Expressive E’s Osmose continues to evolve, and the recent 2.1 firmware update marks a significant step forward for this groundbreaking instrument. As someone who’s logged serious time with the Osmose, I can say this update is both exciting and a reminder of the unique compromises that come with its deep, EaganMatrix-powered architecture.
For now, 2.1 is a must-have update, even if it asks for a little more patience between those moments of sonic magic…
What’s New in Osmose 2.1
- 80 Analog-Inspired Presets
The new bank of presets finally lets Osmose flex its subtractive synthesis muscles. These sounds are rich, immediate, and mapped for expressive macro control, making the most of the keyboard’s nuanced touch. - Expanded Effects
The update introduces a pulse-width modulation oscillator, per-voice bitcrusher, saturation, pitch-shift effects, and a lush long convolution reverb. The tanh saturation is a subtle but effective tool for adding warmth or bite, and the new long reverb is perfect for cinematic soundscapes. - Improved Workflow
Preset and playlist management is now more intuitive, with direct deletion from the navigation tab. This streamlines day-to-day use and helps keep your library organized. - Deeper Sound Design
For those willing to dig into the EaganEditor, the update unlocks high-resolution macros and more modulation options, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with the EaganMatrix engine.
Real-World Trade-Off: Slower Preset Loading
One (for the time being) unavoidable consequence of this update is noticeably slower preset loading times. Apparently this is a tradeoff of load time for huge preset and playlist storage vs what users can store on the DSP.
According to the Expressive E’s support, if you are finding the preset loading times specifically long when using the preset buttons, be sure to hit Value Encoder 4 below the screen when you arrive at the desired preset in the list. This will skip a navigation delay that the company needed to implement in 2.1 for system stability.
That said, in the studio, this is a minor inconvenience. On stage, it can be a real workflow bottleneck. The new sounds and effects are worth the wait, but for live performers, this is a trade-off that can’t be ignored.
The EaganMatrix Factor: Power and Complexity
While the new features are inspiring, Osmose’s reliance on the EaganMatrix engine continues to shape both its strengths and its compromises. EaganMatrix is a marvel of digital synthesis-deep, flexible, and capable of sounds that simply aren’t possible elsewhere. But it’s also complex, and many of the most exciting new features (like the PWM oscillator and per-voice effects) are only accessible through the EaganEditor, which remains daunting for most musicians.
I’m sure this complexity isn’t just a user hurdle; it’s a challenge for Expressive E’s own developers and sound designers, who must work within the constraints of a third-party platform. The result is a product that feels both cutting-edge and, at times, slightly out of step with the streamlined workflows of modern synths.
Looking Ahead: Loris Synth and the Future of EaganMatrix
The future for Osmose and the EaganMatrix engine is looking even more intriguing with the introduction of Christophe Duquesne’s Loris Synth. This standalone software brings additive synthesis and resynthesis capabilities to the EaganMatrix, allowing users to analyze audio samples and extract the necessary information to drive the engine’s additive bank. The result isn’t sampling, but rather a new world of resynthesized timbres-opening up manipulation possibilities down to the last harmonic or partial.
Loris Synth was developed for the Dune 2 soundtrack and is already available for other EaganMatrix-powered instruments. Osmose users, however, will need to wait until the next major firmware update (expected in the first trimester of 2025) to take full advantage of Loris’s features. This upcoming integration, along with the promise of more user-friendly sound design overlays, could finally bridge the gap between the EaganMatrix’s depth and the accessibility many Osmose users crave.
Osmose 2.1 – A Personal Take
As an enthusiatic Osmose player, I’m continually impressed by how each update brings the instrument closer to its potential. The new analog presets and effects in 2.1 make it more playable and inspiring than ever. But the reliance on EaganMatrix means that some compromises-like slower preset loading and a steep learning curve for deep editing-are still part of the package.
That said, the upcoming Loris Synth integration and new editor overlays give me real hope that Expressive E is committed to making the Osmose not just a revolutionary keyboard, but a truly accessible creative tool. For now, 2.1 is a must-have update, even if it asks for a little more patience between those moments of sonic magic.
Watch & Listen
Osmose Firmware Update 2.1 – Official Overview
Osmose 2.1 Firmware – New Preset Demos
Learn More
Osmose 2.1 is a substantial update that shows Expressive E’s commitment to both innovation and listening to its user base. The journey isn’t without its bumps, but the creative rewards are undeniable-and the next chapter looks even more promising.
