Mantis Gets Labeled as the Successor of OSCar with V2 Update, Boasting Original Wavetables from the Iconic Synth
PWM Mantis Synthesizer Gets Enhancements and a Special Offer
The PWM Mantis, a synthesizer co-created by Paul Whittington and the late Chris Huggett, has received a significant update, making it an even more attractive choice for music producers and enthusiasts.
Originally marketed as a spiritual successor to the Wasp and OSCar, the Mantis boasts a multifunction joystick, 2 LFOs, 1 OSC Drift, an arpeggiator within 6 octaves, auto glide mode, a ring modulator, and Auto Clock Sync. It also features 37 full-size velocity-sensitive keys, a multimode VCA Filter with Low Pass, Band Pass, High Pass (12 dB and 24 dB) options, and 2 envelopes with Sustain Fall and Envelope Repeat. Additionally, it has digital effects (reverb, delay), MIDI In/Out/Thru, a sustain and controller pedal connection, USB-C to Host, stereo line output, stereo headphone output, dimensions of 620x320x110mm, and a weight of 5.3kg.
In 2025, after PWM acquired the Oxford Synthesiser Company (the maker of the OSCar), they released a V2 firmware update for the Mantis. This update positions the Mantis as the "next generation" of the OSCar, adding nine of the OSCar's original preset waveforms, such as 'Organ', 'Harpsichord', 'Double Pulse', and the unique 'High-Density' waveform, to the Mantis. This update also expands the Mantis' capabilities by increasing its polyphony from duophonic to four-voice polyphony. Each voice includes two oscillators, a sub-oscillator, and a detune oscillator, allowing for up to 16 oscillators in total.
As a special offer, PWM is currently offering a copy of GForce's impOSCar 3 plugin with any new purchase of the Mantis, making it an even more enticing proposition for synth enthusiasts. The PWM Mantis is available for purchase at Andertons, with a discount of almost 50% off the original RRP.
With its rich heritage linked directly to Chris Huggett and the legacy of the OSCar, the V2 firmware update not only enhances the Mantis' technical features but also incorporates authentic OSCar waveforms, positioning the Mantis as a true successor to the cult classic OSCar synthesizer.
[1] PWM. (2025). PWM Mantis V2 Firmware Update. Retrieved from https://www.pwm-synths.com/mantis-v2-firmware-update
[2] Andertons Music Company. (2025). PWM Mantis. Retrieved from https://www.andertons.co.uk/pwm-mantis
[3] Synthtopia. (2020). Chris Huggett, Co-Creator of OSCar and Wasp, Passes Away. Retrieved from https://www.synthtopia.com/content/2020/04/21/chris-huggett-co-creator-of-oscar-and-wasp-passes-away/
Technology has expanded the Mantis' capabilities, as the V2 firmware update introduces nine original preset waveforms from the OSCar, including 'Organ', 'Harpsichord', and more, transforming it into a gadget that closely resembles the next generation of the OSCar.
Enthusiasts of gadgets and technology will appreciate the special offer from PWM, which includes a free copy of GForce's impOSCar 3 plugin with any new purchase of the Mantis synthesizer.