Expressive E has introduced the Osmose CE, a controller edition of its Osmose keyboard. Announced at Superbooth 2026 and covered by Synth Anatomy and MusicRadar, it removes the built-in sound engine and focuses on playing and controlling software.
What changed
The Osmose CE has no synth engine and no audio outputs. Everything else matches the original: the expressive keybed that senses movement after the key is pressed, in 49 or 61 key versions. It is finished in white with a black base, nicknamed "Panda," to tell it apart from the black synth.
Playing gestures
The keybed supports tap, press and tap, pitch bend, vibrato, shake, strum and expressive note-off, plus the MPE arpeggiator. These gestures are what set the Osmose apart from keyboards that only offer channel aftertouch.
DAW integration
This is where the CE adds value. It auto-detects Ableton Live 12+, Cubase 15+, Bitwig 5+ and Logic Pro 12+ at launch, and offers transport, track and device navigation, mixer control and macros. A 4.3-inch color LCD, seven knobs and encoders, nine buttons and pitch and mod sliders make it useful beyond the keys.
The companion software, CTRL-E, gives access to more than 900 expressive presets, each with eight pre-mapped macros. That makes it easier to get a plugin responding to the keybed in minutes.
Connections
The rear panel has DIN MIDI In and Out/Thru, two USB-C ports (one for 5V/3.0A power, one for MIDI data) and two assignable pedal inputs. It is made in Poland.
Price
The Osmose CE costs $999 for the 49-key and $1,199 for the 61-key. In euros the list shows the same numbers.
Who should consider it
If you already own a hardware synth or work mostly in the box, the CE lets you get the Osmose playing experience without paying for an engine you will not use. Players who liked the original's sounds but prefer plugins will see the logic. Those who want a self-contained instrument should look at the standard Osmose.
The wider point is that expressive keyboards are moving from novelty to mainstream controller territory, with DAW control that treats MPE as a normal workflow. Check Expressive E's site for current availability in your region.