Dune 2's Iconic Keyboard Now More Affordable

Expressive E has announced a significant pricing shift for its acclaimed Osmose MPE keyboard, introducing a more budget-friendly alternative that strips away the built-in synthesizer to focus on pure controller functionality. The new Osmose CE model represents a strategic move to make this innovative instrument accessible to a broader audience of musicians and music producers. Available in two configurations—49 keys and 61 keys—the Osmose CE arrives at price points of $999 and $1,199 respectively, marking a substantial reduction from the original Osmose's $1,799 starting price tag.

The decision to remove the integrated synthesizer component allows Expressive E to dramatically reduce production costs while maintaining the distinctive tactile experience that makes the Osmose such a remarkable instrument. By positioning the Osmose CE as a dedicated MIDI controller, the company opens doors for musicians who already own synthesizers or use digital audio workstations and virtual instruments. This controller-only approach doesn't compromise on the hardware's defining characteristic—the proprietary key mechanism that enables continuous vertical and lateral movement, allowing performers to sculpt and manipulate sound with unprecedented expressiveness.

When contextualized against comparable instruments in the market, the Osmose CE's pricing becomes even more compelling. The device significantly undercuts its closest competitor, the Roli Seaboard Rise 2, which commands a $1,399 price tag for the 49-key version. This competitive advantage positions Expressive E's controller as an attractive option for serious musicians seeking MPE technology without the premium price typically associated with premium music hardware. The $800 price difference between the Osmose CE and the original Osmose represents a meaningful gateway for professionals and enthusiasts who want to explore Expressive E's unique design philosophy.

For those new to the Osmose ecosystem, understanding its significance requires appreciation for what makes it fundamentally different from conventional keyboards. The Osmose synthesizer gained widespread recognition as the instrument of choice for Hans Zimmer's groundbreaking score for Dune: Part Two, one of cinema's most acclaimed soundtracks in recent memory. The keyboard's innovative design features keys that don't simply move vertically like traditional piano keys; instead, they provide three-dimensional movement capabilities that enable performers to apply expressive techniques previously reserved for acoustic instruments or highly specialized electronic gear.

The mechanics underlying the Osmose's appeal center on MPE MIDI technology, which stands for MIDI Polyphonic Expression. This communication protocol allows each individual key to send multiple independent control messages simultaneously, enabling nuanced expression parameters like pitch bend, pressure sensitivity, and positional tracking to be applied to every single note. Traditional MIDI controllers operate on a monophonic basis, meaning expression parameters apply uniformly across all notes. The Osmose's architecture fundamentally changes this paradigm, giving musicians the capability to create incredibly detailed and organic-sounding performances.

The transition from a hardware synthesizer to a controller-only device reflects important industry trends in music production. Many contemporary composers, producers, and performers prefer the flexibility of controlling software synthesizers and virtual instruments rather than relying on proprietary hardware sound engines. Digital audio workstations have become increasingly sophisticated, offering unlimited sound design possibilities and easy integration with other tools in a modern studio workflow. By releasing the Osmose CE as a dedicated controller, Expressive E acknowledges this shift while ensuring that musicians who prefer hardware synthesizers still have access to the original Osmose with full synthesis capabilities.

The announcement of the Osmose CE comes at a moment when interest in expressive performance interfaces continues to grow among musicians across multiple genres. Electronic music producers, classical composers, film scorers, and experimental musicians have all gravitated toward instruments that offer greater control and nuance in real-time performance. The availability of the Osmose CE at a more accessible price point is likely to accelerate adoption of expressive MIDI controllers among professionals and serious hobbyists who might have previously found the original Osmose prohibitively expensive.

The two-size configuration of the Osmose CE caters to different workspace requirements and musical preferences. The 49-key model suits musicians with limited desk space or those who prioritize portability for live performance and collaborative sessions. The 61-key version provides extended range and a more traditional keyboard feel that many musicians prefer, particularly those with classical training or those working in genres requiring broader pitch ranges. Both models maintain identical build quality and identical expressive capabilities, ensuring that the choice between them represents purely practical considerations rather than performance compromises.

Expressive E's decision to introduce the Osmose CE demonstrates a mature understanding of market dynamics within the music technology sector. Rather than relying exclusively on premium positioning, the company recognizes that expanding market penetration requires offering entry points at different price levels. The original Osmose remains available for musicians who want a complete synthesizer system in one package, while the Osmose CE serves those who want the unique controller experience without the integrated sound engine.

For music students, emerging composers, and independent producers, the Osmose CE's reduced price represents an opportunity to access technology that was previously out of financial reach. Educational institutions may also find the more affordable controller version more feasible for music technology programs and studios. The cascade of opportunities created by improved accessibility could significantly expand the community of musicians using expressive keyboard controllers and understanding the potential of MPE technology in creative work.

The Osmose CE's launch also signals Expressive E's confidence in the longevity and relevance of MPE technology. As more manufacturers integrate MPE support into their software and hardware instruments, the protocol continues moving from niche innovation toward industry standard. The decision to invest in a more accessible version underscores the company's belief that MPE-capable controllers represent the future direction of expressive music performance technology, particularly among professionals who demand sophisticated control options.