You may have spotted the news that Sequential’s Take 5 has been treated to an OS update that introduces a Poly Chain function and some new arpeggiator modes. Well, owners of Oberheim’s TEO-5 have equal reason to cheer, as their instruments can also be updated with the very same features.
The headline feature of the update is the Poly Chain feature, which makes it possible to combine two TEO-5s and form an integrated 10-voice instrument with all front-panel controls mirrored from one unit to the next for ease of control. In addition, the arpeggiator has gained 10 new play modes designed to inspire new rhythmic and melodic ideas. Some of the new additions — such as Spiral and Leapfrog mode — go beyond simple up-and-down motions, instead using virtual playheads to “weave intricate note parts and add new flavour to compositions”.
A Whiplash feature then provides the arpeggiator with a new timing mode that keeps each cycle at the same length regardless of how many notes are held — notes will be pushed together or spread apart, creating rhythmic tension and release that remains fixed at the overall bar length of the composition. Finally, the update also adds violet noise, which emphasises high frequencies while reducing low-end content, providing a new way for users to craft everything from smooth, shimmering textures to percussive tones.
“The TEO-5 was designed to bring the classic Oberheim sound to more players. This update pushes that vision further adding features that make it even more useful and inspiring." - Tom Oberheim
Availability
The latest version of the TEO-5’s OS is available now from the Oberheim website.
