If you work in electronic music production, you know this struggle. Creating a sense of space that feels natural and impactful is tough. Reverb is supposed to fix it. But the wrong reverb, or poor settings, can make things worse-muddy, thin, or fake.
That's where Wave Alchemy's Magic7 comes in: a perfect encapsulation of the legendary Bricasti M7, and it's free. Yep, you read that correctly-the same mythical reverb sounds all the top-gun engineers swear by, and for nada.
But having Magic7 isn't enough; you have to know how to use it to solve specific problems. So let's dive into some of the most frustrating mix challenges and how I use Magic7 to conquer them.
Don’t forget to watch the video above and hear Magic7 in action.
A Quick Look at the Legendary Bricasti M7
Before diving into solutions, let’s talk about the original Bricasti M7. Released in 2007, the M7 quickly became the gold standard for digital reverb. Why? Its an incredibly natural, spacious sound. Unlike many digital reverbs, the M7 captures the depth, detail, and realism of real-world spaces. It’s the secret weapon of many top engineers.
Who Uses the Bricasti M7?
Mixing Engineers: The M7 appears on countless pop, rock, and electronic records. Engineers like Michael Brauer and Alan Meyerson use it to sculpt lush ambiances and spaces.
Film and TV Sound Designers: The M7 is prized for its cinematic depth and realistic room simulations.
Producers Across Genres: From intimate jazz recordings to EDM bangers, the M7 handles it all. It’s equally at home with vocals, acoustic instruments, or massive electronic soundscapes.
Key Styles of Music:
Pop: Smooth vocals and polished mixes rely on the M7’s lush halls and plates.
Rock: Big drums and soaring guitar leads often get their dimension from M7 rooms and chambers.
Electronic: From airy pads to tight drum spaces, the M7 helps electronic producers create immersive mixes.
Orchestral and Film Scores: The M7’s halls and spaces are unmatched for orchestral realism, making it a staple for soundtracks.
Now, with Magic7, you can access that same legendary sound without spending thousands.
Problem 1: Your Mix Sounds Flat and One-Dimensional
Ever listen back to your track and think, Why does this sound so two-dimensional? I get it. Flat mixes are a mood killer. It happens when the instruments are fighting for space and lack depth. The result? Your track sounds amateur and kind of boring.
How Magic7 Fixes It:
With Magic7, you have instant access to 234 stunning Bricasti M7 presets. For drums, try one of the tight Room presets. Rooms 1 and Rooms 2 work magic on snares and percussion. They give a short, natural ambiance that adds dimension without drowning your transients. For vocals? Go straight to Halls 1 or Plates 2. The reverb sounds huge but stays clean and airy. Suddenly, your mix breathes. Each sound has its own space.
Scenario: Picture this: You’ve got a four-on-the-floor house track with punchy drums. Add a subtle “Room 1” reverb to your clap. The clap gains depth and feels like it’s sitting naturally in a small room. Now your mix has movement. The rhythm section feels alive.
Problem 2: The Reverb Sounds Thin or Metallic
A lot of reverbs struggle with transients. You know the sound—the reverb tail starts thin and metallic, almost like it’s from an old movie soundtrack. This is especially brutal on sharp sounds like snares, hats, or plucks.
How Magic7 Fixes It:
Magic7’s Smooth parameter saves the day. It intelligently reduces the initial transient volume of the reverb without touching the dry signal. What does this mean? You get a thicker, lusher reverb tail. No metallic harshness.
Scenario: Let’s say you’re mixing a synth pluck that feels sterile. You slap on a long Plate 1 reverb to add texture, but it sounds too sharp and thin. Slide the Smooth control up. Suddenly, the reverb tail blooms beautifully. It’s lush and full, giving your pluck a dreamy, atmospheric vibe. Problem solved.
Problem 3: Reverb Mud Clutters Your Mix
Here’s the thing: Reverb is a double-edged sword. Too much of it, or the wrong settings, and your mix turns to mud. Bass-heavy reverbs and overlapping tails cause low-end chaos. Your track loses definition.
How Magic7 Fixes It:
Magic7 gives you modern EQ controls to fix reverb mud right at the source. Use the Low EQ to cut the rumble. Boost the Air EQ to keep the reverb crisp and open. Bonus? Magic7 offers reverb ducking. When enabled, the reverb dips in volume whenever the dry signal plays. This keeps things clean and focused.
Scenario: You’re mixing a deep techno track with a kick that dominates the low-end. You want a big hall reverb on the percussion, but the reverb tails muddy up the mix. Solution? Load Halls 2, cut the Low EQ down, and activate ducking. The reverb stays lush but backs off when the kick hits. Your low-end stays tight, and the mix sounds pro-level.
Problem 4: Reverb Doesn’t Sync with Your Track’s Tempo
Ever notice how some reverbs seem disconnected from the groove? It’s subtle, but it’s there. A poorly timed pre-delay makes the reverb tail feel like it lags. This disconnect can kill the energy of your track.
How Magic7 Fixes It:
Magic7’s tempo-synced pre-delay makes everything lock to the groove. Pre-delay is the small gap before the reverb starts. By syncing it to your track’s BPM, the reverb feels rhythmic and intentional.
Scenario: You’re working on a trance lead with a bright hall reverb. Normally, the tail feels a bit sloppy. With Magic7, sync the pre-delay to a 1/16 note. Now the reverb starts just in time, adding bounce to the lead instead of lag. It’s subtle, but it makes all the difference.
Problem 5: Your Mix Lacks Character or Movement
Sometimes, a mix feels too static. There’s no movement. The reverb just sits there. It doesn’t add life to the sound. This often happens with basic, sterile reverbs.
How Magic7 Fixes It:
Magic7 offers two modulation styles: Flux and Ensemble. Flux adds subtle movement, while Ensemble gives a rich, warm chorus effect. These tools help your reverb evolve, adding character and motion.
Scenario: You’ve got a dreamy pad drenched in reverb. It sounds nice but lacks personality. Activate Ensemble modulation on a Spaces 2 preset. The reverb starts shifting ever so slightly. It’s warm and chorused, adding life to the pad. Now your sound evolves, creating emotional depth.
Final Thoughts: The Magic of Magic7
I’ll repeat it: Magic7 is a gift you should try. It nails the legendary Bricasti M7 sound and solves real mixing problems. Flat mixes? Fixed. Thin reverb? Smoothed. Muddy chaos? Cleaned up. Magic7 isn’t just another reverb plugin. It’s a tool that makes your music sound pro—for free.
Whether you’re preparing tight drum spaces, airy vocal ambiances, or vast cathedral halls, Magic7 delivers. Give it a spin. Your mixes will thank you.
Cheers Marcus
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