Oberheim TEO-5 Desktop Module - Secondhand

Full Description

New OS Update - Poly Chain, Arpeggiator patterns and more!

The new TEO-5 OS Update introduces a significant set of improvements that make this compact synth even more inspiring to use. The biggest addition is Poly Chain, a powerful feature that lets players link two Take 5 units to create a fully integrated 10 voice instrument.

This greatly expands creative potential and also gives musicians a strong incentive to add a second keyboard or incorporate the desktop version into their setup. The update also adds 10 new arpeggiator patterns, including creative modes such as Spiral and Leapfrog, which bring fresh movement and musical variation to any performance.

A new timing option called Whiplash adjusts note values in real time based on how many keys are being held, giving players a more expressive and dynamic feel during live sessions. Sound designers also gain access to violet noise, opening the door to new textures for pads, effects and atmospheric layers.

Factory Bank 2 - now available for download

Sequential has also released Factory Bank 2, a brand new collection of contemporary sounds created by respected designers Abby Echiverri, Peter Dyer, Glasys, Nicholas Semrad and Calc. This bank adds even more modern flavour to the instrument.

Sequential has also released Factory Bank 2, a brand new collection of contemporary sounds created by respected designers Abby Echiverri, Peter Dyer, Glasys, Nicholas Semrad and Calc. This bank adds even more modern flavour to the instrument. Altogether, these updates build on the Take 5’s classic Prophet 5 character and portable design, making it an even more attractive choice for players seeking power, flexibility and inspiration.

Authentic Oberheim tone in a smaller footprint

The TEO-5 Desktop Module gives you full access to Oberheim’s signature voice engine while saving space in your studio. Each of its five voices features two analogue voltage-controlled oscillators, a sub oscillator and a noise generator, allowing you to build thick and characterful sounds. Oscillator sync, switchable key tracking and selectable waveshapes provide a wide tonal range, while the SEM filter’s continuous morphing design makes it easy to transition between filter types mid-performance.

Its compact size makes it ideal for mobile setups or tight studio spaces, without sacrificing the sound design tools that define the Oberheim experience. You get access to all 256 factory programs and 256 user slots, with direct access to any program in your active bank.

Top-panel control for immediate sound editing

Every key function on the TEO-5 is laid out on the top panel, making it easy to dive in and adjust sounds on the fly. The control design mirrors the TEO-5 keyboard, giving a consistent feel across formats. Manual mode ensures the synth reflects the physical position of every knob, so you always hear exactly what you see.

Real-time performance tools include a hold function, polyphonic portamento and a unison mode that lets you stack voices with flexible voice priority settings. The module’s responsive interface keeps you focused on the sound rather than the menu, which is especially useful in live or time-sensitive sessions.

Advanced modulation with flexible routing

The modulation matrix on the TEO-5 offers a huge amount of depth for those wanting to push their sound design further. With 19 sources and 64 destinations, nearly any route is possible. Assign LFOs, envelopes, velocity or aftertouch to parameters like filter cutoff, oscillator pitch or effect depth, all with bi-polar modulation options. You can even route audio-rate signals for FM-style modulation within the matrix.

Each LFO includes five waveforms and can be tempo-synced, while both envelopes follow a five-stage (DADSR) format for more control than traditional ADSR setups. Modulation destinations are freely assignable, helping you dial in subtle textures or bold movement without needing external gear.

Built-in effects, arpeggiator and sequencer

The TEO-5 includes a wide array of effects, giving your patches a polished finish without external processing. A dedicated reverb offers full control over pre-delay, damping and decay. A second multi-effect unit covers chorus, flanger, delays, phaser, ring modulation, and more. There’s also an overdrive for adding warmth or grit, and a Lo-Fi effect for extra texture.

For pattern building and performance, the onboard arpeggiator supports various note values and octave ranges. The polyphonic step sequencer supports up to 64 steps, including ties and rests, making it suitable for quick loops or complex sequences. Clock options include internal tempo, tap tempo and full MIDI sync. With multiple I/O options including USB, MIDI, and expression inputs, the TEO-5 integrates smoothly into both studio and live environments.

Features

• Compact desktop module with full Oberheim TEO-5 sound engine in a smaller form factor
• Genuine analog signal path with two voltage-controlled oscillators and a sub oscillator per voice
• Selectable triangle, saw, and variable pulse waves available simultaneously on each oscillator
• Oscillator sync and through-zero FM via dedicated front-panel control
• Switchable key tracking for each oscillator and integrated white noise generator
• Authentic SEM filter with seamless morphing from low-pass to high-pass and selectable band-pass mode
• Bi-polar filter envelope with velocity sensitivity and keyboard tracking
• Two five-stage (DADSR) envelopes for filter and amplifier, each with velocity response and modulation routing
• Two LFOs offering five waveforms, tempo sync, and flexible modulation assignments
• Extensive modulation matrix with 19 sources and 64 destinations, supporting audio-rate modulation
• Vintage knob adds analog-style voice variations for a classic sound
• Channel aftertouch with bi-polar modulation routing options
• Integrated master clock with tap tempo, BPM display, and MIDI clock synchronization
• Versatile arpeggiator with multiple rhythms, octave ranges, and play modes
• 64-step polyphonic sequencer supporting ties and rests
• Dedicated reverb with adjustable damping, pre-delay, decay, and tone
• Multi-effects unit with delays, modulation effects, ring mod, phase shifter, distortion, and more
• Independent overdrive circuit for added warmth and character
• Performance features include note hold, polyphonic glide, unison mode, and manual live panel mode
• 512 total patch slots with 256 user and 256 factory programs organized in intuitive banks
• Dual 1/4” audio outputs, headphone jack, MIDI in/out/thru, USB MIDI, volume pedal, and sustain input

Specifications

• Oscillators:
• Voices: 5-Voice VCO/VCF-Based Polysynth
• Oscillators Per Voice: 2x VCOs And Sub Oscillator
• Wave Shapes: Simultaneously Selectable Triangle, Saw, Variable Pulse
• Oscillator Sync: Oscillator 1 Syncs To Oscillator 2
• X-Mod: Dedicated Front-Panel Through-Zero FM Control
• Key Tracking: Switchable Per Oscillator
• Noise Generator: White Noise Accessible In Pre-Filter Mixer
• State Variable Filter:
• Type: Classic SEM Filter With Selectable Band-Pass Mode
• State Knob: Morphs From Low-Pass Through Notch To High-Pass
• Envelope Control: Bi-Polar Filter Envelope Amount
• Velocity Modulation: Of Envelope Amount
• Keyboard Tracking: Enabled
• Filter Envelope:
• Type: Five-Stage (DADSR) Envelope Generator
• Velocity Modulation: Of Envelope Amount
• Modulation Destinations: Freely Assignable
• Amplifier Envelope:
• Type: Five-Stage (DADSR) Envelope Generator
• Velocity Modulation: Of Envelope Amount
• 2 Low Frequency Oscillators:
• Wave Shapes: Triangle, Sawtooth, Reverse Sawtooth, Square, Random (Sample And Hold)
• Tempo Sync: Enabled
• Initial Amount: Setting Available
• Modulation Destinations: Freely Assignable
• Modulation Matrix:
• Structure: 19 Slots x 19 Sources x 64 Destinations
• Routing: Flexible Matrix With Audio Rate Capabilities
• Vintage Knob:
• Function: Adds Voice-To-Voice Variations In Component Behavior
• Aftertouch:
• Type: Channel (Mono) Aftertouch
• Control: Bi-Polar Amount With Freely Assignable Destinations
• Clock:
• Master Clock: With Tap Tempo
• BPM Control: With Display
• MIDI Sync: MIDI Clock Sync Supported
• Arpeggiator:
• Note Values: 16th Note, 8th Note Triplet, 8th Note, Dotted 8th Note, Quarter Note
• Octave Range: One, Two, Or Three
• Modes: Up, Down, Up/Down, Random, Assign
• Sequencer:
• Type: Polyphonic Step Sequencer
• Steps: Up To 64 With Ties And Rests
• Effects:
• Reverb: Damping, Pre-Delay, Decay, Tone
• Multi-Effect: Stereo Delay, BBD Delay, Tape Delay, Chorus, Flanger, Oberheim Phase Shifter, Ring Modulator, Vintage Rotating Speaker, Distortion, High-Pass Filter, Lo-Fi
• Overdrive: Dedicated Effect
• Performance Controls:
• Hold Switch: Latches Held Notes
• Portamento: Polyphonic Glide
• Unison Mode: Configurable Voice Count And Key Modes
• Manual Switch: Front Panel Live Control
• Patch Memory:
• User Programs: 256
• Factory Programs: 256
• Banks: 32 Banks Of 16 Programs Each
• Program Access: Direct And Single-Button Access
• In/Out:
• Audio Outputs: Left And Right (2 x 1/4” Jack)
• Headphone Output: Stereo, 1/4” Phone Jack
• MIDI: In, Out, And Thru Ports
• USB: Bidirectional MIDI Communication
• Pedal Inputs: Volume Expression And Sustain Footswitch
• Dimensions: 59.4 x 24.6 x 19.1 cm
• Weight: 4.5 kg
• Product Code: OB-3710