PWM Mantis Sound Demo (no talking): 14 custom Presets

[@limbicbits]

PWM Mantis: My 2 Cents The PWM Mantis is a hybrid, duo (quadro-)phonic synthesizer with digital oscillators, several analog filter models, two envelopes, two LFOs, a basic modulation matrix, and a gritty but characterful sound. Build Quality: Unfortunately, even before turning on the synth, the first letdown was a strong odor of plastic / chemicals upon opening the box, reminiscent of cheap plastic accessories from China. After a few days and leaving the unit on for a while, the odor dissipated, but the initial impression lingered. The first impression was reinforced by wobbly potentiometers and switches, as well as an overall plastic feel when playing or moving the unit. But as it appears similar in build to the Malevolent, it’s likely sturdy - just doesn’t feel high-quality. Now, on to the important thing: the sound- and that's where the Mantis truly shines. To put it another way: it screams, growls, and attacks. The Mantis boasts a massive low-end and an aggressive sound, with its various filter modes allowing for a wide range of intriguing tones, including formant-like sounds. Don't activate the internal effects, though. Maybe you want to add some chorus which sometimes is okayish. But as for the reverb - just don't ... Creating your own patches is straightforward, thanks to its mostly one-knob-per-function design. However, the sound engine is relatively limited, and a more flexible modulation matrix would have been a welcome addition. You’re limited to six modulation destinations, and worse, you can only assign one (of six) modulation sources per destination. This means you can’t control, e.g. OSC shape with an LFO and an envelope simultaneously. I’m still wondering if I missed something here-it’s hard to believe such a basic feature would be absent from a €1600 synth in 2024. There’s also some aliasing from the digital oscillators in certain settings. While not necessarily a flaw, this contributes to the gritty sound character, so it’s something to be aware of. TL;DR: I really liked what PWM achieved with the Malevolent, so I was quite excited about the Mantis. That said, I have to admit I expected more. The filter section is impressive, but overall, the synth has too many limitations and build-quality issues for me to fully enjoy it - especially considering its price. I’m sure it will find its fans, and I appreciate PWM’s different approach. This one just isn’t for me - but if you’re into raw, untamed sounds and don't mind the mentioned limitations, it’s worth a try. Few synths out there offer this level of brutal character. ▶ Subscribe: kzbin.info ▶ Purchase Link PWM Mantis* (Thomann): www.thomann.de/intl/pwm_mantis.htm?offid=1&affid=397 ▶ Purchase Link PWM Mantis @Sweetwater*: sweetwater.sjv.io/MAXM3K ▶ Purchase Link PWM Mantis* (Perfect Circuit): link.perfectcircuit.com/t/v1/8-12626-260812-9759?sid=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.perfectcircuit.com%2Fpwm-mantis.html ▶ Purchase Link UAFX Starlight Echo Delay Pedal*: www.thomann.de/intl/universal_audio_starlight_delay_pedal.htm?offid=1&affid=397 ▶ Book "Electronic Music Production": limbicbits.com/book-electronic-music-production/ ▶ Online shop with Patch Banks for Ambient, Techno, IDM, and Electronica: limbicbits.com ▶ Follow me on Facebook: facebook.com/presetsforsynths/ ▶ Follow me on Instagram: instagram.com/limbicbits

[@googlingthevoid]

It’s a shame they skimped on build quality. To me, how the instrument feels is nearly as inspiring as the sound. With so many good options in software and hardware it’s important to have a UI that’s inviting and premium. Good on them for wanting it to be semi affordable, but maybe they sacrificed too much. I want to like this synth, but it’s a competitive market and companies need to bring their absolute best and/or price it in a way that makes it more affordable for budget conscious musicians. This instrument seems to fall somewhere between that, so I’m worried it won’t be too much of a success. Hopefully there’s a price reduction to make it more attainable for people. RIP Chris Huggett

[@negative_b]

I like the sound; I do tend to be a fan of synths that can get aggressive. I've got this territory covered with what I have, but I'm sure I'd have fun playing around with this one. I hope it does well enough for PWM. With what they've shown so far with the Malevolent and Mantis I'll gladly take a look at what they're working on with a thought that something of theirs could hit me square-on at some point.

[@qwe1231]

I liked the Malevolent, but I am really digging this synth.

[@TwinCitiesOxygen]

What are your fave synths in this general price range give or take a few bucks

[@limbicbits]

Currently I'd say: Twisted Electrons TWISTfm Oberheim OB-6 (or TEO-5) intellijel Cascadia

[@theblowupdollsmusic]

This synth is pretty cool and it definitely has some edgy character. The issue I see with most modern synthesizers is they are lacking full on-board effects. In my opinion modern synthesizers need tons of digital effects. As that is the modern sound.

[@Unison_Detune]

Difference of opinion to some extent. I agree that FX can really bring a patch alive but I’m sick of paying extra for poor FX that are bettered by my outboard and in-DAW treatments. I’d rather have a cheaper synth with better sound quality and apply the tinsel myself.

[@theblowupdollsmusic]

@@Unison_Detune I see your point, I guess for me I just want the instrument to be inspiring at every level on it's own.

[@limbicbits]

Personally, I don't need effects on a synth, but I welcome them if they are an integral part of the sound engine (e.g., also offering parameters as modulation destinations). However, if the internal effects sound as poor as they do in this case, I fail to see the point of including them at all.

[@fattyboombatty7736]

Unless it is something like a Summit with a wicked reverb, I'm happy adding my own as they change over time more often than my synths do

[@theblowupdollsmusic]

@@fattyboombatty7736 Good point.

[@333_Tarot]

Dunno. For like 799€ might have been ok-ish?

[@limbicbits]

At least under $1K, though I'm not in a position to judge whether a price tag is justified overall, as I don't know the details of development and manufacturing costs. However, based on the overall impression and comparisons with synths from other small companies (that don't manufacture in China, as is the case here), I believe the competition is strong if you don't need exactly THAT sound.

[@millenniummastering]

Yeah sounds a little lacking in the energy of it. Like when you get the impedance wrong between gear. Envelopes are pretty lackluster as well. I was hoping for a better overall sound when I tested it out as well. I wouldn't say no if someone gave it to me and it probably has some sweet spots that are kinda unique, but overall it just doesn't make me feel inspired or something.

[@limbicbits]

It certainly has its sweet spots and a very distinct character. I believe it will find its fans and might even become a sought-after synth in the future. However, at its current price point, the competition seems a bit too strong, in my opinion, for the Mantis to easily capture the market.

[@indigoskywalker]

not really doing it for me... the MALEVOLENT however is awesome

[@limbicbits]

Same here.

[@DoctorRevers]

Looks and sounds great to me. Shame about the effects and price.

[@limbicbits]

Effect quality could be somewhat improved (or replaced with external effects), but I’d really wished for a more flexible mod matrix

[@luisbarrera5740]

Sounds like a flop honestly. For a fraction of the price just get a Bass Station 2. It does 80% of what this does and has unique features that no other synth does.

[@limbicbits]

The dual filter certainly sounds particular on the Mantis and I am sure it will find its fans as all synths with a lot of character do. (personally, I'd also choose a combo of Malevolent and another synth but that's just a matter of taste)