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PWM Malevolent Monophonic Semi-modular Analog Synthesizer

32-key Monophonic Semi-modular Analog Synthesizer with Velocity-sensitive Keybed, 2 VCOs, 2 Envelopes, LFO, Noise, Auxiliary Input with Level Control, Multi-mode VCF, Arpeggiator, 38 Patch Points, MIDI I/O, Clock I/O, Headphone Out, 5 Patch Cables, and 9V Power Supply
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Item ID: Malevolent
PWM Malevolent Monophonic Semi-modular Analog Synthesizer
Price:$549 and 00 cents
$92.00 suggested monthly payment§ with 6 month special financing‡

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While this isn't an item we normally stock, we can still get it to you as fast as possible due to our great relationship with PWM. Go ahead and place your order and we'll follow up shortly to let you know when to expect it. Estimated May 2026.

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PWM Malevolent Monophonic Semi-modular Analog Synthesizer
We Can Get It Fast!
Price:$549 and 00 cents
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32 Keys of Sinister Monophonic Potential

Founded on an immense passion for music and a dedication to creating fun, formidable technology, PMW reinstates its prowess with its flagship synthesizer: the Malevolent. Jam-packed with rich analog flair, this dual-oscillator, semi-modular beast is a game-changer in terms of sonic possibility and studio versatility. Dual envelopes, 38 patch points, a sync-able LFO, and USB-bus-powered connectivity will immerse you in endless sound experimentation. The inclusion of an onboard arpeggiator and VCF pushes the bounds of exploration even further, especially when paired with the Malevolent's overlapping Saw, Triangle, and Pulse oscillator functions. Best of all, the Malevolent will easily integrate into virtually any preexisting setup, lending its unmatched potential to Eurorack, modular, and standalone beginner environments. Don't be fooled: despite it's name, the kind of impact the Malevolent can have on your next project will be purely benevolent.

Trudge the depths of analog exploration

Dual VCOs with shape, pitch, and FM modulation create a nearly endless audial palette of rich analog sounds. Each oscillator on the Malevolent contains Saw, Triangle, and Pulse outputs with mix control for unique overlapping possibilities, from snappy doubling effects to chorused, warm pad arrangements. Utilizing the Malevolent's 19 output and 19 input 3.5mm jack patching system provides access to even more exploratory musical paths for endless effects and modulation experimentation. Topped off with twin ADSR-controlled envelopes and a multimode 2-pole VCF, shaping and polishing your sound on the Malevolent are seamless feats.

Inject vicious tone into your studio setup

The inclusion of MIDI I/O, Clock I/O, headphone out, line out, and USB-C connection points skyrocket the Malevolent's versatility to new heights. Other than making a great beginner standalone instrument, Sweetwater keyboard fanatics have found that this vengeful synth is an excellent sidekick for pre-existing modular setups and Eurorack builds. The bus-powered, MIDI-compatible USB interface also provides an excellent option for DAW integration and mobile-use applications — perfect for impromptu recording scenarios and environments with limited setup space. Finally, utilizing the onboard clock connection synchronizes the Malevolent's arpeggiator directly to your tempo of choice, making for effortless project integration. Whether in a professional setting or on the road, you'll benefit from the Malevolent's exponential connectivity options.

Beastly built-in clock-syncing arpeggiator

What’s a semi-modular analog synth without a potent arpeggiation engine? With six variable arpeggiator types, including Up, Down, Up/Down, Played, and Random modes, the auto-clock-capable Arp onboard the Malevolent can introduce powerful arpeggiation to your track within seconds. Work within your tempo range with interlocked rate control and MIDI connectivity for wild and immersive melodic incorporations. The arpeggiator can extend up to six octaves, making sequences from repeating bass lines to ambient, randomized plucks available at the touch of a button. Additionally, the analog/MIDI/USB-MIDI clock output opens even more doors for experimentation with the rest of your studio equipment.

PWM Malevolent Monophonic Semi-modular Analog Synthesizer Features:

  • Semi-modular, pure analog, monophonic keyboard synthesizer with expansive connectivity options
  • 2 rich voltage control oscillators with Saw, Triangle, and Pulse outputs and shape control offer a collection of unique harmonic possibilities
  • 38 built-in patch points and included patch cables for countless hours of analog exploration
  • FM1 and 2 modulation VCO control
  • Triangle/Square wave LFO with rate and sync functions for easy project integration
  • Dual ADSR envelope control with gate input and envelope output
  • Multimode 2 pole voltage-controlled filter with Low, Band, and High pass input selection
  • Onboard mixer module with noise and aux input level controls
  • Easy-access joystick pitch bend, portamento, vibrato, and latching hold control
  • 6-octave arpeggiator with USB-MIDI clock synchronicity
  • MIDI I/O, Clock I/O, Headphone Out, Line Out, and USB-C connection points boast full-scale synthesizer versatility
  • Compatible with standard-size 1V/Oct Eurorack equipment

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Tech Specs

  • Type: Keyboard Synthesier
  • Analog/Digital: Analog
  • Number of Keys: 32
  • Type of Keys: Mini-keys, Synth Action
  • Velocity Sensitive: Yes
  • Other Controllers: Multi-function Joystick
  • Polyphony: Monophonic
  • Oscillators: 2 x VCO
  • Waveforms: Saw, Triangle, Pulse
  • LFO: 1 x LFO (triangle, square)
  • Filter: Multi-mode 2 Pole VCF
  • Envelope Generator: 2 x EG (ADSR)
  • Arpeggiator: 6 types: Up, Down, Up/Down 1, Up/Down 2, Played, Random
  • Audio Outputs: 1 x 1/4"
  • Headphones: 1 x 1/4" TRS
  • USB: 1 x USB-C
  • MIDI I/O: In/Out/USB
  • Other I/O: 2 x 1/8" (clock I/O), 19 x CV In, 19 x CV Out
  • Power Source: 9V Power Supply (included)
  • Height: 3.14"
  • Width: 19.29"
  • Depth: 9.84"
  • Weight: 5.75 lbs
  • Manufacturer Part Number: PWM-MAL

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Reviews

amazing

Please proceed with caution. I was defrauded by this company on two separate occasions. Fortunately, I received assistance from a recovery service recommended by a trusted friend who had also incurred substantial financial losses from the same scam. After reaching out to the firm, they clearly outlined the required documentation and provided guidance on how to identify fraudulent organizations. By following their instructions, I was able to recover my funds totaling $ within two days. I am extremely relieved and appreciative of the outcome. I had intended to share the company's website here; however, they chose not to make it publicly available. If you have also been affected, you may contact them via email at: yellenjanet387 @ gmail.com

It’s everything I hoped it would be
The sounds are absolutely gnarly. I have a feeling I'll never get the same sound twice out of this but I'm fine with that. The manual is about 5 pages and only covers getting an initial sound but the rest would just be synth knowledge. Very easy to jump into and integrate with my gear. The keybed is not great but I didn't expect to play Mozart on it. Feels sturdy and the sides are magnetic so I expect they'd pop off instead of break if this fell. This is a synth with a lot of possibilities for cacophonous sounds at an excellent price.
Good Analog
I found the filter was great, liked the FET overdrive. Pair it with a good reverb external and you are set.

Lack of dedicated manual allows braniacs to figure it out themselves
Honestly the most disappointing synthesizer I have ever owned- I really wish I returned it.
Look, I am all for new companies entering the market. I respect the attempt from Paul Whittington and maybe I just got a bad unit, but my entire experience with this thing is just disappointing.

This thing WILL NOT stay in tune. AT ALL. You get three octaves of it kinda staying in tune and that is it. There are THREE different methods of tuning it and none of them work. You have the coarse/fine tuning on the unit (which the coarse tuning knob doesn't even center, it's way way off), an octave wide tuning system that is globally applied, and two tuning pots that they recommend you use. I have tried all three multiple times with the latest firmware and it just doesn't stick.

There is a reasonable expectation that VCOs will drift, but these are egregious.

The filter sucks, the distortion sucks, the tuning sucks. The joystick is a fun idea and the build quality is very nice.

It was even kind of my first bad experience with Sweetwater, as my box was mangled all to hell and every single patch cable was just strewn about. I dug it out of my closet yesterday and remembered how much I hated it, which is why I'm reviewing it now. It essentially only ever finds use as an oversized eurorack module and as a usb midi keyboard.

DO NOT BUY THIS. $ is a lot of money and it is much better spent on something else, especially with how basic this synth is.