Introducing PWM Mantis: A Hybrid Duophonic Synthesizer Honoring Chris Huggett's Legacy

Exploring the Features and Innovation Behind the Collaboration

NEWS  Musical Instruments  January 27, 2024  Reading time: 3 Minute(s)

Max (RS editor)

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Paul Whittington from PWM introduced the Mantis, a new paraphonic hybrid Synthesizer. Better known as Chris Huggett’s last Synthesizer design. The development has continued in the last few months, and the synth is almost finished.

At NAMM 2024, Paul showed the production-ready version of the Mantis. Now, they are working on the final features, and then production starts. It should go into production after the Chinese New Year holidays.

This means the synth is almost there, so probably before Superbooth 24. The synth developer and pioneer Chris Huggett passed away in 2020. He was responsible for novel designs like the WASP, OSCar, and many modern Novation synths like the Bass Station, Peak, and more. 

 PWM MANTIS AT NAMM 2024 [VIDEO CREDITS: SONICSTATE] 

At the end of his life, he worked on another hardware Synthesizer that was only presented at Superbooth 23. This was the new PWM Mantis Synthesizer. 

Mantis is a new duophonic hybrid (digital/analog) synthesizer developed in collaboration with Chris Huggett. According to PWM, it is based on the concept of the WASP but taken to the modern age.

At its core is a duophonic engine with two analog signal paths consisting of newly developed mathematically generated oscillators. The synth features:

• Two oscillators (sine/triangle/saw/pulse and additional wave types) plus a sub-oscillator per voice
• Shape options with PWM
• Pitch mod
• Oscillator drift: creates random pitch variations between oscillators.

Then, the digital oscillators drive into a mixer with three mixing options: the first mix consists of oscillators 1 and 2, the second oscillators + noise, and the third oscillators + noise and a ring modulator.

From here, it goes into two analog multimode state variable VCA filters with overdrive, one per signal path:

• Lowpass/bandpass/highpass in 12dB and 24dB configurations
• Additional WBAND (series) and WSTOP (parallel) types
• Controls: cutoff, cutoff mod, resonance, filter width, filter width mod, and key track.

It also has a VCA section made of multi-stage VCAs ensuring the amplification remains analog.

Modulation side, Mantis features two sync-able LFOs with four waveshapes per oscillator and fade in/fade-out functionality. There are also two independent ADSR envelopes where the first is normalized to the amp while the second can be routed freely. Each envelope also offers a repeat function and a unique sustain fall parameter for shaping during key-down. They also have velocity positive and negative control.

To refine your sounds, it hosts a multi-effects section consisting of a reverb (time, level, high- and lowpass filter) and a chorus (level, type). Other notable features include:

• Glide with auto-glide mode
• Arpeggiator with six types, sync rates, tap tempo, swing, six-octave range
• Multi-function joystick control (pitch bend, performable vibrato, latching hold mode)
• Duophonic mode control: duo mode, duo mode with a simple filter, and pan control for duophonic voicing
• Patch memory for 200 patches (100 factory presets)
• 37-full-size semi-weighted-velocity-sensitive and aftertouch keybed

On the back it offers a wide selection of connection options: 1/4” line outs, headphone socket, pedal input, MIDI in/out/thru, USB-C, DC-9V input, and a master power switch.

 

At first glance, Mantis is an intriguing hybrid synth that carries Chris Huggett’s DNA. The British developer was known for synths with a special sound so it will be interesting to see how the final version of the instrument will sound and perform.

PWM Mantis will be probably available around late Summer/Q3 2024, with a price tag of $1499 incl. taxes. For more information visit PWM website. 

 IMAGES CREDITS: PWM | VIDEO: SONICSTATE