Frequently Asked Questions

Gen16 is a new business unit within Zildjian and will share and complement the company’s resources.

Only to the extent that some percussionists favor electronic instruments and digital media vs. acoustic instruments and analog media. The idea; Gen16 will offer products to musicians and not just drummers.

It’s short for Generation 16. The current owners; Craigie and Debbie Zildjian are the 14th generation of Zildjian cymbal makers, their daughters the 15th and their granddaughters the 16th generation. A new generation of Zildjian’s, and new generation of Zildjian products.

Call it Gen16. Zildjian is the sole owner, but Gen16 is the brand.

No, the pickup is a microphone and cannot be used as a trigger.

The pickup houses two condenser microphone heads.

None that can be heard or felt, it’s as much as any microphone with digital processing may produce

No, they are designed specifically for the Gen16 (reduced volume) AE Cymbals.

Yes, use the 2 position on/off switch.

Yes. While there is limited noise gates applied each pickup is a microphone and has to be treated as such.

- Place speakers below the cymbals facing up. Avoid line-of-sight placement (think of the pickups like microphones)

- Get the drum sounds loud and then mix in the cymbals (don’t assume they should be at the same level as the drums!)

- Make sure to not HARD pan any of the cymbals. If you pan something completely to the R or L, it makes it hard to hear and thus means you have to over drive the cymbal

- Start with your primary cymbals; HiHat first, Ride, etc and get the levels where you want them (don’t assume they should be all at the same volume setting)

- Try a parametric equalizer for the cymbals to pull any of the frequencies starting the feedback

- If all fails and you can’t get them loud enough, use a good pair of headphones!

Yes however nowhere near as much as a traditional cymbal microphone.

Yes, however there are restrictions and points to be aware of

 (1) pickups being out of phase with other mics

(2) some leakage will occur allowing acoustic drums to be heard from the AE System

No. We refer to it as tone shaping and not modeling. Yes some presents change the pitch, add effects and or decay but this is not true tone modeling.

No; doing so may severely damage the unit and, will void the warranty.

Yes; Using the line input/ edrum input, you can submix/piggy back two DCPs

No; the two are two separate technologies.

Yes; by (A) downloading Tone Shapes from Gen-16.com (B) Installing the DCP Access Tool in your computer, creating custom Tone Shapes and uploading them from your computer to the DCP.

Yes. The power supply can adjust to the current if the plugs supplied fit the wall or plug socket.

Not at this time however Gen16 engineers are working with leading edrum manufactures to bridge some control functions.

This is for (free) online firmware updates.

Yes.

It’s a special (sheet) alloy mix (it is not a cast cymbal)

No; each AE cymbal is nickel plated and buffed to their shinny finish.

Yes

Yes; The rack has been designed for both acoustic and e-drum kits.

Not at this time.

Yes. However you may have to take them off to allow the rack to be completely folded.

Either model as it depends on the your setup however most edrums will work well with the short rack.

The shortl rack will accommodate up to a 20” bass (kick) drum.

The tall rack will accommodate up to a 24” bass (kick) drum.

Between 8 and 12 depending on the diameter of each cable.

This is not recommended!

Aluminum. Please note, aluminum is softer then steel, when transporting please use caution as scratching will occur.

Yes. A clear lacquer is applied to help reduce tarnishing. Note; this lacquer finish may show scratches or chips

Simple window cleaner and a paper towel or cloth towel will take most finger prints off.

Yes. You can take them off to reduce the overall foot print as well.

The material is a form of plastic (ABS).

Very strong however anything can break.

Use common sense and try not to over stress a clamp. Do not use or tighten clamps if they are either extremely hot or cold.

Not at the current time however one is being developed specifically for the AE Rack System.

Leon Chiappini and Paul Francis (Zildjian’s master cymbal maker and head R&D head).

The cymbals recorded for the Digital Vault are exclusive to Zildjian. No other engineer has been granted access to these cymbals.

They are what the Zildjian cymbal makers refer to as “reference cymbals”. These are the cymbals used to judge all other similar Zildjian cymbals (the best of the best).

Yes, in fact some cymbals are one of a kind or models recorded only for a handful of famous drummers and percussionist.

Generally they look like old cymbals without a logo but with hand writing on them. Sometimes they have a stamp with an ID number. Older “reference cymbals” have Armand Zildjian’s and Leon Chiappini’s hand writing on them.

No! In fact they have only left the Zildjian (tuning room) sometimes referred to as “the vault” in the factory by permission of the current Zildjian owners for recording of the Digital Vault series.

Files can be played back at 16bit (BFD eco / Z-Pack) or as 24bit files (BFD2)

Gen16 audio files are available in various levels of audio quality (size). When playing sounds from the Digital Vault please use high quality audio reproduction devices such as studio monitors (speakers / headphones).

When using artist groove tracks in marketing materials or demonstrations we would appreciate if you credit the appropriate Gen16 artist.

No. The Digital Vault is a sound sample (Digital Audio File). The AE System uses analog signal (low volume / real cymbals) and microphones and process the sound using patent pending tone shaping. The two systems are not compatible.

Leon Chiappini and Paul Francis (Zildjian’s master cymbal maker and head R&D head).

Digital Vaults were produced, played, recorded, and edited for Zildjian by sampling guru John Emrich.

Nuendo 4 was used to record these samples with the following signal paths:

Direct mic – Nevaton MC49 – ATI 8SMX2 preamp

Over Heads – Violet Flamingo Stereo – API 3124+ preamp

Room – Pair of Violet Vin50s – API 3124+ preamp

Ambient – Nevaton MC404 stereo mic – Metric Halo ULN2 +DSP preamp

No. Grooves can be downloaded from a MAC or PC and used in any device that supports GM (general MIDI)standard MIDI files or within BFD2(this included The Gen16 Digital Vault and BFD eco).

Each “Groove Bundle” is transferred/dowanloaded in a ZIP file format.

No. Grooves can only be purchased in specific bundles chosen by the Groove Tracks producer.

Yes. Please note you are purchasing MIDI files of a given drummers performance and not drum sounds.

Yes. You can change the note number assignments in your music software.

You can play the Grooves in any device or software which supports GM standard MIDI files.

Yes

You can edit/manipulate the grooves in you favorite music software which supports GM sandard MIDI files.

Yes.

Yes.

Yes.

No. Beats (grooves) can also be purchased from Gen16grooves.com and then transferred to an iPhone or IPad.

Not at this time.

If you ugrade you iPhone or iPad after purchasing GroovePlayer, you can restore it by syncing your new device to your iTunes account or, or downloading it from your iTunes purchased Apps history.

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Zildjian is always looking for talented people to join our family. You can write to us at our mailing address to request an application. We will keep your completed application on file should any openings come up in the future.

Zildjian's mailing address is:
Avedis Zildjian Company
22 Longwater Drive
Norwell, MA 02061
USA

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Zildjian does not provide this service and does not recommend reapplying logos that have faded. The process to remove what remains on the existing logo and cleaning process to accept the new logo could cause stress to the metal of the cymbal resulting in damage. Additionally, a hand-applied paint could alter the sound of the cymbal.

Zildjian cymbals are precision crafted. Their life expectancy depends largely on usage. A cymbal played with care and good technique will last longer than one played rigorously with poor technique. Proper care helps maintain the musical integrity of the instrument. Abusive treatment, neglect, and incorrect playing habits all contribute to metal fatigue which can diminish tonal quality or even cause cymbal fractures.

Follow these five easy guidelines to ensure a long life for your Zildjian cymbals:

1. Avoid Metal-To-Metal Contact

Place a sturdy sleeve around the cymbal tilter rod when mounting your cymbals to prevent center hole deformation and cracking. Always use top and bottom felts.

2. Keep It Loose

Do not over-tighten the wing nut. This can cause cracks around the center hole.

Also, a clamped cymbal will not vibrate freely and often sounds choked. For HiHats, keep the clutch medium-tight so that the top cymbal moves freely.

3. Play It Right

Avoid striking cymbals directly on their edge. Crash cymbals, especially, should be hit with a glancing blow, a little off center. Striking with a slight twist of the wrist also helps avoid breakage and allows crash cymbals to "open up."

4. Choose The Right Cymbal

The sound quality of a Zildjian cymbal is determined by its alloy content, size, shape, hammering and lathing pattern. Trying to force a cymbal to produce volume beyond its range can cause breakage. There are Zildjian cymbals for every style of music. Match your cymbal to your specific needs.

5. Protect Your Investment

Always carry your cymbals in a padded cymbal bag or a protective cymbal case.

Store your cymbals immediately whenever you break down your drumset.

When cymbals are not in use for prolonged periods of time, wrap cymbals separately with a piece of cloth to protect their edges and surfaces; be especially careful of the bottom edge.

Keep your cymbals away from extreme cold or heat.