Anyone who owns an expressive hardware controller knows the immediate frustration that follows the initial excitement: finding software patches that actually react to nuanced touch. While modern MPE controllers offer multi-dimensional per-note control, most plugin presets still treat polyphonic aftertouch like an afterthought, relying on rudimentary modulation routings that often sound clunky in practice.
Expressive E has consistently pushed to close this gap by building tailored sound expansions for established virtual instruments. Their latest release, the Expressive E GForce Collection, brings GForce Software into that fold. The bundle pairs two radically contrasting instruments—the experimental West Coast synthesizer MAP and the officially endorsed Sequential Prophet~5—with 500 dedicated MPE presets crafted specifically for multidimensional playing.
West Coast Modular Exploration Meets Analog Heritage
The collection brings together two synths from opposite ends of synthesis history, each receiving 250 bespoke presets split into three themed banks:
MAP Expressive Suite: When GForce MAP arrived last year, it stood out by channeling the spirit of Don Buchla and Serge Tcherepnin into a hands-on software format. Built around three oscillators capable of waveshaping and FM, paired with a multimode filter and a 5-band resonant EQ, MAP prioritizes exploration over rigid programming. Expressive E harnesses that modular flexibility across three banks: Compass (82 analog-leaning patches), Wanderlust (82 dynamic FM and waveshaped timbres), and Labyrinth* (86 atmospheric textures and generative sequences). Per-note pressure directly drives waveshaping intensity, resonance shifts, and algorithmic space.
Prophet~5 Expressive Suite: At the opposite end stands GForce’s official Prophet-5 plugin. Developed in direct collaboration with Sequential, the instrument accurately models the iconic 1978 polyphonic hardware across its distinct revisions—from the warm, slightly unpredictable SSM-chip architectures of Rev1 and Rev2 to the punchier Curtis filter behavior of Rev3. Expressive E translates that legendary character into three banks: Melomania (83 expressive keys and leads), Reckless (83 gritty, detuned bass and chord stacks), and Afterglow* (84 shimmering pads). Subtle downward pressure nudges filter cutoff and voice detuning, allowing players to coax natural acoustic dynamics out of an analog classic.
Hardware Context: The Osmose CE and Third-Party Controllers
While Expressive E developed these sounds with their flagship Osmose in mind, the release arrives at an interesting moment for controller setups. Earlier this year, Expressive E launched the Osmose CE controller, stripping away the complex internal Haken EaganMatrix sound engine to deliver their 3D Augmented Keyboard Action (AKA) as a dedicated, more accessible MIDI controller.
For Osmose CE users—and anyone playing MPE hardware like the Ableton Push 3, ROLI Seaboard, or LinnStrument—these collections eliminate tedious MIDI configuration. Every preset follows universal MPE specifications, mapping note pitch, polyphonic pressure, and Y-axis timbre response directly without manual routing templates.
However, studio economics warrant a careful look. If you already own MAP or Prophet-5 through GForce Software, these sound banks do not arrive as a free maintenance update. Expressive E sells the suites exclusively on its own storefront, requiring existing plugin owners to buy the preset packs separately. Unsurprisingly, without an expressive controller connected to your DAW, these 500 patches simply behave as standard polyphonic sounds with basic mod-wheel control.
Pricing and Availability
The Expressive E GForce Collection, MAP Expressive Suite, and Prophet~5 Expressive Suite are available now exclusively from Expressive E with introductory pricing:
GForce Collection (MAP + Prophet~5 + 500 Presets): $119 / €119 introductory price (regularly $238 / €238). Includes full licenses for both GForce instruments and all six sound banks. Individual Expressive Suites (Plugin + 250 Presets): $71.40 / €71.40 each (regularly $119 / €119). Includes one instrument plugin license and its complete 250-preset suite. 250-Preset Packs (for existing plugin owners): $35.99 / €35.99 each (regularly $59.99 / €59.99). Individual Bank Purchases: $17.99 / €17.99 per bank (regularly $29.99 / €29.99).
