TEO 5 vs. Take 5: which synth should you buy?

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

TAKE 5 Custom Patches and TEO-5 Patches Available Now! shop.milesawayofficial.com/collections/all?sort_by=created-descending

[@carsonday8190]

Sequential employee here, the reverb is exactly the same on the Take 5 and Teo 5. The main difference in tonality is due to the added top end on the Teo 5 from the 2 pole filter.

[@kornnelius60]

In your opinion, if you could only own one, which one would you pick?

[@BigHairyCrank]

@@kornnelius60 both - he has an employee discount.

[@symbiat0]

@@carsonday8190 I thought the TEO-5 FX also has some vintage Oberheim pedal models too right ?

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

You are the best! Thank you for replying! Pinning your comment.

[@kujumz]

@@symbiat0he said the reverb was the same. doesn’t mean that the teo doesn’t also have some unique algos the take doesn’t.

[@Timecop1983]

After seeing this video i want both... 😅

[@neuronist]

indeed haha

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

A danger that comes from watching this channel 😅

[@mjr1955]

Oh yes please!

[@frankdelamora]

So buying the TEO because your videos. Had ob6 and was great but there is something about the TEO that just hits different to me. Just such a beautiful synth. Thank you for your great videos.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

@@frankdelamora very happy to hear they helped you! I love all the OBs, can’t go wrong with any of them!

[@Dan_Delix]

Yeah? I actually just got an OB-6 and was considering the TEO 5 for a while but ended up going with the OB-6 instead after watching his comparison video. What makes you like the TEO better? I’m considering the Take 5 since I already have the OB-6.

[@symbiat0]

I had the Take 5 on my list but then the TEO was announced. Glad I waited. To my ear, Oberheims are the most musical instruments.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

@@symbiat0 right on ! How do you like the TEO now? Happy ?

[@symbiat0]

@ It definitely has the Oberheim DNA 😏 God bless Tom for continuing to give us beautiful instruments.

[@mjr1955]

Do you think it compares to the Cobalt 8 in sound?

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

@@mjr1955 I prefer the TEO-5 sound to the Cobalt/Argon for analog sounds. Filter is miles better. BUT I still kept my Argon, because if you like complex sound design and wavetables, the Modal stuff goes way deeper than the Take/TEO. Argon is a slept on synth!

[@pooshNchums]

@@MilesAwayOfficialhaha yessss I just got an argon8x! Phenomenal value. Build quality and keybed are top tier. Just scratching the surface of what you can do with the oscillators. Gotta upgrade to v3.2 firmware for sure.

[@Nunchuckstraberry]

The creation and design of both of these machines is a real gift! I do prefer the Take-5 because its filter is derived from the P-5 rev1/2 (ssi-2140). That filter has a distinctive melancholic quality that’s super hard to describe but I can say that this filters resonance saturated any input beautifully.I like the envelope curve a tad bit better on the take-5. One thing I prefer on the teos design is the fixed multiwave oscs. The most rational way to evaluate these instruments is that the Teo-5 is a mini 5 voice ob-x with a state variable filter and ob-8 envelopes. The take 5 is a mini p-5 and I think it sits in the mix a little better. Both are great and if anyone can afford both, please buy them.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Well said!! Its such a great filter, one of the classics. They really are like mini versions of the classics

[@andivax]

Great vid, as always! I am for TEO-5 💛💙

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Thank you! My choice too!

[@lukeherren5171]

Love this rundown. Thanks for the video!

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Thank you for watching!

[@TheUsualPage]

I'm lucky enough to own both. Admittedly there is a big overlap between the two, but I just can't part with either of them because the subtle differences are everything. Glad you pointed that out in the video. Just two phenomenally capable, gorgeous synths!

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

@@TheUsualPage congrats on both, and well said!

[@pitcapasso]

I own a DSI PRO-2, an OB-6, a PROPHET-10 and now I am waiting for the TAKE-5 to finally arrive! 🕹️

[@BigHairyCrank]

no OBX8, cheapskate?

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Killer line up! Quick - which one would you keep if you could only pick one and why?

[@pitcapasso]

@@MilesAwayOfficial Oh man, that's a real tough one! I'm not sure, but even though I haven't gotten it yet and tried it out, I think the Take-5 might just take the cake. It seems like the perfect blend of all four machines. But you know how each one has its own unique vibe, strengths, and weaknesses that make them special! I guess I use the PRO-2 the least since I have other monos I prefer over the DSI. But I'd have a hard time parting with it because I'm pretty attached, and it's got so much potential. You've put me on the spot with this one! Can I just keep them all? 😅

[@pitcapasso]

@@BigHairyCrank That comment made me chuckle! To be honest, I'm quite satisfied with the OB-6. I don't think I'd exchange it for TOM's top-of-the-line model. I believe the two machines are comparable, perhaps the OB-X8 caters more to purists. I personally prefer the OB-6 for its OBERHEIM sound and its aesthetic appeal. Additionally, the historical collaboration between two renowned engineers holds significant value for me. 😌

[@pitcapasso]

@@MilesAwayOfficial Between the OB-6 and the TEO-5, which one do you prefer? I think you have a stronger preference for the OB-6. I think if I hadn't bought the OB-6, I probably would have considered the TEO-5, but since I own the other model, I don't think it's worth switching, even though the new TEO machine is very nice. Do you agree?

[@ffz8262]

Thanks for showing the brightness increase with the resonance on the Take 5. I was looking for that in so many videos...I remember I had to do that in order to match a Prophet 6 to a vintage Prophet 5.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

My pleasure! Yea it’s odd how dark it is otherwise!

[@MsInstrumentalBeatz]

Loved your video comparison as always. I have the Take-5 and what you said starting at 22:58 is my reason why I enjoy it. It's so vibey and I prefer keys and plucks. I owned the OB-X8 desktop and ended up selling it because it didn't match my production style/preference. The Take 5 and Nord Stage 4 are my main instruments of choice. They work so well together and are super easy to get a great sound from! Inspiring for me.

[@indigosnow_]

Perfect timing! Hyped!

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

@@indigosnow_ let me know which one your ears go for!!

[@YukiTheSynthDragon]

Thanks for the shoutout !

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

@@YukiTheSynthDragon great job on the comparison!

[@Shred_The_Weapon]

Thank you for this comparison demo, Miles. I became aware of the Take 5 in 2023, the year after we lost Dave Smith. That was a year when I was purposely attempting to avoid buying any new music making equipment, thinking I could overcome gear acquisition syndrome. Although, as I have put in previous comments, I already have purchased another synthesizer in 2024, a Hydrasynth Explorer, and don’t need another, any temptation I had felt for the Take 5 was extinguished when the TEP-5 was unveiled. Dating back to when I was 20 and my synthesizer mania began, only one Sequential model has really spoken to me, the Prophet T8 (which is a no-go). Since I don’t recall if I have already tried bouncing my original music off of you, here are a couple of links to original works of mine from the end of the summer. Even though I have tried including dance and retro disco aspects in my work, I try to steer clear of a lot of the EDM-type stuff that’s prevailed in Pop music for the last 25 years or more. (If I’ve already spring these on you, pardon me.) kzbin.info/www/bejne/j6C8YYpropKLhsUsi=uk-yY7PN1FPdzBrT kzbin.info/www/bejne/lWW9gKtpjLR7n7ssi=kR01sewsqIMUFpIE

[@Jason_Drums_]

Awesome Demo 👌 I have to say both sound Fantastic 💯 very close in sound quality and I really enjoyed the final outro playing mixing these both together👍you create amazing patches 🎶 🤩 🙌

[@Slowlyburnedelectronics]

I was about to purchase a Teo5 , but I stumble upon a second hand OB6 for 500 more, so I went with the OB6. It would be my only keyboard due to space restrictions so I thought that should be a special one.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Amazing choice. Did you see my Ob comparison? Ob-6 has the most unique sound of the 3!

[@nicolasbernard7687]

Most anticipated video from your channel

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Which synth did you like the most??

[@loweroctaves]

Always great stuff 🔊✨These are two synths that will never leave my studio ever.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Thank you 😊 Great to hear!

[@sequencist]

Both sounds very good. But I like more the Oberheim. I had a an OB-6 which is the best sounding I heard but due to too many hardware defects I returned it and then Teo-5 appeared being less pricey. Still OB-6 has that raw imperfect delightful sound, comparing with the Teo-5

[@googlingthevoid]

I got a Take 5 thinking it would be a modern replacement for the Prophet-5/6, but it really has its own vibe. I didn’t really care for it too much as the P5/6 both sounded more open and lively to me. Take 5 almost has this vacuum sealed compression sound to it. Ended up selling it and I honestly prefer the P6 over the 5/10. It has a unique quality to it. I’m not hearing the same thing with the TEO-5. It sounds a bit more constrained than the OB-X8, but it could be the FX DAC that I’m hearing. Anyway, if I had to pick between these two it would be the TEO-5. I never settled into the Take 5, and I’m a sucker for a SEM filter.

[@LetsCookWithNadia]

Wow Amazing sounds, i love it ❤❤

[@onathanj]

Both sounding like top 5 synths ever. But still, Teo 5 has a more pleasant sound to me, and a wider softspot (actually all over the spektrum).

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

@@onathanj perfectly said!!

[@ArtyPartyMusic]

I am lucky to have both instruments. But I bought the Take 5 almost 2 years ago and the TEO 5 just 1 month ago, and the feeling is fresher. That's why I don't get bored at all with the Oberheim, even though I've already spent a lot of time with my Take 5. Almost identical sounds can be achieved on both instruments, although some parameters must be processed “by ear”, because the response of the filters and envelopes is different. On the other hand, TEO 5 has more functionality with the X-Mod and Variable State, that’s why you can make more complex and interesting sounds on it. The reverb also seemed different to me compared to the Take 5.

[@LAZ-org]

I read the reverb is Oberheim's own algorithm so not surprised they sound different. I still prefer external FX... but it's nice to have.

[@bitbotrecords]

Ffwaaarr mega sounds ❤ TEO 5 for me pls

[@mjr1955]

WOW - what a lovely sound. I have heard a Jupiter 8, Yam SY77 and they do create a similar deep sound IMO. I haven't seen these synths in action before so thanks for the video.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Thanks for watching!

[@ArtyPartyMusic]

When I have compared the Take 5 and Teo 5 face to face, there wasa big difference in the sound when synchronizing the same WAVEFORMS of the same OCTAVE. While the Teo 5 puts them together creating a more powerful sound like a Moog, in the Take 5 a kind of frequency cancellation occurs. And the pitch goes up an octave (at least that's how it feels). I haven't found this comparison in the video. Thank you.

[@danielb410]

While the teo is great for bright strings and such I love the teo when I bring the cutoff wayy down and throw the lofi effect on it and get some amazing warbly lofi warm sounds

[@neuronist]

lets just say that all sequential/oberheim synths are great 😅

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Amen to that !

[@dowdbailey4113]

Good demo. I guess i was wrong. The TEO is brighter. From hearing this demo I think I made the right choice with the Take5.

[@dowdbailey4113]

But yeah. I too want both!

[@EnervatedSociety]

This one is super easy for me. TEO-5.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

@@EnervatedSociety my pick too! But take 5 really surprised me with its quality

[@inkling1788]

Oberheim EVERY time- the more OB-X/8/A the better!!! Teo5 for the landslide WIN

[@Gerald_Daniel]

Even as a strong OB 2pole supporter, it wasn't that easy for me to hear a clear winner this time. However, since I love modulation matrices & FM, I'd certainly move towards TEO-5.. Ocassionally a high quality 4-pole VCF sometimes is indeed the "better" choice at least for certain types of sounds, what of course in no way scratches the majesty of the SEM VCF I'd certainly decide for if I had to.

[@ilovecatsandsynths9702]

The answer is simple: you need both! 😁

[@Gerald_Daniel]

@ilovecatsandsynths9702 The Like goes to your nickname. My use of 4-pole VCFs is still next to none.

[@infestedalien]

You want both ❤

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

@@infestedalien both are great!

[@tombasports]

If they made a take 5 module I’d get one just got the teo 5 and it’s just amazing tonplay and work with

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Modules would be sweet! I'd swap for a module instantly, space is so limited

[@tombasports]

@@MilesAwayOfficial space is an issue I constantly had to go to Amazon to find component to extend my desk 🤣

[@ThePCxbox]

Im gonna be real to those gunning for a teo-5: Just save for a used ob-6 if you absolutely must have a SEM, after playing with both I gotta say the extras you get in the TEO arent worth the amount of quirkiness that comes with the unit. It genuinely feels sooo awkward to program sometimes. Dont let the matrix fool you. The routings are mostly the same, only difference being now theres a dedicated poly LFO (opposed to using oscillator 2) and if they had a cross mod section for noise. Also the dedicated reverb slot is super annoying because the FX in the unit are actually pretty solid.

[@ZozillaThaGreat]

Exellent as usual , the big mistakes people makes when doing reviews is trying to match witch is something we never do when producing (usually) , the fact that you higlighted the "where the synth gonna drive you" aspect is essential and in this case very educationnal , at least for beginners and intermediate !!! Miles , how do you find enveloppes , oon the take 5 this is what disturbed me , at least , in your video , the teo seems smoother in setting (big sweet spot ?) and maybe even on the env side ? The damping remarks is spot on and makes me crazy even on soft synths (gforce and arturia if i recall well has the same Bs lol) Seq should def release those in desktop format , i would go teo 5 + take 65 or vice versa lol , don't lugth but after all my invetigations , i dropped the the prophet 12 desktop purchase option and leaning to the Waldsorf core witch is in sale right now , it has all filters .... and polaning on smapling basic wavesfrom form all classics to see if we can get close , by the way you should ask Waldorf for a unit and make patches !!

[@nazarartykula401]

Take 5 sounds like modern sci-fi Teo-5 sounds like 80s sci-fi

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Love that summary haha!

[@ilovecatsandsynths9702]

Both synths are wonderful. I’ve had a Take 5 for 3 years now, and am still waiting for my TEO-5 to come off back order. 😥 According to Sequential/Oberheim, the reverb on both synths are identical. “Damping” on the Take 5 is mislabeled, it’s actually size (and even says so in the mod matrix), which is why it gets bigger when turned up. Maybe the TEO’s sound character tickles the reverb algorithm better. Love the sound comparison and can’t wait to get my TEO.

[@pirated8557]

Luckily I have both . Great sounding synths 👍🏼

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Very nice! Great combo

[@fattyboombatty7736]

We have a Take 5 and I know they are all sold by the same people, but having had it for a bit I think I prefer the Novation Summit as a workhorse as it sounds more modern and I really, really like the UDO Super 6 - it is sexy gorgeous. We'll keep my Take 5 for now unless we swap it for a good mono like a sub 37. I think it depends on what your ballpark is....

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

@@fattyboombatty7736 I too prefer Summit over Take5! Summit is killer

[@aashiq.a4678]

is there gonna be custom presets made for the take 5? can't Wait!!!!!

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

@@aashiq.a4678 yes! Going live this week!

[@jjrusy7438]

the 1st part of the video sells me the teo5, but the patch selection demo sells me the take5. those take5 patches sound super. the teo5 ones by comparison sound a bit unimpressive. but here again, this is solo and not in a mix. my favorite solo piano is still yamaha motif #1, but in a mix, i go with korg pianos because they are eq'd brighter as a rule or something that sits them better. so i get it.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Great comment, that’s what I was trying to explain. The brighter core tone of some instruments makes them inherently pop out of the mix more! Take 5 is lovely for big warm keys and pads though

[@LAZ-org]

I agree. The majority of the patches that came w the TEO were uninspiring. I'd probably keep 6 of them. So weird. Because I've heard so many awesome patches done by individuals like MilesAway. With the mod matrix the TEO is made for exploring rather than depending on the patches.

[@SlimCreep]

i got both 😁

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

The best combo!!

[@LAZ-org]

Do you like fuzzies (Take-5) or do you like buzzies (TEO-5)? Every time I play my TEO I want to do the Queen FLASH GORDON soundtrack... even tho I'm composing for modern darkwave. "Hawkmen! DIIIiiiiiiiiiiiive!" I find the Take5 is suited for someone looking for a more general 'all-in-one' synth. Meanwhile the TEO5 gets very specific very quickly w that SEM filter, but VERY GOOD at that limit.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

@@LAZ-org great analogy haha

[@klstay]

Well done; both are great designs. However, once we get more extensive sound explorations Dreadbox Artemis workflow/features match better what I want IF it the sound is there.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

@@klstay I will most likely be reviewing Artemis, talking with dreadbox

[@ronenpeled6428]

If you would have to choose one of them to complement a Moog monosynth (Little Phatty or Sub37), what will be the better choice? I have to admit that after this video, the dilemma is really hard for me!

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

TEO-5 100%. Moog can already do such lovely warm sounds, OB fizz combos with it so well. OB-6 and Sub 37 has been my desert island combo for making records since 2020

[@orestispetrakis]

Would be very interesting to compare them with the bree6 as well!

[@EnjoyRC]

What stand are you using to hold them both on top of your Rhodes?

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Ken Rich Rhodes 2 tier stand!

[@beatsbyjiro8291]

To my ears the Take5 has that old 1980s PBS synth intro vibe going that the TEO doesnt in the modulation or am i going crazy, i think i might have to pick one up 😂

[@benoitpiret9065]

I’m quite impressed by the value of these 2 synths. They are amazing IMO. BTW they have solid pots. Not wobbly like most DSI…. Which makes me think they are different. I wonder why.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

I agree! But DSI had mixed quality, my OB6 knobs are solid as heck. But my P6 from a similar run was all wobble. These feel more consistent

[@benoitpiret9065]

@ I got 5 OB6 across the serial range from DSI to overwhelm front badge. All have quite wobbly knobs. Some even feel like they would fall apart… :/

[@synthury1858]

As an owner of the Take 5 and the OB-6 Desktop, was wondering if the TEO5 would bring much overlap over the duo or would it extend it ?

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

@@synthury1858 I did a comparison to the Ob-6 last month! It’s probably a fair amount of overlap with your set up, unless you love cross mod/fm sounds, which the TEO does much better than either of those synths

[@pooshNchums]

T5 owner: I really like the 24db/octave filter because in unison mode I feel like it gets me a bit of the way to gritty Moog mono bass. Wdyt?

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

@@pooshNchums totally! I prefer T5 for those Moogy baselines. Teo is solid but not as nice for basses

[@ilovecatsandsynths9702]

Take 5 makes a great mono synth, with how driven and fat it can sound even using just 1 voice. I wonder how well the TEO is in that regard.

[@aashiq.a4678]

Hey, a quick doubt… In the broken piano preset , why is the low pass filter knob set to diff frequencies when in sound comparison, can you show the sound diff same the same filter values

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

@@aashiq.a4678 sorry I don’t understand your question?

[@ilovecatsandsynths9702]

If it’s a saved preset the knob setting may not match the actual value used in the patch.

[@levraichris3321]

Can you try to delete user preset 101 on the take 5 pls ?

[@levraichris3321]

That's not my fault Jay, he should have checked

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

@@levraichris3321 😂

[@jaderington]

I bought a Subsequent 37 to go with my Take 5. I find the Summit covers all the polyphonic stuff or the Hydrasynth. No Oberhiem for me I guess 🤷

[@Sonikbytes]

can you get the cool high resonant patches on TEO like you can get on OB-XA for example?

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

@@Sonikbytes yes! Similar ones!

[@ilovecatsandsynths9702]

It won’t match an OB-Xa exactly as the TEO uses a 2 pole SEM SVF while the OB-Xa uses a Curtis 12/24db low pass filter.

[@dankeplace]

Both, they're both different and complement each other. I have the T5 and I love it for drones, it's a good little synth that is easy to coax good bread and butter sounds, the TEO 5 on the other hand is more complex with the pan spread and gives some nice space between notes, that SEM filter is great too.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

@@dankeplace well said! I agree 100%

[@RayyMusik]

The Take5 can also pan spread.

[@Tripwelleverday]

I prefer the bass of the take 5 it’s a lil more hitting on the newer type synth sounds the teo has that classic synth style were as I want that gnar

[@RoyChartier]

Why not both?

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

@@RoyChartier a solid choice for sure 😅

[@Lachenmann7]

You said “pardon my reach” at one point. You must have been in the restaurant industry at some point! 😌

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Making sandwiches at an Italian Delicatessen was my school job, if that counts!

[@Lachenmann7]

@@MilesAwayOfficial Maybe! You were in and around it all.

[@martincarbow5491]

Another great review, Devin - I dig it. A special thanks for playing those two brothers together side by side! Now, I have been in love with the Oberheim sound since my early teens when I've been listening to the beautiful synth work of Lyle Mays on that iconic Pat Metheny album, American Garage. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jp3PY6WIbdJ3n7s And then, there is the pinstripes. So I will inevitably gravitate towards the TEO… Most probably also because I'm so happy with my Prophet 10 and that SEM would be amazing company, IMHO! ___ A small thing I can't help noticing, being a choir director: When you compare 2 instruments, the one that's tuned a little higher will always sound a little better. Just listen to the one note comparison @ 2:50 with this in mind - the TEO sounds darker and a little dull and meh because it's tuned lower… Classical orchestras have been using this phenomenon for ages, concert pitch is constantly rising because they always tune a little sharp to sound fresh and bright. Bottom line: in a comparison like this, make sure to tune both instruments to exactly the same pitch.

[@jwalkermed]

I say both.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

I’m in support of this!

[@jwalkermed]

@@MilesAwayOfficial but I do have both and they are both great but different like you mention. Curious if you have an itch to get your hands on a polybrute. Seem like it's made for you with it's lush pads and extensive modulation.

[@MyNameJeff..]

How it feels to play Take 5 gum

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

@@MyNameJeff.. 😂😂

[@BigHairyCrank]

Duh, get the TEO. It has blue-stripes. My pianos are red, my organ is brown, and all my synths are black with optional blue-stripes. No clown-car colors like the Moog Matriarch. Remember, it's better to look good than play good.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

@@BigHairyCrank LOL love it 😂 blue synths are the best objectively