PWM Malevolent Analogue Synthesizer

Malevolent is an exciting semi-modular analogue synthesizer by new UK synth brand PWM. Don't be fooled, despite its size Malevolent is capable of producing big sounds and can do everything from soaring leads, huge bass, percussive elements to weird sound effects. It boasts 19 x 3.5mm inputs and outputs allowing for integration capabilities with other modular systems, meaning endless sound exploration possibilities are at your fingertips!

Key Features

• Wave-shaping VCO’s, with three switchable / mixable waveforms
• Multi-mode 2-pole Sallen-Key topology filter with resonance
• High quality VCA circuit with a superb overdrive
• Monophonic USB / MIDI to CV Converter
• 6 mode arpeggiator with hold
• Magnetically attached + removeable end cheeks
• Can be powered by USB BUS power
• Vast expansion possibilities with Eurorack standard 1V/Oct gear

Malevolent was designed in collaboration between Paul Whittington (known for developing products for some of the biggest names in the industry), Bristol based synth manufacturer Future Sound Systems (who specialise in modular and semi-modular synthesizers and provided the analogue circuitry for the Malevolent) and Ben Supper (who developed the control interface). The result is an excitingly unique semi-modular synth with an intriguing number of possibilities.

Its form factor, user interface and price point make it a great option for those taking their first step in the modular domain, but its unique sound, options for integrating seamlessly with other synthesizers  and extensive modulation capabilities make it a great option for experienced users who are looking for something a little bit different!

Technical Specifications

Pure Analogue signal path designed by Future Sound Systems

• Pure VCOs
• 19 Outputs and 19 Inputs for 3.5mm mono jack cable patching
• Normalised signal path for immediate sound Malevolence
• Additional rear panel line out
• Additional headphone out

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

USB-MIDI to 1V/Oct CV & gate conversion

• All pitch and gate control is fully analogue
• Analogue clock In / Out

Multi-function Joystick control

• Left / right for pitch bend
• Performable portamento
• Performable vibrato, in addition to the analogue 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
• Analogue / 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

Misc

• VCA (Voltage Controlled Amplifier) with overdrive control
• Compatible with Eurorack standard 1V/Oct gear
• Monophonic and patchable allowing individual pitch control of each VCO and gate control of each envelope
• USB bus-powered
• MIDI In / Out
• Headphone out 
• Line out
• Analogue clock in & out
• Local Off mode for DAW use

Weights and Dimensions

• Product (unboxed): 490 x 250 x 80 mm, 2.61 kg
• Product (boxed with contents): 690 x 320 x 160 mm, 3.70 kg