Is the PWM Mantis Synth Right for You? A Simple Review

“A Versatile Hybrid Synth for Modern Sound Designers”

The PWM Mantis Hybrid Synthesizer is a groundbreaking instrument that seamlessly blends the warmth of analog circuitry with the flexibility and precision of digital technology. PWM, known for innovative sound tools, introduced the Mantis as their flagship hybrid synthesizer, designed to cater to both vintage synth enthusiasts and modern electronic producers. With its mix of analog filters and digital oscillators, the Mantis offers the best of both worlds, making it a highly versatile tool for any studio or live performance setup.

Overview:

The PWM Mantis is a polyphonic hybrid synthesizer featuring a rich sound engine that combines analog filters and digital oscillators. Its hybrid nature allows for a wide range of sound design possibilities, from lush, warm analog tones to crisp and sharp digital textures. The Mantis comes equipped with dual oscillators, multimode filters, and a comprehensive modulation matrix, giving users the flexibility to explore deep sound manipulation. The robust design, intuitive interface, and powerful features make it a strong contender in the world of hybrid synthesizers.

Sound Engine:

At the core of the PWM Mantis is its hybrid sound engine, which utilizes two digital oscillators paired with fully analog signal paths for filtering. The digital oscillators provide precision and flexibility, allowing for complex waveforms, while the analog signal path preserves the warm, organic characteristics that analog fans love. The hybrid engine excels at producing a wide range of sounds, from fat basslines and cutting leads to expansive, evolving pads. With access to wavetable synthesis, subtractive synthesis, and FM synthesis, the Mantis is a versatile instrument capable of both classic and experimental sound design.

Oscillators and Waveforms:

The Mantis features two digital oscillators per voice, offering a diverse array of waveforms, including sine, triangle, saw, square, and more complex digital shapes. Users can also dive into wavetable synthesis, providing endless sound-sculpting possibilities. The oscillators allow for both hard sync and FM modulation, ensuring that the Mantis can generate everything from traditional analog sounds to modern, harmonically rich textures. The ability to layer and detune oscillators enables users to create thick, evolving patches with ease.

Filters and Modulation:

The filter section of the Mantis stands out, featuring a multimode analog filter with options for low-pass, high-pass, band-pass, and notch filtering. The analog nature of the filter ensures that the synth retains its warmth and character even when processing the digital oscillators. The depth of modulation on the Mantis is impressive, with multiple LFOs, envelope generators, and a flexible modulation matrix. This allows users to assign modulation sources to almost any parameter, making it possible to craft dynamic, evolving patches. The combination of analog filtering and extensive modulation gives users a powerful tool for sound design.

Effects Processing:

The Mantis Hybrid Synthesizer includes a built-in effects processor that offers a range of high-quality effects, including delay, reverb, chorus, and distortion. The effects section is designed to enhance the already rich sound engine, adding depth and texture to the sounds. The reverb and delay are particularly well-suited for creating spacious, ambient soundscapes, while the distortion can add grit and character to leads and basses. The effects can be easily adjusted in real-time using dedicated controls, making it easy to dial in the perfect amount of processing for any sound.

Polyphony and Voice Modes:

The Mantis offers polyphonic capabilities, allowing for up to 8 voices to be played simultaneously. This makes it ideal for creating rich, layered chords and complex soundscapes. In addition to polyphonic mode, the Mantis also features unison and monophonic modes, giving users the flexibility to switch between lush, multi-voice sounds and focused, monophonic patches for leads or basslines. The polyphony is smooth and well-balanced, ensuring that even dense patches sound full without voice-stealing issues.

Keyboard and Controls:

While the PWM Mantis is designed primarily as a sound module, it features a robust set of controls for real-time sound manipulation. The layout is intuitive, with knobs and sliders dedicated to key parameters such as filter cutoff, resonance, envelope shaping, and modulation depth. This hands-on approach makes it easy to tweak sounds on the fly, whether in the studio or during live performances. Though the Mantis does not come with an onboard keyboard, it integrates seamlessly with external MIDI controllers, offering full velocity sensitivity and aftertouch for expressive playing.

Sequencing and Arpeggiation:

The Mantis includes a built-in step sequencer and arpeggiator, perfect for creating rhythmic sequences and evolving patterns. The sequencer allows for up to 64 steps, and users can input notes in both real-time and step mode. The arpeggiator is flexible, offering multiple modes and adjustable parameters, making it a great tool for creating complex, evolving soundscapes or rhythmic patterns. Both the sequencer and arpeggiator are MIDI-syncable, ensuring tight integration with external gear or DAWs.

Build Quality and Durability:

The Mantis is built to withstand the demands of both studio and live use. It features a sturdy metal chassis and high-quality knobs and switches, ensuring that it can handle the rigors of frequent use. The overall build quality reflects PWM’s attention to detail and commitment to producing durable, reliable instruments. Whether you’re taking it on the road for live performances or using it as a workhorse in the studio, the Mantis feels solid and dependable.

Connectivity and Power Base:

The Mantis offers a wide array of connectivity options, including MIDI In/Out, USB, and CV/Gate inputs and outputs, making it highly compatible with both modern setups and modular synth systems. This allows for easy integration into any workflow, whether you’re working with a DAW, external hardware, or a modular rig. The USB connection provides both power and data transfer, making it a convenient option for mobile setups as well.

Pros:

• Hybrid sound engine with digital oscillators and analog filters
• Versatile synthesis options including subtractive, FM, and wavetable synthesis
• High-quality built-in effects
• Extensive modulation capabilities with flexible routing
• Polyphonic with multiple voice modes
• Sturdy build quality with excellent connectivity options

Cons:

• No built-in keyboard, requires external controller
• Limited onboard memory for patch storage

Conclusion:

The PWM Mantis Hybrid Synthesizer is a powerful instrument that successfully bridges the gap between analog warmth and digital precision. Its hybrid engine, versatile modulation options, and high-quality effects make it a great choice for sound designers, producers, and live performers alike. While it lacks an onboard keyboard, the Mantis more than makes up for it with its deep synthesis capabilities and hands-on control. Whether you’re crafting thick analog basslines or intricate digital textures, the Mantis offers the flexibility and sound quality to handle any task.