BFD3.5 is currently available for just $39 on Audio Deluxe, which is a whopping 80% off its regular price of $160. But it gets even better.
Yes, $39 for BFD3.5 is already a great deal, but you can use the coupon code SUMMER10 at checkout to shave off another 10%, bringing the final price down to $35.10.
As a cherry on top, you’ll also get to pick one of two free bonus plugins – either the Zynaptiq Orange Vocoder Nano or the Universal Audio PolyMAX Synth.
Now, if you’re a regular BPB reader, you’ve probably already grabbed PolyMAX for free, so Zynaptiq Orange Vocoder Nano is the obvious choice.
I’ve been a fan of BFD drums since BFD Eco, which was released in early 2012. It was the lightweight version of BFD, with similar features but a smaller sample library. Still, it was my go-to drum plugin until I upgraded to the full version.
And there’s nothing lightweight about the full version of BFD3.5, for better or for worse.
BFD is renowned for its ultra-realistic acoustic drum sounds and meticulous attention to detail when it comes to sampling and drum customization. The plugin is enormous in size (over 55 GB) but equally massive in detail and depth.
My favorite thing about BFD is that the included drum samples feel alive and sound roomy, as if you were playing an actual acoustic drum kit in your DAW.
Version 3.5 introduced a revamped engine, a massive 51-kit core library, and 60 production-ready presets. It gives you complete control over each drum and cymbal, with built-in EQ, compression, and reverb – all processed through a flexible mixer.
The included Drum Editor lets you retune, dampen, and tweak your drums with surgical precision.
Still, BFD3.5 isn’t without quirks. The installation process is complex, requiring a separate software manager, and some users have reported bugs and sluggish performance. I didn’t have those issues with the installer, but downloading such a huge set of drums definitely takes time, regardless of your internet connection speed.
The interface feels dated and a bit cramped, and the advanced features like modeled tom resonance and cymbal swells come with a bit of a learning curve.
That said, once you’re set up, the drum sound you get with BFD3.5 is exceptional. The kits are super expressive and versatile, spanning from jazz brushes to heavy metal thumpers. And you can spend hours tweaking the drums to perfection, from mic placement to room ambiance.
It really feels like customizing a genuine drum kit. I saved a couple of go-to kits that I use as the starting point in all projects, and it helps create a completely custom drum sound across multiple songs.
BFD3.5 is compatible with Windows (VST2, VST3, AAX) and macOS (VST2, VST3, AAX, AU), including Apple Silicon support.
Get the deal: BFD3.5 ($35.10 with coupon code SUMMER10 + FREE plugin of choice)
More:
- Tilr releases FILT-R, a free modulated filter plugin for macOS, Windows, Linux
- Get 3 GB of Vintage Drum Samples for FREE with any purchase
Last Updated on June 5, 2025 by Tomislav Zlatic.
