PWM Malevolent Analog Synthesizer

Full Description

Waveshaping VCOs with mixable waveforms

The first-ever synth from PWM, the Malevolent - looks to shake up the synthesizer landscape. Don’t be fooled by its size, this compact mini-synth packs a powerful punch boasting a wide range of controls and sound design tools to create massive sounds. With wave-shaping VCO (voltage controlled oscillators) and three switchable/mixable waveforms to choose from; you’re provided with all the tools you need to create a myriad of varying tones and sounds.

Designed as a collaboration between Paul Whittington and Future Sound Systems; the Malevolent is capable of everything from piercing leads and huge bass sounds to atmospheric pads and unique sound FX. The semi-modular design features a whole range of patch points with 19 inputs and 19 outputs in total, providing extensive modulation options. It even features a joystick controller built-in which you can use to affect pitch, vibrato and more.

Multi-mode filtering and premium-grade VCA circuit

The ability to shape and sculpt your sound is paramount when it comes to synthesis. That’s why the Malevolent features a multi-mode 2-pole Sallen-Key topology filter with resonance control. This powerful filter features various settings for shaping your shape including low-pass/high-pass/band-pass settings each complete with dedicated inputs. There are also two frequency modulation inputs as well as cutoff and resonance controls.

At the heart of the Malevolent is a premium-quality VCA (Voltage Controlled Amplifier) complete with a powerful overdrive. The overdrive can be used to boost the tone generator signal to the extreme. You can use it subtly to mimic saturation or push it to the max to create aggressive and distorted sounds.

6-mode arpeggiator with hold function

Combine melodic and rhythmic elements using the 6-mode arpeggiator. With six different modes to choose from you can create patterns and sequences with ease. The six modes are comprised of: Up, Down, Up/Down 1, Up/Down 2, Played & Random. It also provides you with a six-octave range as well as rate/sync control. It also features an automatic clock sync, detecting an analog/MIDI or USB-MIDI clock and syncing the arpeggiator. You can also choose between a range of sync rates when the clock is detected for added flexibility.

Monophonic USB/MIDI to CV converter for computer integration

Want to incorporate the Malevolent into your music productions? The onboard monophonic USB/MIDI to CV converter is perfect for taking your sound design to the next level. Connect via USB-MIDI for 1V/Oct CV and gate conversion, with fully-analog pitch and gate control. The possibilities are endless. Sample your created sound from the Malevolent and create massive soundscapes within your chosen music software.

Compact design, versatile connectivity

Breaking convention, the Malevolent is an affordable yet powerful mini synthesizer with 100 percent analog circuitry ensuring you capture that vintage warmth and grit associated with classic synthesizers. With 32 velocity-sensitive mini-keys and octave shift control, you have full reign over your notation and ability to create sounds. Not only that but the keyboard features a range of I/O connectivity including dedicated outputs for pitch, velocity and gate parameters. There is even a ‘Local Off’ mode for use with DAWs (digital audio workstations). It can also be powered via USB, eliminating the need for a power supply when using it with your computer.

What’s Included

• 1 x Malevolent
• 4 x Coloured Patch Cables
• 1 x USB-C Cable
• 1 x Power Supply
• 1 x Quick Start Guide

Specifications

• Signal Path: Pure Analog signal path designed by Future Sound Systems
• Oscillators: 2 Voltage Controlled Oscillators
  • 2 Voltage Controlled Oscillators
  • Saw / Triangle / Pulse outputs plus Mix for each oscillator
  • 1V/Oct pitch control input
  • Shape control / pulse width modulation input
  • 2x Frequency Modulation inputs
  • Coarse / Fine tune control
  • Shape mod amount control
  • FM1 and 2 mod amount controls
  • Shape control
  • Selectable waveforms for the mix output
  • Individual osc level control
• LFO (Low Frequency Oscillator):
  • Triangle / Square wave outputs
  • Rate control
• 2x Envelopes:
  • Individual ADSR controls for each envelope
  • Individual gate inputs
  • Individual envelope outputs
• Multi-mode 2 pole VCF (Voltage Controlled Filter):
  • Low pass / Band pass / High Pass individual inputs
  • 2x Frequency Modulation inputs with amount controls
  • Filter cutoff
  • Filter resonance
• Mixer:
  • Noise w/level control
  • Aux input w/level control
• VCA (Voltage Controlled Amplifier): with overdrive control
• Compatibility: Compatible with Eurorack standard 1V/Oct gear
• Polyphony: Monophonic and patchable allowing individual pitch control of each VCO and gate control of each envelope
• Other: USB bus-powered
• I/O Connectivity:
  • 19 Outputs and 19 Inputs for 3.5mm mono jack cable patching
  • MIDI In / Out
  • Headphone out
  • Line out
  • Analog clock in & out
  • USB-MIDI to 1V/Oct CV & gate conversion
• Multi-function Joystick control:
  • Left / right for pitch bend
  • Performable portamento
  • Performable vibrato
  • This is in addition to the analog LFO
  • Latching hold mode
• Arpeggiator:
  • 6 arpeggiator types
  • Up, Down, Up/Down 1, Up/Down 2, Played & Random
  • Auto clock sync
  • Detects analogue / MIDI or USB-MIDI clock and synchronises the arpeggiator automatically
  • Selectable sync rates when clock detected
  • Rate / sync control
  • Latch
  • 6 Octave range
  • Analog / MIDI / USB-MIDI Clock output when arpeggiator is running
• Keyboard Control:
  • 32 Velocity-sensitive mini-keys
  • Octave shift +/- 4 octaves
  • Pitch output
  • Velocity output
  • Gate output
  • Local Off mode for DAW use
• Dimensions (unboxed): 490 x 250 x 80 mm
• Weight: 2.61 kg
• Product Code: MALEVOLENT