check out this thread:
http://boards.cityofheroes.com/showthread.php?t=192252
Scrapper defense numbers will be the same, and builds will transfer to brutes excepting the PPPs. Should give you a good starting point. This is one of those combos where performance will be better on a scrapper than a brute, due to Soul Drain, AAO, and a scrappers higher base damage. The brute version gets a few more HP, and so the heal from SL is also a bit bigger. But, still not a bad choice for a brute.
AoE damage is on the low end, but helped a bit if you grab an AoE from your PPP and of course Shield Charge.
So, I know relatively little about Brutes. I have read some good things about Dark Melee, since it has high single target damage, a good damage buff, and a self heal (I know to avoid Dark Maul though, for the very long animation if nothing else). I've also read good things about Shield Defense, since it has easily soft-capped defense, moderate resistance, and a good damage buff.
Do you think that would be a good combination? I'm concerned about the lack of AoE damage. I never farm (because it's boring, and because I already have a level 50 with hundreds of millions of influence that I don't really spend), but I am concerned about performance in a group or incarnate trial.
Can anyone point me to a sample build for soft capping?
P.S. I'm thinking about /Soul for PPP for the synergistic -tohit, but people keep mentioning /Mu as a better AE choice. Personally I've tried /Mu on my 50 Mastermind and Electric Fences barely does damage. I didn't slot it for any damage though, I guess that could make some difference. The AoE is just not big enough for my taste.