ok So I did some extensive testing last night and here is what I found.
1. Noise is the same with transmission in D or N - probably not tranny related
2. makes no diffidence if I come off the gas fast or slow or not at all - probably not brake assist but not ruled out

Another thing I noticed is if I stab the brakes there is a tiny lag and then they grab with the clunk sound and what seems like overly aggressive braking. If I am already on the brakes and I stab hard it brakes normally with no noise.
These last part has me thinking it might be pad related. Maybe a pad is lose but once it makes contact with the rotor slowly it acts normally...thoughts?