BFD Deluxe Collection

[rickschwar]

Next week FXpansion will be announcing their newest library called “BFD Deluxe Collection” (BFD DLX).

According to early rumors, DLX is more a straight-up collection of rock-oriented samples.

- The library is rumored to have so much detail it requires up to 50GB of disc space. Although I think this is overkill and a complete waste of disk space, some of the kits have 127 velocity layers on their snares.

- Some of the kits were recorded in a smaller less-ambient environment for more of a 70’s sound.

- One of the kits is the monster six-tom, two-kick Lucite kit. Supposedly some of the kits are quite famous and were recorded by an equally famous engineer.

- All of the kits were recorded in a different room from their previous sample packs (El Dorado Studios) with completely different mics.

This library was created to take advantage of the capabilities in their new v1.5 engine (with support for monster kits with 2 kicks, 2 snares, 6 toms, 6 cymbals, advanced MIDI mapping, layering, etc.).

You can hear the BFD Deluxe Collection and see the new BFD v1.5 engine in action at AES in NY starting on 10/7. Ironically, they will be using a Roland TD-20 in their booth to trigger the samples.

[hiroshi]

Ironically, they will be using a Roland TD-20 in their booth to trigger the samples.

Hey Rick,

Probably no surprise they'd demo it with the TD-20. The Toontrack video is also demo'ed using a TD-20, I think.

I've always felt that when functioning as trigger-to-MIDI interfaces, the lower-end modules like the TD-3/6 don't really respond quite as optimally as the TD-10Ex/20 do. Not that there's a dramatic difference, just that you get the best response and control capabilities with something like the TD-20 (especially if evaluated in a side-by-side comparison. Otherwise, I bet most people wouldn't notice a difference).

A shame no one makes a pure TMI that offers alot of trigger inputs, dual-zone inputs (piezo/rim-switch and dual-piezo), etc. It's a bit extreme to buy a TD-20 module for use as a TMI, alone.

Chris

[rickschwar]

The price is $249, but it requires the original BFD which list for $329. Demos are now online. Curious to know what others think of the demos. They're not what I was expecting.

For those who care, here's what the company says about this release.


The BFD Deluxe Collection is the third expansion pack for FXpansion's BFD premium acoustic drum module. Unparalleled in its detail and recording quality, the Deluxe Collection was tracked at Steve Albini's Electrical Audio studio facility in Chicago. The pack contains some of the most sought-after drums and cymbals of all time, recorded at up to 127 velocity layers in pristine detail.

The room in which the session was recorded is smaller and more up-front than the Eldorado room used in BFD and BFD XFL, giving the Deluxe Collection an extremely punchy and defined sound. The recording techniques employed also contribute hugely to the sound and character of the pack. Such esoteric microphones as the Josephson e22, c42 and c609, Royer R122 and the fabled Altec 150 'coke bottles' were used. The clarity and definition of the recordings has to be heard to be believed, and benefit greatly from Steve Albini's years of recording experience at the forefront of American music.

As befits a pack recorded in Chicago, the Deluxe Collection features some legendary Ludwig kits, including a Vistalite from the 1970s, with 6 toms and 2 kicks, and a 1965 Clubdate. As well as these vintage kits, several modern classics are provided, such as a Sonor Designer, a Yamaha Pro Tour, a DW Black Oyster Pearl and a Gretsch USA Maple. Finally, a prototype BackYard Drums kit was flown to Chicago especially for the sessions. The Deluxe Collection represents the first time these exquisite boutique drums have ever been recorded.

In addition, the Deluxe Collection contains a Ludwig Supraphonic 'Bonzo' snare and a Bison maple piccolo, while the kicks were equipped with felt, rubber or plastic beaters. Five Zildjian hihats, including 14" and 15" New Beats and a 13" Z Dynobeat, and a large assortment of Zildjian, Sabian, Paiste and Wuhan cymbals have also been immaculately captured.

The BFD Deluxe Collection is ideally suited to any styles of music demanding potent, stunningly recorded drums with a depth of dynamic variation to allow truly expressive playing.