This excerpt is taken from the complete article that appears in the April 2016 issue, which is available here.

Product Close-Up

Zildjian

L80 Low Volume 468 Cymbal Pack

Authentic-feeling practice cymbals that won’t kill your ears—or your neighbors’

 
Many drummers have had to go to extremes to tamp down the volume of their drumsets to make practicing less disturbing for neighbors, family members, and roommates, whether that’s simply draping t-shirts or blankets over the kit or going all-in and spending a large chunk of cash to convert a bedroom, basement, or garage into an airtight, soundproof studio.

Different companies have introduced products over the years to help control volume, and some of those, like Remo’s Silent Stroke mesh drumhead and Aquarian’s Super Pad, are great solutions for quieting snares, kicks, and toms while retaining most of the authentic feel of striking an acoustic drum. But none of the solutions for reining in cymbals have been completely satisfactory. All of that changed, however, when Zildjian launched the new L80 Low Volume series.

The L80 Low Volume series comprises full-size alloy cymbals designed to be up to eighty percent quieter than traditional models. They are perforated with hundreds of small holes from the bell to the edge, and they feature a matte finish, both of which helps eliminate high frequencies and reduce volume. Advertisement

The L80 Low Volume series is available in several packs. We were sent the 468 configuration ($500), which includes a pair of 14″ hi-hats, a 16″ crash, and an 18″ crash-ride. There’s also the 348 set, which includes 13″ hi-hats, a 14″ crash, and an 18″ crash-ride, and there’s a two-piece pack, called the 38, that consists of 13″ hi-hats and an 18″ crash-ride.

Check out a video demonstration of these cymbals below.
 
Michael Dawson
 
For the complete review, check out the April 2016 issue, which is available here.