DiscoDSP TED-8 v1.3.2 is a faithful emulation of the Oberheim TEO-5 for Windows, created from thousands of measurements of the real device. Every knob, every bend, and every effect was recorded, matched, and tweaked until the plugin and the hardware device sounded identical.
How It Was Modeled
The process started with a TEO-5 on the workbench and a lot of patience. One note at a time, one knob step at a time, recordings were made of what the device actually does: how far the filter moves in one step, how the envelopes bend, the speed of each LFO, and how each effect colors the sound. The TED-8 is based on these recordings, not the datasheet, so the patch you customize works just like it would on the real device.
There are some minor flaws too. Each voice is pitched a few cents higher or lower than the next, just like the voices in the group, so chords sound natural and not cloned.
Full Replication
All the elements on the TEO-5 front panel are present and work as expected: two oscillators with sub and noise modes, an SEM-style filter, two envelopes, two LFOs, glides, unison, an arpeggiator, a step sequencer, overdrive, an effects section, and a reverb.
The TED-8 uses the TEO-5 native MIDI controllers, reading and writing its programs, so sounds created in the plugin can be played on the hardware and vice versa.
Where the plugin could go further, it does: 8 voices instead of 5, Poly Unison with support for up to 48 voices, and a 16-slot on-screen modulation matrix.
Link to Your TEO-5
Do you have a TEO-5? Connect it via USB, and the TED-8 will detect it. Turn a knob on the device, and the plugin will respond. Move a knob in the plugin, and the device will respond. Program changes are saved in both directions. Sequences you record in both directions end up in the same program, and you can save all 256 user programs in a single file and restore them later.
The TED-8 is fully compatible with TEO-5 SysEx. .syx banks created for the device are loaded directly into the plugin, and sounds from the plugin are exported in .syx format for the hardware.
Master Controller and LFOs
Volume and overdrive controls are located on the front for quick adjustments to level and saturation. LFO 1 operates for the entire synth, while LFO 2 operates separately for each voice. Each has five shapes including tempo sync, a fade-in for softening steps, and a reset that restarts the cycle on each note.
Screen, Arpeggiator, and Sequencer
The screen displays tempo, time interval, program name, arpeggiation mode, and the current effect. Pressing each corner opens a menu. As you turn the knob, you can see what you are changing, from filter shape to pulse width.
The arpeggiator plays notes in up, down, up and down, random, or key-press order across a range of up to three octaves, with note repeats and locking.
The sequencer records up to 64 steps with five-note chords, rests, and ties, and plays them back in the same key, allowing you to transpose them as you go.
Effects and Reverb
Twelve effect types: stereo, BBD, and tape delays, chorus, flanger, phaser, high-pass filter, distortion, ring mod, rotary speaker, and lo-fi, each with its own depth, time, and feedback controls as well as clock synchronization. Next comes reverb with size, pre-delay, decay, and tone controls that darken or brighten the reverb tail. All of this was compared with the hardware own effects.
Oscillators
Two oscillators with triangle, sawtooth, and pulse waveforms that can be simultaneously enabled, a sub-oscillator one octave lower, and noise. X-Mod allows Oscillator 2 to change the pitch of Oscillator 1 to create metallic and bell-like sounds. The Sync function synchronizes them for a classic lead rhythm. Key On allows either oscillator to ignore the keyboard for drones. Filter Bypass filters Oscillator 2 signal to keep it bright while the other signals are muted.
Filter
A 2-pole filter with variable parameters in the style of the Oberheim SEM. It switches from low-pass to high-pass with a single flick and also features a band-pass filter switch. Even with increased resonance, it remains round and musical. The large cutoff knob indicates the current filter mode including envelopes and low-frequency oscillators.
Envelopes
Two envelopes with delay, attack, decay, sustain, and release, volume control, and velocity sensitivity. Envelope 1 controls the filter and auxiliary device of your choice. Envelope 2 controls the amp, or one envelope can control both devices. The Env Repeat function loops the attack and decay to create rhythmic pulses that never stop. During playback, the meters illuminate so you can see what you are hearing.
Modulation Matrix
Press M or click the title bar in the bottom panel, and the bottom panel will transform into a 16-slot modulation matrix. Choose a source from velocity, pressure, mod wheel, and pedals to LFOs, envelopes, voice spread, and even a second oscillator. Set a value and select a destination grouped into sections of the panel for easy access. Each slot functions just like the hardware.
Programs
The bottom row functions much like the module itself: 16 program buttons, a bank select button, and a digital display. Click on a program name on the screen to browse sounds by bank or category, and click on the current program again to undo changes. The TED-8 also opens OB-Xd presets, and each control can be configured as a MIDI CC using the right mouse button.
Key Features
Oberheim TEO-5 emulation from thousands of measurements
8 voices with Poly Unison up to 48 voices
16-slot modulation matrix
MIDI controller support and SysEx compatibility
Hardware linking via USB
Two oscillators with sub and noise modes
SEM-style 2-pole filter with low-pass, high-pass, and band-pass
Two envelopes with delay, attack, decay, sustain, and release
Two LFOs with five shapes and tempo sync
Arpeggiator with five modes
64-step sequencer with five-note chords
Twelve effect types including delays, chorus, flanger, phaser, and distortion
Reverb with size, pre-delay, decay, and tone controls
Opens OB-Xd presets
MIDI CC configuration for each control
Standalone, VSTi, VSTi3, AAX formats for Windows
System Requirements
Windows 10 or higher
Format and Compatibility
Formats: Standalone, VSTi, VSTi3, AAX for Windows.
Compatible with major DAWs including Ableton Live, Cubase, Pro Tools, FL Studio, Studio One, Reaper, and Bitwig.
File Size: 90.6 MB
