Oberheim TEO-5, Behringer MS-5, and KORG microKORG 2: Synth Deals of the Week
Now is the time to finally grab that TEO-5 you’ve had your eye on.
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Escape the summer doldrums with these incredible deals on some incredible synths, including the amazing Oberheim TEO-5.
Synth Deals of the Week
Oberheim TEO-5 on Sale
Ever since I was a kid, Oberheims have always been synonymous with the word ‘synthesizer.’ Seeing them splashed across MTV in videos by Prince and Van Halen, their pin-striped livery excited me in ways that are hard to explain. Of course, the sound excited me too. Full and rich, they’re still to this day the epitome of synths in my mind. They’re also very expensive.
In 2024, Tom took a step towards bringing the Oberheim sound to a wider audience with the TEO-5. Occupying a similar form factor as the equally affordable Sequential Take 5, the TEO-5 offers two VCOs plus a sub and oscillator sync, a five-stage envelope generator with velocity modulation, freely assignable modulation targets, effects, step sequencer and arpeggiator, and of course that beautiful, beautiful SEM filter. In case you’re unfamiliar, the SEM is a 2-pole state variable filter that sweeps from lowpass to notch to highpass, with a selectable bandpass mode. It’s a massive part of the Oberheim sound and massively gorgeous.
Now, the keyboard version of the TEO-5 is more in reach than ever, thanks to this special price** of up to 9% off (depending on where in the world you are). There isn’t a whole lot right with the world right now but this price on the TEO-5 certainly is.
The Oberheim TEO-5 is available at Thomann* for $1348 / £1199 / €1379.
Behringer MS-5 at a Great Price
I do love me some Roland gear. As a long-time fan of electro, techno, and acid, I’m partial to the Japanese company’s 1980s output, but its ‘70s gear is nothing to sniff at either. My System-100 is one of my prize possessions, largely because it’s just so beefy and full. Yes, before Roland found its feet with the slick and musical Jupiter and Juno series, it took some real chances with sound, and nowhere is that more evident than in the SH-5.
A very capable mid-‘70s analog monosynth, the SH-5 has analog weight to throw around. It’s no surprise, then, that Behringer decided to give the synth a remake glow up. Dubbed the MS-5, the recreation has the same signal path, with two VCOs, two analog filters (lowpass and bandpass), two VCAs, and two LFOs. It’s also got a mixer with additional slots for noise, ring modulation, and even an external input. Modern touches include DIN MIDI in and out, USB MIDI, and an angled panel like the company’s Poly D.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a Behringer story if we didn’t mention the low price. The price of the MS-5 is much lower than an original SH-5 and, thanks to this sale, it’s cheaper than ever**.
The Behringer MS-5 is available at Thomann* for $385 / £333 / €395.
KORG microKORG 2 MWH is 10% Off
The original KORG microKORG is one of the best-selling synths of all time – and according to KORG, it’s the best. Whether you believe that or not, it’s still certainly popular, especially for live performances. Take a look at your favorite band’s keyboard rig the next time you’re out. You’ll probably see a microKORG up there.
Last year, KORG did the inevitable and released a follow-up. The microKORG 2 upgrades the original, keeping the virtual analog-plus synthesis architecture but doubling polyphony to eight voices, upping the oscillator count to three, and giving the noise generator its own filter. There’s also a multimode filter with the power to continuously morph between filter types and a fancy new LCD display to make sound creation easier.
The vocoder section has also received a nice refresh. Along with the classic vocoder patches, you get a versatile vocal processing section with a harmonizer and hard-tune functionality, as well as a loop recorder. KORG even throws in a gooseneck microphone to get you started.
The microKORG 2 is available in three colorways, the standard gray and two metallic shades, black and white, the latter of which is currently on sale at up to 10% off**.
The white KORG microKORG 2 is available at Thomann* for $485 / £438 / €499.
Want more deals? Check out Thomann* as well as the Gearnews deal zone for all of the latest.
*Note: This article contains advertising links that help us pay for this site. Don’t worry: the price for you will always be the same! If you buy something through these links, we will receive a small commission. Thank you for your support!
**Percentage discount will vary based on your territory and conversion rates on the day of purchase. Displayed percentage discounts are used for guidance only. Note that American prices may be subject to import duties.
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