PWM Mantis Hybrid Analogue Synthesizer
This project is a collaboration between the late Chris Huggett (Gnat, WASP, OSCar) and PWM (Paul Whittington). In development over the last period of his life, Chris threw everything he could into the PWM Mantis.
The project was passed over to Paul after Chris passed to see if anything could be made of this incomplete project. With the support of Chris’ estate, PWM thinks this synthesizer is amazing and deserves to be born into the world for everyone to enjoy, and they know Chris would be really proud too!
Mantis Oscillators
The OSCs are generated at boot-up using complex mathematics. They run on a DSP chip that gives ultimate stability and control without compromising the unique sound. Although a hybrid, everything after the mixer, gain staging and the filter is analogue.
VCF
The Filter is a multi-mode state variable VCA Filter with overdrive. Chris Huggett has built this unit in a special configuration with the SSI2164 chip. There are two filters – one for each analogue signal path. Combine in a series or parallel and apply width control and width modulation to create that distinctive OSCar Sound.
FX
The Mantis has two simple digital effects: Reverb and Chorus. Control the Reverb time and level adjustments and also high and low pass filters. Switch these features on to limit unwanted lower mud or higher bouncy twinkles.
Envelopes
Mantis has 2 ADSR envelopes but each has an additional ‘Sustain Fall’ parameter and negative and positive velocity modulation level hardwired for convenience. The Mantis presents you with even more sound design possibilities by using the ‘Sustain Fall’ feature. This creates a drop before release even while a key is held. Additionally, If you wish to to add a pseudo LFO, put each envelope into repeat mode.
VCA
The gain staging on Mantis is all analogue and run through the SSI2164 VCAs – we have a few of them in the design! The signal is actually twice amplified to ensure the overdriven sound is warm and clips naturally.
Mantis Includes:
- Power Supply (9V 600mA)
- USB C lead
- A helpful Guide To Getting Started