PWM OSCar Re-birth: Chris Huggett’s Groundbreaking Synth Is Coming Back
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PWM has confirmed the OSCar Re-birth, a remake of the landmark hybrid synthesizer from 1983. And it will run Chris Huggett’s original firmware!
PWM OSCar Re-birth
Machina Bristonnica is clearly the place to be this weekend. Not only did UDO Audio unveil its DMNO synth, but we also have word that PWM is working on OSCar Re-birth, a remake of the famous 1980s synth that will be correct down to the firmware.
PWM OSCar Re-birth: The Chris Huggett Connection
As you may know, the final instrument that legendary British synthesizer engineer Chris Huggett worked on was PWM’s Mantis. After his passing, PWM acquired the Oxford Synthesizer Company, Chris’s outfit when he made the OSCar. PWM put the OSCar wavetables into the Mantis as part of the V2 update, and now it’s confirming what we’ve been hoping for: the official announcement of an OSCar remake.
According to an interview with Sonicstate, PWM will recreate the OSCar with the original circuitry but bolstered by modern digital techniques. This will reportedly not affect the sound, and will still be Chris’ unique dual digital oscillators passing through the two 12dB/Oct analog filters, but will allow the company to upgrade the chip from the original Z80 to a modern emulation, letting the OSCar Re-birth run Chris’ original firmware. Paul at PWM is promising side-by-side identical sound.
Interestingly, PWM plans to keep the cassette interface but will split it into separate in and out ports. Start stocking up on cassettes now. There will be no fancy additions, though, such as new effects.
PWM OSCar Re-birth: Rubber Re-birth
The original OSCar is not only known for its sound. It has a very unique look, with rubber end pieces as well as partitions running across the face of the unit. Paul states that the Re-birth will look identical to the original, adding, “We’re even going to have a go at making the rubber buffers to either side.” However, the company won’t attempt the partitions, sadly. It will give the new synth a modern keybed, though.
PWM OSCar Re-birth: Price and Availability
The PWM OSCar Re-birth is currently in the “Frankenstein mockup” stage and has a ways to go before it will be ready. It will be a limited run, and the company is currently gauging interest to decide how many it should make. If you’re interested, please head to the PWM website contact page and let them know there.
PWM estimates the OSCar remake will cost around £2500. It can’t say when it will ship, but sometime in 2026 seems feasible.
The PWM Mantis is available at Thomann*.
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