PWM Malevolent

PWM Malevolent is a fully analog, semi-modular monophonic synthesizer designed by Paul Whittington (PWM) in collaboration with Future Sound Systems. It pairs a classic synthesis architecture with 38 patch points and Eurorack compatibility at roughly 104 HP wide. Control happens straight from the panel, with no screen, menus or presets: a 32-key velocity-sensitive mini keyboard with built-in arpeggiator, two VCOs, two ADSR envelopes, an LFO and a multi-mode filter lay out a clear left-to-right signal path.

A gateway into modular

The signal path is internally normalized, so the Malevolent plays the moment you switch it on, while 19 inputs and 19 outputs on 3.5 mm jacks let you repatch every stage and expand it with Eurorack modules. Each of the two VCOs provides saw, triangle and pulse separately with individual outputs, and the multi-mode filter has dedicated low-pass, band-pass and high-pass outputs. An FM section with two points per oscillator and filter, plus the Shape function, opens up complex modulation with no external gear.

Independent MIDI path and studio integration

The USB-C is class-compliant and works as a separate USB-to-1V/oct interface, fully isolated from the analog audio path, so the keyboard doubles as a MIDI controller and MIDI-CV converter. The arpeggiator automatically detects and syncs to an analog or USB/MIDI clock, and clock in/out tie the Malevolent into the rest of your studio. USB bus-power keeps mobile and desktop work simple.

KEY FEATURES

• Fully analog, semi-modular monosynth with a Future Sound Systems signal path
• 32-key velocity-sensitive mini keyboard with arpeggiator
• 2 VCOs with separate saw, triangle and pulse outputs plus a Shape function
• Multi-mode 2-pole filter with dedicated LP, BP, HP outputs
• 38 patch points (19 in / 19 out), Eurorack-compatible at roughly 104 HP
• Independent USB MIDI path with USB bus-power

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Type: analog, semi-modular monophonic synthesizer
• Keyboard: 32 mini keys, velocity-sensitive
• Oscillators: 2 VCOs, saw/triangle/pulse waves, Shape, PWM, FM
• Modulation: LFO (triangle, square), 2 ADSR envelopes with gate inputs
• Filter: multi-mode 2-pole VCF (LP, BP, HP)
• Mixer: noise generator and Aux input with level control, VCA with Drive
• Patch: 38 points on 3.5 mm (19 in / 19 out), normalized path
• Connectivity: MIDI In/Out, class-compliant USB-C, analog clock In/Out
• Outputs: Line Out, headphones; arpeggiator with clock auto-sync
• Included: 5 patch cables, 9 V power supply