Expressive E Introduces Osmose 61 Synthesizer


Today, Expressive E introduces Osmose 61, a new 61-key version of the unique keyboard synthesizer that adds an additional octave.

What they have to say about the new Osmose 61:

“With 61 keys, Osmose 61 offers greater harmonic and melodic freedom, perfect for two-handed playing, complex arrangements, and live performance.

It retains everything that made the 49-key model revolutionary: the expressive 3D keybed, MPE integration, high-end interface, and premium build quality—giving musicians the choice to stay with 49 keys or step up to 61.

Developed and fully designed by Expressive E, the Osmose keybed sets a new benchmark for MPE instruments. Every note responds with nuance to velocity, press, aftertouch, pitch bend, pressure glide, strum, vibrato, and more — making the keyboard a natural extension of the player’s hands.”

Osmose Feature Overview:

Composer Hans Zimmer has made extensive use of the original Osmose on recent soundtracks, like Dune: Part Two. His take? “You guys spent an enormous amount of time building exactly the instruments that should have been built a hundred years ago.”

Both Osmose synthesizers are powered by the EaganMatrix engine, developed by Haken Audio. This is the same engine used in Haken’s Continuum synthesizer, another electronic instrument known for its expressive synthesis control. The versatile engine supports physical modeling, FM, subtractive synthesis, and more, and features onboard reverb, delay, compressor, and EQ.

The Osmose platform has evolved quickly since its original introduced:

  • The instruments now features 580 factory presets and up to 2048 preset slots.
  • Expressive E has also expanded the software ecosystem around Osmose, offering a rich library of sounds through partnerships with companies such as U-He, KiloHearts, Dawesome, AAS, and Synapse Audio.
  • Proprietary software explicitly designed for Osmose, including Soliste (physically modeled solo strings) and Noisy 2 (a dual-layer, noise-driven synth), is also now available.


Specifications:

  • Keys: 61 full-size, fully expressive
  • Polyphony: Up to 24 voices
  • Gestural Control: Tap, Press, Pitch Bend, Vibrato, Aftertouch, Pressure Glide, Note Off, Expressive arpeggiator
  • Sound Engine: EaganMatrix by Haken Audio
  • Built-in Effects: Reverb, Delay, Compressor/Drive/2 convolution engines, pre & post reverb/delay, EQ
  • Preset Management: 580 factory presets, up to 2048 preset slots
  • Interface: Color LCD, 6 encoders, pitch/mod sliders, octave/preset buttons
  • Pedal Inputs: 2 continuous (assignable)
  • MIDI: DIN In/Out/Thru, USB Type B
  • Audio Output: 2x 1/4” TRS line, 1x 1/4” TRS headphone
  • Dimensions: 90 (H) × 310 (L) × 1060 (l) mm
  • Weight: 9.5 kg
  • Power Supply: External 12V DC, 1.5A
  • Optional Accessories: Soft case with wheels (coming soon)

The Expressive E Osmose 61 is available now, priced at €1999 / $1999.

12 Ways To Play More Expressively On Osmose, With Jordan Rudess


Prog icon (Dream Theater) and synthesist Jordan Rudess shared this look at 12 ways you can play more expressively with the Expressive E Osmose synthesizer.

The Osmose expands on the capabilities of standard piano-style keyboards, by providing new expressive options for individual note expression.

In this video, Rudess covers 12 exercises for exploring and practicing new expressive options.

Topics covered:

00:04 introduction

02:02 Bach invention n°4

02:57 adding inflections

06:39 adjusting sensitivity

09:51 exercise 1 playing legato & press glide part 1

11:52 exercise 1 playing legato & press glide part 2

13:26 exercise 3 finger independence

16:16 exercise 4 vibrato right hand

19:05 exercise 5 vibrato left hand

20:16 exercise 6 vibrato left & righ hand alternation

21:56 about the aftertouch

23:30 exercise 7 aftertouch on simple chords

26:55 exercise 8 aftertouch on complex chords

28:26 exercise 9 aftertouch finger independance

31:02 exercise 10 playing thirds and sixths with press glide

34:59 exercise 11 controlling pressure with precision

38:23 exercise 12 press glide as grace notes

 

Expressive E Intros Soliste, An MPE-Ready Solo String Suite


Expressive E has introduced Soliste, an MPE-ready solo string suite, featuring 4 physically-modeled instruments (Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass), designed for real-time performance and deep expression, especially with Osmose, Touché, and other MPE controllers.

It sounds impressive. View the demo video, embedded below, and share your thoughts in the comments!

The official introduction video:

Soliste builds on their Arché collection, but rebuilt from the ground up with:

  • A new sound engine
  • Smart gesture-based controls (vibrato, bowing, tremolo, etc.)
  • Full customizability
  • Total integration with Osmose, Touché, and legacy MIDI gear

The complete Soliste collection of four instruments is available now on Mac and Windows via the company’s website for the introductory price of €179.40/$205.88/£153.31 – typical retail is €299, while individual instruments can be purchased for €59.40 apiece.