Oberheim has introduced the TEO-5 polysynth, a compact analogue-digital synth with a lower cost tag than another Oberheim instrument in historical past.
In our interview with Tom Oberheim — which matches on-line this week (join updates) —the legendary synth maker says that TEO-5 is the synth he’s dreamed of creating for 5 many years. Oberheim provides in a press launch that he’s “so proud to have the ability to make a synth like this… compact and reasonably priced, the Oberheim sound for 2024.”
The five-voice synthesizer takes its title from the initials of Thomas Elroy Oberheim but in addition takes cues from one of many maker’s colleagues. Eager synth followers could liken the TEO-5 to Sequential’s Take-5, one of many remaining synths created by the legendary Dave Smith, a pal of Oberheim. Just like the Take-5, TEO-5 was produced underneath an alliance with UK model, Focusrite.
So what’s it packin’? The TEO-5 boasts analogue VCOs and VCFs which are distinctly Oberheim. “However,” assures the model, “TEO-5 isn’t only a tribute to the previous.” Extra fashionable options embrace through-zero FM, which is a brand new tackle the oscillator X-Mod characteristic discovered on different OB synths. Plus, a number of digital results will assist you to create inspiring patches, with refrain, delay, reverb and recreations of basic Oberheim Ring Mod and Phasor results.
Elsewhere, a 64-step polyphonic sequencer and multimode arpeggiator allow you to swiftly construct patterns for a observe. Should you want to play the notes your self, the Fatar keybed ensures “a responsive and provoking enjoying expertise,” says the model.
Crucially, the TEO-5 is essentially the most reasonably priced entry to Oberheim {hardware}. At $1,499/£1,499/€1,699, the model says it’s a synth primed for “the artistic fanatic who wnats professional sound high quality on a finances.”
We’ll have a assessment of the product up subsequent week, too, to let you know the way the synth actually performs.
However why is the TEO-5 making an look now — aside from it being Superbooth week?
“There was an enormous surge of curiosity when Oberheim returned in 2022 with the traditionally
impressed OB-X8,” says David Gibbons, CEO of Oberheim. We will attest to that — the triumphant synth was topped MusicTech’s Greatest Product Of The Yr when it was launched.
“However Tom and the design staff have been eager to indicate that the magic of Oberheim might be inside attain for everybody and might convey a particular fashionable flavour. TEO-5 is an thrilling addition to the Oberheim legacy.”
Study extra at oberheim.com.
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