Expressive E today introduced Osmose 61, a new 61-key version of the unique keyboard synthesizer that adds an additional octave.
Here’s 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)
Pricing and Availability:
The Expressive E Osmose 61 is available now, priced at €1999 / $1999.
That’s pretty cool. I have an Osmose and I love it. Having a 61 key version makes it cool not only as a solo instrument, but as a midi controller as part of a larger rig. There’s nothing out there quite like it.
Best keyboard feel ever. Great sounding. The inability to program right on the keyboard is a real negative for me, though, so I tend to use it as a preset synth.
Heartily agree with you on the lack of on-device programmability. My rig excludes a DAW on purpose. I was sold on the tonal quality of those beautifully expressive plucked string sounds. I’ve been hoping there would have been more natural acoustic instrument options, but those have not really materialized. I did find and install a library of customized presets that worked on firmware version 1.x. Those presets sounded excellent. Unfortunately, firmware v 1.x was not very stable and the update to 2.1 made those excellent presets incompatible.
To be honest, I’ve waffled on selling mine several times over the last year due to lack of real control over internal patches. It’s strange to provide such a luxuriously large display with extensive tactical control and not use it. The macros are okay for broad-stroke edits but lack nuanced control. Sometime I think a custom engine with less complexity would have been a better choice than the Eagan Matrix.
My gripes aside, I know there are a lot of Osmose players who use it primarily as an MPE controller for their DAW. Seeems like this larger version will be even better for those players.
I am not using mine as a controller, there are better options imo for mope. As a synth it is grate at, but given the glide limitations I don’t see the need for a bigger keyboard..
I personally want less.
1.5-2 octaves. Compact keyboard for expressive solos. If you can get the price under $599 that would be a winner. I fine with even mono/duophonic only.
Osmose Solo