PWM's Malevolent proves that a monosynth doesn't need endless polyphony or a sprawling control surface to deliver serious sonic character. Built on analog circuitry designed by Future Sound Systems, this semi-modular synthesizer has become known for the kind of overdriven warmth and saturated grit that defines the brand's approach to sound design.
The heart of the Malevolent is its pair of voltage-controlled oscillators, each offering sawtooth, triangle, and pulse waveforms with a unique shape control that works across all three modes rather than just the pulse. This shape parameter behaves differently than typical pulse width modulation, creating smooth timbral movement that can flip and shift in interesting ways as you dial through it. Both oscillators have independent coarse and fine tuning, dual frequency modulation inputs with amount controls, and individual level controls so you can blend them however you want. A dedicated low-frequency oscillator provides triangle and square wave outputs for modulation duties, while two ADSR envelopes handle everything from snappy percussive attacks to slow, evolving pads. The filter is a 12-decibel Sallen Key multimode design with switchable lowpass, bandpass, and highpass inputs that can be used simultaneously for creative blending between different timbral characters. A voltage-controlled amplifier with adjustable overdrive adds grit and presence to the final output.
The 32-note mini keyboard with velocity sensitivity and a multifunctional joystick gives you real-time control over pitch bend, portamento, vibrato, and a latching hold mode. The semi-modular patch panel features 19 inputs and 19 outputs on 3.5mm jacks, letting you reconfigure the signal flow or patch in external gear and sequencers. An arpeggiator with six play modes syncs to analog clock, MIDI, or USB, while USB MIDI-to-CV conversion means you can control the Malevolent from a DAW or controller keyboard. The unit is bus-powered via USB and includes a 9V power supply, headphone output, and a rear panel line out alongside the main quarter-inch output.
Community feedback has been consistently positive, with users praising the filter's character and the creative possibilities unlocked by the patch panel.
