PWM OSCar: The OSCar Remake Will Have 2 Modes – Improved and Quirky as Hell
Play the original presets!
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PWM’s OSCar remake will be identical to the original but with two operating systems: the new and improved or the old and weird. And wait till you hear how it sounds.
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OSCar Remake Is Closer Than Ever
PWM are at Superbooth and they’re showing off their OSCar remake. In case you hadn’t been nerding out about this, PWM bought the rights to the OSCar name and have been remaking Chris Huggett’s classic 1980s hybrid synth based on his original schematics. For a full rundown of the story, check the old article below. Now onto what’s new.
The OSCar (it’s no longer called Re-birth, it seems, if it ever was) is now at version two. PWM has decided to decode the original assembly language and has ported that code into a modern system for stability and reliability. Intriguingly, the OSCar remake will have two modes: a smoothed-over and improved version and the original one with all of its quirks intact. Lovely.
They’ve also got the 24 original presets loaded in, many of which were made by musician and programmer Paul Wiffen. PWM plans to have more when it launches.
Things are still in flux, but PWM is promising rubber bumpers for the side, but sadly, no runner walls on the control panel – these will be represented by graphics. The prototype is currently using the Mantis’ keybed and it seems like that may continue into production. It will also have proper pitch and mod wheels, both sprung to the center as on the original.
The OSCar remake will be a strictly limited edition run. PWM will decide the number and price based on interest, so if you think you might want one, head to the website and sign up. They’re hoping to have it ready by NAMM next year, which would be January 2027.
- PWM OSCar product page
Chris Huggett’s Groundbreaking Synth Is Coming Back
[28 September 2025] 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*.
More Information
- PWM homepage
- All about PWM
- All about synthesizers
- Buy synthesizers at Thomann*
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2 responses to “PWM OSCar: The OSCar Remake Will Have 2 Modes – Improved and Quirky as Hell”
I wonder why they didn’t use an actual Z80: it’s was discontinued just last year, there should be plenty still available (and the eZ80, which is just faster but totally compatible code-wise, is being actively produced).
Who has even GOT a working cassette player any more?