Expressive E Osmose: Macro Micro’s Journey into Keyboard Expression

The video opens with Tommy Simpson, known as Macro Micro, introducing his approach to electronic music. He describes his creative process as a journey without a map, emphasizing exploration and emotional vulnerability. This sets the tone for the Osmose as not just a technical tool, but a partner in musical discovery.

Macro Micro’s perspective is rooted in the idea that music creation is about venturing into the unknown, letting the instrument guide the way. The Osmose, in this context, becomes a vehicle for navigating the layered realities of sound, aligning with Expressive E’s ethos of expressive, intuitive design.

Macro Micro highlights the Osmose’s keyboard as the MPE device he’d been waiting for, praising the feel of the keys and the depth of expression available. He notes that while his regular keyboard offers aftertouch, the Osmose’s implementation—especially with the Haken sound engine—unlocks new layers of sonic detail. The patch he demonstrates reveals three distinct sound aspects, all accessible through nuanced pressure.

What stands out is the instrument’s immediate familiarity for keyboard players, combined with a genuinely new interface for expression. Macro Micro emphasizes how quickly he can get comfortable and start generating ideas, thanks to the intuitive controls and the tactile feedback of the keybed. This blend of the familiar and the innovative is central to the Osmose’s appeal.

A recurring theme in Macro Micro’s workflow is the embrace of imperfection. He demonstrates how the Osmose allows him to play with the quietest velocities and subtle pressure changes, capturing performances that are both delicate and expressive. The ability to glide softly between notes and exploit the slight wiggle in the keys encourages happy accidents and organic variation.

Rather than seeking technical perfection, Macro Micro uses the Osmose to explore the textures within presets, blending layers and dynamics to keep his music fresh. This approach aligns with Expressive E’s philosophy of designing instruments that respond to natural gestures, making electronic music creation more personal and less mechanical.

The video spotlights a particularly intriguing feature: per-note speed control in the arpeggiator. Macro Micro explains how this function became a foundation for his explorations, allowing for intricate rhythmic patterns and evolving textures. The ability to set different speeds for each note transforms the arpeggiator from a simple sequencing tool into a source of inspiration.

This feature, combined with the Osmose’s expressive keybed, positions the instrument as a true performance tool. Macro Micro’s enthusiasm underscores how these digital and physical design choices work together to foster creativity and make the Osmose feel like an extension of the musician’s intent.