General Information

What is BFD Deluxe Collection?

BFD Deluxe Collection is an expansion pack for BFD3, BFD Eco and BFD2. It provides a wide range of vintage and modern drums and cymbals recorded at Steve Albini's Electrical Audio studio complex in Chicago, USA.


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Is BFD Deluxe Collection a download product or a boxed product?

The boxed version of BFD Deluxe Collection is now discontinued although some copies may still be available via local retailers while stocks last.

BFD Deluxe Collection is now a downloadable product and there are currently no plans to reissue the boxed version. Please see below for more information about the downloadable version.


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What do I need in order to use BFD Deluxe Collection?
  • The current download version of BFD Deluxe Collection requires a registered copy of BFD3, BFD Eco or BFD2 (versions 2.1 and later only).
  • The discontinued boxed version of BFD Deluxe Collection is compatible with BFD 1.5, BFD Eco, BFD3 and all versions of BFD2.

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How big is the download?

The download size is approximately 12.8 GB.


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Are there any differences between the new download version and the old boxed version?
  • The data in the download version has been reduced to 20-bit audio, whereas the boxed version contains 24-bit audio.
  • The download version is only supported on Windows 7 and Mac OSX 10.5.8 or later, and is only compatible with Intel processors on Mac.
  • The download version requires a registered copy of BFD3, BFD Eco or BFD2 (versions 2.1 and later only) - it is not compatible with BFD 1.x or earlier versions of BFD2.

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Can I use the new downloadable version in BFD 1.x?

No - this expansion can only be used with BFD3, BFD Eco or BFD2 (versions 2.1 or later only). BFD 2.1 is a free update to all registered BFD2 users.


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Why does it have these requirements?

BFD3, BFD Eco and BFD2.1 (and later versions) are equipped to handle the data format and custom channel layout featured in this expansion; previous versions of BFD2 and BFD 1.x cannot.


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Why has the data been reduced to 20-bit for the download version?

20-bit audio offers a dynamic range of around 120dB. This is greater than the dynamic range of most professional-grade preamps/A-D converters, so there is no perceptible loss of audio quality. Any noise introduced due to the bit-reduction process is well below the analogue noise floor inherent in the recordings, and leads to much smaller downloads.


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What kind of limitations exist when using this product with BFD Eco?

When using BFD Deluxe Collection in BFD Eco, limitations apply in terms of the audio channels and articulations that are actually available (this is one of BFD Eco's limitations, as opposed to the fully-featured BFD3 and BFD2).

Additionally, due to BFD Eco's slot/channel configuration, only 6 toms can be loaded at once (in the 3 Tom and 3 Perc slots).

BFD Eco is a streamlined instrument based on the BFD2 engine.


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Do I really need to install 55GB of data to use BFD Deluxe Collection?

No - there is an install size choice during the installer.

  • Small (up to 30 velocity layers)
  • Medium (up to 40 velocity layers)
  • Large (maximum available velocity layers)

The lower amount of velocity layers installed with the Small and Medium sizes result in less detail than with a Large (full) installation but require much less diskspace and less RAM when loaded.


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Where was BFD Deluxe Collection recorded?

BFD Deluxe Collection was recorded at Steve Albini's Electrical Audio studio facility in Chicago. The Kentucky drum room in Studio A was used. This is a relatively small drum room so the room sound is tight and focused - although far from dead. Please check out some of the audio examples in order to get a feel for the sonic character of BFD Deluxe Collection.


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Did Steve Albini produce this expansion pack?

Steve Albini was responsible for all mic placement and any decisions made regarding processing in the signal path (all-analogue processing through vintage Urei/UA devices, in some cases with custom modifications). In effect, he did the engineering during the recording along with other Electrical Audio staff members Greg Norman and Russ Arbuthnot.


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Is this pack only good for rock and grunge music?

Not at all! While Steve Albini and his studio are predominantly known within rock circles, his primary motivation is to capture the sound of whatever he's recording as well as possible. BFD Deluxe Collection is simply an exquisitely recorded library of fine drums and cymbals which is usable for anything from funk and jazz to rock, metal, grunge and many styles beyond.


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Do you allow license transfers?

Yes, however:

  • If you're the seller, you must contact us in advance of the sale. If you're the prospective second-hand buyer, you must check that the seller is cleared to sell. If in doubt, contact us.
  • There is a flat $50 fee per product for a license transfer, which can be purchased from our online shop.
  • Review copies, NFRs (Not For Resale copies, sometimes used for in-store demos), etc., cannot be transferred under any circumstances.
  • We reserve the right to refuse a license transfer request.

Once a transfer is authorised and the fee has been paid, the new owner is entitled to exactly the same upgrade paths and technical support resources as if they had bought the product new.


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