Malevolent Semi-Modular Analog Keyboard Synthesizer

PWM Malevolent

PWM brings us their debut instrument: the Malevolent, an analog, semi-modular synthesizer that is simple to use and fun to play, developed in collaboration with Future Sound Systems. Offering simple labels with no menu diving, the Malevolent is the antithesis to overly complex synthesizers and opaque panels—you see what you get with this instrument. That is by design, for PWM is focused on making creative, fun-to-play, inspiring electronic instruments and they understand that simplicity is beautiful. No skimping on features, the Malevolent is fully analog with refined temperature calibration for keeping your synth in tune, and with two FM patch points for each oscillator and filter, you can easily create complex modulations.

The sound of Malevolent is centered around two rich VCOs that have three different waveform options: sawtooth, triangle, and pulse—all of which can be engaged simultaneously and each waveform has a dedicated output. The Malevolent boasts an impressive 38 patch points, which are more than capable of handling anything you throw at it and perfect for future expansion via additional Eurorack modules or semi-modular synthesizers. An LFO gives you triangle and square wave outputs and two ADSR envelopes round out the modulation offerings. A multimode, two-pole filter is responsible for all of our sonic sculpting and has three dedicated outputs for each of the filter types: high pass, band pass, and low pass. A VCA with drive control can add some extra dirt and a mixer section gives us access to a noise generator and Aux input, both with level controls.

PWM’s Malevolent is an impressive first offering and with the ability to function as a MIDI controller, MIDI-CV converter, and USB bus-power capabilities, they’ve made a versatile product that is perfect for all skill levels.

Malevolent Features

• Analog semi-modular synth with 32-note keyboard
• 2x VCOs with saw, triangle, and pulse waveforms
• Multi-mode 2-pole filter
• Noise generator
• Drive for the VCA
• 2x ADSR envelopes
• LFO with simultaneous triangle and square wave outputs
• 38 Patch points: 19 input and 19 output
• 2x FM inputs for VCO and Filter
• VCO shape control
• Multi-function joystick
• Full-featured arpeggiator
• USB bus-powered
• USB-MIDI to CV/Gate conversion
• Includes: 5 patch cables and USB C cable