# What Cymbals Does Mike Mangini Use? Full Setup

**Band:** Dream Theater | **Brand(s):** Sabian

---

## Direct Answer

Mike Mangini plays Sabian cymbals: 14" HHX Evolution Hi-Hats, 17" HHX Evolution Crash, 18" HHX Evolution Crash, 19" HHX Evolution Crash, 21" HHX Raw Bell Dry Ride.

## Cymbal Breakdown

| Piece | Size | Series | Model |
|-------|------|--------|-------|
| Hi-hat | 14" | HHX | Evolution Hi-Hats |
| Crash | 17" | HHX | Evolution Crash |
| Crash | 18" | HHX | Evolution Crash |
| Crash | 19" | HHX | Evolution Crash |
| Ride | 21" | HHX | Raw Bell Dry Ride |

Verified roster hardware entry: "Sabian HHX & AAX Series (14" HHX Evolution Hi-Hats, 17", 18", 19" HHX Evolution Crashes, 21" HHX Raw Bell Dry Ride)." Source: roster gear.cymbals (verified: true; sources on the drummer record).

## Setup Context

- **Hi-hat:** Two cymbals on a stand, played by foot and/or stick — the main timekeeper for tight, fast 16th-note patterns and blast beats.
- **Crash:** A short, explosive accent on strong beats and fills; metal kits often stack several sizes (e.g. 16"/17"/18") for different accent pitches.
- **Ride:** The largest, heaviest cymbal in most setups — carries sustained 16th-note "blast-beat" ride patterns and cuts through a dense mix, with the bell used for sharper accents.

## FAQ

**Q: What cymbals does Mike Mangini use?**
A: Mike Mangini plays Sabian cymbals: 14" HHX Evolution Hi-Hats, 17" HHX Evolution Crash, 18" HHX Evolution Crash, 19" HHX Evolution Crash, 21" HHX Raw Bell Dry Ride.

## More Resources

- [Full cymbal setup page](https://metalforge.io/cymbals/setups/mike-mangini)
- [Mike Mangini's Drummer Profile](https://metalforge.io/drummer/mike-mangini)
- [Cymbals Guide](https://metalforge.io/llms/cymbals.md)
- [All LLM Resources](https://metalforge.io/llms/index.md)

---

*Last updated: 2026-07-13 · Source: [MetalForge.io](https://metalforge.io)*