Oberheim released TEO-5

Oberheim, the venerable brand synonymous with the golden age of synthesizers, proudly announces the TEO-5 polysynth. This powerful instrument features the visionary craftsmanship of Thomas Elroy Oberheim (TEO), offering a perfect blend of classic analog warmth and modern versatility for today’s musicians.

“I’m so proud to be able to make a synth like this… compact and affordable, the Oberheim sound for 2024,” says Tom Oberheim, the company’s founder. TEO-5 is designed to make the classic Oberheim tone palette widely accessible, encapsulating decades of analog engineering experience in a forward-thinking and innovative musical instrument.

An overhead view of the TEO-5 top panel.

The TEO-5 boasts a five-voice architecture with genuine analog VCOs and VCFs, capturing the distinctive warmth and depth that defined countless hit records. But TEO-5 isn’t just a tribute to the past. Additions like through-zero FM, which adds a contemporary twist to its oscillator X-Mod feature, allow for the exploration of entirely new sonic textures. And the legendary Oberheim SEM filter returns, offering the versatility of morphing between low-pass, notch, and high-pass configurations, along with a switchable band-pass mode for extensive tonal shaping.

Beyond its core synthesis architecture, TEO-5 features a comprehensive modulation matrix, opening a world of possibilities for sculpting and transforming sounds. Digital effects processors provide classic chorus, delay, reverb, and more, alongside faithful recreations of the revered Oberheim Ring Mod and Phasor effects. A 64-step polyphonic sequencer and multimode arpeggiator further fuel creative exploration, while a premium Fatar keybed ensures a responsive and inspiring playing experience.

Tom Oberheim is smiling, seated next to a TEO-5 synthesizer at the Great American Music Hall, San Francisco.

“There was a huge surge of interest when Oberheim returned in 2022 with the historically inspired OB-X8,” said David Gibbons, CEO of Oberheim. “But Tom and the design team were keen to show that the magic of Oberheim can be within reach for everyone, and can bring a distinctive modern flavor. TEO-5 is an exciting addition to the Oberheim legacy.”

Whether you’re a seasoned professional seeking a powerful new sonic tool or a budding artist embarking on your analog adventure, TEO-5 is your gateway to unparalleled musical exploration.

More info here: Oberheim | TEO-5