Osmose MPE Synth Gets Its First Major Update

Expressive E has announced the first free major update of its MPE flagship synth, Osmose. They tell us that the 2.0 update adds a brand-new browser system, Program Change CC support, and two new playing modes in external midi mode (press glide & mpe arp). The 2.0 Osmose firmware update is now available for all Osmose users for free. Here's more details direct from the company...

osmose 2.0: check the new features

The Osmose 2.0 firmware introduces major features in three areas: The preset browser has been revamped; new external midi playing modes are available; and a soundbank system has been added.

The new 2.0 browser now supports favorite presets, and preset count has expanded largely from 128 to 2048. Also, 30 custom user playlists (128 presets each) can now be used. A user-friendly integration of Program CC changes now allows Osmose users to easily switch presets using standard midi messages from software and controller sources.

Exciting new external midi functions have joined the party too, making Osmose as expressive as a midi controller as it was as a standalone synthesizer. Osmose users can now explore the press glide & mpe arpeggiator features with all their favorite software and hardware synthesizers.

Last but not least, presets are now grouped as soundbanks. This totally new preset management system will prepare ground for future releases, bringing more expressive sounds and presets to Osmose!

Watch the official user guide video to get an overview of all the big additions to Osmose 2.0 and how to use them in a music production context.

what's next after osmose 2.0?
The work done on firmware version 2.0 was a vital milestone that prepared the ground for the next stage in Osmose's development: a new, user-friendly way to edit Osmose presets.

Before this, a new, free Osmose sound bank will be released. Those presets will benefit from an upcoming EaganMatrix DSP upgrade that will largely expand the synth's sonic capabilities.

Version 10.35 of the EaganMatrix DSP will introduce a new oscillator type, several new filter models, and improved effects, including a new saturation effect and improved reverb algorithms.

An entirely new "resynthesis" engine is also in the pipeline. Instead of playing back audio samples, in resynthesis, a sample is first analyzed and then recreated with algorithms in the EaganMatrix in real-time. Resynthesis lets Osmose users manipulate an audio snippet using subtle to wild gesture modulations across the whole keybed, like playing a new kind of instrument.

how to install the osmose 2.0 update?
For all Osmose users with a registered Osmose in their Expressive E user account, the update is already available in the "my downloads & serials" section of your account.
 
 Users must download the ZIP file that is compatible with your computer, either for Windows, Mac with Intel processors, or Apple Silicon Macs (M1/M2/M3).

A PDF with detailed instructions on the update process is contained in the ZIP file.

new tutorials to learn osmose
Another big objective of Expressive E for years to come is to keep educating musicians about the practical benefits of Osmose, MPE, and expressive instruments. For the French innovation-based firm, these technologies are here to stay and will make any musician's journey easier and more musical.

Expressive E is thus happy to launch the new Creative Tutorial video series with episode #1 "7 essential tips for Osmose". In this video, musicians and producers from all backgrounds will learn nice, musical tips to kickstart creativity live or in the studio!

The first episode of the series is available on YouTube now.

what's new in osmose 2.0?
          
External MIDI Mode

• The MPE Arpeggiator and Pressure Glide are now available in External MIDI Mode as well. Both work with any software and hardware compatible with MIDI Polyphonic Expression (MPE).
• Osmose now lets you save custom MIDI configuration presets.

 

Sound Engine Mode

We reforged Osmose's internal preset system, which now supports:

• Up to 2048 onboard presets, each with custom sensitivity and playing feature settings (arp and press glide) if needed.
• Adding any preset to your favorite list with the new favorite feature.
• A new playlist system to quickly organize groups of presets.
• A new navigation workflow in the presets menu to take advantage of all previously mentioned features.
• Improved Program Change and MIDI Bank Select (CC0) implementation, compatible with the previously mentioned features.
• A new sound bank management system that will allow uploading new preset banks from the OsmoseUpdater software in the future.

Check the changelog.txt bundled with the download for a comprehensive list of changes and bug fixes.

Haken Editor integration
For a safer operation with the new preset system, a slightly modified Haken Editor is provided as part of this update.

Pricing and Availability:
The 2.0 Osmose firmware update is now available for all Osmose users for free.

More information:

• osmose 2.0

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