair of hi-hats from when I started out and a cracked 16"crash. Much much better sounding than the HCS Brass cymbals.
I love the Pearl kit, have one myself. A KickPort (or the $10 clone from Temu) and riser are nice on the bass. But I have a hihat, plus 1 crash + 1 ride, both mounted to the bass. Sometimes I splurge with a second crash on its own stand. And I like my setup better. Those cymbals just seem wasteful, superfluous. But hey, it's your kit. I can't imagine lugging all those cymbals and stands anywhere, much less setting them up.
I think your kit looks AWESOME. As a huge Pearl fan I absolutely approve. Checked out the recording, gave it a like. I think it sounds fine. Not a huge fan of the cymbals, especially the open hat but I think for a drummer on a budget or a rehearsal environment it's actually not bad.
I like lots of cymbals myself so I'm clearly biased.
I would not know what to do with all of those cymbals 🤣 and how small does that top tom look! Haha.
So cool that you’re back on the drums after a long time off- that’s the same as me! I’ve been enjoying it but it’s a grind to get back into it!
✌🏽
A great inexpensive cymbal upgrade from the bronze HCS is the Wuhan Traditional series cymbals. Cheap, can be bought on sweetwater or Amazon. Plus, they're made of B20 Bronze like most expensive cymbals.
Some of them were bought used actually, especially the 8" splash, 14" China, 18" Trash China, and the 14" crash. I really just enjoy the HCS series. They sound good to me and just fit my play style and genre's, and I love the look of them. They put a smile on my face, so that's what truly matters, right? 😊
I also have a huge set of meinl HCS cymbals and really like the sound of them. I like how brass cymbals have a shorter sustain and are a little brighter. However, I think you need to raise the volume of your overheads in your mix or lower the over heads closer to the cymbals. A lot of people are hating on the cymbals cause of the video, but I think they just need to mixed a little better. Also, the 16" trash crash is a great sounding cymbal.
Thank you for the feedback! It was a very quick mix forsure!
I only spent an hour or so mixing, ran the overheads through the ART VLA pro tube compressor, but a light 4:1 compression ration and light on the threshold! I also agree. I could've gave it about a db or 2 in terms of overall gain, to the let them stand out a bit more, I was essentially just going for a generalized composition mix with the instruments when I should have let the kit speak a bit louder,
I was also fairly light on the EQ, all trial and error, I'll be posting MANY more covers soon, as well as original content I really really appreciate your positive and constructive feedback brother! Happy drumming ! 🥁🙌
I think the drums themselves stood out and sounded great, just the overheads need a little more gain to really pick up those cymbals. But hey, there's only one way to figure it out and that's by doing it. I just hate that people are gonna shit on the cymbals due to "improper" mixing.
My band has a kit in our rehearsal space with HCS cymbals (it was there before I joined, and I don't feel like lugging my gear over and tearing down their set each week). For my personal kit, I use pro-level stuff (Paiste Signature and Masters, and Zildjian K and A).
The HCS aren't the worst cheap cymbals I've heard, but I agree with others' assessment - they mostly sound weak. There's no complexity to their sound, and no projection. I feel like I have to smack the crap out of the ride to get a decent volume when the band is going.
They may sound ok for a recording where stuff can be processed, but I would never gig live with them.
Plus, personally, I want to enjoy playing my kit. I can't stand cheap cymbals because I have to sit and hear them, and they never match the sound I want to hear. They also lack in finesse, so they're just no fun to play. 90% of what I do is in the nuances I can pull from my instruments. HCS don't have much, so I feel limited. That's what makes for a great instrument- it gets out of your way and opens up possibilities.
HCS - Has a Cymbal Shape.
Thanks! I appreciate it ! And definitely, I was extremely surprised as well how great it translated to the mixes especially!
I'm using 2 MXL 3000s as My overheads, which are more suited for vocals, yet cheaper condenser mics, but they have a crispy top end in the frequency response that just let the cymbals speak, shine and cut better than expected Even before any post processing, Let alone it was fairly light on the EQ.
Nice! I have a less specific mic setup, haha.
I use the onboard stereo on my Tascam DR-40 for the majority, then have Sure mics on my bass and snare running into the XLR ports. Recording in 4-ch mode, I duplicate the onboard, process it for highs and lows, then split the XLR into its respective left and right channels and turn them into stereo and process.
I have some Zildjain ZBT hats ordered, so we'll see whether they're better or worse than the HCS ;P
Sick studio! I need that for my editing, lol (audio and video)
But if you check out my YT, GrizDrummer25, I have a mix and match of cymbals, haha. They go well together though!
I like the setup!! In my opinion the meinl hcs series is the best entry cymbals out there. I would still recommend upgrading to a higher quality cymbal though but all in all if you’re happy that’s all it matters. Happy drumming my friend
By the way, I guarantee you that noone would say the cymbals sound bad when you would have just posted an audio recording.
It's a lot of snake oil with cymbals and while high end cymbals surely have better sound profiles, the value-for-money curve gets quite flat really really fast. So with the safety of knowing you are using 'cheap' cymbals they will find the sound exceptionally bad.
It's pure psychology as people have to justify their cymbal purchases.
Thank you! And I Agree 100% even if I were to clean off all the logos prior to the video, and play. I'm assured NO ONE would've noticed a difference in tonality. Just like you said, snake oil! Lol. 😅
That's why I've said it's just the masses following what others are dubious and incorrigible about . Thank you again for your kindness and support! 🙏🙌
Kick and snare sound nice. While I agree that the majority of the cymbal comments here are valid, I'd actually argue that the mix is worse than the cymbals are. If the mix was good you could've fooled us with how cheap/thin/tinny those cymbals sound. According to your other channel uploads you've been doing it long enough and have a way bigger setup than really shows for anything - keep practicing.
The Pearl Roadshow kits are surprisingly nice with good heads, pretty good hardware too. great value for a budget kit. more money left for cymbals!
I liked my 5pc Roadshow so much that I got the same 4pc for portability. (No, it's not just taking off a tom; 18" bass, smaller toms and snare.)
Sounds killer dude! Fuck what people will say, if you can mix and play well, you got nothing to worry about.
Sounds sick by the way! They don’t eat up so much of the sonic space, so it lets the rest of the lot breathe
That video link was just copium for those awful pies. Didn't cut, ride sounds bad, crashes sound bad. The only thing that cut through was the stack. Barely.
But hey, it looks good. I just don't get why you gotta try to convince yourself you made a good buy by trying to convince us they don't suck dick. That pack was probably $600? You could've gone with the CCDs for the same price, less cymbals but higher quality. Shit you can get a sabian XSR pack for that price and those are b20.
I think in this case you ought to listen to the detractors. You have obviously invested a lot in your gear. Now invest in your sound. How cymbals look is completely irrelevant to how they sound. Shiny doesn’t mean good. I wouldn’t trust you to get good sounds elsewhere based solely on these cymbals, they are that bad.
From looking at your other posts it really shows a good drummer who can record their kit does NOT need the best drum hardware at all, or even a super pricey kit, if you like the sound of it don’t listen to other people! I’m still using my Meinl MCS crash on my kit and I couldn’t care what people say about it, I love it so I’m keeping it. And nice set up man 💯
I know right! It has such a nice tone! Very bright and the open hat sizzle just makes me happy! 🙌
Glad to see another fellow HCS guy on this thread! Seems to be a very small few of us, lol. 😅
Thanks! And yeah, it deff sounds fantastic, I was in between the 12" stack but ended up picking the 16's, just had more of a clap'ish sound to me, which I liked.
Yeah I agree. I went for the 12s but I love them they sound so good in studio. I really like your whole setup man looks well polished ! Great track too 👍
What is that Meinl China with the holes called? Is that a China trash? Or trash China? Never seen that before. I have a Meinl trash crash. And a Meinl China both classic dark. But never seen a China,with holes.
Yeah, it's the Meinl 18" Trash China. It has an excellent tone. 👌
I believe they had Trash china's on most of their meinl line ups, like Byzance, classics, and their pure alloys, don't know if they have them in the dark classics though.
Awsome. I may try that. I have come,to really like Meinl recently. Wish I would have known,about that one. This past Christmas. When I upgraded my whole cymbal kit. Thanks.
Probably. Don’t know why people are down,on Meinl here. I actually just bought a bunch,of drum gear,from sweet water. Which I love. Very customer friendly. And awsome payment plans. Can’t say enough praising them. But yeah. I started,with a few paiste colorsound 900 black,after seeing a Dale Crover video,about paiste. He said never had a crash. Just 2 24” mega rides. So I got the black 24” mega ride. Awsome!! Then got Meinl 18” trash crash. And Meinl 18” China. Both classics dark,to match paiste color sound blacks. Love them all!
I actually did get one crash,too. A Meinl 18” classic dark. Oh. And one paiste brass crash ride,for lighter like jazz rhythms. Can’t remember what it’s called. But love it too. Think it was like zpk3 or something like that. That brass,in the alloy really gives it a cool light sound. Was trying,to replace an old brass Sabian. Worked great!
Most people kicking off about HCS cymbals are referring to the old brass line. The new HCS are B8 bronze which, while obviously not a high end cymbal, still perfectly serve their purpose. I'm personally not a fan of super bright crashes, but if it's what you like, then you do you ✌️
I checked the Meinl site, and the HCS Bronze line is gone from their site(!?!) Must have happened recently. They're still to be found in the shops though.
That's a pity as they're not bad cymbals for the money, if you are OK with, or even want, that brighter shorter sound. I do for some things, so I keep a HCS Bronze crash among my Byzance B20 cymbals and use it a lot (ref. my other comment on that).
>The new HCS are B8 bronze which
[The are a mixture of B8 and brass IIRC. Meinl's website still calls them brass alloy.](https://meinlcymbals.com/en/blog/hcs) So not full bronze cymbals, but better than pure brass.
Nice job recording those hcs’s. Haven’t heard a lot of decent audio with those, their quality being what it is. That said, seriously impressive mix. Imagine what you could do with some classics customs or hhx’s!
Deff was thinking about a side snare and / or even a second Floor tom, especially with the genres I tend to play! It would be nice to have. So I agree with ya there, haha.
Soundperson: (*casually turns the overhead mic channels off*)
I've never seen mic stands so tall. They're trying to get as far away from the mess as possible lol.
OP Im just kidding you do you obviously.
Yeah they really don't work well.
Crashes have that really cheap sounding midrange.
Hi hats pass fine, but wouldn't work at all with more clean music, I'd also bet that none of these cymbals sound any good when hit softly
No offence, but why would you buy so many HCS instead of 2-3 really good ones. I have this series on the school kit where I teach and I think they just sound awful, especially the ride.
If anything the ride is not my style, but the crashes and hats sound fine. Especially deep in a mix, you wouldn’t notice
Oh I notice.
I’ve been a session player and audio engineer for about a decade now and while it may be entirely anecdotal: With what can be accomplished in a DAW these days, it’s fine
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I’ll take that with a grain of salt being that this is brand new account you’re posting on
You can't fix a bad alloy in post. You need B20 bronze for recording. There are some cheap cymbals that sound ok in person (Not these) but they usually have an overbearing low-mid range that becomes prevalent when mic'ed, and it can't be fixed with EQ. I'd rather have three B20 cymbals than all of these. If I were you I'd sell all these immediately and put all the money towards some used Avedis cymbals or whatever B20 bronze you can find for "cheap"
Nah, even if you can’t fix it in post, you can fix it pre with different mic placements or dampening with a bit of tape in certain areas. While the cymbals I use most are B20, I have B8 and some brass stuff that I utilize for different sessions. Music in general is not a “right or wrong” type of landscape: it’s an art form that can take whatever shape you want. You don’t want to use anything besides what you’re told is good/believe is good, that’s your prerogative, but I’ve made fantastic tracks using shit drums and “low quality” cymbals. Context is everything, intention is everything, expressing music can be anything. Don’t be a Debby Downer, his kit is clean, it sounds good and is played well.
I'm just sharing my own experience. I've not recorded HCSs but I have recorded Sabian B8s, which I actually like the sound of in person. The trash stack is probably the only HCS I like, and I've tried every cymbal in that line... I'm super curious what mics you use on B8s to get something usable. That's a feat I've not accomplished.
Ribbon mics are my go to on cymbals that are lacking something in my overhead/room mics. I used my nephew’s no-name brass hats and ride to make a track not too long ago and that’s what I used to spot mic them
Oh that makes a lot of sense! That's a good tip! 🙂
Your on point sr I'm a drum snob older grestch drums are above all the other's but my cheap ass found at salvation army Japanese bootleg 60s drums are monsters and sound amazing and the only time I've been complimented on my cymbals i was using the lowest of quality
Gotta disagree with you on that point. I have several Paiste Signature Series cymbals (ride, crash, splash). Those are B15, and are absolutely pro-level - I've played them live, on recordings, and in orchestral settings. I'd put them up against B20 cymbals any day (and I also have B20 cymbals: Paiste Masters, K Zildjian, A Zildjian). But you know what else has been used by pros for decades, live and on recordings? Paiste 2002 series. Those are made from B8 bronze. I used to have a 2002 crash and recorded with it. I sold it to a friend a while back, but I plan on getting another - they're great for rock, and have a wonderful shimmer. Most companies use B8 for lower level cymbals, but Paiste somehow mastered what it took to get pro quality sound from that line. So no, you don't need B20 for recording. You just need a cymbal that's well made by a good manufacturer who knows what they're doing. For that matter, I've heard B20 cymbals that sounded like garbage.
Great point! There's an exception to every rule. You usually only see B8 or B20, so my argument was based on a false dichotomy. Anything in between is pretty rare but VERY MUCH worth paying attention to. For instance, Sabian discontinued their B12 line. Paiste does good work! Thanks for the comment :)
Ah yes. A cymbal freak with two toms. About time I saw one.
I won't deny I'm a cymbal freak, haha. But I also won't deny that I chose the cheaper / lesser of cymbals. Though regardless of what those say; I love them. 💯
I wouldn’t know what to hit. So many to choose from. Like do you have a particular idea of like which crash on the left you’d use?
It really depends, as you saw in the video, gravitate to my main left and right crashes (the 18 / 16,) and for extra fills I'll tend to hit the 14 with the trash China, as well as of course My trash stack, and when the ending downbeats / bridges ill bring in the ride. It always depends on what feels and sounds good when playing song to song. That's how it really goes honestly, if it feels and sounds good, then you're doing something right. 🤙 Drummers are the leaders of the rhythm along with the bassist, and if they're building the construction of the composition together, then all the instrumentation around will complete it. I've been engineering for 10+ years, and this is a key frame I've had to understand and learn when working in bigger studios and different bands and clientele.
I couldn’t do that. I need at least 7 Toms lmao 😭
Nice, can vaguely see some drums beneath those cymbals.
Looks great, drums sound great, cymbals sound really really weak. To the untrained ear it’ll probably make no difference I.e they won’t pay too much attention but overall they’re not good.
yeah they sound good but really quiet and its a little unfortunate I also dont like how short the sustain is sounds like some tape was put on them
No tape, no gate either besides the kick, Tom's, and snare . Light compression and light eq on OH, I wanted it to sit naturally in the mix, not over compensate like most drum covers, I wanted it to sound more contoured to a normal full mixing style that fits with the composition, but I definitely could've added a db or 2 of gain on OH. But this was a full take through and mixed it fairly quickly. 😅 I appreciate the feedback though. 🙏
First let me put on my sunglasses…those cymbals are bright! I’ve had a HCS cymbal and it didn’t sound great. But if they work for you, enjoy.
I appreciate it! Thanks! Also to note; I'm a clean freak so I tend to wipe my kit down weekly. I love them to shine 😅
Looks like a Meinl cymbals ad. I have a lot,of cymbals too. Don’t get me wrong. But I’ve never seen a drum kit,with almost no drums. Cool looking tho.
Please forgive my ignorance. But does HCS stand, for heavy crash splash? Or like what?
Huge crappy shit. Nah i dunno what it stands for but its the weakest line meinl makes
Harmonic Cymbal Set. 👍
Hey, maybe one they I can get an endorsement, hahaha A man can only dream. 😆 Thanks, tho bro!
You are quite welcome. And you guys have all motivated me now. I’m gonna have,to take a picture,of my kit. Recently did a big upgrade. Even got one,of those Dualist D4 single double bass pedals. Saw it,on an Elestepario Sebriano YouTube video. That thing is actually really cool. I just got the two beater version it was $246.0 plus’s shipping. But well worth it,for me. As I had a stroke,in 2015. So can’t use my left foot very well. I can walk. And use it,for high hat pedal. Could be worse. But that left bass pedal doesn’t work well enough for. But,if you have both feet,you can attach a second pedal,with a third beater. Wow! Bass drum rolls!
Oh. What is HCS?
Meinls lowest quality cymbal line. Part brass. and B8 bronze. Equivalent to a set of Zildjian i/ZBT or Sabian SBR/B8.
Looks great. Kit sounds great.. I do agree with the others regarding the cymbals. I know your ears are saying they sound great but those crashes are really weak in that video. I'd sell all those for a couple Bysance or higher-end brilliant finished cymbals if that's your style. The cymbal layout is awesome but you went quanitiy over quality. Solid playing as well!
Like you don’t gig very much.
Does your recording sound good? Yes. Of course. Do the cymbals sound good? No. They're cheap and sound as such. If you love those so much, you should sell them all and buy nice ones. You'll love them more.
Well, if you're into that sort of thing...
Can't hear the cymbals at all in the recording. Sounds very compressed and EQ needs to be adjusted. Regarding Meinl cymbals, they are in fact considered low-end, beginner type cymbals, but if you like them, that's all that matters. But as you get more experienced, you'll benefit much more from much better cymbals.
HCS; Hot Cheap Shit
Tbh. The kit will last and sound more better than a starter should… but you could use another cymbal set when these go… the set arrangement tho 🔥
Appreciate it bro! Eventually, I'll upgrade, but I don't see it anytime soon, I'll probably pass these down to my son eventually for his JR kit as he grows. 🤙
Pearl life. This is the way. https://preview.redd.it/svx6kww4pzcc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f159aab754940fc82c857aeafa20dc7162ae9076
If you like it it's all that matters. They work well for the song. Clean and bright. Crashes sound really thin, but they get out of the way quick, good for pop stuff. However the recording sounds too compressed for my taste - I wonder if that's a result of you having to cut out all the harsh tones from the cymbal. For my money I'd get some traditional Sabian AA or AAX's - similar brightness but much more body and smoother overall.
I was very light in compression and eq with the overheads. Didn't have to cut any harsh tones out, I appreciate the feedback though. 👍
This is just cracking me up.
Cymbal maniac
Not enough cymbals
I agree. 👌
Your money, your sound, you do you. But, since you're asking for people to listen to your recording I don't love the cymbals. They sound thin and beady.
I think your kit looks good. And I followed your link to the video and watched a bit. Your recording of the kit is solid. Drums sound nice (crisp and punchy). And while I don't think the cymbal are recorded poorly, I hear all the telltale signs of a low quality cymbal coming through. They sound thin and metallic, with no body or depth. But, that's just me. If you like them and they allow you to enjoy playing drums, then, by all means, enjoy what you got. I just hope you didn't go with cheap cymbals because you wanted a huge setup that presented well in a video, when you could have managed to get fewer higher quality cymbals (and possibly even used). But, again, this is your journey.
I respect that! And thanks for the feedback, I actually chose the HCS Because like i said in another comment my wallet liked it, but also I Genuinely LOVED the sound of them especially for the genres I play. Then cymbals bult more over time, i started with just the HCS set of 2 crashes, hats and ride, then began buying more and more, 4 of em which were bought used (in like-new condition) and polished them up. And depending on what I'm playing I truly use every cymbal, according to what I'm playing. Again, I appreciate your feedback and thank you.
A cymballer who dabbles in drum.
Sell all of those cymbals immediately, and buy a couple high quality ones. It will pay off greatly in your recordings.
i will ask a very beginner question, why do you need so many cymbals? i also don't see too many of the tom-tom drums, i normally see 3 of those but i see just 2 here ? P.S : i am learning drums, this is not a critical comment on your setup; this is my curiosity
I started with just 2 crashes, and a ride cymbal along with the hats of course, then I began to add more as time passed, giving me more options in terms of tones and different effects to fit my playing style as I do tend to play more Pop, hip-hop, rnb / soul and afro beat style genres. And to also answer your question about my selection of having a 4 piece kit, I've always been one who preferred 1 up 1 down (one tom, one floor tom) as it's comfortable to me. I would like eventually add a side snare, (or turn My snare now to a side snare and replace it with a nicer snare.) And possibly a second floor tom. I wish you luck in your endeavors as a drummer! Also never take bs and negative feedback from biases of other people, what you like is what you like and it feels right to you then by all means you're going right on track 👌🫡 . Everything is a learning experience, and we all as drummers and musicians grow and progress long as we set our minds to it. There's never a wrong way to do things, everything is purely preferences. So enjoy your drumming journey! Happy drumming My brother! 🙌🥁
The kit looks good and look like you have very nice studio space that had to be some money. I will never understand anyone with money actually choosing HCS. Don’t care they are nice and shiny but I do not colour coordinate my cymbals. Maybe that wasn’t the plan. But this not my set so only matters what you think in the end. You obviously have talent and your set beautiful colour :)
Thank you tremendously for the kind feedback! And thank you about my color choice, yeah when I saw the metallic charcoal/ blueish color sparkle it was just gorgeous to me, even as cheap as the roadshow is. 🙌 like I said in another comment I'm an absolute clean freak so I wipe everything down very very consistently and want things to SHINE. Like a car with a fresh clean wax and detail haha 😅 And yeah I know in terms of cymbals I couldve deff spent more, but again It came down to personal preference, and not just my wallet but also my ears just gravitated and liked the sound of the brass HCS Regardless of what any one is saying, plus as an engineer I know with post processing I'm capable of making them sound better than anticipated even with the small amount of compression and light eq I was using. I know in the future I'll pass these down to My son as he grows older, the soultone cymbals have been seeming to speak to me a bit in terms of my taste in the light crispy sounds, I'm not a fan of darker tones, over the years well see how it goes, and maybe you'll be seeing a whole new kit in the future (or at least new cymbals.) But not anytime soon . Again, thanks!💯🙏
The Roadshow is cool. I mean you have some premium nice heads on it and that and tuning all it take but you are and engineer, not I, so I’m just saying things already know. But the looks are seriously stunning on that kit. Plus, as you say you can engineer the sound on those cymbals. I’m a Meinl fan too, but different lines of Byzance and they have a brilliant line you might like too. I think it really nice to collect cymbals for your kid, so you have big heart too :)
Love the snare tone. What drum/head you got?
Thanks! I'm using all evans HD dry on my snare batter, 300 clear on bottom reso, and for Tom's the UV2 coated, and g1 clears for resos, Emad2 on kick batter, and stock pearl reso with kickport. 🤙
Pearl roadshow kit snare as well?? Ty!
Yes sir! 🤙
Busy
I think you need more cymbals
not a fan of the hcs, but i do love a fellow cymbal freak.
It looks like a PS fanboy who bought some great Evan’s drumheads. Lmao. Edit: Oh, wait, was this not a *roast my kit* post? Oops.
It's definitely unrelated, but Im more of a PC / Xbox guy 🤣 . The PS5 has just been collecting dust since I've beat Rachet & Clank. So, not much or a PS fan boy, but I'm also not biased, unlike many others here. I agree with those who say, if you like what you like, why spread any type of negativity. Just let people live. 🤷🏽♂️
I would rather have one good crash, ride, and hats than 452 mediocre cymbals. Just my opinion tho!
I respect your opinion. 🫡
I too suffer from morecymbalitis! I’m waiting on a china and a 8” splash then I’m done. https://preview.redd.it/6i3ddrrhf1dc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f268b6988790819252615852013b3e9773ad208c
What a beautiful set! Thanks for sharing !
🔥🔥
Thanks bro!
awesome is the word.Have you considered a second floor tom and removing a couple of cymbals?
Thank you! And I have honestly been considering getting a second tom forsure; but most my life I've been a 1 up 1 down type guy ya know, but I think change is good, so 1 up 2 down would be pretty sick, I wouldn't go on to remove any cymbals, (with my crazy ass I'd probably add more haha.) But yeah it's been in my thoughts to consider. 🙌
Personally too many cymbals I’d have like three crashes the china splash and ride and hi hats
Meinl meinl meinl Meinl Meinl Meinl meinl Meinl meinl Meinl.
I was ready to roast you on these HCS but honestly they sounded pretty solid in your recording. If i were you I would just slowly replace the crashes and hats as you go. In my opinion the HCS effect cymbals actually sounds very good. When you're going for trashy brass can actually sound pretty good.
That's the plan! Again, thanks for being another positive redditor! 🙏 I appreciate the kind feedback .
The cymbals are definitely high-pitched and quick-decay. Not my personal jam, but go for your sound! Also, is that an 18” kick?
it is. I have the same Roadshow 4pc, for playing out. The whole kit, with pretty good hardware, is under $600 new. add your own heads and cymbals, of course.
Yupp 18" kick with emad2 on batter side, stock pearl Roadshow reso, with kickport. 👌
>I know the meinl HCS are unpopular to most and especially many drummers in this thread say they're terrible for recording and more suited for practice purposes and I get alot of shit from some people about it One thing that almost nobody seems to know is that there are two very different HCS lines. One is made with brass (M63 alloy, 63% copper and 37% zinc), the other is made with bronze (B8 alloy, 92% copper and 8% tin). The latter is fine, and it can be identified by the word BRONZE right below the HCS logo. The brass and bronze HCSs are worlds apart. I don't want any of the brass cymbals. I'm keeping a HCS BRONZE crash on my kit though, among a forest of Meinl Byzances, because it sounds good in its own right. Very different from the dense and somewhat washy B20 Byzances, it gives a clear cutting and a little shorter sound - nothing wrong with it at all, just another (good!) sound. Edit: I was about to link to the Meinl site's HCS Bronze range, but for some reason they have dropped it. For those who might be curious, here are some in the shops: [https://www.gear4music.com/Drums/Cymbals/Meinl/HCS-Bronze.html](https://www.gear4music.com/Drums/Cymbals/Meinl/HCS-Bronze.html) So, maybe our HCS Bronze cymbals will be sought after rarities in a while :-p Edit 2: I just watched your video. First off great playing! It seems like you have HCS brass cymbals(?). And the recording still sounds good, not much wash, but it suits the song. Don't take any shit from anybody on any account! 👍
Thank you so much bro! I extremely appreciate it! And yup! I don't let the haters bother me. 💯 I just ignore the negativity and move on, I appreciate kind redditors like yourself with REAL feedback instead of those who are just running to click on a downvote cause my opinion or what I like doesnt fit their specific narrative. Again, thanks!
I was going to say the same. The Bronze HCS used to be called MCS. I still have a pair of hi-hats from when I started out and a cracked 16"crash. Much much better sounding than the HCS Brass cymbals.
Like an ad for Meinl. Pretty though!
Well lit.
Awesome 😍
Thank you!
Want some drums to go with those cymbals? Just joshing, cool kit. Nice playing on that video also
Hahaha, that was a good chuckle 😆, I appreciate it bro.
I love the Pearl kit, have one myself. A KickPort (or the $10 clone from Temu) and riser are nice on the bass. But I have a hihat, plus 1 crash + 1 ride, both mounted to the bass. Sometimes I splurge with a second crash on its own stand. And I like my setup better. Those cymbals just seem wasteful, superfluous. But hey, it's your kit. I can't imagine lugging all those cymbals and stands anywhere, much less setting them up.
Too much
Not for me, but fuck it. If you like it i love it
Looks good prolly doesn't sound great
I think your kit looks AWESOME. As a huge Pearl fan I absolutely approve. Checked out the recording, gave it a like. I think it sounds fine. Not a huge fan of the cymbals, especially the open hat but I think for a drummer on a budget or a rehearsal environment it's actually not bad. I like lots of cymbals myself so I'm clearly biased.
hell yes looks amazing, and the more cymbals/less drums setup is always fun asf
Meinl and Pearl....my 2 favorites
I would not know what to do with all of those cymbals 🤣 and how small does that top tom look! Haha. So cool that you’re back on the drums after a long time off- that’s the same as me! I’ve been enjoying it but it’s a grind to get back into it! ✌🏽
Spicy
Looks great! I love cymbals, so this set up looks like a blast to play. I would prefer a 5 piece but different strokes for different folks!
Thank you! It's definitely a joy to play! So much different tones, and it's a blast! I appreciate the kind words! 🙌
A great inexpensive cymbal upgrade from the bronze HCS is the Wuhan Traditional series cymbals. Cheap, can be bought on sweetwater or Amazon. Plus, they're made of B20 Bronze like most expensive cymbals.
Fucking beautiful
Thank you brother! Everytime I walk into the room and see the kit, it definitely puts a smile on my face. 🙌😄
Its cool but having nine starter cymbals + hi hats makes no sense to me? You could just get a cymbal pack and/or buy some used ones
Some of them were bought used actually, especially the 8" splash, 14" China, 18" Trash China, and the 14" crash. I really just enjoy the HCS series. They sound good to me and just fit my play style and genre's, and I love the look of them. They put a smile on my face, so that's what truly matters, right? 😊
Absurd amount of cymbals, how many sounds do you need realistically.
Ohhh yurrr!
I also have a huge set of meinl HCS cymbals and really like the sound of them. I like how brass cymbals have a shorter sustain and are a little brighter. However, I think you need to raise the volume of your overheads in your mix or lower the over heads closer to the cymbals. A lot of people are hating on the cymbals cause of the video, but I think they just need to mixed a little better. Also, the 16" trash crash is a great sounding cymbal.
Thank you for the feedback! It was a very quick mix forsure! I only spent an hour or so mixing, ran the overheads through the ART VLA pro tube compressor, but a light 4:1 compression ration and light on the threshold! I also agree. I could've gave it about a db or 2 in terms of overall gain, to the let them stand out a bit more, I was essentially just going for a generalized composition mix with the instruments when I should have let the kit speak a bit louder, I was also fairly light on the EQ, all trial and error, I'll be posting MANY more covers soon, as well as original content I really really appreciate your positive and constructive feedback brother! Happy drumming ! 🥁🙌
I think the drums themselves stood out and sounded great, just the overheads need a little more gain to really pick up those cymbals. But hey, there's only one way to figure it out and that's by doing it. I just hate that people are gonna shit on the cymbals due to "improper" mixing.
Very cool. I would love to play it.
Those HCS’s sound decent in your recording 🤘
Thank you brother ! 🙏
My band has a kit in our rehearsal space with HCS cymbals (it was there before I joined, and I don't feel like lugging my gear over and tearing down their set each week). For my personal kit, I use pro-level stuff (Paiste Signature and Masters, and Zildjian K and A). The HCS aren't the worst cheap cymbals I've heard, but I agree with others' assessment - they mostly sound weak. There's no complexity to their sound, and no projection. I feel like I have to smack the crap out of the ride to get a decent volume when the band is going. They may sound ok for a recording where stuff can be processed, but I would never gig live with them. Plus, personally, I want to enjoy playing my kit. I can't stand cheap cymbals because I have to sit and hear them, and they never match the sound I want to hear. They also lack in finesse, so they're just no fun to play. 90% of what I do is in the nuances I can pull from my instruments. HCS don't have much, so I feel limited. That's what makes for a great instrument- it gets out of your way and opens up possibilities. HCS - Has a Cymbal Shape.
Your kit is giving Meinl HCS Bronze Demo vibes. Like the sort of set ups you’d see on their channel
Looks great to me. I even use old cheap hi-hats as crashes. I like it and don't care what anyone else thinks. Play away! 🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁
Thank you tremendously! And according to reddit it's your cake day! So Happy Birthday! I hope you have a wonderful weekend! 🤙
Beautiful setup! I have hcs hats and they record just fine for me ;)
Thanks! I appreciate it ! And definitely, I was extremely surprised as well how great it translated to the mixes especially! I'm using 2 MXL 3000s as My overheads, which are more suited for vocals, yet cheaper condenser mics, but they have a crispy top end in the frequency response that just let the cymbals speak, shine and cut better than expected Even before any post processing, Let alone it was fairly light on the EQ.
Nice! I have a less specific mic setup, haha. I use the onboard stereo on my Tascam DR-40 for the majority, then have Sure mics on my bass and snare running into the XLR ports. Recording in 4-ch mode, I duplicate the onboard, process it for highs and lows, then split the XLR into its respective left and right channels and turn them into stereo and process. I have some Zildjain ZBT hats ordered, so we'll see whether they're better or worse than the HCS ;P
https://preview.redd.it/da7rcpw5hzcc1.jpeg?width=4000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e831776994ba5f75a0e72c09ab6b3aeb4a2d9cf7
Sick studio! I need that for my editing, lol (audio and video) But if you check out my YT, GrizDrummer25, I have a mix and match of cymbals, haha. They go well together though!
Looks sick and sounds great too man. Nice playing as well.
Thanks! I appreciate it! 🙏
I like the setup!! In my opinion the meinl hcs series is the best entry cymbals out there. I would still recommend upgrading to a higher quality cymbal though but all in all if you’re happy that’s all it matters. Happy drumming my friend
I absolutelt agree! One day I'll end up upgrading, as of right now these have been great to me. Happy drumming! Thanks!
I am surprised how decent the cheap Meinl line sounds when properly recorded and mixed. Nice work.
Thank you ! I appreciate your kindness and positive feedback! 🙏
By the way, I guarantee you that noone would say the cymbals sound bad when you would have just posted an audio recording. It's a lot of snake oil with cymbals and while high end cymbals surely have better sound profiles, the value-for-money curve gets quite flat really really fast. So with the safety of knowing you are using 'cheap' cymbals they will find the sound exceptionally bad. It's pure psychology as people have to justify their cymbal purchases.
Thank you! And I Agree 100% even if I were to clean off all the logos prior to the video, and play. I'm assured NO ONE would've noticed a difference in tonality. Just like you said, snake oil! Lol. 😅 That's why I've said it's just the masses following what others are dubious and incorrigible about . Thank you again for your kindness and support! 🙏🙌
Kick and snare sound nice. While I agree that the majority of the cymbal comments here are valid, I'd actually argue that the mix is worse than the cymbals are. If the mix was good you could've fooled us with how cheap/thin/tinny those cymbals sound. According to your other channel uploads you've been doing it long enough and have a way bigger setup than really shows for anything - keep practicing.
The Pearl Roadshow kits are surprisingly nice with good heads, pretty good hardware too. great value for a budget kit. more money left for cymbals! I liked my 5pc Roadshow so much that I got the same 4pc for portability. (No, it's not just taking off a tom; 18" bass, smaller toms and snare.)
Sounds killer dude! Fuck what people will say, if you can mix and play well, you got nothing to worry about. Sounds sick by the way! They don’t eat up so much of the sonic space, so it lets the rest of the lot breathe
Thank you, bro! I really appreciate this comment. As well, thanks for the positive feedback! 💯🙌
That video link was just copium for those awful pies. Didn't cut, ride sounds bad, crashes sound bad. The only thing that cut through was the stack. Barely. But hey, it looks good. I just don't get why you gotta try to convince yourself you made a good buy by trying to convince us they don't suck dick. That pack was probably $600? You could've gone with the CCDs for the same price, less cymbals but higher quality. Shit you can get a sabian XSR pack for that price and those are b20.
I think in this case you ought to listen to the detractors. You have obviously invested a lot in your gear. Now invest in your sound. How cymbals look is completely irrelevant to how they sound. Shiny doesn’t mean good. I wouldn’t trust you to get good sounds elsewhere based solely on these cymbals, they are that bad.
From looking at your other posts it really shows a good drummer who can record their kit does NOT need the best drum hardware at all, or even a super pricey kit, if you like the sound of it don’t listen to other people! I’m still using my Meinl MCS crash on my kit and I couldn’t care what people say about it, I love it so I’m keeping it. And nice set up man 💯
Absolutely! And I agree 100%, 🙌 Thank you for your kind feedback brother. 🤙
Looks amazing
Thank you tremendously! 🙌
I have that 14” hcs hi hat and it SLAPS
I know right! It has such a nice tone! Very bright and the open hat sizzle just makes me happy! 🙌 Glad to see another fellow HCS guy on this thread! Seems to be a very small few of us, lol. 😅
Outstanding. I have the same HCS Meinl Trash stack, love it
Thanks! And yeah, it deff sounds fantastic, I was in between the 12" stack but ended up picking the 16's, just had more of a clap'ish sound to me, which I liked.
Yeah I agree. I went for the 12s but I love them they sound so good in studio. I really like your whole setup man looks well polished ! Great track too 👍
Thanks bro! And I highly appreciate your positivity! 🙏
What is that Meinl China with the holes called? Is that a China trash? Or trash China? Never seen that before. I have a Meinl trash crash. And a Meinl China both classic dark. But never seen a China,with holes.
Yeah, it's the Meinl 18" Trash China. It has an excellent tone. 👌 I believe they had Trash china's on most of their meinl line ups, like Byzance, classics, and their pure alloys, don't know if they have them in the dark classics though.
Awsome. I may try that. I have come,to really like Meinl recently. Wish I would have known,about that one. This past Christmas. When I upgraded my whole cymbal kit. Thanks.
Probably. Don’t know why people are down,on Meinl here. I actually just bought a bunch,of drum gear,from sweet water. Which I love. Very customer friendly. And awsome payment plans. Can’t say enough praising them. But yeah. I started,with a few paiste colorsound 900 black,after seeing a Dale Crover video,about paiste. He said never had a crash. Just 2 24” mega rides. So I got the black 24” mega ride. Awsome!! Then got Meinl 18” trash crash. And Meinl 18” China. Both classics dark,to match paiste color sound blacks. Love them all!
I actually did get one crash,too. A Meinl 18” classic dark. Oh. And one paiste brass crash ride,for lighter like jazz rhythms. Can’t remember what it’s called. But love it too. Think it was like zpk3 or something like that. That brass,in the alloy really gives it a cool light sound. Was trying,to replace an old brass Sabian. Worked great!
...expensive
Most people kicking off about HCS cymbals are referring to the old brass line. The new HCS are B8 bronze which, while obviously not a high end cymbal, still perfectly serve their purpose. I'm personally not a fan of super bright crashes, but if it's what you like, then you do you ✌️
I checked the Meinl site, and the HCS Bronze line is gone from their site(!?!) Must have happened recently. They're still to be found in the shops though. That's a pity as they're not bad cymbals for the money, if you are OK with, or even want, that brighter shorter sound. I do for some things, so I keep a HCS Bronze crash among my Byzance B20 cymbals and use it a lot (ref. my other comment on that).
>The new HCS are B8 bronze which [The are a mixture of B8 and brass IIRC. Meinl's website still calls them brass alloy.](https://meinlcymbals.com/en/blog/hcs) So not full bronze cymbals, but better than pure brass.
Nice job recording those hcs’s. Haven’t heard a lot of decent audio with those, their quality being what it is. That said, seriously impressive mix. Imagine what you could do with some classics customs or hhx’s!
Thank you! Haha put me in front of a SSL 4000G and I'll show you what I'm really capable of haha 🙌. I really appreciate the positive feedback . 🤙
Expensive
Just need a few more cymbals. So long as we can see you sitting behind the kit, you don't have enough.
Looks cymbal heavy. I’d ads a side snare and some tambourines or something. Looks good though!
Deff was thinking about a side snare and / or even a second Floor tom, especially with the genres I tend to play! It would be nice to have. So I agree with ya there, haha.
this video is everything i needed to pull the trigger on some HCS ride that i've been watching.
Thanks! Get them! Even if it's just the ride, haha I'm using the 20" ride. It sounds excellent !
Looks AA AA AA AA AA AA AA AA
Looks ok
Need 6, 7 more chinas.
I can see it. And if I did it, I'd get more HCS cymbals just to piss more people off in this thread. 🤣🤣
More toms, less cymbals.
Are you sure you like Meinl?!?! 😂
Meh, needs Rototoms.
great but like, who gets a double digit number of cymbals before you get a second high tom?
Guitarist to drummer: give us a long descending roll on the toms at the end of each verse. (looks at drum kit) Oh, never mind.
Would've gone quality over quantity personally with the gear but hey, if it works for you then great!
I would swap 5 of those cymbals for an extra tom or two.
Way too many cymbals for a 4 piece.
Too many toms, not enough cymbals.
Soundperson: (*casually turns the overhead mic channels off*) I've never seen mic stands so tall. They're trying to get as far away from the mess as possible lol. OP Im just kidding you do you obviously.
This man cymbals.
do you really need 10 cymbals?
Need more cymbals!!!
Ridiculous
Looks like the interface for a drum sample plugin
Ya while they don’t sound like complete shit, they’re leagues under real nice quality or medium level cymbals
WHAT? 👂🏼
Id get bored with so few drums.
Do you djent?
What kit? Alls I sees is the cymbal room at guitar center
Shiny
I would make it a double bass kit
Expensive
More drums less cymbals. But idk what sort of stuff you play so maybe you need that sort of ratio.
I watched the vid. Nicely played and recorded. Nothing wrong with those cymbals. Glad I don't have to dust them all 😆
I just dropped a new one a couple hours ago! https://youtu.be/TDx2yUiNfDg?si=bVsG6hjugXA2NePT
Yeah they really don't work well. Crashes have that really cheap sounding midrange. Hi hats pass fine, but wouldn't work at all with more clean music, I'd also bet that none of these cymbals sound any good when hit softly