Instrument / plugin file

Expressive E Osmose

Expressive E / €1,799

The Expressive E Osmose is an expressive MPE synthesizer running the EaganMatrix engine, now with DAW control and a free Ctrl-e license via firmware 2.3.

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The Dubspot verdict

The Dubspot verdict

A uniquely expressive keybed running Haken Audio's EaganMatrix engine. Firmware 2.3 adds hands-on DAW control and a free Ctrl-e library, closing the gap with the Osmose CE.

Best for Players who want deep per-note expression from a hardware keybed, plus DAW control and a large preset library.

Pros

  • Gesture-sensitive keys with press, bend, and shake per note
  • EaganMatrix engine by Haken Audio on board
  • Firmware 2.3 adds transport, mixing, and navigation DAW control
  • Free Ctrl-e license with 900+ presets across several engines

Cons

  • Premium price at €1,799
  • Expressive playing has a real learning curve
  • Onboard engine editing is deep and takes time

Field notes

Overview

The Expressive E Osmose is an expressive polyphonic synthesizer with a keybed that responds to pressing, bending, and shaking on every note, running the EaganMatrix engine by Haken Audio. It works as both a standalone instrument and an advanced MPE controller, with 49 gesture-sensitive keys and up to 24 voices.

Firmware 2.3, released on 24 September 2026, is a free update that adds hands-on DAW control from the keyboard and a free Ctrl-e license with more than 900 expressive presets across engines including Vital, AAS, Kilohearts, Synapse Audio, and Dawesome. For the full breakdown, see the Osmose firmware 2.3 first look.

Technical matrix

Specifications

Type
Expressive MPE synthesizer (hardware)
Engine
EaganMatrix by Haken Audio
Keys
49 full-size gesture-sensitive keys
Voices
Up to 24
Firmware 2.3
DAW control, free Ctrl-e license, new action bar, redesigned USB-MIDI
Ctrl-e presets
900+ across Vital, AAS, Kilohearts, Synapse Audio, Dawesome
Price
€1,799

Last verified 2026-09-26

Quick reference

FAQ

Is Osmose firmware 2.3 free?

Yes. It is a free update for all Osmose owners, and the Ctrl-e license it includes is free as well.

What does firmware 2.3 add?

Hands-on DAW control from the keyboard, a free Ctrl-e license with 900+ presets, a new action bar, and a redesigned USB-MIDI setup.

What engine does the Osmose use?

The EaganMatrix engine developed by Haken Audio, the same sound system behind the Continuum.

Comparison matrix

Direct competitors

Expressive E Osmose vs — head-to-head specs, price, and Dubspot Score.

Vital9.0
Expressive E Osmose vs Vital
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u-he Zebra 39.0
Expressive E Osmose vs u-he Zebra 3
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Pigments 68.9
Expressive E Osmose vs Pigments 6
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Adjacent signals

Related plugins

Further routing

See also

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