The standard acoustic drum library “BFD 3” is currently on a deep sale!
This article covers the latest sale information and an overview of BFD 3. We hope you find it helpful, and we update it whenever a new sale begins.
1. BFD 3 Latest Sale Information
BFD 3 is currently part of the following sale.
Summer Sale: Until August 2, 2026
BFD 3 – an acoustic drum library built for realism. Plugin Boutique: from approx. USD 42 / expansion packs from approx. USD 10.
At Audio Plugin Deals, Plugin Boutique and ADSR Sounds, buyers also receive free bonus content.
2. What is BFD 3?
BFD 3 is an acoustic drum library based on samples recorded from real drums. It works as a VST / VST3 / AU / AAX plugin inside your DAW, and also runs standalone. The core product includes 7 kits recorded across multiple studios, a built-in mixer and effects, and a Groove (pattern) function performed by real drummers.
The biggest appeal of BFD 3 is the freedom to expand its sounds and patterns with a wide range of expansion packs. These packs fall into two broad categories: “Expansion Sounds (kits / cymbals)” and “Groove Packs (performance patterns).”
Expansion Sounds (Kits / Cymbals)
These expansions add new drum kits, cymbals, and dedicated presets. Adding kits with different genres and characters lets you cover sounds the core product alone can’t reach. Representative products include:
- BFD Imperial Drums / BFD Modern Retro (produced by Chocolate Audio; classic 90s-2000s sounds)
- BFD Oblivion (for heavy rock and metal: post-metal, sludge, prog metal, etc.)
- BFD Dunnett Ti (titanium prototype drums: 2 kicks + 5 toms + snare + a full set of cymbals)
- BFD 8 Bit Kit (vintage, modified drums, beatboxing and other quirky sources)
Groove Packs (Performance Patterns)
These expansions add real drummer performances (MIDI patterns). They can be applied to any kit you own, letting you build rhythm tracks without manual programming. Representative products include:
- Stanton Moore Grooves (over 300 funky patterns)
- Virtually Erskine Grooves (jazz, swing, rock, funk, Afro-Cuban and more: 12 styles, over 400 patterns)
- JM Essentials Vol.2 (reggae, funk, disco, swing, rockabilly, nu-metal, punk)
Differences from the Free “BFD Player”
BFD also offers a free version called “BFD Player.” It’s aimed at people who want to start easily, but its included content and expansion system differ from the paid BFD 3.
- BFD Player (Free): Includes a core library of over 5.25 GB and 340 grooves performed by top drummers. Runs as a DAW plugin or standalone with a simple, easy-to-use design. Uses BFD Player-specific expansions (such as London 70s, Dark Mahogany, etc.).
- BFD 3 (Paid): Features a large library plus detailed mixing and editing functions. Its Groove Editor lets you create your own patterns using drum rudiments, and you can expand it with the BFD 3 expansion sounds and groove packs listed above.
Note: Expansion packs for BFD 3 (the BFD 1-3 generation) and expansion packs for BFD Player are separate systems and are not compatible. Check the supported version before purchasing.