Page 4
For Technical Support, email: support@Oberheim.com This device is to be serviced by a Oberheim-qualified technician only. Service technician must exercise due caution when opening the device to avoid electric shock and the device being unsecured when open.
Page 5
Gerry Bassermann, Gus Callahan, Joseph Carley, Fabien Cesari, Carson Day, Sally Decker, David Gibbons, Chris Hector, Tony Karavidas, Mark Kono, Justin Labrecque, Andy Lambert, Michelle Marshall, Andrew McGowan, Joanne McGowan, Steven Morkert, Tom Oberheim, Julio Ortiz, Mitchell Stahlmann, Steve Starkweather, Brian Tester, Gabby Wen, and Taiho Yamada.
Page 6
Thank you for purchasing the Oberheim TEO-5! Small but powerful, this is the polyphonic synthesizer I have dreamed of making for years – five voices, classic analog warmth, full of great features. The TEO-5 is designed to make the classic Oberheim tone palette widely accessible, encap- sulating decades of analog engineering experience in a forward-thinking and innovative musical instrument.
We’ve designed the TEO-5 to be as easy to use as possible. Its essential controls are within easy reach on its front panel, so don’t hesitate to dive in and start turning knobs and pressing buttons. Then, when you’re ready, dig into this user’s guide to explore the deeper parts of the synth.
Accepts a momentary, normally open, or normally 6 . Footswitch— closed footswitch to control sustain or to latch the Arpeggiator on when keys are held. The footswitch can also be used to start/stop the TEO-5’s sequencer. Accepts a standard expression pedal that has a variable resis- 7 .
Setting Up the TEO-5 Here’s how to get your TEO-5 up and running: 1. Plug the power cable into the power connector on the back of the TEO-5. 2. If you have an expression pedal, connect it to the jack on the pedal back of the TEO-5.
Tune the Oscillators and Filters The first time you use the TEO-5, run its built-in oscillator and filter cali- bration procedure. Repeat the calibration procedure if needed over the next few days. The TEO-5 learns the range of temperatures and will keep itself in tune over this range.
2. Press button 12. program selector Using the Main Display The most frequently used controls on the TEO-5 are on its front panel. But there are additional Global and Program-specific settings accessible from its main display. For example, pressing the...
(see “Saving a Program” on page 6). Creating a Program from Scratch The TEO-5 makes it easy to create a new sound from scratch by provid- ing a “basic program” that you can quickly recall at any time. This provides a simple starting point that you can quickly build on.
Live Panel Mode The TEO-5 also features a “live panel” mode in which its sound switches to the current settings of its knobs and switches. In other words, the current preset is ignored and what you see on the front panel is what you hear. This is a great mode for learning, experimentation, and instant gratification.
- button. The low split Low Split parameters appear in the display. 3. Either press the desired key/split point on the TEO-5 keyboard, or use knob to set the split point to your preference. value 4. Release the - button and - buttons.
Also, in “Rear Panel Connections” on page 1 read about the various connectors on the back of your TEO-5 and how you can use its various pedal, audio, MIDI, and USB inputs and outputs.
Chapter 2: TEO-5 Controls This chapter explains all of the front-panel controls of the TEO-5, section by section and the role each plays in synthesizing sounds. If you’re just getting started with synthesis, take a look at Chapter 3, Creating Sounds, for step-by-step tutorials on how to program some classic sounds such as synth bass, brass, strings, and more.
Page 20
TEO-5. When , the controls are transmitted via MIDI but do not directly affect the “local” synth (that is, the TEO-5). This is primarily useful for avoiding MIDI data loops that can occur with some external sequencers. When...
Page 21
(fully closed to half open). Selects whether aftertouch (key pressure) is 9 . Aftertouch On: On, Off— enabled or disabled. If disabled, the TEO-5 will neither respond to nor transmit aftertouch/key pressure data. Sets one of eight pressure 10 . Aftertouch Curve: Curve 1... Curve 8—...
Page 22
78 for a description of each tuning. Additional tunings can be imported as a SysEx message. Each preset in the TEO-5 can have it’s own scale setting, separate from the Global selection. To use this feature, scroll to the end of the Program menu for any preset and select any scale other than “Global”.
Page 23
MIDI Program Change and other SysEx messages. When On, the synth’s Arpeggiator outputs 26 . MIDI Arp Notes: Off, On— MIDI note numbers. You can use this feature to drive other MIDI- equipped devices such as synthesizers and drum machines. Global Settings Oberheim...
Page 24
Calibrates the voltage controlled oscillators and filters. 30 . Cal Voices— With a new TEO-5, you will need to use this feature a few times to estab- lish stable tuning across the full range of the synth’s operating tempera- tures. Since the TEO-5 is factory calibrated, you will usually calibrate to accomodate new environments, while under stage lighting, etc.
Oscillators Oscillators generate the raw building blocks of the TEO-5’s sound by producing waveforms, each of which has its own sound character based on its harmonic content. The TEO-5 has two analog, voltage-controlled oscillators and a sub-oscillator. Oscillators 1 and 2 generate triangle, sawtooth, and pulse waves. You can select any one or more of these waveshapes by using the buttons.
Page 26
6. Experiment with the knob and notice the detuning range detune of osc 2 go from a touch of thickness to rich chorusing almost a quarter tone higher or lower. TEO-5 User’s Guide Global Settings...
Sets the amount of through zero fequency modulation from X-Mod: Oscillator 2’s triangle waveshape to Oscillator 1’s frequency. X-Mod in the TEO-5, unlike digital FM techniques, uses modulation between analog oscillators, so some pitch instability may be present at certain settings.
Sets pulse width of the Oscillator 1 pulse wave from Osc 1 PW: %50-%100 duty cycle, with %50 at minimum pot setting. At %100 the pulse width narrows to silence. Sets pulse width of the Oscillator 2 pulse wave. Osc 2 PW: TEO-5 User’s Guide Global Settings...
Filter The function of the TEO-5’s 12dB/2-pole state variable filter is to subtract frequencies from the sound produced by the oscillators and noise generator, thereby changing the overall harmonic content of the synth’s sound.
LED on the front panel will light to indicate its selection. Toggles Oscillator 1’s output to the input of the filter. Osc 1: Toggles the sub oscillator’s output, which is generated from Osc 1. Sub: Toggles Osc 2’s output. Osc 2: TEO-5 User’s Guide Global Settings...
—Enables band pass mode for the state vari- Filter Bandpass: Off, On able filter. When On, Band Pass replaces Notch at the mid-point of the control. state Global Settings Oberheim...
The TEO-5 has two 5-stage DADSR envelope generators (delay, attack, decay, sustain, release), using the voltage curves from the historic Ober- heim OB-8 (these are also found as an option on the Oberheim OB-X8). They are useful for creating modulation that varies over time according to the shape of the envelope.
Amplifier volume is simply triggered (gated) on/off each time you press a key on the TEO-5 keyboard. Note that if the Env 2 velocity button is on, it affects only Filter Cutoff and not Amplifier volume. About the Filter Envelope...
In other words, their harmonic content changes over time. This is exactly what the filter envelope is designed to emulate. Envelope 1 parameters Envelope routing button delay time note on note off A typical 5-stage DADSR envelope TEO-5 User’s Guide About the Filter Envelope...
Page 35
Note that in routing mode, Envelope 2 controls the filter and the amp filter simultaneously.To learn more about the Amplifier Envelope, see “About the Amp Envelope” on page 28. About the Filter Envelope Oberheim...
Higher amounts more dramatically affect the cutoff or amp amount. Note that this control is bipolar. Positive settings produce stan- dard behavior. Negative settings invert the envelope. TEO-5 User’s Guide About the Filter Envelope...
Wind has a relatively slow attack, a long sustain, and a long decay and release. A snare drum has a sharp attack, no sustain, and very little decay or release. But again, they are both fundamentally white noise. About the Amp Envelope Oberheim...
Page 38
Amplifier Envelope’s knob clockwise decay and counterclockwise. Notice how it changes the sound as the note decays faster or slower after its initial attack stage. 6. Set the parameter to 3 o’clock. decay TEO-5 User’s Guide About the Amp Envelope...
Either of the TEO-5’s envelopes can be routed to any destination (or multiple destinations) using the modulation matrix. See “Modulation” on page 34 for more details.
H (sample & hold/random). Though & most often used for low-frequency modulation, the TEO-5 LFOs can actu- ally function at speeds that extend into the audible range for extreme effects. The LFOs can be free-running or synced to the Arpeggiator, Sequencer, or MIDI clock for tempo-synced effects such as filter sweeps, tremolo, and so on.
Global LFO Versus Per-Voice LFO The TEO-5 has two separate LFOs. LFO 1 is “global” and LFO 2 is “per voice.” It’s useful to understand the difference. Global LFO (LFO 1) LFO 1 is a Global LFO and is a single modulator that is applied to all voices in a program equally —...
Page 42
Any LFO can be routed to any destination (or multiple destinations) using the modulation matrix. See “Appendix B: Modulation Destinations” on page 68 for a list of destinations. TEO-5 User’s Guide Low Frequency Oscillators...
LFO 2 Note Reset: Off, On Modulation Although the overall sonic character of the TEO-5 is determined by its oscillators and filters, much of its power to make unique sounds comes from creative use of modulation. Modulation is the process of routing one parameter (used as a control voltage) to another parameter in order to change the way the targeted parameter behaves.
Page 44
(filter cutoff, for example). Set the amount with the knob while referring to the display. Be aware that not all front-panel value controls can be used as a modulation source/destination. TEO-5 User’s Guide Low Frequency Oscillators...
Mod Slot 1 if it’s not already displayed. 3. Use the knob to scroll through the various mod sources and value choose (As a shortcut for steps 2 and 3, you can hold down mod wheel button and move the Mod wheel.) src assign Modulation Examples Oberheim...
Page 46
Again, you can use Pressure as the modulation source instead of the Mod Wheel in the previous example to open the filter (positive amount or close the filter (negative ) with key pressure (aftertouch. amount TEO-5 User’s Guide Modulation Examples...
Unison When is on, the TEO-5 acts like a monophonic synthesizer in unison that only 1 note can be played at a time. However, that one note can be powered by as many as five voices, depending on how many you choose to use.
Unison has a useful feature called chord memory. Instead of assigning voices to a single note, hold down a chord on the keyboard and press the switch. The TEO-5 memorizes the notes of the chord. Single notes unison played on the keyboard then trigger all notes of the stored chord, trans- posing them as you play up or down the keyboard.
• HP Filter - high-pass filter • Distortion - classic op amp distortion • Ring Mod - modelled on the 1972 Maestro/ Oberheim ring modulator • Rotating Speaker - vintage rotating speaker emulation • Lo-Fi - emulates the transformative effects of a badly-calibrated tape machine •...
Page 50
The tone tone parameter uses both high-pass and low-pass filtering to sculpt the reverb’s sound. 6. Use the knob to adjust the size of the virtual hall. size TEO-5 User’s Guide Effects...
Vintage Knob Because the TEO-5 has analog VCOs and filters, it is capable of produc- ing many classic, vintage poly synth sounds, even though it was designed and constructed with state-of-the-art technology and components. To add even more vintage character, we designed the...
Set the tempo of the Arpeggiator with the tap tempo divide controls. To use , tap this button 4 times to set the tempo. You tap tempo can also sync the Arpeggiator to external MIDI clock. The Arpeggiator TEO-5 User’s Guide Arpeggiator...
Arpeggiator “Momentary Sustain” Mode The TEO-5 allows you to use the sustain pedal to turn the Arpeggiator’s Hold function on and off and perform other Arpeggiator-related func- tions. To access this feature, use the setting in the...
To control an external MIDI device: 1. Connect the MIDI or USB output of the TEO-5 to the MIDI or USB input of the external device, depending on which type of connection the external device requires.
Effects section, the BPM rate affects the LFO frequency and/or delay effect. When syncing to an exter- nal MIDI clock source, the BPM setting has no effect. Selects a basic note value relative to the BPM. See table: Clock Divide— Arpeggiator Oberheim...
Page 56
To add multiple rests, press the program settings button multiple times. 4. To add a “tie” that extends the length of a note or existing tie, play a TEO-5 User’s Guide Arpeggiator...
Playing a note below middle C trans- poses the sequence lower by that interval. 3. When is active, the sequence can be transposed by simply press- unison ing a key. The Clock, Arpeggiator, and Sequencer controls Arpeggiator Oberheim...
Master Volume/Program Volume The master output level of the TEO-5 is controlled by the front-panel knob. In addition, the volume of an individual program can be volume set with the parameter in the menu. This is useful prog volume program for ensuring that your sounds have roughly the same volume program to program.
Portamento is turned on and off using the switch, but the must also be set. If portamento rate button is on, but is set to 0, portamento/glide has no portamento rate effect. Portamento can be set individually for each oscillator. Transpose Oberheim...
To select a Portamento Mode: 1. Press the button. program 2. Use the knob to locate the parameter. select portamento mode 3. Use the knob to choose a portamento mode. value TEO-5 User’s Guide Portamento...
Pitch and Mod Wheels The TEO-5 has a spring-loaded Pitch wheel and a Mod wheel. You can use these controls to enhance live performance by bending notes and adding modulation in real time as you play. The Pitch and Modulation wheels...
As a shortcut, you can hold down the button and move the Mod assign wheel to quickly assign this modulation path. TEO-5 User’s Guide Pitch and Mod Wheels...
Page 63
(M) or poly (P) Up+Down Use this knob to Use this knob to set the mod source scroll through mod amount mod slots and mod destination source/amount/destination Using the Mod Matrix to assign the Mod Wheel Pitch and Mod Wheels Oberheim...
The greater the pressure applied, the more modulation is applied. The TEO-5 provides monophonic (or “channel”) aftertouch, which means that applying pressure to any key within a chord will apply modulation to all notes currently held.
Page 65
The TEO-5 provides eight different aftertouch/pressure response set- tings. The default setting provides a linear response. To choose a differ- ent response curve, use the parameter in the aftertouch curve global menu. Indicates mod slot number MOD 1 1/16 source...
The TEO-5 can produce a huge variety of sounds. While the factory programs give you some idea of its scope, if you only make use of its presets, you’re not really using the TEO-5 to its full potential. The real excitement is in creating sounds that are uniquely your own.
Page 67
to fine tune your synth bass sound. Long Version with Explanations Here’s a more detailed version that provides insight into the process. You’ll start with the Basic Program, then learn how to choose an appro- priate oscillator waveshape, how to use the filter, how to use the enve- lopes, and how to use Unison to fatten things up.
Page 68
Next, you’ll use the filter to shape the raw sound of the saw wave. To adjust the filter: 1. Press and hold down a key and turn the filter’s knob. Notice cutoff how it cuts the high frequencies as you rotate counter-clockwise, making the sound of the oscillator less bright.
Page 69
Program menu. Now you know how to create a simple synth bass program using the most essential synthesizer components of the TEO-5: the oscillators, the filters, and the envelopes. Using just these three things you can create an enormous variety of sounds. Keep experimenting with them and if you like what you’ve created, save the programs in one of the user banks.
Creating Synth Brass Here’s another easy-to-construct sound: synth brass, with a classic “pitch blip” effect on the attack. In this example you’ll learn how to use an auxiliary envelope to modulate the pitch of Oscillator 2 to simulate an aggressively blown horn effect. To create synth brass: 1.
MOD 3 1/16 source Env 1 amount +100 destination Osc1Detune Up+Down Use this knob to Use this knob to set the mod source scroll through mod amount mod slots and mod destination source/amount/destination Turning Synth Brass into a String Pad It’s a simple matter to turn the previous synth brass sound into a string pad by simply adjusting its envelope and filter settings.
Page 72
Making the String Pad More Lush Now lets make the string pad more lush by using the LFOs to modulate the oscillator waveshapes and recreate the classic “pulse-width mod” strings found on many vintage synths. To use waveshape mod to make the string pad more lush: 1.
5. Set to 12 o’clock. feedback misc 6. Play some chords. Retro string machine! For even more dramatic phas- ing, set to 3 o’clock. depth feedback misc 7. Experiment with changing the effect to the flanger or chorus and adjust their settings to your preference.
Page 74
from Osc 1 to help create a more aggressive hard-sync effect. 6. In the section, set the envelopes to envelope filter . This will allow you to use Envelope 1 as an auxiliary envelope that will modulate the pitch of oscillator 1. 7.
Adding Effects to the Lead You can enhance the sync lead by adding some delay and reverb. To add a delay effect: 1. In the section, press the 1 button. effects effect 2. Use the knob to select type delay 3.
Mod 11 Amount LFO 2 Freq Mod 12 Amount LFO All Freq Mod 13 Amount LFO 1 Amt Mod 14 Amount LFO 2 Amt Mod 15 Amount LFO All Amt Mod 16 Amount Env 1 Amt Appendix B: Modulation Destinations Oberheim...
If there is a ground hum in the audio output: • USB can cause ground loops, so try to resolve any grounding issues between the computer (if connected) and the TEO-5. Or use MIDI, which is opto-isolated. TEO-5 User’s Guide...
Page 79
(MIDI and USB cables) and see if the problem persists. You can also monitor the MIDI traffic with MIDI Monitor (Mac OS) or MIDI-OX (Windows) to see if the TEO-5 is being overrun with duplicate messages. If the TEO-5 doesn’t seem to respond to its controls: •...
If you’re trying to track down a problem, it’s sometimes a good idea to reset the Global parameters to their defaults. This is a quick way to make sure that the TEO-5 returns to its factory settings. To note, resetting global parameters does not affect any user or factory presets.
Warranty Repair Oberheim warrants that the TEO-5 will be free from defects in materials and/or workmanship for 1 year from the date of purchase. Please register your product online at www.oberheim.com to establish the date of purchase. (This is not a requirement for warranty service, but will provide a helpful reference.)
Appendix D: Calibrating the TEO-5 The TEO-5 is calibrated at the factory, and controls such as the Pitch and Mod wheels, VCOs and VCFs usually won’t require re-calibration. But if you experience unexpected behavior with these controls, you can use the calibration function to tune them occasionally.
To send a program or bank to another TEO-5 as a SysEx file over MIDI: 1. Connect two TEO-5 synthesizers together using MIDI cables and the jacks on their rear panels. midi in and midi out 2.
Page 84
You can use a MIDI librarian application such as such as SysEx Librar- ian for Macintosh, or MIDI-OX for Windows to transmit exported program or banks back into your TEO-5. You will need a computer and an appropriate software application.
Page 85
Any alt tunings global of the alternative tunings loaded to the TEO-5 can be saved as part of a program. These 64 alternative tunings range from Equal temperament to Indo- nesian Gamelan tunings. If you want, you can replace these with other tunings that you can find on the Internet.
Page 86
Some of the intervals are very close together, offering several choices for the same nominal chords. A=1/1 (440 Hz) 1/1 9/8 8/7 7/6 9/7 21/16 4/3 3/2 32/21 12/7 7/4 63/32 TEO-5 User’s Guide Appendix F: Alternative Tunings...
Page 87
Similar to Yamaha’s preset Just Major, the Just Minor gives preferential treatment to minor thirds on the sharps, and has a good fifth relative to the second. C= 1/1 (261.625) 1/1 25/24 10/9 6/5 5/4 4/3 45/32 3/2 8/5 5/3 16/9 15/8 Appendix F: Alternative Tunings Oberheim...
Page 117
Appendix G: Categorized Program List Note that the Factory sounds installed on your TEO-5 are organized into diverse selections intended to inspire creative exploration. You can also download the same sounds organized instead by instrument category (i.e., a bank of bass sounds, another of lead sounds, etc.) If you prefer to...
Page 118
Fragile Stability poly Zuma's Brass brass Burnished Organic organ Perforator Lead lead Eagerly pluck Proud Nerd keys Landing Pad TEO Pluck pluck GOAT MW lead Dark Side Balorean Abduction Bowin' string TEO-5 User’s Guide Appendix G: Categorized Program List Glacial...
Page 119
ElectroBody Bass bass Clavinator keys OB-X Glide Pad Bouncy Min9 lead Malletizer PadGPT Coronet brass Teo Keys keys Unisynx Five lead Etherial HPSCHD keys Seagulls Arp Strummer string SynthpopString string Alien Modular Foo 110 Appendix G: Categorized Program List Oberheim...
Page 120
Bluey Arp Paleocene Pad Wet & Wild Bass bass Pins & Needles poly AluminumGroup poly FM Perks perc Jumbler Sans Seraphim voice Nickel Clavicord keys Jets5 Frantasia pluck TEO-5 User’s Guide Appendix G: Categorized Program List Infinite Power bass...
Page 121
Tuned Perc FlootyToot poly Trampled Bass bass Wanderer Processional organ Dusty Flangarp Cat Piss Oxide poly Chatty Bells bell Lead Alive lead Afterglow Trancendance poly Modular? HarpsiTines keys Lead LEAD lead Cushion Pad 112 Appendix G: Categorized Program List Oberheim...
Page 122
Lush Squares Tank The Co. (PW) poly Pipeline Pluck pluck Throaty 303 bass Hollowspit poly Sunset Rays Kaytra Vibe poly Pads 90 Eighteen NemoClavier keys Harpies keys Millennium Mambo poly Springboard poly TEO-5 User’s Guide Appendix G: Categorized Program List GradualExpansion...
Page 123
Paddy Gates Super Harmonik poly Tine Tune Time MixedNsemble brass Plucked Repeater pluck Gzyoww poly Hard Band Bass bass Familiar Sync lead Velimba Tuned Perc StudentArtFilm poly Steppy Arpy Death Ray Fabric Soft poly 114 Appendix G: Categorized Program List Oberheim...
Page 124
BrightCymbals perc SEM Swirl Fizzy Lead lead Kitchen Sync lead Xylophone Tuned Perc Bass Front bass Machinery Vintage Wows poly Digibubblz poly Fairy Magic Lofi Pad Comp Splitoon keys Teo~Pad TEO-5 User’s Guide Appendix G: Categorized Program List XTeoC poly...
Page 125
Secret Treasure poly x4RP-PR4x Prime Organ organ Bass Kalimba Tuned Perc Double Vision poly Mettle Pd Foreshore pluck 2049 ed Perc Pot Lids Astral Dominator bass Harpsorgan organ Handperc perc Spiral flow poly 116 Appendix G: Categorized Program List Oberheim...
Need help?
Do you have a question about the TEO-5 and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers