Many hard-hitting drummers like to use heavy cymbals. It's not a good thing in the studio. Thinner and smaller cymbals tend to sound better recorded. They have a lower pitch which blends better with the rest of the instruments. Loud cymbals also make it very hard to get a good separation. There is one exception to the rule though: ride cymbal. Heavy rides have a better stick articulation and "ping" that will come through a dense mix.

The worst-case scenario is a bad drummer with a 15-inch heavy hi-hat! Also, make sure that the hi-hat is not opened too much. My personal favourite is a 13-inch Paiste Signature Dark Crisp Hi-Hat.

All cymbal manufacturers have great cymbals. Just pick the ones that are low or medium volume. My personal favourites to record are the Zildjian A Custom and Paiste 2002. Remember: if the cymbals sound cheap, the whole mix will sound cheap.