Duophonic hybrid-analogue synthesizer with dual filter, 200 patch memory, full USB-C MIDI control and metal sustain pedal.
The PWM Instruments Mantis hybrid synthesizer is a collaboration between the late Chris Huggett (Gnat, WASP, OSCar) and PWM. In development over the last period of his life, Huggett threw everything he could into the Mantis. Although incomplete when he passed away he handed his part of the project over to Paul Whittington to see what could be made of it.
Oscillators The OSCs are generated at boot up using complex mathematics. They run on a DSP chip that gives ultimate stability and control without compromising the unique sound. This is what makes the synth a hybrid; however, everything after that through the mixer, gain staging and the filter is analog.
VCF The Filter is a multi-mode state variable VCA Filter with overdrive. It’s built using the SSI2164 chip in special configuration designed by Chris Huggett. There are two filters—one for each analog signal path. They can be combined in series or parallel and used with the width control and width modulation to create that distinctive sound only heard on the OSCar.
FX The Mantis has two simple digital effects: Reverb and Chorus. Reverb has a time and level adjustment but also a high- and low-pass filter that can be switched in to limit unwanted lower mud and/or higher bouncy twinkles.
Envelopes The Mantis has two ADSR envelopes, but each has an additional Sustain Fall parameter and negative and positive velocity modulation level hardwired for convenience. Sustain Fall allows you to create a drop before release even while a key is held for greater sound design possibilities. Each envelope can also be put into repeat mode to act as a pseudo LFO if you wish.
VCA The gain staging on Mantis is all-analog and is run through the SSI2164 VCAs. The signal is twice amplified to ensure the overdriven sound is warm and clips naturally.
The Mantis includes a power supply (9V 600mA), USB-C lead and a getting started guide.
Proline PSS10 Universal Metal Sustain Pedal The Proline PSS10 universal metal sustain pedal features switchable polarity that allows compatibility with nearly all keyboards with a 1/4" sustain jack—Yamaha, Roland, KORG, Williams and much more. Its rugged metal chassis and heavy-duty rubber bottom tread keeps it from moving while you play, while the internal mechanism offers silent operation on stage and in the studio. It includes a top-quality six-foot cable with 1/4" plug.
Proline keyboard pedals are designed and built for real-world working musicians who want to expand their expressive control. Each is designed for long-term reliability, playing stability and durability for many years to come.
Features
Mantis Hybrid Synthesizer
Mixer with Noise and Ring Modulation
Oscillator density and drift
Modulation Routes with fast configuration
Selectable triggering
USB-C
Powered via DC PSU
MIDI Din IN, OUT and THRU
Sustain pedal input
Controller pedal input
1/4" Stereo master outputs
1/4" Stereo headphone output
Proline Universal Sustain Pedal
Works with most keyboards via polarity reverse switch