Image credits: Expressive E

Meet the new Osmose keyboard blending expressive performance controls with deeper DAW integration for modern producers and musicians.

Expressive E has unveiled the Osmose CE, a new version of its highly expressive MIDI controller that aims to bring advanced performance features to more musicians and producers. Available in both 49-key and 61-key versions, the Osmose CE strips away the synthesizer found in the original Osmose. Instead, it focuses entirely on becoming a powerful MIDI controller for studio setups, with DAW compatibility, a huge ecosystem of expressive presets, and a range of performance tools designed to make the keyboard feel far more natural. 

A keyboard that reacts like an instrument

At first glance, the Osmose CE looks like any other piano-style keyboard. But underneath the hood, it’s doing something very different.

Powered by the same expressive keybed found in the original Osmose synthesizer, the controller responds to far more than simple note velocity. Each key can react to pressure, bends, vibrato, release gestures, and subtle movements thanks to MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) support.

In practice, this allows users to bend a single note within a chord, add vibrato directly from the key itself, or shape phrases with far more nuance than a standard MIDI keyboard would typically allow. It’s the kind of performance that starts to blur the line between keyboards and acoustic instruments. 

That expressive capability is part why the original Osmose gained so much popularity. And as The Verge points out, Hans Zimmer even used an orchestra of Osmoses for the score of Dune: Part Two.

Ctrl-e brings a whole sound ecosystem

Alongside the hardware itself, Expressive E is also introducing Ctrl-e, a free accompanying software platform designed specifically for expressive performance. 

Ctrl-e is built to work with the Osmose CE straight out of the box. The software includes more than 900 expressive presets that have been specifically designed to showcase the keyboard’s capabilities. It’s complete with a range of expressive sounds designed by both Expressive E’s own sound engines and curated instruments from leading developers.

The main idea here is simplicity. Plug the controller in, load preset, and start playing with no mapping or setup required. 

Image credits: Expressive E

Press glide and MPE arpeggiator add new creative possibilities

One standout feature is press glide, a gesture-based control system that lets users glide between notes using pressure rather than relying on traditional portamento settings. The result feels much more physical and reactive, and is something only possible on Osmose.

The controller also includes an MPE arpeggiator that allows each note in a chord to maintain independent expression. Instead of static arpeggios repeating the exact same motion over and over, patterns can evolve dynamically depending on how each note is played.

Both of these tools seem built to encourage more natural performances and less robotic sequencing. That’s the kind of thing that will be particular useful for musicians and producers working inside of DAWs.

Built to fit into modern DAW workflows

Speaking of which, the keyboard includes smart DAW controls designed to keep users focused on creativity while keeping the workflow simple. The controller supports integration with major DAWs including Ableton Live, Bitwig, Cubase, and Logic Pro. That makes it easy for users to plug in to the spaces where they’re already creating.

Image credits: Expressive E

Pricing and availability

The Osmose CE will launch in two versions:

  • 49-key model: $999
  • 61-key model: $1,199

Despite still being expensive for a MIDI controller, it’s comparatively more affordable than the original Osmose synthesizer which launched at $1,799.

The CE models also feature a white aluminum top paired with a black metal base, giving the controller a sleek studio-focused aesthetic that feels modern without going overboard.

Osmose CE’s core product features

Here’s a quick breakdown of the controller’s main features:

  • 49-key or 61-key expressive keybed with per-note control
  • Gestural controls including tap, pitch bend, vibrato, shake, strum, and expressive note-off
  • Ctrl-e companion software included
  • More than 900 expressive presets
  • Press glide and MPE arpeggiator performance controls
  • Configurations for MPE control, traditional MIDI control, and DAW control
  • Eight pre-mapped macro controls per preset through Ctrl-e
  • DAW integration with Ableton Live 12+, Cubase 15+, Bitwig 5+, and Logic Pro 12+
  • 4.3” color LCD display with 7 knobs/encoders, 9 buttons, and pitch and modulation sliders
  • DIN MIDI in and DIN MIDI out/thru connectivity
  • USB-C support with 2 assignable pedal inputs
  • Dimensions
    • Osmose CE 49-key 9 x 30 x 89.5cm
    • Osmose CE 61-key 9 x 30 x 106cm
  • Weight
    • Osmose CE 49-key 10kg / 22lbs
    • Osmose CE 61-key 11kg / 24.3lbs
Image credits: Expressive E

Osmose CE is available right now for $999/$1199. Find out more and buy here.