The latest addition to the Oberheim line-up packs all of the sounds and features of their TEO-5 polysynth into a desktop-based enclosure that’s less than half the size.
Designed for musicians and producers seeking the iconic Oberheim sound in a space-saving format, the TEO-5 Desktop Module employs the same analogue oscillators and SEM multi-mode filter as its keyboard-equipped counterpart, offering a more compact and accessible way to recreate the classic tones for which the company are renowned.
Despite the reduced footprint, the module still provides users with the same level of hands-on control, with all of its synthesis functions easily accessible from the top panel, while extensive modulation capabilities — including linear, through-zero FM — and built-in effects help to deliver a modern take on the classic Oberheim sound.
The rear panel of the Oberheim TEO-5 Desktop Module.
Key Features
Oscillators
- Five-voice VCO/VCF-based polysynth.
- Two VCOs and a sub-oscillator per voice.
- Simultaneously selectable waveshapes for each oscillator: triangle, saw and variable pulse.
- Oscillator 1 syncs to Oscillator 2.
- Dedicated front-panel X-Mod control for through-zero FM.
- Switchable key tracking per oscillator.
- White noise generator accessible in pre-filter mixer.
State-Variable Filter
- Classic SEM filter with selectable band-pass mode.
- State knob continuously morphs from low-pass through notch to high-pass.
- Bipolar filter envelope amount.
- Velocity modulation of envelope amount.
- Keyboard tracking.
Filter Envelope
- Five-stage (DADSR) envelope generator.
- Velocity modulation of envelope amount.
- Freely assignable modulation destinations.
Amplifier Envelope
- Five-stage (DADSR) envelope generator.
- Velocity modulation of envelope amount.
LFOs
- Two LFOs with five wave shapes: triangle, sawtooth, reverse sawtooth, square and random (sample and hold)
- LFO tempo sync
- Initial amount setting
- Freely assignable modulation destinations
Vintage Knob
- Recreates vintage synth characteristics by adding voice-to voice variations in component behaviour.
“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.” - Tom Oberheim
Pricing & Availability
The TEO-5 Desktop Module is available now, priced at $1399.
