PWM Mantis Hybrid-Analogue Duophonic Synthesizer with 37-Key Keybed

The PWM Mantis is a distinctive hybrid-analogue synthesizer developed from a collaboration between the late Chris Huggett and PWM's Paul Whittington. It combines digitally generated oscillators with a fully analogue signal path from the mixer onwards, including gain staging and filters. This design aims to deliver the tuning stability of digital oscillators while retaining the warmth and character of analogue circuitry. The instrument is duophonic, featuring two completely discrete analogue signal paths, which allows for rich, layered sound creation. Key features include two mathematically generated oscillators plus a sub-oscillator per voice, with controls for shape, pitch modulation, octave selection, and a unique oscillator drift function for introducing natural pitch variations. The sound is processed through two multi-mode state variable VCA filters with overdrive, built around the SSI2164 chip in a configuration designed by Chris Huggett. These filters can be used in series or parallel, with width control and modulation, recalling the distinctive filter character of the classic OSCar synthesizer. Additional sound-shaping tools include two ADSR envelopes with a 'sustain fall' parameter and repeat mode, two LFOs with four waveform types, a mixer with noise and ring modulation, and built-in digital reverb and chorus effects. The Mantis is equipped with a 37-note, full-sized keyboard featuring aftertouch, a multi-function joystick for real-time control, and an arpeggiator with six modes including a unique duophonic arp mode. It offers substantial patch memory with 200 locations (100 factory and 100 user presets), all held in RAM for easy overwriting. The synth provides extensive modulation routing with fast configuration options and selectable triggering modes. This combination of innovative hybrid architecture, deep sound design capabilities, and performance-focused controls makes it a versatile instrument for studio production and live performance.