Expressive E - Osmose 61 CE + Soliste + Noisy 2

With its 61 expressive keys, the Osmose 61 CE offers a more generous playing surface whilst retaining the principle that defines the Expressive E controllers: each key can individually convey the musician’s nuances and movements. Pressure, lateral movements, vibrato and even the release of the key become elements that can be directly utilised by MPE-compatible instruments.

This approach really comes into its own with the two software programmes included in this pack. Soliste and Noisy 2 feature very different sound engines, but share the same aim of placing the performance at the heart of the musical process.

Soliste comprises four solo string instruments based on physical modelling: violin, viola, cello and double bass. Rather than simply triggering samples, the software replicates the behaviour of the instruments to allow for a continuous evolution of the sound whilst playing. Dynamics, vibrato, portamento and the various parameters related to the bow can thus be controlled in a much more natural way.

The various performance modes allow the engine’s response to be adapted to the desired playing style. Articulations such as pizzicato, sul ponticello, Bartók, staccato and tremolo can also be utilised directly in the performance. With the Osmose 61 CE, nuances can be applied note by note, which makes it particularly easy to create highly detailed string parts for film scores.

For its part, Noisy 2 transforms the same controller into a true sound design instrument. Its engine is based on resonance modelling and combines several noise-excited resonators to generate timbres that can range from an analogue aesthetic to much more experimental textures.

Its two-layer architecture allows different sound combinations to be layered, whilst the filters, envelopes, LFOs and numerous built-in effects offer a wide range of possibilities for shaping presets. The PWM resonator, the new filter emulations and the improved clipper, in particular, lend greater character to the engine’s sounds.

Noisy 2 has been designed to work directly with MPE controllers. Gestures performed on the Osmose’s keys can therefore be used to modulate the various voices independently. The software can also be used with a standard MIDI controller, making it suitable for set-ups that do not yet feature MPE.

Finally, the 61-key layout provides more scope for performances requiring an extended range. This makes it easier to play melodic lines, chords and bass parts simultaneously, whilst retaining the expressive controls unique to the Osmose.