PWM Malevolent Monophonic Semimodular Analog Synthesizer

PWM Malevolent Monophonic Semimodular Analog Synthesizer

Bridging the modular and keyboard synthesizer worlds to produce a powerful and aggressive analog beast, the Malevolent Monophonic Semimodular Analog Synthesizer from PWM is a highly flexible instrument that brings not only massive basses, searing leads, and special sound effects, but also a central hub for your expansive modular synth setup. The product of a fruitful collaboration between PWM and Bristol-based Future Sound Systems, the Malevolent is a 100% analog, Eurorack-compatible, semimodular synth with 38 separate patch points and a huge array of sound and control options to enhance nearly any live or studio setup.

The Malevolent boasts a warm, potent, all-analog monophonic voice architecture with two VCOs, one 2-pole multimode VCF, one overdrive-equipped VCA, two ADSR envelope generators with dedicated controls, and one LFO. Performance control is enhanced by a compact yet smooth, velocity-sensitive keyboard with 32 mini keys, a programmable joystick, and a sophisticated six-pattern arpeggiator with auto-sync functions over MIDI. While the 38 patch points offer tons of creative potential for sound crafting on their own, the Malevolent also acts as a full-fledged USB-MIDI to 1 V/octave CV and gate interface, converting signals produced by or passed through the synth into Eurorack compatible signals for full control of your outboard gear.

Pure Analog Voice Architecture

The Malevolent features a pure analog voice architecture with real VCOs, VCF, and VCA, designed by UK-based Future Sound Systems, as well as MIDI signal paths that are completely separate from the main voice structure. Now, you can hear the benefits of a warm, fat, truly analog synth without sacrificing the conveniences and flexibility of the digital age.

• Two real analog VCOs with sawtooth, triangle, and pulse-width modulation waveforms
• Analog VCA with overdrive control
• Analog multi-mode 2-pole VCF with low-pass, high-pass, and band-pass as well as FM inputs
• Filter cutoff and resonance control
• Normalized signal path for immediate sound
• Course/fine tune control
• Two ADSR envelope generators with individual controls for each envelope
• LFO with rate control as well as triangle and square wave outputs
• Mixer with noise and aux input level control
• Monophonic voice structure-ideal for fat basses, soaring leads, and complex sound effects

Eurorack Compatible Patch Points

With 38 patch points, all compatible with Eurorack signal standards, the Malevolent is a true semimodular synth, combining the flexibility of a modular synth with the portability and playability of a keyboard instrument.

• 19 inputs and 19 outputs for 3.5mm mono jack cable patching
• Individual pitch control of each VCO and gate control of each envelope
• Two FM inputs on VCOs with amount control
• Shape input for modulating waveform shape with input signals
• Aux input for mixing exterior signals with synth output or creating feedback loops
• Keyboard gate, velocity, and pitch outputs
• All pitch and gate control is fully analog

Powerful Performance Control

The Malevolent comes with sophisticated performance control that can make it easy to get the perfect take for studio recording or live shows. With an advanced, highly programmable arpeggiator, a compact yet quality keyboard, and a multifunctional joystick, this semimodular beast is well equipped for killer performances.

• 32 velocity-sensitive mini-keys
• Octave shift button with A±4 octaves
• Local Off mode for DAW use
• Joystick with selectable pitch-bend, portamento/glide, vibrato (in addition to LFO), and latching hold modes
• Arpeggiator with six types (up, down, up/down 1, up/down 2, played, and random)
• Auto clock sync for detecting analog/MIDI or USB-MIDI clock
• Rate/sync control and latch mode for arpeggiator
• Six octave range for arpeggiation
• Arpeggiator outputs MIDI clock over USB and analog clock out when running

Flexible Connectivity

While Malevolent has plenty of modular patch points to keep you crafting new sounds for as long as your imagination allows, it also has the flexible connectivity that one comes to expect from a modern keyboard instrument. Whether using the synth as a traditional sound-crafting instrument, or as a full-fledged USB-MIDI to 1 V/octave CV and gate conversion interface for your Eurorack gear, the Malevolent delivers copious I/O for your studio or live setups.

• 1/4` line out on rear panel
• Dedicated 1/4` headphone output for onboard monitoring
• MIDI 5-pin DIN input and output for PCs and MIDI-equipped gear
• Analog clock in and out for MIDI over 3.5mm jacks
• USB Type-C for MIDI in/out plus optional bus power
• USB-MIDI to 1 V/octave CV and gate conversion for Eurorack gear