Expressive E Releases Osmose CE MIDI Controller in 49-Key and 61-Key Versions

Expressive E is releasing the Osmose CE as a MIDI controller by removing the synthesizer from the original Osmose MPE keyboard. The Osmose CE is available in two sizes: 49 keys and 61 keys. The 49-key Osmose CE is priced at $999, while the 61-key version costs $1,199.

The original Osmose has a starting price of $1,799, and the Roli Seaboard 2 is priced at $1,399. The Osmose keyboard features keys that move back and forth to allow bends similar to those on a violin or guitar. It supports MPE, or MIDI Polyphonic Expression, enabling each note to have its own velocity and timbre.

Hans Zimmer used an orchestra of Osmoses to score Dune 2. The Osmose CE includes integration with desktop software via the new Ctrl-e suite containing over 900 presets. It provides control over Ableton Live, Bitwig, Cubase, and Logic Pro directly from the keyboard.

Expressive E plans to deliver the new software features of the Osmose CE to the original Osmose via a future firmware update. Current owners of the original Osmose will receive access to the Ctrl-e suite. The article detailing these developments was written by Terrence O'Brien.

It was published on April 29, 2026, at 2:07 PM UTC. The Verge reported that the Osmose is one of the most unique synths on the market, with keys that allow gentle bends like on string instruments. The company is building tighter integration with digital audio workstations for the CE model, highlighting the keybed’s capabilities through the preset collection.