Expressive E today introduced the Osmose CE, a next-generation expressive MIDI that builds on keyboard tradition, while providing per-note expressive control and gestures.
With Ctrl-e, its companion software, users get immediate access to 900+ expressive presets, all ready to play, with no setup.
It also features seamless DAW integration and performance tools, such as the expressive arpeggiator, Pressure Glide, per-note pitch bend, and polyphonic aftertouch.
Features:
- Keybed – 49- or 61-key expressive keybed with per-note control
- Gestural Control – Tap, Press, Pitch Bend, Vibrato, Shake, Strum, Expressive Note-Off
- Software Ecosystem – Ctrl-e included
- Preset Ecosystem – 900+ expressive presets
- Performance Tools – MPE Arpeggiator, Press Glide
- Configurations – MPE Controller • Traditional MIDI Controller • DAW Controller
- Macro Control – 8 pre-mapped macros per preset via Ctrl-e
- DAW Integration – Live 12+ • Cubase 15+ • Bitwig 5+ • Logic Pro 12+
- Interface – 7 knobs/encoders • 9 buttons • 4.3″ color LCD • pitch and modulation sliders
- MIDI / Connectivity – DIN MIDI In • DIN MIDI Out/Thru • USB-C • 2 assignable pedal inputs
- Power – USB-C Power Delivery • 5V / 3.0A
- Build – White aluminum top • Black base
Here’s a deep dive into how the Osmose CE works:
Pricing and Availability:
The Osmose CE is available now, with the following pricing:
- Osmose CE 49: €999 / $999
- Osmose CE 61: €1,199 / $1,199
That is damn near affordable! I’m impressed. I wish I had more space.
yeah this is a great price point. Would be replacing my Hydrasynth 61-key deluxe tho.
just fyi – this is not a synth, it’s a midi controller.
What I’d love to see is an Osmose with a built-in analog synth engine, and a knobby interface.
The OG osmose is an amazing keyboard, but the sound design workflow is not for me. And I prefer an all-in-one hardware solution, because I’m already on a computer 8-10 hours/day for work.
That’s the Osmose Synth! Check their website.
With the Osmose, I’d say, the keys are the knobs. Vary the envelope, portamento, open the filter, it’s all immediate from the keybed. You don’t so much need knobs with keys like this. You don’t need to faff with envelopes or LFO because the keybed is so expressive and handles it.
What’s left? The main thing is a mod matrix, isn’t it? how does MPE map to all the parameters, and with what curves. Not sure whether someone could make a knobby interface for that.
MrMidi is right. Its a sea-change thing. One big plus is that its not tied to the somewhat perplexing Eigenmatrix. It invites your choice of synth. Several companies already offer patches specialized for it, so there’s some industry committment. Its a good sign.
Looks like I Have finally found dream replacement for my aging NI Kontrol MK1… 🙂
BTW; Does it support MIDI ver. 2..?
love the new look , still plan on getting the synth version. i’d like the see the synth version opened up so we can run our own code and encourage ports. How about braids….or a RNBO thing?
i think a 25 or 37 key version with a little shelf for an apple neo would be interesting.
the computer software is a great start , i’m just adverse to requiring a computer.
focusing on quality playable sounds and sounds that you can get deep into and make your own more than quantity.
effects are a great use of the special features i’d like to see an expressive plugin for effects, filtered delays, modulating loop points and reverb size, comb filter etc