PWM Mantis Hybrid-Analog Duophonic Synthesizer
PWM Mantis is a collaboration between the late Chris Huggett (EDP Gnat, EDP Wasp, OSCar) and PWM (Paul Whittington). In development over the last period of his life, Chris threw everything he could into Mantis. Although incomplete when he passed away, he handed his part of the project over to Paul to continue and to see what, if anything, could be made of it – he really was so humble in his work!
- Hybrid-analog synthesizer: mathematically-generated oscillators with a pure analog signal path
- Heritage sound: a modernized design architecture based on EDP Wasp with an OSCar-style filter designed by the late, great Chris Huggett
- Duophonic: two fully independent voices, each with two oscillators plus sub-oscillator per voice
- Dual filters: multi-mode state variable VCA filters with overdrive per voice that can be combined in series or parallel with width control
- 2 LFOs with 4 waveform types and sync
- Arpeggiator with 6 modes, tap tempo, swing and sync & unique duophonic arp mode
- Reverb with low & high pass filtering and 4 chorus modes
- 37-note full-size semi-weighted keybed with aftertouch plus multi-function joystick
- Fully featured MIDI/USB control for easy integration with any studio or live environment
Oscillators
The Mantis oscillators are generated at boot-up using complex mathematics. They run on a DSP chip that gives ultimate stability and control without compromising their unique sound. This is what makes the synth a hybrid, but don’t be fooled: everything after that through the mixer, gain staging and the filter is analog.
VCF
The filter is a multi-mode state variable VCA filter with overdrive. It is built using the SSI2164 chip in special configuration designed by Chris Huggett. There are two filters, one for each analog signal path. They can be combined in series or parallel and used with the width control and width modulation to create that distinctive sound only heard on OSCar.
Effects
Mantis has two onboard digital effects: reverb and chorus. Reverb has a time and level adjustment but also a high and low pass filter that can be switched in to limit unwanted lower mud and/or higher bouncy twinkles.
Envelopes
Mantis has two ADSR envelopes, but each has an additional 'sustain fall' parameter and negative and positive velocity modulation level hardwired for convenience. 'Sustain fall' allows you to create a drop before release even while a key is held for greater sound design possibilities. Each envelope can also be put into repeat mode to act as a pseudo LFO if you wish.
VCA
The gain staging on Mantis is, of course, all analog and is run through the SSI2164 VCAs – there a few of them in the design! The signal is actually amplified twice to ensure the overdriven sound is warm and clips naturally.
| SKU | PWM-MANTIS |
| Vendor | PWM |
| Aftertouch | Yes |
| Analog Digital | Hybrid |
| Built In Speakers | No |
| Included From Manufacturer |
USB-C to USB-A cable USB power supply |
| Keys Weighted | Semi-Weighted |
| Number of Keys | 37 |
| Key Size | Full Size Keys |
| Midi | In, Out, Thru, and USB |
| Mono Poly | Duophonic/Paraphonic |
| MPN | PWM-MNTS |
| Arpeggiator | Yes |
| Control Connections | 1/4" expression pedal input 1/4" footswitch input |
| Onboard Controllers | Multi-function joystick |
| Effects | Chorus Reverb |
| Audio Outputs | Dual 1/4" stereo output 1/4" stereo headphone output |
| Key Action | Semi-weighted with aftertouch |
| Oscillators per Voice | 2 plus Sub |
| Product Weight | 11.68 lb |
| Programs/Presets | 200 preset storage locations 100 factory presets |
| USB Port (to Host) | MIDI |
| Voices of Polyphony | 2 |
| Width | 24.41" |
| Depth | 12.6" |
| Height | 4.33" |
PWM products comes with a 1-year manufacturer's warranty from the date of purchase. Please do not insert anything into the trim pot holes located just above the 1V/Oct jacks in each of Malevolent's VCO sections. These trim pots are for manufacturer and service use only. Insertion of anything into these holes will invalidate your warranty.
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