Overview
Posted by Beatisolate. Source: Meinl Cymbals.
The Meinl HCS 14" Soundwave HiHat (HCS14SWH) is a medium-weight hi-hat designed for a warm, clean sound with an articulate open response. Its standout detail is the Soundwave bottom cymbal built to help prevent airlock between the cymbals, so you can still get a strong foot chick on pedal work.
Key specs (from Meinl)
- Series: HCS
- Cymbal type: Hi-hat
- Size: 14"
- Weight: Medium
- Material / alloy: Brass (MS63 alloy)
- Finish: Traditional
- Lathe: Wide blade lathing
- Shaping: Pressure Point Technology
- Sound: Low-mid pitch - warm/harmonic character - mid-bright timbre
- Dynamics: Medium to low volume - medium to short sustain
- Suggested styles: Rock, Pop
Why Soundwave matters
Regular hi-hats can create a little vacuum effect (airlock) when you close them tightly. Meinl's description highlights that the Soundwave bottom helps prevent that airlock, meaning your pedal chick stays consistent and strong instead of feeling choked.
Practical takeaway: if you rely on foot timekeeping (tight 8ths/16ths, heel-toe patterns, quick chick accents), an anti-airlock bottom can make the hi-hat feel more predictable.