Sensory Percussion, the company renowned for expanding the expressive potential of acoustic drums through advanced sensing technology, has announced the launch of its new electronic cymbal system. Pitched as the “new standard in electronic cymbals”, the system promises drummers “unprecedented realism, dynamics, and expressive possibilities”, finally delivering cymbals that “look, feel, and sound natural” without the compromise of traditional rubber pads.
The move marks a significant expansion for Sensory Percussion, which has until now focused exclusively on drum heads, rims and shells. The new cymbal and hi-hat sensors aim to “complete the picture of the full kit” for drummers seeking a high-fidelity electronic or hybrid setup.
Sensory Percussion’s core innovation lies in its unique timbre detection, which is now applied to cymbals. This allows for virtual-acoustic cymbal mappings that the company claims are “just like playing the real thing”, offering authentic rebound, nuance and sensitivity.
Key features highlighted by Sensory Percussion include:
- Five+ Zones of Expressive Control: The Cymbal Sensor offers five distinct zones —bell-tip, bell-shoulder, bow, crash, and ping — plus a responsive choke. This allows for techniques like pings on the side of the cymbal to be accurately detected and translated.
- The Most Realistic Electronic Hi-Hat: The Hi-Hat Sensor features six zones and faithfully reproduces every nuance, including continuous tracking from open to closed, foot splashes, chicks, and detailed edge/bow/bell articulation. Drummers can use their favourite hi-hat stand for a familiar feel.
- Deeply Sampled Library: The system launches with a unique sound library featuring 39 meticulously sampled cymbals and 19 hi-hats. These are multi-zone captured and include sounds from classic big names as well as independent cymbal makers.
Versatility and creative control
Beyond realism, the new system offers versatility for sound design and performance. Sensory Percussion’s software allows drummers to transform their cymbals into anything from a vintage 1940’s ride or a modern FX stack to a melodic synth.
The software also provides unparalleled control, enabling complex routing and effects: “Control the filter cutoff as you move from bell-shoulder to bell-tip. Turn on a delay effect when you splash the hi-hat. Add chords to your crashes,” the company suggests, emphasising the ease of customising built-in presets or building entirely new soundscapes.
The new cymbals require an Evans interface and the Sensory Percussion software. Pre-sales are being accepted with discounted pricing as follows:
- 1 Cymbal Sensor + 1 EVANS 20-inch dB One Ride Cymbal – $199
- 1 Hi-Hat Sensor + 1 EVANS dB One Hi-Hat Pair – $299
- 2 Cymbal Sensors + 1 Hi-Hat Sensor + s4 EVANS dB One Cymbals – $599
Check out this explanatory video: .