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Frequently Asked Questions:


What is BFD Sphere?


BFD Sphere is an expansion pack for FXpansion's BFD3, BFD Eco, and BFD2 software drum instruments. It features drum sounds geared towards hard rock and metal styles.

 

What do I need in order to use this expansion pack?


BFD Sphere requires a registered copy of BFD3, BFD Eco or BFD2 (versions 2.1 and later only).


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.


What is included?

  • DW VLT 20x20 Kick
  • DW 8?, 10?, 12?, 14? Toms
  • Vibe 24x18 Kick
  • Vibe 10?, 13?, 16?, 18? Toms
  • Ludwig Black Beauty 5.5? Snare

Please note that no hihats or cymbals are included - however, the pack comes with kit presets in BFD3, BFD Eco and BFD2 format using factory cymbals and hihats.

 

What articulations are included?

  • Kick: Hit
  • Toms: Hit
  • Snare: Hit & Rimshot only


Who produced BFD Sphere?


BFD Sphere was produced at Sphere Studios in London by:

  • Francesco Cameli (Bullet For My Valentine, Queen, Phil Collins, New Model Army and more)
  • Acle Kahney (founder of Tesseract)

Additional personnel:

  • Drum technician: Martin Oldham (Maroon 5, Keane, Elton John, Killing Joke, Razorlight and more)
  • Drumming: Jamie Postones (Tesseract), Mike Malyan (Monuments)
  • Engineering for additional processed versions: Mike Bugh


What equipment was used for the recordings?


The DW kit is recorded with clean and punchy Neve 88RS console preamps while the warmer 1093 and 1081 preamps were chosen to compliment the character of the lower-tuned Vibe kit.

The following mics were used:

  • Kick In: Audio Technica AT25
  • Kick In2: Audix D6
  • Kick Out: Neumann U47
  • Snare Top: SM57
  • Snare Bottom: SM57
  • Toms: Audio Technica 251/LE
  • Overheads: AKG C12 (Stereo)
  • Close Room: Royer SF12 (Stereo)
  • Far Room: Telefunken ELAM 251 (Stereo)


 

What kinds of treatments were applied to the processed versions of the kits?


The processed versions are designed to be ready to use in hard-rock and metal-oriented genres. These versions were compressed to add weight and punch and EQ'd for snap and clarity within a mix. In addition, some envelope shaping and saturation was used for increased tightness and volume.


What detail levels are present in the recordings?


Kicks and the snare are recorded with approx. 100 velocity layers while toms feature approx. 40-50 velocity layers.


How big is the download?


The download size is approximately 1.3GB.

 

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.

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