Expressive E Osmose CE 49 Midi Controller

Expressive E’s Osmose CE 49 is a next-generation MIDI controller that turns every note into a performance. Combining the acclaimed Osmose expressive keybed with the new Ctrl-e software ecosystem, it gives you per-note control, deep MPE integration and a huge library of responsive sounds, all in a sleek 49-key format that drops straight into your studio or live rig.

Where traditional keyboards feel like on/off switches, Osmose CE feels like a living instrument. You can bend a single note inside a chord, add vibrato directly with your fingers, glide between pitches using pressure and shape every phrase with a level of nuance usually reserved for acoustic instruments. Paired with Ctrl-e and its 900+ expressive presets, it removes the usual MPE headaches and lets you get straight to playing, recording and creating.

Whether you are a producer, composer, keyboardist or sound designer, Osmose CE 49 is built to slot into your existing setup. It can act as a dedicated MPE controller, a traditional MIDI keyboard or a smart DAW controller, with integrated transport and mixer control for major DAWs. With robust European construction, USB-C power and flexible connectivity, it is a serious creative tool for anyone who wants more expression from their software instruments and modern studio workflow.

Expressive Keybed Technology

At the heart of Osmose CE 49 is the same expressive keybed technology found in the flagship Osmose synthesizer. Each key responds not just to velocity, but to how you press, bend and release it, translating gestures like tap, press, vibrato, shake, strum and expressive note-off into musical control. This lets you play more like a string or wind player, adding phrasing and emotion directly under your fingertips.

Ctrl-e Sound Ecosystem

Osmose CE 49 comes with Ctrl-e, Expressive E’s dedicated software environment for expressive playing. It includes over 900 performance-ready presets, a dynamic browser and eight pre-mapped macros per sound, all tightly integrated with the hardware. Every preset is designed to respond naturally to the Osmose keybed, so you can explore complex, evolving sounds without any manual mapping or technical setup.

MPE and Traditional MIDI Workflows

Designed to be the centre of a modern studio, Osmose CE 49 can switch effortlessly between MPE controller mode, traditional MIDI controller mode and DAW controller mode. It works with MPE-compatible instruments for full per-note expression, but also enhances more conventional plug-ins and hardware within standard MIDI workflows. This flexibility makes it easy to bring expressive playing into any project, from sound design sessions to live performance.

Smart Performance and DAW Integration

Beyond the keybed, Osmose CE 49 includes powerful performance tools and DAW integration. The MPE arpeggiator keeps each note independent and responsive in real time, while Press Glide lets you glide between notes using pressure instead of fixed portamento times. Integrated DAW control covers transport, track and device navigation, mixer functions and macro access, with automatic detection for supported DAWs, helping you stay focused on playing rather than menu diving.

• Advanced Expressive Keybed - The 49-key expressive keybed offers per-note control over tap, press, pitch bend, vibrato, shake, strum and expressive note-off. This lets you shape each note individually, bending single tones within chords and adding natural vibrato with your fingers, for a more organic and emotional playing experience.
• Ctrl-e with 900+ Expressive Presets - Ctrl-e, the included companion software, provides a curated library of over 900 expressive presets with eight pre-mapped macros per sound. Every patch is designed specifically for the Osmose keybed, so you can load a sound and immediately explore its full expressive range without manual configuration.
• Flexible MPE, MIDI and DAW Modes - Osmose CE 49 can operate as an MPE controller, a traditional MIDI controller or a DAW controller, with quick access to dedicated configurations. This makes it easy to integrate with MPE synths, standard plug-ins and your main DAW session, reducing setup time and keeping your workflow fluid.
• Integrated Performance Tools and Connectivity - Built-in tools like the MPE arpeggiator and Press Glide open up new ways to perform directly from the keyboard, while DIN MIDI In/Out/Thru, USB-C and two assignable pedal inputs provide flexible connectivity. Combined with its robust aluminium and black base construction, Osmose CE 49 is ready for demanding studio and stage use.

Keybed

• Keys: 49-key expressive keybed
• Per-note control: Tap, Press, Pitch Bend, Vibrato, Shake, Strum, Expressive Note-Off

Software Ecosystem

• Software: Ctrl-e included
• Presets: 900+ expressive presets
• Macros: 8 pre-mapped macros per preset via Ctrl-e
• Sound engines and partners: Expressive E, Synapse Audio, AAS, Kilohearts, GForce, Dawesome, Vital

Performance and Control

• Performance tools: MPE Arpeggiator, Press Glide
• Configurations: MPE Controller, Traditional MIDI Controller, DAW Controller
• Interface: 7 knobs/encoders, 9 buttons, 4.3" colour LCD, pitch and modulation sliders

DAW Integration

• Functions: Transport controls, track and device navigation, mixer control, macro access, automatic DAW detection
• Compatible DAWs: Ableton Live 12+, Cubase 15+, Bitwig 5+, Logic Pro 12+

MIDI / Connectivity

• MIDI: DIN MIDI In, DIN MIDI Out/Thru
• USB: USB-C
• Pedal inputs: 2 assignable pedal inputs

Power

• Power input: USB-C Power Delivery
• Power rating: 5 V / 3.0 A

Build

• Top: White aluminium
• Base: Black
• Manufacturing: Made in Poland by Expressive E

Dimensions and Weight

• Product dimensions (H × D × W): 9 × 30 × 89.5 cm
• Weight: 10 kg