BFD The Black Album Drums — Free Download

Updated 20 de octubre de 2026

Virtual instruments and libraries

BFD Black Album Drums is a BFD3 expansion capturing the iconic drum sound from Metallica’s 1991 album, featuring the original Gretsch kit, vintage snares, and meticulous studio reproduction.

Purpose and Origin

This expansion brings the legendary drum sound of Metallica’s Black Album to BFD3. It was produced and recorded by Chocolate Audio, the team behind Imperial and Modern Retro, with the goal of recreating the original recording sessions as faithfully as possible.

The project benefited from the involvement of Mike Tacci, assistant engineer on the original album, and recording took place at the restored One On One Recording Studio in North Hollywood, now known as 17 Hertz. This attention to detail ensures the drum tones reflect the original performance and recording environment, making it a authentic choice for rock and metal productions seeking that iconic heavy, yet natural drum sound.

Key Capabilities and Sound Design

The drums were recorded with a meticulous microphone setup aiming to mirror the original sessions. Kicks used EV RE20, Sennheiser MD421, and Neumann Fet-47 microphones, while snares featured Neumann KM-86 and Shure SM-57 on top with an AKG C451 on the bottom. Hi-hats were miked with a Shure SM-7 and AKG C451, and cymbals with AKG C451s. Toms were captured top and bottom with Sennheiser MD409s and MD421s.

Overheads used high-hanging Neumann U87s. Room mics included a mono AKG C414 rear, a stereo XY pair of C414s left and right, AKG C12 tube mics for close front rooms, and Telefunken ELAM 251E tube mics placed high as far rooms. This extensive setup offers a range of tonal options, from tight, close-miked articulation to wide, ambient spaces, giving producers creative control over the drum mix.

Workflow and Integration

As an expansion pack, this product integrates directly into BFD3, allowing users to load the kit, mix individual microphones, and apply effects within the familiar BFD3 workflow. The multi-mic setup is organized to facilitate both quick adjustments and detailed mixing, with channels for each drum and microphone position. Users can blend close, overhead, and room signals to shape the overall sound.

Although the pack is inspired by a specific album, the drum sounds can be adapted for various rock and metal contexts. The ability to manipulate room mics and vintage tube options lets producers move from a dry, punchy mix to a lush, expansive stadium sound. This flexibility, combined with the authentic source material, makes it a valuable tool for achieving professional drum tones in a digital audio workstation.

Practical Applications

This expansion is well-suited for producers working in rock, metal, or any genre demanding powerful, realistic drum sounds. The included kit has a heavy, yet natural character that works for everything from aggressive tracks to more dynamic, song-oriented arrangements. The variety of snares, including the Bell Brass and Black Beauty, offers flexibility for different track moods.

The multiple room mic options allow sound designers to craft atmospheric drum beds for cinematic or ambient projects. In a DAW, users can route individual microphones to separate tracks for parallel processing, or use the built-in mixer to create a ready-made drum sound quickly. Whether aiming for a faithful recreation or a modern twist, this pack provides a rich foundation for creative drum production.