Lexicon PCM96 vs. Bricasti M7

If you want to upgrade the sound of your room.....Bricasti

If you close mic.... bricasti


Cheers


Wiz

The Lexicon exists in plugin form, so consider that. And the Bricasti can be controlled via plugin.

I've owned PCM96, 480L, and Bricasti - along with a TON of other cheaper hardware verbs over the years....

Currently own only the Bricasti and plugs (and a few of my 80's one trick pony - once once every 3-4 year boxes).

- I sold the 480L cause it was a boat anchor waiting to happen, and worth WAY too much. (although I did love it).
- I sold the PCM96 because the firewire thing was a disaster, and because the plugin was just as good sounding. (IMO)
- I kept the Bricasti cause nothing else does what it does. Not even close. IR's included.

I'd use plugs (native and LX480) over the PCM96.


If you MUST have hardware, and MUST have Lexicon (having Lexicon is something I completely understand...but I get it via plugins), then I would try the v.2.x Bricasti first to see if it does what you want.  It imitates Lexicon in v.2.x but in my mind doesn't quite achieve what a 480L does.  If that works for you, end of search.  You've got the best of both worlds.  If it doesn't make it for you, buy a 480L and pray it doesn't blow up anytime soon.  If that's not an option, ditch the PCM96, and buy a PCM92.  Less money, just as good (identical aside from the i/o) and be happy.

If it was me, before buying a 480L, I'd get another cheap computer, crappy interface and run the LX480 on the computer thru the console.

When both were released I got a chance to play quite a bit with both at NAMM. I was an exhibitor so I got in early before the crowds so I could play and listen alone.

The PCM96 was impressive, like a 480 in a small package. It reminded me of those classic Lexicon chorus/reverb sounds. The M7 was in another class altogether. Brian showed me all the possibilities and he really messed with my head switching from the real Boston Hall ambiences to the Bricasti's version. I could not tell which was which. The M7 sells the room better than anything ever invented.

Since that was what I was looking for I sold off my hot-rodded Lexicon 224XL that week and bought the M7. I never looked back as I have other Lexicon stuff for those sounds.

There are two types of studios in this world: Those that have/use the M7 and those that do not. Which are you?

Don't expect US to convince you.  The only way of knowing for SURE is to get both in your room - long term.  All we can do is relate our experiences.  Everyone has different esthetic's and different needs.

 I think you said "Guy's and gals, again I need more clips / audio / examples.."  Call it an expectation, call it a need, call it whatever you like.  And you're right, you're not the only one....  But...

I'm sorry, got no time for that, and even if I (someone) did, it's not a substitute for trying things in your own place.

I don't make decisions based on "clips".  I'm not in the "clip" generation I guess.  I rarely listen to em cause I know how misleading they are.  When someone sets up a clip, they set it up for THEIR esthetic, and the reality is, we each look for different things.  Even if I make a specific request and it's answered, IMO, it really does not tell me what I need to know.  Only using the unit in my studio (or another studio I work out of) will tell me that.  In the same fashion, I always avoid the "what's the best xyz anything" or "what should I buy" threads.  

So don't get bent, I was not trying to offend, just offer realistic and useful info....  Good luck on the search.


And secondarily, one of the main reason's I find that users "don't say a word" is cause they are using said box as one of their secret weapons.  Still, if you are willing to do your research, there is anecdotal and real world info out there for you.

If you can't get units new to demo, then I suggest buying used, waiting for a decent / good deal, and selling if it doesn't suit your esthetic. Honestly, I've MADE money doing that.

The state of things in "pro audio" land isn't great over here, one of the reasons I'm trying to get this all sorted ASAP is because distributors are dumping entire lines / demo units are becoming scarce (if they'll lend you one at all).. Some are amazing like Microtech Gefell, they'll happily lend you something (which is one of the reasons I'll lean their way).

KMR are pretty awesome at getting demo stuff as well, but it's very selective.


Before I do commit to trying something out though, I have to be at least semi-invested in it nowdays.. Ok, maybe I was a little over the top but still if I can find available resources I'll try that avenue first then dig deep..

Also, if I already had access to everything and knew what the crack is we wouldn't have much to talk about would we? ..!

Thanks for the help everyone.

Yup, absolutely stunning records were made before it existed.