Expressive E finally announces First Osmose Shipments and Pre-Orders Open

Expressive E’s MPE-compatible Osmose synth is finally shipping: “It makes you dream instantly,” says Flying Lotus

After more than three years we first got wind of it, Expressive E has announced that Osmose, its expressive polyphonic synth, is finally shipping.

Osmose is a polyphonic synthesizer that unlocks new ways to control sound. Could this long-awaited 49-note keyboard be the expressive instrument that’s easy to master?

Osmose promises the benefits of an MPE controller in a familiar keyboard form factor, the theory being that this will enable existing players to get good results without having to adapt their technique too much.

As reported previously, you get three dimensions of control on every single key, enabled by the patented AKA – Augmented Keyboard Action – technology.

Osmose features a powerful sound engine, and it also contains Haken Audio’s 24-voice EagenMatrix sound engine, which it developed for its Continuum Fingerboard. This combines digital, additive, FM, virtual analogue and spectral synthesis, with some physical modelling thrown in for good measure.

In addition, Osmose can also function as an MPE MIDI keyboard, offering polyphonic aftertouch, a multichannel MIDI mode and global pitchbend control from every key. You can set it up as a standalone controller, as well, so it can be used away from your computer.

And, you also get a selection of macro controls, giving you further scope to adjust timbre, texture and harmonics. A mod wheel and two continuous pedal inputs are included, and you can configure the sensitivity of the keyboard’s 3D control to your liking.

Despite rising costs and economic uncertainty, Expressive E is committing to a $1,799/€1,799 retail price for Osmose, “within the limits of allocated stocks”. It comes with 500 presets that are suitable for use in multiple genres.

Early adopters have started to receive their units, and pre-orders for the next batch are now being taken.

You can find out more and place a pre-order on the Expressive E website.

What they say about it:

“Expressive E are thrilled to announce the delivery of the first Osmose units to early adopters of the project. The first products had already been delivered in late 2022 and early backers’ shipments will keep flowing continuously.

Expressive E have thus decided to reopen pre-orders on January 5th 2023 for all musicians interested in purchasing Osmose. The pre-order scheme has been reconducted to allow Expressive E to anticipate demand as efficiently as possible and organize their production schedules accordingly.

Despite a tense economical environment driven by inflation, component shortages and the resurgence of epidemics, the company will still commit to guaranteeing a $/€1,799 retail price, within the limits of allocated stocks.”  The Osmose is available to pre-order, priced at $1,799.

To celebrate Osmose’s release, Expressive E has created a series of artist videos that will be rolled out over the next few months. The likes of Flying Lotus, AR Rahman, Jean-Michel Jarre, Mike Dean, Cory Henry, André Manoukian and Tarik Azzouz will discuss how they approach musical expression, how they interact with Osmose, and how the new synth has influenced the way they play.

The first three episodes, which feature AR Rahman, J3PO and Tarik Azzouz, are available to watch now, and a trailer for the series is above.

The Osmose is available to pre-order, priced at $1,799.

Best Service releases Chris Hein OCTA ‘Musical Workhorse’

 

Best Service has released Chris Hein – OCTA, described as “a musical workhorse that is incredibly adaptable and easy to be inspired by.”

 

OCTA features 100 solo instruments, 8 core multi-channel instruments, and an 8-channel sequencer. It’s designed to let you compose with a solo instrument or an ensemble of (up to) 8 instruments.

 

“The sonic magic comes to light when you combine and layer different instruments,” they say, like the wooden attack of a marimba combined with the metallic sustain of a vibraphone.

Features:

  • 100 high-quality solo instruments
  • 8 multi channel instruments
  • 8 channel sequencer

 

Chris Hein – OCTA is available now for $299. Registered users of previous Chris Hein Libraries are eligible for a discounted crossgrade offer through the end of January 2023.

 

Synth-Werk introduces 2 New Systems based on Classic Moog Modular Designs

Munich-based SYNTH-WERK – a maker of MU modular systems, based on classic Moog designs – has announced two new systems, the SW 1P-2022 and SW 2P-2022.

SYNTH-WERK modules are clones of vintage Moog designs, manufactured using the same hand-assembly methods used in the Moog Music factory in Trumansburg, NY in the ’60s. The modules are built by hand-stuffing and hand-soldering components to circuit boards, using traditional wiring methods and vintage NOS (new old stock) components.

The SYSTEM SW-1P-2022 is based on the Moog 1P, and features two cabinets and a control keyboard.

What Synth-Werk say about it:

“LEGENDARY SOUND – MADE EVEN BETTER

Without a doubt the sonic character of the original 1P system relies deeply on the unique qualities of the most legendary 901ABB oscillator bank accompanied by a single 901, which put together celebrated their reincarnation in form of our highly acclaimed SW901A, SW901B and independent SW901 modules.

Instead of performing a mere replication of the initial layout, we carefully redesigned the 901’s conductive track and component placing from scratch, solving common thermic stability issues of the archetype in the process to achieve the unrivaled tuning stability this unique oscillator deserved in the first place.

A MATTER OF TASTE AND IMAGINATION

Despite the initial version from 1969 we added a SW960 Sequencer which was an option back then. By gaining one open slot in the reconfiguration process, you also might like to add another sought after classic to your system, for example the SW962 Sequential Switch or our celebrated recreation of the famous Bode Ring Modulator SW6401M.

YOUR PERSONAL SYSTEM – YOUR PERSONAL WAY

With the modules SW907, SW907A and SW914 readily available from our SYNTH- WERK portfolio, you are also able to choose from three different fixed filter bank types to blend perfectly with your system. If you are looking into any further options and custom configurations, take your time and get in touch with us for an elaborate expert advice on creating the SW-1P-2022 of your dreams.

KEYBOARD AND SEQUENCING OPTIONS – THE PERFECT SYMBIOSIS

Note that the included CV and trigger routing module got specially designed for the SW-1P-2022, supporting CV1 and CV2, GATE1 and GATE2 connections coupled to a backside mounted socket reserved for a duophonic Moog style keyboard. On the right hand side of the frontpanel you can further choose between CV-signals and trigger-signals deriving from one connected keyboard or alternatively the IN1/IN2-sockets by utilizing the three inte- grated rocker switches. A third input can be used for connecting the installed 960 Sequencer, or any other CV signal. By the way, all three incoming signals are al- lowed to be sent directly to the CP3 mixer units. Use the third integrated rocker switch to easily choose between trigger 1 and 2 or two external trigger-signals to be routed to the SW993 CP module.

CUSTOM MADE VERSATILITY – SEAMLESSLY HOOKED UP TO YOUR WORLD

Note that the included CV and trigger routing module got specially designed for the SW-1P-2022, supporting CV1 and CV2, GATE1 and GATE2 connections coupled to a backside mounted socket reserved for a duophonic Moog style keyboard. On the right hand side of the front panel you can further choose between CV-signals and trigger-signals deriving from one connected keyboard or alternatively the IN1/IN2-sockets by utilizing the three integrated rocker switches. A third input can be used for connecting the installed 960 Sequencer, or any other CV signal.

By the way, all three incoming signals are allowed to be sent directly to the CP3 mixer units. Use the third integrated rocker switch to easily choose between trigger 1 and 2 or two external trigger-signals to be routed to the SW993 CP module.”

SW-1P-2022 Instrument Complement Case 1:

  • SW907 Fixed Filter Bank
  • SW904A VC Low Pass Filter
  • SW905 Reverberation Unit
  • SW901A Oscillator Driver
  • SW901B Oscillator
  • SW901B Oscillator
  • SW903A Random Noise SW901 Oscillator
  • SW991 Filter and Attenuator
  • SW CP3 Mixer SW CP3 Mixer

SW-1P-2022 Instrument Complement Case 2:

  • SW960 Sequencer
  • SW902 VCA
  • SW902 VCA
  • SW911 Envelope Generator SW911 Envelope Generator SW961 Interface
  • Blank (Optional)
  • SW Reversible Attenuator
  • SW993 CP
  • SW994 CP Multiple
  • SW Control / Keyboard Interface (Keyboard not included) SW Balanced Out

The SYSTEM SW-2P-2022 is based on the Moog 2p. What Synth-Werk say about it:

“Without a doubt, the sonic character of the original 2P system relies deeply on the unique qualities of the most legendary 901ABBB oscillator bank accompanied by a 901ABB oscillator bank, which put together celebrated their reincarnation in form of our highly acclaimed SW901A, SW901B modules.

Instead of performing a mere replication of the initial layout, we carefully redesigned the 901’s conductive track and component placing from scratch, solving common thermic stability issues of the archetype in the process to achieve the unrivaled tuning stability this unique oscillator deserved in the first place.

YOUR PERSONAL SYSTEM – YOUR PER- SONAL WAY

With the modules SW907, SW907A and SW914 readily available from our SYNTH-WERK portfolio, you are also able to choose from three different fixed filter bank types to blend perfectly with your system. If you are looking into any further options and custom configurations, take your time and get in touch with us for an elaborate expert advice on creating the SW-2P-2022 of your dreams.

KEYBOARD AND SEQUENCING OPTIONS – THE PERFECT SYMBIOSIS

Note that the included CV and trigger routing module got specially designed for the SW-2P-2022, suporting CV1 and CV2, GATE1 and GATE2 connections coupled to a backside mounted socket reserved for a duophonic Moog style keyboard. On the right hand side of the frontpanel you can further choose between CV-signals and trigger-signals deriving from one connected keyboard or alternatively the IN1/IN2-sockets by utilizing the three integrated rocker switches. A third input can be used for connecting a Sequencer, or any other CV signal. By the way, all three incoming signals are allowed to be sent directly to the CP3 mixer units. Use the third integrated rocker switch to easily choose between trigger 1 and 2 or two external trigger-signals to be routed to the SW993 CP module.

CUSTOM MADE VERSATILITY – SEAM- LESSLY HOOKED UP TO YOUR WORLD

Note that the included CV and trigger There is also the possibility of connecting an existing Eurorack system enabled through an added sextet of trunk lines that disembogue in a rear mounted connector to be chained with a multicore cable solution.

If you’re going to use your SW-2P-2022 in professional recording environments, you will be glad to hear, that we decided to implement a balanced passive XLR-output to suit your studio needs.”

Both systems are available now, with the following pricing:

SW-2P-2022 Instrument Complement Case 1:

  • SW907 Fixed Filter Bank
  • SW905 Reverberation Unit
  • SW903A Random Noise
  • SW902 VCA
  • SW901A Oscillator Controller
  • SW901B Oscillator
  • SW901B Oscillator
  • SW901B Oscillator
  • SW901A Oscillator Controller
  • SW901B Oscillator
  • SW901B Oscillator
  • SW991 Filter & Attenuator
  • SW CP3Mixer
  • SW CP3Mixer

SW-2P-2022 Instrument Complement Case 2:

  • SW 904B VC High Pass
  • SW 904C Filter Coupler
  • SW 904A VC Low Pass
  • SW 902 VCA
  • SW 902 VCA
  • SW 984 Matrix Mixer
  • SW 911 Envelope Generator
  • SW 911 Envelope Generator
  • SW992 CP
  • SW993 CP
  • SW 994 Multiple CP
  • SW Control /Keyboard Interface (Keyboard not included)
  • SW Balanced Out
  • Power Switch