BRICASTI DESIGN M7

Product overview

The BRICASTI DESIGN M7 is a stereo reverb processor dedicated to the task of reverberation: true stereo reverb algorithms, more than 200 unique presets, 24-bit AES digital I/O up to 192 kHz and a fully differential analog section, in a hand-crafted 1U chassis.

The Model 7 provides the highest level of musicality and ease of control in a processor dedicated to reverberation. A modern high-resolution digital design, built on an array of the latest DSP processors, is the platform for its reverb algorithms, while a separate, fully differential analog section and a dedicated transformer-based linear power supply give it outstanding analog specifications. An exceptionally strong stainless steel chassis, a tooled aluminium front panel and a classic high-visibility display, legible at a distance, at any angle and in any light, make it equally at home in the studio and on live shows.

Key features

• More than 200 unique reverb presets: halls, plates, rooms, chambers, ambience and spaces
• True Stereo Reverb Process, plus the V2 algorithm banks and Non Linear programs
• 12 parametric program parameters, plus delay time, delay level and delay modulation
• 100 user registers and 4 front panel Favorites for quick saves and compares
• AES single wire 24-bit digital I/O, self-clocking from 44.1 to 192 kHz
• Balanced XLR analog I/O: 24-bit conversion, dynamic range above 117 dB (A), THD+N below 0.001 %
• Dual dedicated power supplies: toroidal transformer linear supply for analog, switching supply for digital
• Separate digital and analog modules; 6 dual-core DSPs
• Stepped analog input level control in 2 dB steps
• MIDI I/O for program changes and system exclusive dumps
• Stainless steel chassis and top cover; milled anodised aluminium front panel, knobs and button caps
• Hand crafted in the USA

Reverb programs for every application

The M7 is a real-time synthesised algorithmic reverb. Its presets are arranged by application: Halls for orchestral music and large natural spaces, Plates with the sound of an analog metal plate for multi-track recording and live performance, Rooms for post-production, dialogue and solo instruments, Chambers for acoustic instruments, drums and chamber music, Ambience to add space and air without obvious reverb, and Spaces for outdoor, very large or non-real spaces. The V2 banks (Halls 2, Plates 2, Rooms 2, Spaces 2) add a 'larger than life' late reverb with more colour, and the Non Linear programs give gated sounds.

Deep yet simple editing

Press Edit and every program opens up: reverb time from 0.1 to 30 s, size, pre delay up to 500 ms, diffusion, density, modulation, rolloff, high and low frequency reverb time multipliers with their crossovers, VLF cut, early/reverb mix, early rolloff and early select. V2 adds a delay with level, time (100 ms to 1 s) and modulation to every preset. Store an edited program to one of the four Favorite keys with a press and hold, or to the labelled user registers, and lock register banks against overwriting.

Studio-grade analog and digital I/O

Balanced XLR inputs and outputs (pin 2 hot) handle up to +24 dBu, with an output level set to +8, +16 or +24 dB to match the console. The AES single wire digital I/O locks to the incoming sample rate from 44.1 to 192 kHz. In analog mode the M7 always runs at its optimal internal sampling rate; in digital mode it mutes if the input fails and returns without glitches.

Control and session recall

MIDI program changes can be mapped to the user registers, a preset bank or the Favorites, and program, system and edit buffer dumps save the full state of the M7 with a session. The rear RS-422 remote port connects the dedicated BRICASTI DESIGN M10 remote, and its loop through links up to four M7 units to one remote.

In the box

• M7 Stereo Reverb Processor
• Three-wire grounding-type power cord for the country of destination

BRICASTI DESIGN M7: frequently asked questions

How many presets does the M7 have?

More than 200 unique reverb presets in Halls, Plates, Rooms, Chambers, Ambience and Spaces banks, plus the V2 banks and Non Linear programs.

Does the M7 have digital and analog connections?

Yes. It has balanced XLR analog inputs and outputs and AES single wire 24-bit digital I/O from 44.1 to 192 kHz. Choose Analog or Digital in the System menu.

Can I save my own sounds?

Yes: press and hold one of the four Favorite keys, or store to the user registers with your own 14-character label.

Can the M7 be controlled remotely?

Yes. It accepts MIDI program changes and system exclusive dumps, and the RS-422 remote port connects the BRICASTI DESIGN M10 remote, with loop through for up to four M7 units.

How should the M7 be installed in a rack?

It is 1U high; BRICASTI DESIGN recommends half a rack space above and below with ventilated fillers, clear side and rear vents, and support for the rear of the unit in a road case.

Where can I buy the BRICASTI DESIGN M7 in India?

The BRICASTI DESIGN M7 is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: Reverb send in a mixing studio

Engineers adding reverb from a console or interface send.

Connections

Setup

1. In System, set Dry Gain to Off and Wet Gain to 0 dB for a full wet output.
2. Set the Input control so peaks sit just below the top LED.
3. Set Analog Out Level to +8, +16 or +24 dB to match the return.
4. Choose a preset with Prog, the cursor keys and the adjust knob, then press Enter.

Tip: For a mono send, set Audio Routing to Mono L or Mono R for a stereo reverb from one input.

Workflow 2: All-digital AES chain at high sample rates

Studios working digitally up to 192 kHz.

Connections

Setup

1. In System, set Audio Format to Digital.
2. Check the sample rate on the Digital Status page.
3. Use cabling designed for AES digital audio.
4. Load and edit programs as usual.

Tip: No level matching is needed on the AES path: level is part of the digital data stream.

Workflow 3: Orchestral and acoustic recording

Recording and post engineers needing natural halls and rooms.

Connections

Setup

1. Start in the Halls bank for orchestral music.
2. Set Reverb Time and Pre Delay in Edit.
3. Shape the tail with HF RT multiply and crossover.
4. Store the result to a Favorite key with a press and hold.

Tip: Chambers presets suit acoustic instruments, drums and chamber music.

Workflow 4: Post-production and dialogue

Adding space to dialogue and effects.

Connections

Setup

1. Choose the Rooms or Ambience bank.
2. Adjust Size and Early/Reverb Mix.
3. Use Spaces presets for outdoor or special effects.
4. Save each scene to labelled user registers.

Tip: Lock a register bank in System so a finished set of sounds cannot be overwritten.

Workflow 5: Live sound at front of house

Live engineers who need a readable, quick-to-use reverb.

Connections

Setup

1. Load your show sounds onto Favorite keys 1-4.
2. Recall a sound with a single quick press.
3. Use a short press of Tap to mute, a long press to bypass.
4. Set Display Level for the lighting conditions.

Tip: The display can be read at any angle, at a distance and in any light, even daylight.

Workflow 6: Session recall with MIDI and remote control

Studios with several M7 units or recurring sessions.

Connections

Setup

1. Set the MIDI channel and the MIDI bank in the System menu.
2. Hold Prog, System or Edit to send a dump to the sequencer.
3. Send the dump back to restore the session; the Tap LED confirms.
4. Map program changes to registers, a preset bank or the Favorites.

Tip: Up to four M7 units can be linked to one remote through the loop through port.