What is BFD Orchestral?
BFD Orchestral is an expansion pack for BFD3, BFD Eco and BFD2.
What do I need in order to use BFD Orchestral?
BFD Orchestral requires a registered copy of BFD3, BFD Eco or BFD2 (versions 2.1 and later only) and a suitable system on which to run it.
Can I use this product with 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.
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.
What kind of limitations exist when using this product with BFD Eco?
When using this expansion in BFD Eco, limitations apply in terms of the audio channels and articulations that are available (this is one of BFD Eco's limitations, as opposed to the fully-featured BFD3 or BFD2).
BFD Eco is a streamlined instrument based on the BFD2 engine.
Is BFD Orchestral a download product or a boxed product?
BFD Orchestral is available only as a downloadable product from the FXpansion.com shop.
Is BFD Orchestral related to the discontinued BFD B.O.M.B. expansion pack?
Yes, previously BFD Orchestral was part of the BFD B.O.M.B. expansion pack. The concert/orchestral percussion instruments within it are repackaged in BFD Orchestral.
There are currently no plans to produce boxed versions of BFD Orchestral or to reissue boxed or download versions of the full BFD B.O.M.B. pack.
What are the differences between the old boxed BFD B.O.M.B. expansion pack and the parts contained within the new downloadable BFD Orchestral pack?
The discontinued boxed BFD B.O.M.B. pack can be used in BFD 1.x, BFD2, BFD3 and BFD Eco.
The new downloadable BFD Orchestral can ONLY be used in BFD2, BFD3 and BFD Eco. It CANNOT be used in BFD 1.x.
If you own the original discontinued BFD B.O.M.B., BFD Orchestral is added to your account automatically. Please note that in this case, both qualify as the same product and cannot be transferred to another user separately.
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.
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.
What kind of limitations exist when using this product with BFD Eco?
When using this expansion in BFD Eco, limitations apply in terms of the audio channels and articulations that are available (this is one of BFD Eco's limitations, as opposed to the fully-featured BFD3 or BFD2).
BFD Eco is a streamlined instrument based on the BFD2 engine.
How much disk space is used by BFD Orchestral when installed?
During the BFD Orchestral installer, you are given the option of installing the data for BFD3 only or for BFD2/BFD Eco/BFD3.
- BFD3: 8.6GB for a full installation (reduced detail options also available)
You should install this version if you intend to use BFD Orchestral in BFD3 only. The data in this version is compressed for use with BFD3 but it will not work in BFD2 or BFD Eco. - BFD2/BFD Eco/BFD3: 25GB for a full installation (reduced detail options also available) You should install this version if you intend to use BFD Orchestral in BFD2 and BFD Eco. The data is uncompressed and will also work in BFD3.
What equipment was used for the recordings?
Direct channels
- Bass drums and Timpani: Shure Beta 52, Neumann FET47
- Snare drums: Neumann KM184 B (top and bottom)
- Cymbals, chimes and FX: Neumann KM 184 B
Focusrite Red preamps were used for all direct channels.
Ambient channels
- Overhead: Crown PZM30GPG (2) into Neve console preamps, or Royer 122s in a Blumlein pair, into Vintech Dual 72 preamps
- Room: Neumann U89 (omni) (2) into Focusrite Red preamps, then into SSL bus compressor
- Alternate Room (PZM/Amb3): Neumann KM83i (2) recorded with a Jecklin disc into Neve console preamps
Please tell me more about the background of these sounds.
BFD Orchestral was produced, recorded and edited by John Emrich, creator of BFD Jazz & Funk and BFD Percussion. The sounds were recorded at Omega Studios, Rockville, Maryland. In December of 2006, John retired from the US Navy Band, Washington, DC as a Chief Musician. In his 20 year career as a premier military musician, John has spent a great deal of time performing on drums of all shapes and sizes for visiting dignitaries and heads of state, including performances with orchestral instruments. As well as this, John is an experienced studio engineer, giving him the perfect background for putting together BFD Orchestral.
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 authorized 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.