Sanjay C Unleashes the Osmose CE: MPE Mayhem for the Modern Studio

Expressive E’s Osmose CE isn’t just a MIDI controller—it’s the answer to every synth nerd who drooled over the original Osmose but didn’t want to sell a kidney. Sanjay C wastes no time showing how this CE version takes the magic of the original’s keybed and strips out the synth engine, making it more affordable and laser-focused on DAW and plugin control. The CE is built for those who want to unleash MPE madness on any software instrument, not just the ones baked into the original synth.

What’s wild is how Expressive E listened to the community: people begged for a controller-only version, and here it is, with extra DAW controls and a price tag that won’t make your wallet cry (as much). Sanjay C’s style is all about clarity and speed—he lays out the CE’s purpose straight: if you want to inject serious expression into your studio rig, this is the controller you’ve been waiting for.

Forget your grandad’s aftertouch—Osmose CE’s keybed is a full-on tactile playground. Sanjay C dives into the depth and flexibility of these keys: press deep for wild polyphonic aftertouch, wiggle for vibrato, strum, shake, or just smash them for instant chaos. Each note responds individually, so you can finally stop pretending your filter sweeps are expressive when they’re really just mouse automation.

It’s not just about more control; it’s about turning your playing into something that actually sounds human. The learning curve is real, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll be pulling off moves that make regular MIDI controllers look like broken typewriters. If you want to see what this beast can really do, you’ll need to watch Sanjay C’s demo—words barely scratch the surface of the madness.

Osmose CE isn’t just a show pony—it’s a workhorse in the studio. Sanjay C highlights how the included CTRL E software brings over 900 presets to the table, all ready to be mangled with the CE’s unique controls. The hardware and software integration is tight: browse, load, and tweak sounds right from the keyboard, no mouse required. And if you’re into plugin hopping, the CE plays nice with everything from Omnisphere to Ableton’s Drift.

But the real kicker is the DAW integration. With dedicated transport, quantise, and even tap tempo controls, this thing can run your session like a boss. Sanjay C shows how you can navigate tracks, launch clips, and even control macros on Ableton devices—all from the CE. It’s the kind of hands-on workflow that makes you want to ditch your mouse for good.

Sanjay C lays it out: the Osmose CE is a premium slab of kit with expression for days, DAW controls that actually matter, and a keybed that’ll make you rethink what a MIDI controller can do. The included software is a bonus, and the build quality is top notch. If you’re after MPE magic, this is the new king of the hill.

But it’s not all sunshine—there’s some menu diving, the screen could be smarter, and you won’t find drum pads or scale/chord modes here. Pianists might still crave hammer action, and the price isn’t exactly pocket change. Still, compared to the competition (looking at you, Roli), the CE is a solid value. If you want a controller that feels like an instrument, not just a plastic plank, this is it.