Machina Bristronica 2025: PWM unveils the OSCar Re-birth, a modern reissue of Chris Huggetts’ legendary hybrid OSCar Synthesizer
This morning, there was news that PWM will be bringing back the OSCar. Now there’s more information from the new video from Sonicstate.
According to Paul Whittington, the OSCar Re-birth will feature an identical feature to the original OSCar, including the graphics. It will utilize the same circuitry, but with modern components and techniques.
The hardware will feature a new CPU that emulates the Z80A CPU and Chris Huggett’s original code. It also features the cassette interface of the original, but the PWM version will be split into cassette input and cassette output.
Paul also confirmed that it will be a limited run, with a price range of £2500, which is half the price of a second-hand unit that typically breaks down quickly. If you would like one, please fill out the form on the PWM website.
Original Article
In March, Paul Whittington of PWM announced that they had purchased the OSCar company from the late Chris Huggett, including all the rights to the name. Then, at Superbooth 2025, an update was introduced for the Mantis, featuring wavetables from the OSCar synthesizer.
Now it’s getting even better. At Machina Bristronica 2025, PWM will present the OSCar Re-birth, a modern reissue of the OSCar Synthesizer from 1983. YouTuber Synth Samurai received pictures of the PWM booth from the developer.
PWM OSCar Re-birth
The OSCar Rebirth will be a modern reissue of the original OSCar Synthesizer. Everything from the original will be retained except its striking design.
Here, they opt for a modern look without the big black partitions. The knobs are on the left side, and the analog/digital electronics are on the right.
According to Paul Whittington (Synth Samurai info), they are unsure whether to use a joystick for modulation or pitch/mod wheels. I’d be in favor of the joystick, as it would be more interesting.
The rest will be identical to the original hybrid Synthesizer. So, you can find two multi-wave digital waveforms with sawtooth, triangle, and square-, variable- or modulated-pulse waveforms, and preset digital waveforms.
As a reminder, one of the unique features of the original was the additive synthesis part. You can create custom waveforms by mixing the amplitudes of any of its 24 harmonics using the keyboard.
These can be saved in presets. I hope that the Re-birth has more memory slots for these additive-generated waveforms.
Analog Core + Modulation
Unlike the oscillators, the filter section is analog and has two 12dB/oct filters, which can be linked for a steeper 24dB/oct slope. It features switchable low-pass, high-pass, and band-pass filtering, along with basic frequency cutoff and resonance type controls.
On the modulation side, it features two ADSR envelopes (for filter and amp), and a LFO with various waveshapes, including sawtooth, square, and other waveforms. The latter can be used to modulate the amplitude, pitch, and pulse width. Plus, it has a sample-and-hold function.
The PWM Rebirth will also feature a clever yet straightforward built-in sequencer. In duophonic mode, it allows the user to play a monophonic lead whilst a sequence plays simultaneously. Not sure how many sequences can be stored, but hopefully more than the original 24.
Not to forget, the original OSCar also offered 24, and the later MIDI version 36 programmable memory patches. I assume the Re-birth version will have more storage space.
First Impression
After PWM bought the OSCar company, I had a feeling they’d revive the OSCar. I didn’t expect it so quickly, though. Probably to offer an alternative to the upcoming Behringer OSCar clone POLYOsc.
This is definitely excellent news. I’m looking forward to the videos from the event.
PWM OSCar Re-birth will be showcased at Machina Bristonnica 2025 this weekend. According to the source, the OSCar Re-birth will only be released in limited quantities. Anyone interested should contact PWM. Price and release info TBA.
More information will follow here: PWM
Behringer teased years ago this synth but nothing since then. 2500 is very pricey for this synth, hopefully Behringer provides a more reasonably priced version.
pricey yes. It’s a version for people who absolutely want it and are fine paying even the crazy second-hand prices. The B will be for all others
The B version will be for kids in their parent’s basement that never do anything with their gear and eventually just go back to playing video games all day. Never seen any decent person use any B gear.
Aah, nostalgia 🥹 it’s not what it used to be…