EXPRESSIVE E Osmose 49-Key Synthesizer and MPE Controller

EXPRESSIVE E Osmose Overview

Musicians, producers, and sound designers searching for more expression in a synthesizer/controller will love the Expressive E Osmose, a 24-voice polyphonic synthesizer with a unique gesture-based sound control system (push, bend, shake, and so on). The instrument has a powerful sound creation engine and hundreds of ready-to-use, unique presets. It also serves as an effective controller for both hardware and software synthesizers.

Expressive E created Osmose by combining traditional craftsmanship with current technology, the product of over ten years of research and development, as well as feedback from world-renowned artists. Osmose’s innovative physical gestures enable artists to engage with sounds and create music like never before. Each note may be spoken separately, providing distinct expressive possibilities. The onboard sound engine was created by Haken Audio and includes a variety of digital synthesis, making it a workflow-oriented soundbox. There are two 1/4″ main outputs, two assignable pedal inputs, a 5-pin DIN MIDI I/O, and USB.

Three aspects of play.

Unlike other MPE-capable keybeds, Osmose has the same action and feel as a traditional MIDI controller or keyboard. MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) is a MIDI standard that provides distinct channels for notes, allowing pitch bend, modulation, and other expressive control signals to be applied to each note individually. Each key has a wider range of motion than its typical resting position, allowing for continuing expression using an assigned value.

The same is true for each key’s Y-axis, which allows for extra per-note modulation with varying range and target settings depending on the patch and sound used. Aftertouch sensitivity presets and response curves may be saved for future use, and each of the sophisticated EganMatrix inbuilt sounds is tuned to work with Osmose’s unique expressive controls. Furthermore, the keyboard may be utilized as an MPE MIDI controller, equipped with Multichannel MIDI, which will take any sound, onboard or not, to a new level of performance.

Sonic architecture by Haken Audio.

Haken Audio, known for its pioneering work in multichannel expressiveness with the Continuum Fingerboard, was the ideal partner to introduce three-dimensional aftertouch to a new generation of synthesizers. Expressive E’s collaboration incorporates Haken Audio’s groundbreaking EaganMatrix into the unique workflow of Osmose’s versatile keybed, which comes preloaded with over 500 presets and has plenty of opportunity for expansion. The EaganMatrix digital modular engine properly manages polyphonic aftertouch, with each preset designed to make full advantage of its unique expression curves and modulation settings, spanning a wide range of FM synthesis, physical modeling, and more.

Deep integration.

The Osmose controller is incredibly capable, featuring DIN MIDI in, out, and via connections. Transfer its uncompromising, multidimensional control to your DAW of choice. Multichannel MIDI allows you to experience your favorite sounds like never before. Two 1/4-inch TS pseudo-balanced line outputs handle full stereo playing, while a front-mounted 1/4-inch TRS headphone port with volume control allows for comfortable solo play. The thoughtful design also incorporates a lockable connection for the external power source. While Osmose is an incredibly powerful synth with nearly limitless onboard control, Haken Audio’s EaganMatrix editing software allows you to delve even deeper into the uncharted depths of its unique synthesis architecture, creating and fine-tuning sounds to perfectly match your output.

Unrestrained control

Osmose’s clean, minimalist appearance provides a pleasant counterpoint to its vast auditory capabilities. Its controls consist of a few ergonomically designed and organized illuminated buttons and textured, clickable knobs. These orbit a bright, full-color LCD panel, and pitch and modulation sliders are conveniently located alongside. Its simplified architecture allows for detailed, rigorous exploration and editing of each patch, including effects, keybed sensitivity, velocity curves, expressivity, and envelope/EQ settings, with enough space to store your presets for later. Osmose also features two ports for continuous pedal use, which can be assigned to sustain or any synth parameter, giving you even more ways to express yourself across all 24 voices.