Oberheim TEO-5 Synthesizer

Synthesizer type	desktop module
type of keys	not applicable
synthesizer inputs	none
synthesizer outputs	line out jack, headphone
MIDI & other	MIDI in, MIDI out, MIDI thru, MIDI over USB
Audio via USB	no
control	sustain (input), expression (input)
Polyphony	5

Oberheim TEO-5 Synthesizer
Product no: 9000-0126-0813 Bax Music Warranty: This product comes with a 3-year warranty.

General

With the TEO-5, Tom Elroy Oberheim - who was born in 1936 - proves he's still going strong. The latest Oberheim model is another elite-level synth, where 'TEO' obviously stands for its inventor's initials, and the number 5 indicates the polyphony. Available at a lower price than the recently released and already incredibly popular OB-X8, this warm-sounding analogue synthesizer is bound to sell like hotcakes too.

The Oberheim TEO-5

With its 44 keys and 5-voice polyphony , the TEO-5 mainly lends itself to leads, which is not to say that playing chords is completely off the table. You're treated to built-in reverb, beefy analogue sound courtesy of Oberheim oscillators, an SEM filter, two LFOs, two envelopes and extensive modulation options. Granted, the integrated effects are digital, but it's not like that spoils the party here. Just like the OB-X8, the TEO-5 packs masses of potential and isn't very difficult to work with.

Who's It For?

Boasting a more compact and portable design than the OB-X8, the Oberheim TEO-5 is a great pick for serious synth-heads who can't afford to splurge on the aforementioned synthesizer. Since it's just as extensive and fat-sounding, the TEO-5 can also be seen as an alternative to the Sequential Take-5, which makes sense seeing as Oberheim and Sequential were teamed up for a while in the past.

Specifications

Product features

Sustainable product	not specified
Synthesizer kind	standard
Synthesizer options	standard
Difficulty level	easy
Vintage remake	inspired by
Sound source	analogue
Number of keys	44
Arpeggiator/sequencer	arpeggiator, sequencer
19-inch rack size	not applicable
Synthesizer type	keyboard
Type of keys	keyboard action
Synthesizer inputs	none
Synthesizer outputs	line out jack, headphone
MIDI & other	MIDI in, MIDI out, MIDI thru, MIDI over USB
Audio via USB	no
Control	sustain (input), expression (input), monophonic aftertouch
Polyphony	5

Weight and dimensions including packaging

Weight (incl. packaging)	9,4 kg
Dimensions (incl. packaging)	78,6 x 48,3 x 25,4 cm

Product specifications

Oberheim TEO-5
synthesizer
polyphony: 5
per 2x oscillator + sub-oscillator per voice
analogue oscillators
SEM-filter (LP, BP, HP, notch)
extensive modulation matrix
effects (reverb, multi, overdrive)
presets: 256x factory, 256x user
dimensions: 635 x 324 x 112mm
weight: 7.7 kg

Write a review

Xander Butcher December 31, 2024

Wrote the following about Oberheim TEO-5 Synthesizer

When I first ordered this Oberheim TEO-5, I was worried I might be making a mistake by not saving up for their flagship Oberheim OBX8. How wrong I was. The compact size, the form factor and looks overall are gorgeous ... but THAT SOUND - it's undeniably Oberheim with the legendary variable phase SEM filter and sonically it is just stunning. The versatility of this synth is mind blowing with the mod matrix and an expression pedal. It oozes creamy velvet warm pads and a pleasing graininess and growl from the filter make it my centrepiece synth in my studio (and I am lucky enough to also have the Sequential Prophet 10). The FX are surprisingly good (and I am spoilt with the Prologue 16's stunning array of FX to compare it to). I have seen many reviews complaining about the 5 note polyphony. It's not a problem at all and not limiting to adapt to. Remember the awesome Prophet 5 had the same and no-one complained about that ! I treated the TEO-5 to a pair of walnut wood end-cheeks (available from the US) which finish it off with the right vintage look to go with the gorgeous vintage sounds. Great value for money and absolutely no regrets here. Highly recommended !!!

Reviews from other countries

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Bas Kunnen February 7, 2025

Wrote the following about Oberheim TEO-5 Synthesizer

Ik ontdekte de TEO5 voor het eerst op de Amsterdam Dance Event in oktober 2024 en was meteen onder de indruk. Redelijk snel daarna heb ik hem besteld en gebruik ik hem vooral tijdens de optredens van mijn elektronische liveband.

Nendo December 6, 2024

Wrote the following about Oberheim TEO-5 Synthesizer

Vandaag eindelijk binnen na 6 maanden wachten. Maar het is waard!!. Superdikke analoge sound. Dit is mijn eerste echte analoge synth, een wereld van verschil tegenover een VST plugin versie zoals Analog Labs OP-Xa.

Echt een aanrader! Het heeft 5 voices, maar daar heb ik verder geen problemen mee.

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