PWM Malevolent Analogue Synthesizer

PWM Malevolent Analogue Synthesizer
Product no: 9000-0083-5200 Bax Music Warranty: This product comes with a 3-year warranty.

General

Every inch of the tight analogue monster that is the PWM Malevolent synthesizer is the result of the childhood dreams of experienced synth-guru Paul Whittington. Wrapped up in satisfying throw-back style, the 'PWM' moniker of this model doesn't stand for 'Pulse Width Modulation', but 'Paul Whittington Music'.

The PWM Malevolent Synthesizer

Furnished with a set of mini-keys and two analogue oscillators, the Malevolent is actually pretty compact. The cockpit has been lined with classic buttons and encoders as well as a healthy serving of patch gates for tactile architecture re-structuring, all of them thoughtfully positioned near the corresponding encoders for eased navigation - a detail that many synths fail to offer. So, in essence, we're getting a kind of semi-modular, Eurorack style setup but with a fixed selection. And since the voltages are Eurorack compatible, the Malevolent can easily be integrated into your Eurorack wall.

Who Was the PWM Malevolent Built For?

This is an extensively experimental chunk of hardware that offers more than enough for any experienced sound-designer to sink their teeth into - even if you only count the FM synthesis, which is an entire world in itself. Any producers or musicians seeking big pads and other mainstream pop-style synth sounds should probably give the Malevolent a miss, because this really is more of a monophonic synthesizer that yearns to explore and even sometimes get aggressive. So, if that's what you're into and you want an extreme level of flexibility as well as superb sound, then this might be the synth for you.

Specifications

Product features

19-inch rack size	not applicable
Number of keys	32
Arpeggiator/sequencer	arpeggiator
Audio via USB	no
Control	none
Sustainable product	not specified
Synthesizer inputs	AUX input
Sound source	analogue
MIDI & other	MIDI in, MIDI out, CV/gate out
Synthesizer options	standard
Synthesizer outputs	line out jack, headphone
Polyphony	1 (2 paraphonic)
Synthesizer kind	standard
Type of keys	mini keys
Vintage remake	no
Synthesizer type	keyboard
Difficulty level	difficult

Weight and dimensions including packaging

Weight (incl. packaging)	3,6 kg
Dimensions (incl. packaging)	69,0 x 31,5 x 15,0 cm

Product specifications

PWM Malevolent
semi-modular analogue synthesizer
global layout:
- designed by Future Sound Systems
- VCOs
- 19x output 3.5mm
- 19x input 3.5mm
VCO:
- two oscillators
- per oscillator: saw, triangle, pulse, met mix
- shape-control/pwm
- 2x FM-inputs
LFO:
- waveforms: triangle, square
- rate
envelopes: 2x ADSR
multi-mode 12dB VCF
mixer with noise and aux-input
VCA with overdrive options
Eurorack-compatible voltages
USB powered
analogue clocking i/o
extensive arpeggiator
includes:
- 5x patch cables
- power supply
- USB-C cable
- 'Getting Started' manual
490 x 250 x 80mm
weight: 2.61 kg

Write a review

Daniel L. May 10, 2022

Wrote the following about PWM Malevolent Analogue Synthesizer

Refreshingly filthy :)
This synth is really unusual as everything seems to go way beyond the tolerances of normal synths. The oscillators were way more overdriven than any other synth I own before I even put any drive on them :) (it does have a drive control) the filter is also strange. It’s a sallen key filter and it is the only filter I’ve ever known that you can crank the resonance right up without losing the low end in your sound. I could be wrong but I’m sure it actually adds some low end lol. The amount of resonance you can put on is mental. When you crank stuff It makes weird noises and burbles as different things interact with each other, and it definitely won’t be for everyone but I absolutely love it. It’s a nice change from all the bland generic similar synths around. If you want a filthy raw monosynth and you’re not scared by a noisy filter (it just adds some character in my opinion) then I don’t know of anything better. Honestly I can’t stop smiling as I’m messing with it as it growls and burbles and screams. There are some good demos on YouTube which is how I discovered this synth and straight after hearing them I had to order one. Bax were the best on price by a mile and although the description on the page says it comes with a euro plug and bax thoughtfully included a euro to Uk adaptor it wasn’t necessary. the synth comes with a psu with interchangeable pins for different countries and has UK pins included. Thank you Bax for the brilliant service as always :)

Reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews into English View original reviews

Dennis Stennis April 7, 2026

Wrote the following about PWM Malevolent Analogue Synthesizer

Top apparaat! ben er zeer tevreden over.
Eindeloze soundsearching, soundscaping en patchmogelijkheden.
Klinkt goed, rauw en wild hij doet zijn naam eer aan.
(de buren klagen inmiddels wel...maar enfin ;-)
Goed gebouwd ondanks de "goedkopere materiaalkeuze", geen klachten voor zover.

Tim V. December 9, 2024

Wrote the following about PWM Malevolent Analogue Synthesizer

Als je echt iets nodig hebt dat schreeuwt en krijst zonder ophouden is er weinig alternatief. Dit ding is ongelofelijk aggressief, wild, onstabiel en luid.
Steek je andere synths es door de aux in en gebruik m als dirty filter + godlike overdrive circuit. Heb er de Boog/Pro-800/K2 al doorgejaaigd en klinken allemaal veneinig nu :D

Enige minpuntje is die wonky joystick, veel functies maar dat indrukken is een gedoe.