Oberheim TEO-5 desktop module is the compact, no-keyboard version of its 5-voice polyphonic analog Synthesizer, à la Take 5.
At Superbooth 2024, Oberheim showcased the TEO-5, an analog polyphonic Synthesizer similar to the Sequential Take-5, but with Oberheim sound. If you ignore the clones, the TEO-5 is, at 1,599€, the most affordable entry-level model in the Oberheim polyphonic world.
For all those who like the TEO-5 but don’t want another synth with keys, there is now good news: Oberheim has just released the TEO-5 desktop module.
Oberheim TEO-5 Module
TEO-5 desktop module delivers all the same synthesis features and sounds as its sibling, the TEO-5 keyboard. It also features the same controls, but without the keyboard and pitch and modulation wheels.
The highlight of the Oberheim TEO-5 module is two analog oscillators with linear, through-zero FM supported by the legendary SEM multimode analog filter. Tom Oberheim says:
“The meaning of the word ‘module’ has changed quite a bit since I first designed my Synthesizer Expansion Module or SEM back in 1974. But even back then, musicians appreciated getting tons of great sounds in a compact package.
The TEO-5 keyboard has already gone farther and wider than SEM, and I’m excited to see this desktop module version introduce even more people to the magic.”
Features Highlights
- 5-voice polysynth
- 2x VCOs with simultaneously selectable waveshapes + sub-oscillator per voice
- oscillator sync, PWM, and through-zero FM X-Mod,
- white noise generator in the pre-filter mixer
- classic SEM filter with continuously morphing from Low-Pass through Notch to High-Pass + selectable band-pass mode
- 2x 5-stage DADSR envelope generator with velocity
- 2x multi-wave LFOs with tempo sync
- freely assignable modulation destinations
- vintage knob
- velocity and aftertouch support
- multimode arpeggiator with various modes, selective note value, and more
- polyphonic step sequencer with up to 64 steps, including ties and rests
- a one-slot multi-FX (stereo delay, BBD delay, tape delay, chorus, flanger, Oberheim phase shifter, and ring mod…)
- dedicated overdrive effect
- dedicated reverb with damping, pre-delay, decay, and tone
- polyphonic portamento (glide)
- unison with up to five voices
- 256 user and 256 factory programs in 32 banks of 16 programs each
Connectivity
Also on the connection side, the Oberheim TEO-5 desktop module has the same inputs and outputs as the keyboard version: L/R audio outputs (2 x 1/4” jack), stereo headphone socket, 5-pin MIDI interface (in/out/thru), and USB for bi-directional MIDI communication.
USB host is not available, which is a shame. Further, you have a volume expression pedal input and a sustain footswitch input.
Oberheim TEO-5 desktop module first impression
Oberheim is taking a logical step here. It’s a shame, however, that the new desktop module doesn’t come with a USB host connection. There’s also no information on whether it’s possible to poly-chain two TEOs.
Oberheim TEO-5 desktop module is available now, with a US MAP price of $1,399 and Europe 1299. The keyboard version is $1849 and 1599€.
More information here: Oberheim
Available at my partner
The Behringer 2-XM Duophonic Analog SEM is $399 with 2-voices, no effects or sequencer. It sounds beautiful with separate controls per modules, but less polyphony and missing the Oberheim name. So we have to ask ourselves is the Oberheim name/quality, sequencer, effects and added polyphony worth another $1,000? If they priced this $999, I would grab it right away. At $1,400? MMM…
It is always worth paying extra for the Oberheim name/ quality etc.
They’re both made in China. The price is no more justified. Behringer is as good in the end.
The TEO-5 parts are made in China like 99% of the synth parts today but it’s assembled in the US by the Sequential factory
Just because two devices are made in China doesn’t mean they’re the same quality.
$1400 for a device like that is pretty incredible — it’s clear you don’t really know what’s inside.
To each their own, but beah, no way I’ll ever give money to Behringer..
Same Here..my blue Marvin was damaged after the Update. never ever.
This is a really bad comparison.
The TEO-5 is a way more complex synth. it’s digitally controlled analog so it’s in a completely different category, with the biggest modulation matrix ever featured in an Oberheim, it’s like a fully modular synth but with 500 presets, full MIDI control, and a much more advanced voice architecture. And Yes it has 5 voices.
Sorry, but Comparing it to a simple two-voice analog synth like that shows a lack of basic knowledge in synthesis.
This vs OB6 Module second hand around £1400?
The name on the faceplate isn’t worth $1500 USD alone.
A used Novation Summit will sh*t all over this thing at the same price.
You’re not sh*tting, you’re making music, and the only thing that’s important is that the instrument creates inspiring, good sounds. Nobody cares about lab tests.
Comparing synths like that makes no sense. He probably has this Summit and regrets this could be a better choice 🙂
He also wrote the same comment on Synthtopia but no one cared.
Price in Europe : 1299 €
€1090 excluding vat