Expressive Synthesis for the 21st Century
After 10 years of painstaking research, Expressive E has emerged with a voltaic blend of historic craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology to revolutionize your approach to keyboard synthesis. Osmose is a 49-key synthesizer whose highly versatile sound engine is fueled by the powerful EaganMatrix, a digital modular engine developed by Haken Audio. Over 500 diverse presets, dazzling onboard effects, and deep editing features barely scratch the surface. What makes the Osmose such a hallmark of synthesizer engineering, however, is its uncompromising approach to total polyphonic aftertouch, enabling three-dimensional control of each key across multiple axes. You can even apply these via comprehensive MIDI controls for MPE use with your DAW or device of choice, and Sweetwater’s synthesists couldn’t be more excited to take these compositional possibilities to their outer limits.
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Three dimensions of play
Unlike other MPE-capable keybeds, Osmose retains the standard action and feel of a conventional MIDI controller or keyboard. MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) is a MIDI protocol that gives notes independent channels, making it possible to apply pitch bend, modulation, or other expressive control messages to each individual note. Each key has an extended range of motion from its usual resting point, allowing for continued expression through an assigned value. The same applies to each key’s Y-axis, allowing for additional per-note modulation whose range and target parameters can be modified with each patch and sound. Aftertouch sensitivity profiles and response curves can be customized for later use, with each of the advanced EganMatrix onboard sounds tailored for use with the unique expressive controls of the Osmose. Plus, the keyboard can be used as an MPE MIDI controller, armed with Multichannel MIDI that will take any sound to a new dimension of play, onboard or otherwise.
Per-key expression via extended Z-axis.
Sonic architecture from Haken Audio
Known for its early innovations in multichannel expression with its Continuum Fingerboard, Haken Audio was the perfect partner to bring three-dimensional aftertouch to a new generation of synthesizers. Expressive E’s partnership integrates Haken Audio’s innovative EaganMatrix into the unique workflow of Osmose’s flexible keybed, loaded with more than 500 presets out of the box, with plenty of room to expand. The EaganMatrix digital modular engine perfectly manages the polyphonic aftertouch with each preset crafted to make full use of its unique expression curves and modulation parameters, covering numerous categories of FM synthesis, physical modeling, and more.
Unbridled control
Osmose’s sleek, minimalistic aesthetics are a welcome contrast to its immense sonic prowess. Its controls comprise a handful of ergonomically designed and arranged backlit buttons and textured, clickable knobs. These orbit a vivid, full-color LCD screen, while pitch and modulation sliders are comfortably placed nearby. Its streamlined layout affords deep, uncompromising navigation and editing of each patch, including effects, keybed sensitivity, velocity curves, expressivity, and envelope/EQ values, all with plenty of room to save your presets for later. Osmose also has two ports for continuous pedal use, assignable to sustain or whatever synth parameter you choose, adding another dimension of expression through all 24 voices.
Deep integration
Armed with DIN MIDI in, out, and thru ports, Osmose is an extremely capable controller. Take its uncompromising, multidimensional control to your preferred DAW. Multichannel MIDI lets you explore your favorite sounds like never before. Two 1/4-inch TS pseudo-balanced line outputs handle full stereo playback, while a 1/4-inch TRS headphone jack is front-mounted for convenient solo play with its own volume adjustment. Thoughtful design includes a lockable connector for the external power supply, too! While Osmose is an incredibly capable synth with a near-limitless depth of onboard control, the accompanying EaganMatrix editing software from Haken Audio allows you to dive even further into the uncharted depths of its unique synthesis architecture, creating and fine-tuning sounds to perfectly match your output.
Per-key expression via X-axis motion.
Lockable connector for PSU.Expressive E Osmose Features:
- 49-note keybed features 3D control for new modes of expressivity
- Polyphonic aftertouch includes extended vertical range and horizontal modulation per key
- Partnership with Haken Audio means EaganMatrix digital modular engine powers the onboard sounds, tailored for use with MPE and polyphonic aftertouch
- 500+ presets and 24 maximum voices enable versatile playing across any style
- Streamlined, minimalistic interface reduces clutter without compromising accessibility
- Pitch/modulation sliders, responsive buttons, a fine-tunable knobs provide tactile satisfaction with superlative control
- Deep onboard controls ensure patches are easily edited, saved, and recalled for personalized use
- Patches can be individually modified to customize velocity curves, sensitivity, expressivity, FX, and more
- DIN MIDI in/out/thru allows Osmose to be used as an MPE MIDI controller to revolutionize your sonic exploration with your preferred DAW or instrument
- Pseudo-balanced 1/4-in. TS outputs reduce noise with flexible stereo operation
- Front-mounted 1/4-in. TRS headphone output features a dedicated volume adjustment
- External PSU includes a lockable connector to avoid unwanted disruptions
- Accompanying Haken Audio software allows you to engage greater levels of depth, control, and fine-tuning of the EaganMatrix: Mac/Win
