Bricasti Design Model 7

The Bricasti Design Model 7, usually just called the M7, is a rackmount stereo reverb processor dedicated entirely to reverberation¹. Released in 2007, it is a 24-bit/192 kHz algorithmic stereo reverb with both analog and digital connectivity, built around six dual-core Analog Devices DSPs, all of which are dedicated to a single stereo signal²³. Bricasti describes it as providing "a palette of sounds that encompass the familiar as well as new expressions in the art"¹.

For a player used to reverb pedals, the M7 is a different animal: a 1U studio processor with balanced XLR and AES connections, more than 200 presets, and deep parameter control. It is hand crafted in the USA².

What it is and what it does

The M7 is a real-time synthesized algorithmic reverb processor: rather than convolution, it generates reverb with algorithms running on its DSP array⁴. Its presets are organized into banks of Halls, Plates, Rooms, Chambers, Ambience and Spaces⁴. The unit comes with over 200 presets, and you can create and store 100 of your own². Each bank has a distinct character, as the manual describes:

A third algorithm, Non Linear, is based on the classic AMS RMX 16 Non Linear algorithm. It is a very simple algorithm in which only the Rolloff, Size, Early Select, Early Balance and Early Rolloff parameters are used⁵. Recording Magazine's reviewer noted that Non-Linear offers four choices of slap-back for snares, drums and toms².

Controls and parameters

The front panel centers on a 2-line red LED display, a stepped input knob, and a set of keys². The main editable reverb parameters and their ranges:

Front panel keys handle navigation and storage⁴:

• Enter Key: confirms operations like loading a selected program⁴
• Store Key: stores an edited program in a register⁴
• Reg Key: takes you to the user register bank where edited presets are stored and labeled⁴
• Favorite Keys 1-4: press and hold to store the current running program; press once quickly to recall it⁴
• Input Level knob: re-settable stepped control in 2 dB steps from +8 dbm to +24 dbu⁴
• Level Meters: display current input or output level, software selectable⁴

Registers are labeled using a 14-character location display⁴. System parameters include analog output level (HIGH +24 dB, MED +16 dB, LOW +8 dB), wet gain from 0 to -60 dB in 1/2 dB steps or Off, and display brightness in five levels⁴.

Power and connections

Around the back are stereo balanced XLR ins and outs, AES digital I/O on XLR, 5-pin MIDI I/O, and a 9-pin serial port for connection to the M10 remote². The serial connection is an RS 422 port for the dedicated M10 Remote Console, which provides control data and power for the remote; a loop through connector allows up to 4 M7 mainframes on one remote⁴.

The analog section is fully differential with its own transformer-based linear power supply, separate from the digital section's supply¹⁴. Analog performance figures from the maker's spec sheet³:

• Dynamic range: >116 dB, A-weighted (input and output sections)
• THD+N: <0.001%
• Frequency response: 10 Hz to 20 kHz, within 0.05 dB
• Maximum input and output level: +24 dBu
• Jitter: <20 picoseconds

The M7 uses a three pin IEC connector and detachable power cord, running on 100-240 VAC at 50 to 60 Hz, selectable, with power consumption under 40W⁴. The AC inlet fuse is a T1A, 1A 250V slow blow for all voltages and frequencies⁴.

MIDI program changes

Early M7 units shipped with MIDI in and out that had no function in V1 and were reserved for future enhancement⁴. Bricasti's 2008 application note explains how program changes work once the firmware supports them.

To set up MIDI program changes⁶:

1. Check the system page for MIDI channel select; if it is not there, contact Bricasti at info@bricasti.com to have a newer version sent⁶.
2. Set the MIDI channel you want on the system page⁶.
3. Store the programs you want in the desired user registers⁶.
4. Place the M7 in Register mode by manually loading a program from a user register; it is then ready to receive program changes⁶.

Program changes recall programs from the user registers only, mapped one to one: MIDI program change 0 equals Register Bank 0 program 0, and so on⁶. The application will not load from the preset programs or the 1-4 keys on the front panel, so any preset you want under MIDI control must first be stored in the corresponding user register⁶. To turn MIDI control off, manually load a preset program; in PROG mode the M7 ignores MIDI commands⁶.

The M7M also carries MIDI I/O⁷. A separate option, the Exponential Audio M7 Control plug-in, requires MIDI cables run to the Bricasti from a MIDI interface².

Versions: V1, V2 and the M7M

The M7's algorithms come in two flavors. The original Version 1 software offers more than 200 unique reverb presets with 12 parametric program parameters². The V2 late reverb algorithm takes a different approach to the sound. Bricasti's V2 addendum describes it as "a very different kind of sound, with more coloration, being more effect like than natural sounding, but keeping the kind of clear density found in the original V1 sounds"⁵. A version 3 of the algorithms was reported to be in development, but still a year out².

The M7M Mainframe is an exact duplicate of the M7 Stereo Reverb Processor with reduced front panel controls, intended to be used in conjunction with the M10 Remote Console⁸. The M7M's front panel carries only the stepped input knob and power switch². It is available bundled with the M10 in several configurations, with one or more M7Ms, and as a stand alone product for customers adding more channels of Bricasti processing to an M10-based setup without duplicating interface controls⁸. In 2016 the M7M listed at $3200 against the M7's $3695².

What reviewers said

Recording Magazine's Paul Vnuk Jr., reviewing the Bricasti system in September 2016, noted that the M7 "dedicates six dual-core Blackfins to one stereo signal" and that since 2007 it "has ascended to the rarefied heights of world-class reverbs"². He also reported that Bricasti was working on version 3 of the algorithms at the time, still a year out².

Engineer and producer Chris Spilfogel, in a 2008 Bricasti press release describing his use of the Model 7 on pop, R&B and film soundtrack mixes, said:

The press release from that period listed more than 100 reverb presets with 15 parametric program parameters and 50 user registers⁹; the current product page lists more than 200 unique presets, 12 parametric program parameters and 100 user registers¹⁰⁴, reflecting how the product grew with the V2 release.

Build and reliability

The chassis is stainless steel with an anodized aluminum front panel, knobs and buttons⁴¹⁰. Recording Magazine described the chassis as thick black aluminum with textured matte silver knobs². The manual calls it a rugged device with extensive electrical protection⁴, and recommends a minimum of half a rack space above and below plus ventilated rack fillers, making the installation a minimum 2U⁴. Warranty is 1 year parts and labor⁴.

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