Osmose as Controller

This video takes a brief look at using the Expressive-E Osmose as a MIDI controller keyboard. For this demonstration I'm using it to control the Deckard's Dream MkII.

[@Herfinnur]

Because I'm going to listen to the music bits again and again: 5:10 10:23 16:44 Seriously, a whole album with these kind of unaccompanied and very human solo synth performances would be the bomb!

[@Grizaptimus]

Dear God in Heaven, Please just make an album of this!

[@DavGreg]

I wish the Osmose was offered as a MIDI Controller without the sound engine built in. Have the Equator 2 softsynth from Roli - maker of the Seaboard would be interesting. It is designed with expression in mind.

[@TwinCitiesOxygen]

Agree 100%. I keep saying it over and over

[@Atlsynth]

I haven't heard it mentioned in the few vids I've seen on this. But one of the greatest features in my mind only, is the super long keys. I feel like it gives you what I'm thinking is a super long throw type dimension at easing in the notes much better. I could be completely wrong, but I feel the longer keys are way better for expression.

[@jon_gee]

Great vid Tim! This technology is in its infancy. I see this style of playing becoming much more fluid in the future. This is a super setup. Great playing!

[@supadupahilton6848]

Deckards is the shiznit bro! With (eight?) sliders dedicated to aftertouch, a great choice.

[@Musical.Maze.1]

Every 3 years, I buy new gear... This video convinced me to buy Deckard's Dream mk2 & Osmose controller! Thank for the video!

[@ZanBizar]

Vangelis would have loved the Osmose. He was a huge fan of playing multiple layers etc via after touch.

[@furiobisotti8150]

Extremely useful. Tim, as usual, knows the matter, explains and shows. Very valuable infomation. As an amateur keyboard player I would never buy a synth without polyphonic aftertouch nowadays

[@somewhere-else]

as someone who obsesses with poly after and still has none it’s easier said than done but it’s a beautiful aspiration for sure.

[@LordoftheBadgers]

@@somewhere-else you could get there with a cme xkey keyboard - keys are "quirky" but does do poly at. There are other options but I have experience of that one.

[@ghavinga]

Great video Tim, thank you. The Osmose at Note On always sends a velocity value of 127 in MPE mode, velocity becomes redundant. To be able to play really softly the receiving synth will need to process channel pressure in some way (probably assigned to the VCA). I really love how on many of the Osmose patches, it is possible to start playing really softly and then progressively (without lifting my fingers from the keys) increase my finger pressure to increase the volume/open filters/change the "brilliance" etc. per key. I will need to experiment with the Hydrasynth desktop to see what is possible. It does look like the Deckards Dream is a bit limited regarding channel pressure. Could you let us know please how you connected the Osmose to the DD (USB/MIDI) and if this affects the sound (USB can be noisy)?

[@TimShoebridge]

Hi Gerard, I used MIDI DIN.

[@MFitz12]

Damn, I was really hoping for yet another video of just the stock Osmose flute and violin sounds being played 😁😁 Seriously though, this was fantastic. The Osmose video I have been waiting for since the announced the thing 3 years ago.

[@Dudadius]

I was turned off by the sound of the Osmose…but now I NEED one for my Deckards. Amazing.

[@dougie6897]

Splendid video Tim ….. would the say the Deckards Dream is the best analog polysynth that supports POLY AFTER TOUCH on the planet right now ?

[@pascalschwaller7573]

Thank you very much for that nice video. I was wondering how well it would do to control other keyboards (lovely sounds you got there b.t.w). Do you sometimes wish there was an additional ocatve to play with?

[@TimShoebridge]

Personally I do not miss a 5th octave, the octave shift buttons are big and very easy to reach. There are some presets on the Osmose that definitely sound best in lower registers but most of the time I leave the Osmose octave setting at default.

[@MattJohnsonJamiroquai]

Great video thanks Tim

[@hakonsoreide]

I love that nifty little piece you play at 5:12 onwards. One thing that I have noticed now in every single Osmose video, however, is that controlling precise vibrato on it seems a lot harder as well as requiring far more motion than on something like the Linnstrument that you can play without making your entire synth rack wobble.

[@Pepijn_a.k.a._Akikaze]

I got my Deckard's Dream MK2 (hereinafter DD) a week after my Osmose but due to my bullying boss I haven't been able to figure out yet how to control the DD,. So thanks again for your video! The DD is absolutely wonderful. I think it's more organic than the Moog One. The Osmose and the DD are a perfect match but they need a capable and inspired musician like yourself to reveal that.

[@roland4507]

Fantastic. Thank you very much. A combination made in heaven. I ve been looking at the DD for a long time. But As a hobbyist I cannot justify to buy them.

[@dstarling61]

I’d really like to see how the Osmose plays with a Hydrosynth.

[@EchoKraft]

Thank you! Great video❤

[@KlemenKotar]

Is it just as good controlling vsts inside DAWs? Problem-free? Tried it in a shop yesterday but couldn't hook it up to computer there as I had none.

[@qiqi2692]

Hi Tim . Have you explored the mpe functionality in the os update of the prophet 6 controlled by the Osmose ? I can’t make up my mind in buying a A prophet 5/10 module or a prophet 6 to really express analog synth , but controlled by the expressive e osmose .. according to sequential they upgraded their prophet 6 soft in 2021, but not the prophet 5/10 ? And what will happen to sequential since the death of its creator Dave Smith ? Pressure glide is so important for my musical expression and the way you make music really inspires me.. thank you for your wonderful contribution to the synth world

[@CreativeSpiral]

Nice demo + expressive playing!

[@heimlichvonbladderburst8348]

Some of those gargantuan Yamaha organ-synths had knee levers as well as all the other bells and whistles. Without having researched it, I assumed they were for pitchbend on the top keyboard. In the light of what Osmose and MPE brings now, it would be interesting to see what that lever was originally for.

[@macronencer]

15:48 I understand what you mean. The Osmose looks like an amazing tool (and I have one on order myself) but it doesn't actually have 3 dimensions of polyphonic control, it has 2 (or arguably, maybe 2 and a bit!) because Y and Z are not independent of each other. If you want three totally independent dimensions of control, then you buy something else, such as a Continuum. That aside, this was a useful video for me because I wanted to make sure I could use my Osmose as a studio controller when it arrives, and now I see that there should be no problem at all. Just one question: can you also use the knobs on the Osmose to control other CC values? That would be useful for things like macros on soft synths.

[@jacobbrown1690]

I will wait for the behringer vs80 with polyaftertouch and touch atrip

[@andygillies3086]

Thanks for the video. Nice job, as usual. But it raises a question I’ve had about the Osmose and mpe in general. Can the osmose be configured to translate initial pressure into note on velocity, and then use poly aftertouch and poly pitch bend? In this mode, presumably, the initial pressure changes made after striking the note would be ignored. Maybe no synths actually respond like this. And I guess the standard poly aftertouch mode, with no poly pitch bend, transmits note on velocity like this. (Right?) Working it out in my head, the Mpe approach which assigns notes to channels is needed for poly pitch bend. So the question I have is does mpe use note on velocity at all? (Sorry for the too long, multi-headed question)

[@TimShoebridge]

The Osmose does record velocity and send it as part of the note on and off midi messages, but I guess it is all down to the receiving synth as to whether it uses that data. The Haken Audio synth engine inside the Osmose does not, it ignores it completely and relies on pressure. Because you have such a lot of travel on the keys, more than a traditional keybed, I'm not sure velocity is all that useful anyway... the Osmose triggers note on right at the very top of the action, and that is where the velocity needs to have been recorded before any pressure gets generated. That said, in "classic keyboard" and "poly AT" modes, the Osmose moves note on to be further down the travel of each key so that it can produce a more traditional note on experience. I didn't realise it did this until I was making this video, the Osmose really is an advanced controller keyboard considering everything going on inside 😏

[@theaudioeng]

@TimShoebridge Back in '83 on MIDI v1.0, Note On Velocity was relevant of course due to intent with the general keybed architecture at that time, which in mainstream up until recent times still so. However, with MPE released and specifically with MPE enabled beds, that's effectively redundant due to this new resolution. Having said that, I'm sure like many others, most of my synths even older modules work as 'Classic Keyboards', where remains relevant. Nice to have mix..... anyway, can't wait for my Osmose to arrive dearly hoping May still. I can try Poly AT controlling the JD-XA for instance then, and will it make my TS--10 or S3 Turbo 'sound' different using the Osmose to control what's already a Poly AT 73-key synth??....

[@steveelbows3797]

@@TimShoebridge Actually I think there is a Note On setting in the Osmoses MPE settings that determines how far you have to press a key before note on is triggered.

[@Psychlist1972]

It's a little weird that the Osmose uses the terminology it uses. It doesn't quite line up with MIDI MPE and MIDI 1.0 standards, which is probably why you had to go out of your way to explain them. The standard definitions are: *Channel Pressure:* Classic aftertouch that affects all notes on the same MIDI channel. Not the same as note velocity as this is pressure after the initial velocity. *Polyphonic Key pressure:* Per-key aftertouch available in MIDI 1.0. *Note Velocity:* Note on or Note off "pressure" as described here. It's how quickly you hit or release a key. Most synths ignore the note *off* velocity, but it has always been available. You are still in a straight-up MIDI 1.0 world with those, so things like pitch bend will apply to all notes. MIDI MPE enables polyphonic pitch bend and more (it uses multiple MIDI channels for notes and mangement), which is presumably what the Osmose is using for the key vibrato, which is why without MPE, it would apply to all notes. Still waiting for my shipment notification on the Osmose. Last estimate was end of this month. :)

[@dankeplace]

It is strange that different wording is used, I doubt it's a language barrier due to Expressive E being a French company. Both MPE and MIDI are set standards so why someone using these protocols would want to deviate from the standard terminology would only confuse others trying to use their naming conventions.

[@JDSoundsets]

For a moment then I thought you built a controller for GX-80 ;) :) sounds stunning what a combo!

[@joeanderson8839]

It doesn't control the old analog engine in quite the way I want it to. This is frustrating. The one thing that I don't want, is a digital keyboard masquerading as an analog keyboard.

[@Reyescult]

Thanks, Tim. This is EXACTLY the information I needed to know before purchasing an Osmose. It's really important to me that it can easily be switched between a classic MIDI controller and PA, MPE enhanced modes. It's heartening to see that Expressive E really has this covered in the Osmose.

[@modeswitching]

My god, the Deckards Dream really does sound heavenly layered with the Osmose’s plucky acoustics. Thank you for this stunning demo and I’d love to hear more. I’m also very curious to see how the Pressure gesture might be used with normal non-MPE synths. For example, can you put it in classic mode, have it average the pressure values of all the pressed keys and send it as a global CC to control a filter or amp sustain level? Essentially using the keys as continuous controllers. That might be really useful if you like to play two handed chords - now you can have both a pitch bend and a mod wheel under your fingertips.

[@travisthornton1792]

Now *that* is tasty

[@glockenberg]

Great and insightful video, thank you.

[@liquidintegrity]

What sound is used on Deckards Dream starting 5:10? Any particular sound or patch? You know, I started to watch your videos since I’m interested in getting the deckards Dream vs Osmose option.. Interested in making a solo album using these instruments..

[@TimShoebridge]

Hi, it's just a patch I put together myself. I rarely save/load presets with the DDRM, it's so intuitive to play with the sliders and get the sound you want that way

[@liquidintegrity]

@@TimShoebridge thank you. 🙏 I really enjoy watching your videos!

[@Mikas_Emil]

Amazing video. So calm, well spoken, beautiful playing and sounds. I want an Osmose!

[@MikkelGrumBovin]

But- you cant afford one . Neither can i - now , if you had to choose one - would you get the Osmose or The Decard ? 😈

[@dankeplace]

@@MikkelGrumBovin how do you know what people can and cannot afford?

[@AaronStrumpel]

Looove your videos. Wondering if you had any hiccups or oddities getting the pitch wheel to work with your soft synths correctly? I've played with the settings on the Osmose and it's jumpy and doesn't speak well with my Arturia Moog plugs - or the Tal Juno plug I love. Any tips?

[@WildernessMusic_GentleSerene]

Thanks for this, the only reason I would by an Osmose is as a controller; don't want to be held to just the sound engine of the Osmose. I just bought a Kurzweil synth this year after listening to the last 25 years of hype for the VAST engine. Today it is a VAST/FM engine, and I immediately purchased two expression pedals, one half damper pedal and one switch pedal. Add to the pedals 88 keys and 16 zones of channelAT and I have a real expression workhorse and what I will be comparing polyAT and Osmose to. I can rig two octaves (zones) with the same pitch and have different pedal modulation for each octave for any control of the same patch or two different patches. If I am explaining correctly, you should be able to realize how much control I can have. BUT... I am looking at the Osmose long throw control of velocity or an envelope of velocity applied to the 1-1024 MIDI range (or 128?). With expression pedals accurate control of a slow rise in volume seems better controlled by the hand that maybe only the Osmose can do? Attack envelopes can make one touch available, but not the expressive touch range I see on the Osmose.

[@ConstantLittleGhost]

I'd love an Osmose for its synth engine and controller abilities (and nearly pressed the button on the pre-order) but I find four octaves a bit limiting. If they bring out a five octave version I'll be right in there.

[@benbowland]

Why go for five octaves when that’s still limited…. They should just make an 88 key version

[@ConstantLittleGhost]

@@benbowland oh yeah, for sure...and I'd consider an 88 key model even knowing it would likely be expensive. But 5 octaves is the minimum for me. Seem to be so many 4 octave synths at the moment, and it puts me off

[@johnrezendes]

I've had my Osmose for a week and my Deckard's Dream MKII just arrived. I'm trying to use MPE, both are set and functioning however I'm trying to see how well I can configure pressure from the Osmose to translate into the volume for each note. As it stands, it sounds like a constant pressure value and the volume is at one level (like having a synth with no velocity). I'm trying to dial in the right combination of pressure settings in the Osmose to get variable volume like I can with Haken. Maybe that's not possible..., maybe the goal is try to do it all with aftertouch pressure, not initial pressure...thoughts?

[@johnrezendes]

Maybe we can come up with a list of settings on the Osmose and DD to provide the most control over pressure, aftertouch and pitch bend and list them here.

[@joostvanbunnik7646]

Just what i needed. Thanks Tim

[@xaviduch]

I don't know what I like me the most...Osmose o the Deckard's dream... uff...what a beautiful sound...amazing! and I think at 16:45 the demo needs to become a song, really wonderful! the sound and the sequence!

[@wrenchposting9097]

Just get a Trautonium!

[@Ojref1]

Deckard's Dream totally mogged the video, almost forgot it was about the Osmose 😄I jest, the Osmoses' utility seems to be peerless, and married to the Deckard's Dream is literally the dream. Still less expensive than a CS-80 in poor repair, and its flexibility is outstanding for the price in my opinion.

[@cehashi]

thank you

[@haydenthompson9649]

Would this be very useful with Virtual Instruments? Say strings for example.

[@TimShoebridge]

Yes absolutely. You need to try an Osmose to really appreciate the expression available under your fingers.

[@AboveTheTrees00]

synthporn 🎉🎉🎉 you did it !

[@Latehrs]

Hello I was wondering what the stand that holds the deckards dream above the Osmose is? And where to buy it. Thank you for your time, love the sounds!!

[@JordanService]

How sounds rich.... lol pun intended. But seriously money well spent sounds f*ing amazing.

[@joeanderson8839]

I think that I have to have one of these. I also have to have a vintage analog engine that I can control with the osmosis. Then I either need a Kurtzwiel, or a Nord to simulate piano, organ and symphonic instruments.

[@johnnovie3168]

e osmose sounds like omnisphere with a $1700 Controller!

[@kollisionbass]

this is perfect demonstration of using Osmose on hardware synth using MPE features! thank you so muchhhh

[@djohnson2449]

Love this video! But ouch: Gear lust in full force. Fantastic performance at the end, sir.

[@lancerben4551]

Wow.. mesmerizing those sounds with your playing. Beautiful !

[@joe.akielaszek]

Does the OSMOSE arpeggiator send midi to the DD ?

[@Jin-Hu]

I’m always amazed how objective you remain in each of your videos Tim, where most just fanboi the new stuff you speak of both the pros and cons with excellent integrity.

[@jeffevansmusic]

Was the synth connected directly to Osmose in this case or was it connected through your DAW (which is Studio One is that correct?)

[@TimShoebridge]

Hi, the MIDI was going via my DAW which is Cubase, using the USB connection on the Osmose. I have also used direct DIN to DIN connections in previous videos, no problems with either setup.

[@ApexCypher_]

Can’t wait for the Deckard’s Dream video!

[@electronicbagatelle]

I had the chance to try one, now I want one so badly. Sigh. 💸

[@joostvanbunnik7646]

Which usb port are to be used in a daw.? 1 or 2?

[@qiqi2692]

I lost my passion in life in my early 20’ties , maybe at the same time music changed from analog to digital … I had a few synths , tried composing on an Atari , but hated turning knobs all the time instead of self expression on a real accoustic piano . I tried guitars , but it ain’t really my thing . Since I took a leap of faith and bought an osmose … boy , did I get that passion again .. on the end of your video here … I can hardly retain myself from the passion in my heart , from how expressive and subtle way you play … simply … ❤

[@TimShoebridge]

Thank you so much. I know exactly how you feel 👍

[@mark35mi]

Brilliant share and presentation as always Tim.

[@flaviuspopan]

I'm a bit confused by the first sound demo of both DD & Osmose combined. I presume the Osmose lacks keyboard split, and only allows toggling between the sound engine & external MIDI. How exactly are you playing them in tandem?

[@TimShoebridge]

You can play the internal synth engine at the same time as controlling an external synth. It is not one or the other. To disable the Osmose synth engine I just turn down the volume or you can turn local control off in the menu.

[@flaviuspopan]

@@TimShoebridge OH MY GOODNESS THIS IS UTTERLY PHENOMENAL TO HEAR 😀 This synth just keeps blowing me away, thank you!

[@HealyHQ]

Beautiful playing!

[@lukeskywalker2656]

❤‍🔥 wunderbar, thank you Tim 🙏

[@smartti1970]

is the last bit only the sound of the Deckart or mixed with osmose sound ?

[@TimShoebridge]

It's a mix

[@smartti1970]

@@TimShoebridge thanks Tim,, that was lovely

[@Space_Noise]

Can’t wait until I get mine! ✨

[@lancerben4551]

I also got a osmose recently, I find it a bit complexe to set up and use with all my other VST and synths. It's a bit more complex than what I anticipated. Also it takes so use to playing, I tend to bend keys by mistake when playing, a bad habit I have to correct as well.

[@johnhurd3257]

Yeah I know the feeling. I'm glad that the adjustment to minimize sour notes is easily accessible. First find a patch you like to control the finger vibrato on. Then go to the sensitivity page. The main feature for me is the last option in the sensitivity page it is found by turning the know on the left. The parameter will say Always but you will love highest key for most solo's or 2 handed performances. There are 4 options besides Always. When using highest note u can focus on your right hand technique and have your left hand staying in tune! This is fantastic for us newbies. Good luck.:)

[@lancerben4551]

I've been getting better lately... Been playing more expressively... Some types of fast played parts are better with a regular keyboard. But I'm enamored with swam's instruments with osmose and my tec2 breath controller. I also have a erea touch which is very expressive as well.

[@johnhurd3257]

@Lancer Ben When using the osmose as a midi controller using a midi cable is fun, so far. I hooked a mininova to it with excellent results. Osmose has each key wiggle adjustment for whatever synth that has pitch bend enabled. It really is a remarkable piece of tech to have.:)

[@MikkelGrumBovin]

Showoff ! 😜

[@jameslowman5665]

Osmose and Matrixbrute?? 😊

[@GizzyDillespee]

Paraphonic aftertouch?

[@dankeplace]

You want something that would be MPE compatible, so OB6 or P6 would be better imo.

[@juergenbranz]

Brilliant work Tim! Absolutely love it. I have them both as well and just wanted to try using the Osmose to control my DD. Unfortunately I can only make it work with MPE mode and not Poly Aftertouch. If I select PA on both it doesn't work.. Is it the same with yours? Would appreciate an answer. Thank you!

[@TimShoebridge]

Hi Jurgen, Thanks a lot. PA mode works fine for me when I select it on both, that's what I demo half-way through the video. You can play notes but the aftertouch doesn't work? Or worse...?

[@juergenbranz]

@@TimShoebridge Thanks for your reply. My DD doesn‘t receive any Midi Data at all when PA is selected on both 😔 As mentioned MPE works fine, PA not at all.

[@TimShoebridge]

@@juergenbranz PA mode is single a MIDI channel mode. The only thing I can suggest is to check the channel being used to send on the Osmose and receive on the DDRM. If set correctly, try PA mode on the Osmose to play any regular synth, it that works (midi note on and off) then it would suggest the problem is with the DDRM.....

[@juergenbranz]

@@TimShoebridge I double checked the Midi Chanel already, will try with another synth on Monday. Thanks for your help 🙏

[@paulschilling2996]

@@TimShoebridge Something is not right if your aren’t getting normal poly aftertouch ability when both are in MPE mode. I use Linnstrument MPE -> DD MPE and everything works as it should. I can manually vibrato and slide individual notes as well as emphasize (VCF/VCA/LFO) individual notes. I rarely use the cc74 option

[@geoleginzabok4998]

Which reverb?

[@TimShoebridge]

A lexicon multi effects unit for this one I think

[@dankeplace]

Wow, sounds like something Tangerine Dream did back in the 70's, trying to remember which album. It has such a blurt to the expression, like a puff, like it's exhaling lol. I love it. The partnering of the DD and the Osmose could not be a better choice, I do believe the OB6 and P6 will have the same MPE functionality. I can only imagine what it would be like to play this, next best thing is watching you do it Tim. Thank you for the lovely demonstration, now I need to sell a kidney, a leg and maybe some other stuff!!! EDIT: I was thinking of an excerpt of Poland an 80's album so corrected myself. Double EDIT: Have you ever used an E touche`? The menu is mind boggling for the amount of parameters you can adjust, given it is not PAT, it still gives you a really good ability to modulate as you please, I am just wondering if Expressive worked on the same principals as they had for the E touche`?

[@ChrisHaveard]

My apologies. I could only like once. x100 didn't work. This is a perfect workflow.

[@pubdigitalix]

Deckar's Dream is a reference to Blade Runner's Vangelis Jupiter 8 sound?

[@TimShoebridge]

Vangelis' Yamaha CS-80, which the Deckard's Dream synth architecture is very heavily influenced by.

[@pubdigitalix]

​@@TimShoebridge Yes. My fault. Was the Yamaha not Roland. Thanks.

[@ErykMaler]

drogi

[@Strages_Powers]

is it just me or my oled tv, but Tims videos look blocky "pixelated in dark areas, just asking.

[@TimShoebridge]

It's compression, a much discussed phenomenon on KZbin,. You're going to notice it more on nice expensive large hires TVs and you're going to notice it most with videos containing a lot of dark areas like this one.

[@dankeplace]

@@TimShoebridge a lot of banding occurs when you go into grading from one color to another or black to white, that's where the worst compression artifacts will appear. I am luck to have a 12 bit panel, so when viewing Dolby vision content, it is a joy to watch with almost minimal artifacts, mind you these Blu Ray UHDs are 70GB +.