The Zildjian Gen16 AE (Acoustic Electric) cymbals produce a wide range of sounds ranging from that classic Zildjian cymbal to some very non-traditional sounds. The AE cymbal plays and feels like a real cymbal. The Gen16 AE cymbal is an actual cymbal that utilizes a unique dual microphone and DSP engine to amplify and model the cymbal's output.
Zildjian Gen16 Cymbals won Best of Show at the 2011 Winter NAMM show!
Zildjian Gen16 AE cymbals combines low volume acoustic cymbals, an innovative new dual-head mini microphone system, and a controller/mixer with preset tone modeling that allows the user to experience an array of Zildjian tones and/or add effects to each real AE cymbal. The cymbals come in a full range of models including rides, hi-hats, and Chinas.
The Zildjian Gen16 AE cymbals are created from a custom sheet metal alloy that combines with a complex network of holes in the cymbal for true cymbal feel and sound, with about an 80% reduction in volume. The cymbal sound is then captured with the included mic pickup and then processed and modeled with sounds and effects from the Gen16 Cymbal Controller (#ZIL G16AE001, sold separately).
The Gen16 module, complete with face mounted controls for your mix-tweaking pleasure, is ready to load up with the host of samples available from Zildjian. Easily scroll through presets with dedicated softpads on each of 5 cymbal channels, and control your overall mix with a single knob if you choose to run e-drums through the device.
The Zildjian Cymbal Set and Controller (#ZIL G16AEBS1A) is a full set of Zildjian's groundbreaking Acoustic Electric cymbals, including 14 inch hi hats, 18 inch crash cymbal, and 20 inch crash/ride cymbal, 3 dual condenser mics, the controller/module, and all cables and necessary cymbal mounting hardware.