Full Description
View Full Description
Hybrid analog/digital design
The result of a partnership between Chris Huggett (Gnat, WASP, OSCar) and PWM (Paul Whittington), the Mantis Synthesizer is a remarkable instrument that boasts the best of both worlds with its hybrid analog and digital design. Under development for years, Huggett had poured all his knowledge into the Mantis before passing away, leaving PWM to complete the project. The support of Huggett's estate was pivotal in bringing this synth to reality.
Powerful oscillators with complex architecture
The Mantis Synthesizer features powerful oscillators optimized by complex computations. With the oscillators running on a DSP chip, the synth achieves optimal stability and sound control without sacrificing its iconic analog voice. The Mantis Synthesizer is an example of what can be achieved through blending both analog and digital engineering.
Multi-mode state variable VCA filter
The filter is another key component of the Mantis Synthesizer. Designed by Huggett and built using the SSI2164 chip, it is a multi-mode state variable VCA with overdrive. The Mantis Synthesizer's filter is designed with two separate filters - one for each analog signal partition. The filters can be run in series or parallel, allowing for the creation of sounds unique to the OSCar synthesizer.
Onboard digital effects
In addition to the VCA filter, the Mantis Synthesizer has two digital effects: reverb and chorus. These effects provide users with even greater sonic control opportunities. With the reverb, you can adjust the time and level parameters seamlessly, while the high and low pass filters limit unwanted sounds.
ADSR envelopes
The Mantis Synthesizer has two ADSR envelopes, each with a sustain-fall parameter, and negative and positive velocity modulation for greater convenience. Sustain fall enables designers to lower an aspect of the sound before releasing, even while pressing a key. Each envelope can be set to repeat, allowing it to act as a pseudo-LFO and adjust the frequencies in real time.
Analog gain staging
The Mantis Synthesizer's analog gain staging provides perfect amplification to ensure your sound overdrives in natural ways with sonic warmth. The SSI2164 chip is used to run the VCA, with a fully analog signal patch that is twice amplified to deliver crisp warmth and distortion when needed.
What's Included
- Mantis synthesizer
- Power supply
- USB-C lead
- Getting Started guide
Specifications
200 Patches:
- All patches in RAM so can be overwritten
- Bank A: 100 Factory presets
- Bank B: 100 User presets (all set to initial patch)
- Compare function
- Initialise patch function
Duophonic with 2 analog signal paths:
- Mathematically generated oscillators designed by Chris Huggett
- Analogue signal path designed by Chris Huggett
2 Oscillators plus sub-oscillator per voice:
- Sine / Triangle / Saw / Pulse plus additional wave types
- Shape control and shape modulation input (will create pulse width modulation on the pulse waveform with perfect square at the centre)
- Pitch modulation control
- Octave selects per oscillator
- OSC 1 SUB follows oscillator 1 parameters
Oscillator Drift:Creates random pitch variations between oscillators
Multi-mode state variable VCA filters with overdrive:
- 2 Analogue filters - 1 per signal path
- Low Pass / Band Pass / High Pass in 12dB and 24dB configurations
- Additional WBAND (series) and WSTOP (parallel) types
- Filter Cutoff
- Filter Cutoff Modulation
- Filter Resonance
- Filter Width
- Filter Width Modulation
- Filter Keytrack
LFO (Low Frequency Oscillator):
- 2 LFOs
- 4 waveshapes per oscillator
- Fade In / Fade Out parameter
- SYNCable
- Rate control
Envelopes:
- 2 Independent envelopes
- ENV 1 normalised to amplitude
- ADSR
- + Sustain Fall parameter for shaping during key-down
- + Repeat which can be used to create looping envelopes
- Velocity positive and negative control
Mixer:
- First mix: OSC1 and OSC2
- Second mix: OSCillators and noise
- Third mix: OSCillators + noise and Ring modulator
Modulation Routes:
- Control - 6 choices of modulation parameters
- Source - 6 choices of effectors from envelopes and LFOs
- Scale - choices of controls used to scale the effect of the modulation
Glide:
- Glide amount
- Auto-glide mode
Indicator LEDs:
- Two LEDs for Voice
- LED for Keyboard activity
Triggering:
- ENV 1 Legato
- ENV 2 Legato
- LFO Keytrig
- LFO Keytrig
Connections:
- Master power switch
- DC 9V input
- USBC
- MIDI IN / OUT / THRU
- Sustain pedal input (switch)
- Pedal input (continuous)
- Stereo 1/4” line Outs: L/Mono and R
- Stereo 1/4” headphone out
Multi-function Joystick control:
- Left / right for pitch bend
- Performable vibrato
- Latching hold mode
Arpeggiator:
- 6 arpeggiator types (Up, Down, Up/Down 1, Up/Down 2, Played & Random
- Sync rates control from 2nds to 32nds
- Tap tempo button
- Swing including positive and negative swing
- Auto clock sync (Detects MIDI or USB-MIDI clock and synchronises the arpeggiator automatically)
- Latch via joystick HOLD
- 6 Octave range
Duophonic mode control:
- Duo mode
- Duo mode with simple filter
- Pan control for duophonic voicing
Digital Effects:
- Reverb time
- Reverb level
- Reverb High Pass Filter
- Reverb Low Pass Filter
- Chorus level
- Chorus type
Keyboard Control:
- 37 Full-size semi-weighted velocity-sensitive keys
- Channel aftertouch
- Octave shift
Dimensions: 320 x 320 x 110 mm
Weight: 5.3 kg
Product Code: MANTIS
Your order may contain items that use a 240V UK plug or a 220V EU plug
Any electrical items in your order may have been designed to work with a 240V circuit, using a United Kingdom G type plug connection or a 220V circuit, using an EU plug connection. An adapter or transformer may be required for these items to work properly and safely in your country.
Some items work with a range of voltages, or have a switchable voltage control built in. Please refer to the specific product details for further information.
