Expressive E’s flagship instrument, the Osmose, is a unique offering in the world of MPE-capable instruments, employing a conventional-looking keybed rather than the strip- and pad-based surfaces used by many of its competitors. The newly released Osmose 61 brings a larger 61-key version to the line-up, and comes alongside the announcement of Expressive E moving production to a new dedicated factory in Poland.
The latest arrival retains everything that made the original 49-key Osmose popular. The larger keybed still provides per-note control over velocity, press, aftertouch, pitch-bend, pressure-glide, strum, vibrato and more, all of which are made possible by its in-depth aftertouch sensing and innovative side-to-side movement. Haken Audio’s EaganMatrix synth engine powers the instrument’s onboard sounds, offering a combination of physical modelling, FM, subtractive synthesis and more, along with onboard reverb, delay, compression and EQ processing.
Expressive E have also built up a collection of software that brings yet more sounds to the Osmose thanks to partnerships with the likes of U-He, KiloHearts, Dawesome, AAS and Synapse Audio — these collaborations are featured in Expressive Suites, which are available on the company’s website. There are also some in-house software instruments designed specifically to pair with the Osmose, including Soliste (physically modelled solo strings) and Noisy 2 (a dual-layer, noise-driven synth). The company say that they plan to improve the Osmose further over time, with regular firmware updates set to improve DAW integration and provide an even more fluid user experience.
Interestingly, production has now been moved from China to a new facility in Poland that will be entirely dedicated to building the Osmose and future instruments. Expressive E say that the move means that they will no longer be relying on subcontractors, and will instead handle every stage of the production process from design to assembly in-house. As a result, they’ll retain full control over the life cycle of their products, and will be able to ensure reliability, sustainability and the highest European quality standards.
Key Features
- 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, two convolution engines, pre & post reverb/delay, EQ.
- Preset Management: 580 factory presets, up to 2048 preset slots
- Interface: Colour LCD, six encoders, pitch/mod sliders, octave/preset buttons.
- Pedal Inputs: Two continuous (assignable).
- MIDI: DIN In/Out/Thru, USB Type B.
- Audio Output: Two quarter-inch TRS line-level, one quarter-inch TRS headphone.
- Dimensions: 90 × 310 × 1060 mm.
- Weight: 9.5 kg
- Power Supply: External 12V DC 1.5A.
- Optional Accessories:Soft case with wheels (coming soon).
Pricing & Availability
The Osmose 61 is available now, priced at $1999€1999.
