Osmose CE combines Expressive E's acclaimed expressive keybed technology with Ctrl-e, a new sound ecosystem built for expressive playing. It is designed for musicians who seek deeper expression beyond conventional control, a more physical, nuanced and inspiring way to interact with software instruments, plug-ins and modern studio setups. With MPE, Osmose CE unlocks true per-note expression. It also expands the expressive range of the instruments musicians use daily within traditional MIDI workflows. Osmose CE is designed to make expressive playing feel immediate, musical and natural.
- 49 full-size keys with three-dimensional per-note control
- Ctrl-e software ecosystem support included
- DAW integration with support for Ableton Live 12+, Cubase 15+, Bitwig Studio 5+ and Logic Pro 12+
- Large color LCD screen with ergonomic user interface
- Sleek and rugged design
Expressive playing starts here
Expressive playing in software has traditionally been difficult to achieve. Even when the sounds were inspiring, the experience was often held back by complex MPE setups, inconsistent compatibility and complicated workflows that were too technical to be truly immediate. Osmose CE fixes that. By combining an extraordinary expressive keybed with Ctrl-e, its dedicated sound ecosystem, Osmose CE gives musicians immediate access to a large library of expressive, performance-ready sounds designed to respond naturally from the very first note – no complicated setup, no plug-in-by-plug-in configuration, no need to build an expressive workflow from scratch.
A keyboard unlike any other
Osmose CE uses the same expressive keybed technology as the award-winning Expressive E Osmose synthesizer – same engineering, same responsiveness, same philosophy: music should feel like playing, not like controlling. Players can bend a single note inside a chord, add vibrato directly with their fingers and shape phrases with the kind of nuance usually associated with acoustic or expressive instruments. Osmose CE responds not only to where a note is played but to how it is pressed, bent and released, turning each gesture into part of the musical performance.
Ctrl-e: the sound ecosystem built for Osmose CE
Osmose CE works effortlessly with Ctrl-e, the free companion software developed by Expressive E for expressive music creation. Ctrl-e is not just bonus software; it is a core part of the Osmose CE experience. Included with Osmose CE are 900+ expressive presets, a dynamic preset browser, 8 pre-mapped macros per preset and deep hardware/software integration. Each sound is carefully designed to respond naturally to the expressive gestures of the Osmose keybed with no generic mappings, no complicated technical setup – just expressive sounds, ready to play.
Powered by industry-leading sound engines
Ctrl-e gives musicians access to a curated ecosystem of expressive sound engines and partner instruments. Supported technologies and developers include Expressive E, Synapse Audio, AAS, Kilohearts, GForce, Dawesome and Vital. Together, they provide a broad range of sonic identities and synthesis approaches, all unified in one performance-ready environment.
Plug in and play
Osmose CE is designed to work seamlessly with the setup musicians already have. It can easily switch between Ctrl-e, MPE, and traditional MIDI workflows, adapting to different playing styles and recalling dedicated setups without interrupting the creative flow. The goal is simple: less setup, less friction, more playing.
Bring greater expression to the instruments you already use
Osmose CE is designed to work naturally in both MPE and more traditional MIDI environments. With MPE-compatible instruments, it unlocks full per-note expression. But it also makes expressive playing far more accessible across many of the plug-ins, instruments and hardware musicians already use every day. It's not about replacing your setup. It's about rediscovering it through more expressive playing.
Expressive performance tools built in
Osmose CE includes advanced performance tools that extend the expressive possibilities of the keyboard, including the uniquely expressive MPE Arpeggiator, where every note remains independent and responsive in real time in both MPE and standard MIDI workflows, and Press Glide, a unique performance feature that allows players to glide naturally between notes using pressure rather than relying on fixed portamento times. Together, these tools open up a more fluid and expressive way of shaping performance directly from the keyboard.
Smart DAW integration
Osmose CE also includes integrated DAW controls designed to keep musicians immersed in the creative moment without constantly reaching for a mouse or a second controller. Supported workflows include transport controls, track and device navigation, mixer control, macro access and automatic DAW detection. Compatible DAWs include Ableton Live 12+, Steinberg Cubase 15+, Bitwig 5+ and Apple Logic Pro 12+.
Built for serious creators
With its white aluminum top, black base and carefully engineered construction, Osmose CE is built for musicians who expect both precision and durability from the tools they use every day. Production and design are handled in Europe by the Expressive E team, ensuring close control over build quality and long-term consistency.
Best for...
Osmose CE is ideal for producers and composers seeking genuine expression, keyboard players wanting to bridge acoustic and electronic playing, sound designers who care about performance vs presets, studio musicians wanting more nuance from their software, live performers who need an instrument vs just a controller and anyone unwilling to choose between inspiring sounds and an accessible workflow.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the difference between the Osmose and the Osmose CE?
The Osmose CE uses the exact same award-winning expressive keybed technology as the original Osmose synthesizer, with the same engineering, responsiveness, and feel. The difference is that the Osmose CE is a controller, not a standalone synth. It is designed to pair with software, plug-ins, and your DAW rather than generating sound on its own. This makes it a more flexible entry point to the same expressive playing experience.
What is the Expressive E Osmose CE and how is it different from a regular MIDI keyboard?
The Osmose CE is a keyboard controller built for musicians who want to play expressively, not just trigger notes. Every key responds to how you press, bend, and release it, giving you per-note control over pitch, vibrato, and dynamics in real time. It supports MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) and ships with Ctrl-e, a dedicated sound ecosystem with 900+ presets designed to respond naturally to that expressive touch.
What is Ctrl-e?
Ctrl-e is the free companion software developed by Expressive E specifically for expressive music creation. It is included with every Osmose CE. It gives you immediate access to 900+ expressive presets, a dynamic preset browser, 8 pre-mapped macros per preset, and deep integration with the Osmose CE hardware. The presets are built on sound engines from Expressive E, Synapse Audio, AAS, Kilohearts, GForce, Dawesome, and Vital, all tuned to respond naturally to the keyboard's gestural controls.
Does the Osmose CE work with MPE plug-ins and instruments I already own?
Yes. The Osmose CE can switch between Ctrl-e, MPE, and traditional MIDI workflows, so it works with any MPE-compatible instrument or plug-in you already have. For non-MPE instruments, it still brings greater expressive nuance to standard MIDI environments, making your existing tools feel more responsive and musical. You can save and recall dedicated setups for each workflow without interrupting your session.
What is Press Glide and how is it different from standard portamento?
The Osmose CE includes integrated DAW controls for Ableton Live 12+, Steinberg Cubase 15+, Bitwig Studio 5+, and Apple Logic Pro 12+. These controls let you manage transport, navigate tracks and devices, adjust the mixer, and access macros directly from the keyboard, with automatic DAW detection so the right layout loads without manual configuration.
Which DAWs does the Osmose CE integrate with?
Press Glide is a performance feature unique to the Osmose CE that lets you glide between notes using finger pressure rather than a fixed portamento time. Because the transition is controlled in real time by how you press the key, the result feels organic and musical rather than automatic or mechanical. It is one of several built-in tools, alongside the MPE Arpeggiator, that turn physical gestures directly into expressive performance decisions.
What kind of connectivity does Osmose CE have?
Both models include USB-C MIDI with bus power support, traditional 5-pin MIDI In and Out, and two assignable 1/4" pedal inputs.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| SKU | EXP-OSMOSE49CE |
| Vendor | Expressive E |
| Aftertouch | Yes |
| Controller Type | Keyboard |
| Included From Manufacturer |
USB-C to USB-C cable USB power adapter |
| Keys Weighted | Semi-Weighted |
| Number of Keys | 49 |
| Key Size | Full Size Keys |
| Midi | In, Out, and USB-C |
| MPN | XPEOSM49CE-1 |
| Key Action | Full-size keys with three-dimensional control |
| Onboard Controllers | Pitch and modulation sliders |
| Control Connections | 2 × assignable 1/4" pedal inputs |
| Arpeggiator | Uniquely expressive MPE arpeggiator |
| Number of MIDI Control Zones | 1 |
| Bus Power | Yes |
| Software Editor | Yes |
| Width | 35.2" |
| Depth | 11.8" |
| Height | 3.5" |
| Product Weight | 22 lb |
| Unique Features |
Ctrl-e software ecosystem support included DAW integration with support for Ableton Live 12+, Cubase 15+, Bitwig Studio 5+ and Logic Pro 12+ Large color LCD screen with ergonomic user interface Sleek and rugged design |
All Expressive E hardware products are covered by a limited one (1) year warranty. All Expressive E hardware products are sold with a 12-month warranty after the date of purchase. This limited warranty is offered solely to products purchased from an authorized Expressive E reseller. In the event of a manufacturing defect becoming evident during the warranty period, Expressive E will ensure that the product is repaired or replaced free of charge. A manufacturing defect does not include damage caused by post-purchase transportation, storage, or careless handling, nor damage caused by misuse. For more information please visit www.expressivee.com
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