This synth has changed the way I think about composition. No hyperbole, but it's like the angels of inspiration came down, sat next to me, and started whispering ideas to me. I can't wait to see what you do with this instrument.
I have a Roli Seaboard (49 note) that I use a lot during recording. It most certainly has its place, but the fact that this keyboard has traditional keys makes it very alluring. Thank you for the great description of what this kbd has to offer.
Great video man. Thank you. I have been playing an Osmose for a few months now and I’m excited to trying with some software but also I haven’t even gotten through all of the presets yet because I’ll be jamming on them for so long 😂
Jef: Thank you for another motivating video! Question: If you load up a piano vst, can you play this like a piano and get reasonable results? Another way to ask the same question: could you survive with this as your main controller, considering just the key action? Thank you!
Great question! And yes… it feels amazing as a piano, you can quickly turn off the pitch bend… I just need one more octave for my playing so it depends on your needs!
The keys have a much deeper travel than any keyboard I've ever used and do not bottom out the same way as a traditional piano (springy sort of feel when pressing a note as it is interpreting every millimeter of travel instead of just triggering note on/off. So, for playing a piano VST, this key feel and extra travel does take some getting used to, especially when playing staccato. For this reason, I prefer using a traditional style controller for piano. The Osmose absolutely excels with controlling nearly every expressive sound, especially bowed and wind instruments due to the keys having this deeper travel and very nuanced reaction to finger movements. I absolutely love it.
Thank you!@@BubbleFilms This is very helpful for me all around. I am going to keep my traditional weighted controller and then have to figure out how to fit in the Osmose that I am going to order.
So I bought an Osmose, and love it. However I agree that it cannot be used in place of a weighted keyboard. One test I did was to set up PianoTeq on both. Everything BubbleFilms said is what I am experiencing. I would add that the Osmose flexibility prevents precision needed to play a piano in a controlled way. So it is a different instrument altogether like a guitar is different than a violin.
I tried it at Superbooth 23 and it gave me a dozen new ideas within a few minutes. So while I would consider it less a "synth" than "a huge data base of very natural sounding regular instruments", I think I could still integrate it very well in my music (as your sound examples have shown, which sound very synth-like).
Very Tempting! That 1 year warranty.. it pushes me to think that this $1800 instrument may not handle the pass of time very well.... (having parts moving in an unconventional manner)
Great new synth. Love to see more video's about it. Don't really know what questions to ask... Wonder when Logic will be able to handle the MIDI info from this instrument. (Guessing it's not compatible yet.)
Or the settings needed to set up the IRCAM solo instruments by MPE would be awesome. They have a great demo of it from 3 years ago, but I can't seem to get the MPE to work by just using the MPE setting on the Osmose yet - have to workaround, but I could be missing something. Not in the Cookbook yet either, but it will be wonderful to be able to play other instrument libraries with full MPE support!
So the Osmose is quite impressive. In fact, I am looking to consolidate two different keyboard controllers - Arturia Keylab 61 mk2 and three ROLI LUMIs - into one, for which the Osmose is a strong consideration. What is holding me is I am waiting for Arturia to come out with the mk3 of the Keylab and I'm hoping it will include polyphonic aftertouch/MPE support. The complicated part with the Osmose is their patch editor, which is not the easiest to understand. This may be a dealbreaker if you are into sound design. But if you are not, like the patches provided and/or are using it more as a controller, then that shouldn't be a problem. The KORG Keystage does have polyphonic aftertouch at a reasonable price point and the recent Native Instruments KONTROL-S keyboards have it also. I like being able to switch between playing styles. While I can certainly use more expressive playing, I am also used to the more static play-action/response. Therefore, I do like it when you can switch it on or off depending on what you are doing. Then there is adjusting sensitivities.
For sure, I'll be showing off the poly AT on the Kontrol keyboards as well soon... I still think it's nice to have choices and won't be sticking to just one or the other.
I purchased one of these when they came available and it has become my soloing synth of choice in the studio. I would love to see a step by step how to set it up as a controller in cubase as that is my main DAW.
@@jefgibbons And on Logic Pro it would be perfect ☺️ Thanks very much for this video, you've done a fantastic job. I've subscribed so I don't miss a thing.
Was there any solution to making the pitch bend bigger in Cubase, does it have snapping? I've just been switching to Cubase from Bitwig (it handles MPE very well). Hopefully there's a solution to that in Cubase.
I'm still struggling whether it's for me. I had a continuumini so I know the engine. But it annoyed me that I had no interest or ability to patch it. I do find very few demos speak to me since they are often played with very standard bendy note jazz licks. No disrespect - not my thing. I'm a folkie with ambient leanings. I like experimental but subtle sounds. My feeling is that it feels "too much" in the sound department. Interesting take thanks. I kinda feel that in terms of my interests I'd be torn between what this offers and what the Soma Terra offers.
@@michaelzekonis8685 no indeed. And I get frustrated when it's as hard as that and then resent my purchase. Curse of adhd /asd But that said I did wish I could afford a continuum slim but they are mental expensive
Amazing instrument and keys.. What hard choosing between this and the Rise 2.. Jef: does the screen still lag a little? like does it feel slow chaning parameters?
Yeah it does lag a little as Loopop said in his vid... I want to get a Roli so I can really compare... Role might be great for orchestral composition since you can start each note at a variable volume (by where you place your finger front to back) With the Osmose your finger press always starts at a predetermined point-either from zero of from some other point you set... Does that make sense? It's more like a keyboard with supreme expressive control but wouldn't replace things like breath controllers or controllers with a y axis!
@@jefgibbons Hey Jeff. Thanks for answering, really helpful! I had not even thought about that difference, to be honest. My plan is to use the Roli ALOT with cello samples as well as the many crossover sounds electronic/organic sounds. As well as pad sounds. Hoping to incoorporate it in all my music. Would LOVE to see a proper comparison. There are not many of those I would say? And I love that those two companies really try to reinvent the keyboard making it much more expressive and intuitive to the touch.
This synth has very beautiful sounds, I've been waiting for a while to find a keyboard with such an expressive standard layout. I would be interested to know if it works as a midi controller on my virtual instruments and which ones recognize, even partially, its functionalities, preferably on Cubase 13 pro. Thank you so much.
It will work with any virtual instrument! It's easy to turn it into a regular controller, but it can also be an MPE controller for MPE capable virtual instruments. More vids to come!
Jef, Please share whether tracking into Cubase/Nuendo with Osmose require extra setup steps or whether it interfaces out of the box. I almost bought an Osmose, but am TERRIFIED from the many stories I've heard from people and read online regarding the difficulty of using it as a MIDI controller. If it requires extra steps, could you please post a Tutorial? I'd LOVE to own one. Full Context: Usage-Arrangement Composition (largely orchestral) / No live performances Primary DAWs: Cubase/Nuendo/Reason/Studio One/Bitwig ONLY want to accurate record and edit MIDI expression with Osmose... I can go back and move notes for it later (rescale/repitch). I'd also LOVE to be able to play in notes based upon software based locks such as Scaler 2 (or others) I REALLY hope that they have plug & play functionality so that Steinberg software automatically recognizes it/maps it... I really don't want to have to try to MIDI remote map this thing.
Hey Sekrit! That’s a good idea… maybe even an Osmose in multiple programs vid… it’s not pretty getting things set up in Cubase so I’d love to save people the mistakes I made! Also digging into controlling orchestral instruments with it. More to come!
@jefgibbons Thank you SO MUCH!!! I could be FAR more confident about ordering it if I had guides such as these (likely many other people who are apprehensive due to their due diligence research as well.) BTW, if I may ask as "starter" question... when connecting via USB, does the computer initially see it (with all of its channels)? Or did you have to create a MIDI controller in Cubase MIDI remote?
@@sekritskworl-sekrit_studios Good question, and I don't use the MIDI remote, but you do have to make a MIDI Note expression device, same as with the ROLI, and the downside is that it keeps getting reset every time I close Cubase! Big pain... @musictechtuition has a great vid on it already: th-cam.com/video/7qMO02bxFy4/w-d-xo.html
Is there an equivalent software VST that can be installed in Cubase, so I can control the same sounds within the DAW? Not a big fan of having to use external hardware to manufacture audio.
The big thing here is the hardware, I don't think you can get the EagenMatrix software without some hardware... but look at Imagine by Expressive E for the physical modelling stuff, I have a vid on it in the description!
@@jefgibbons I think I'm right in saying that the patches for Haken's Continuum, which is where Expressive E got the EaganMatrix from, were originally developed in Kyma. The Osmose and these other platforms all rely heavily on DSP chips, not general purpose CPUs, so there isn't going to be a VST version now or soon. But as you say there are other VSTs, and products like NI's Prism, that tick some of the boxes, and they are definitely worth checking out.
Definitely Osmose is way better to play than Seaboards. Osmose is almost like any keyboard (in a good way) so straight away everything is there and works. I play Roli for several years already and it appears to me like a different instrument and needs to be learned and trained.
@@jefgibbons really would allow me to record my roli and equator software inside rather than using an excellent daw and bouncing that audio and importing the process is quite annoying for multiple tracks.
@@jefgibbons Yes but I still have to host MPE software in a DAW that can recognize the multi-channel because the seaboard is a MIDI controller not a synth it doesn't record external audio it has to go through the sound card somehow. Plus recording audio directly doesn't allow me to change any parameters or any notes later on . I have to make multiple tracks in either Ableton or studio One and then export the audio that way and edit it back if I need it. I use exclusively inside of maschine as the limitations can get constraints tend to lead me to be more creative and better workflow.
@@wesleyforman8391 Gotcha, yeah that's complicated! But I also get your point of Maschine... there's something magical about it... but dang we need an update!
I have to stop watching because I can feel my GAS rising, I can't play a keyboard so it would be wasted on me but still I feel that I would love to own this keyboard. I have to go now or temptation will overcome my willpower, so Bye for now 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤤🤤🤤🤤
I can't play a keyboard either, but it sure is FUN to learn on! and much easier than trying to play all of the other types of instruments that this can potentially model or control vial VST's
Cool but not revolutionary to music. It won't change the music world in a fundamental way. Pitch bend wheels and expresion pedals will not be rendered obsolete. It has new options along with new limitations.
This synth has changed the way I think about composition. No hyperbole, but it's like the angels of inspiration came down, sat next to me, and started whispering ideas to me. I can't wait to see what you do with this instrument.
Man I wish you sent me that earlier… that was the intro I needed!!!
I want one of these but i hope they build an 88 key version i am not a fan of anything less than 88 keys
Would like to see examples of mpe soft synths etc, uvi, swam, orchestral stuff, Arturia...
In the works!
I have a Roli Seaboard (49 note) that I use a lot during recording. It most certainly has its place, but the fact that this keyboard has traditional keys makes it very alluring. Thank you for the great description of what this kbd has to offer.
Thanks! Yeah, something about the keys makes this instantly playable, doesn't take long to adapt and get to the new levels of control.
I agree with Jef it feels natural within minutes. I have a couple Roli devices too and enjoy them. This feels right though.
man i'm so excited to try this thing some day, really does look like a generational leap
I think you'll dig it Dylan! Good to hear from you!
🙏🙌👑🖤
Great video man. Thank you. I have been playing an Osmose for a few months now and I’m excited to trying with some software but also I haven’t even gotten through all of the presets yet because I’ll be jamming on them for so long 😂
About time you got your hands on one of these🤩🤩🤩
So thankful for it!!!
@@jefgibbons You're blessed & deserve it ❤️💕❤️💕
Jef: Thank you for another motivating video! Question: If you load up a piano vst, can you play this like a piano and get reasonable results? Another way to ask the same question: could you survive with this as your main controller, considering just the key action? Thank you!
Yes! Great questions!
Great question! And yes… it feels amazing as a piano, you can quickly turn off the pitch bend… I just need one more octave for my playing so it depends on your needs!
The keys have a much deeper travel than any keyboard I've ever used and do not bottom out the same way as a traditional piano (springy sort of feel when pressing a note as it is interpreting every millimeter of travel instead of just triggering note on/off. So, for playing a piano VST, this key feel and extra travel does take some getting used to, especially when playing staccato. For this reason, I prefer using a traditional style controller for piano. The Osmose absolutely excels with controlling nearly every expressive sound, especially bowed and wind instruments due to the keys having this deeper travel and very nuanced reaction to finger movements. I absolutely love it.
Thank you!@@BubbleFilms This is very helpful for me all around. I am going to keep my traditional weighted controller and then have to figure out how to fit in the Osmose that I am going to order.
So I bought an Osmose, and love it. However I agree that it cannot be used in place of a weighted keyboard. One test I did was to set up PianoTeq on both. Everything BubbleFilms said is what I am experiencing. I would add that the Osmose flexibility prevents precision needed to play a piano in a controlled way. So it is a different instrument altogether like a guitar is different than a violin.
I definitely like their approach to this. I will be looking closely at these, thanks Jef!
Pretty dang cool… more vids coming!
I tried it at Superbooth 23 and it gave me a dozen new ideas within a few minutes. So while I would consider it less a "synth" than "a huge data base of very natural sounding regular instruments", I think I could still integrate it very well in my music (as your sound examples have shown, which sound very synth-like).
I love the title of this video. 😄
thanks for the video, really cool keyboard.
Very Tempting! That 1 year warranty.. it pushes me to think that this $1800 instrument may not handle the pass of time very well.... (having parts moving in an unconventional manner)
Pitch bend PER note! Yeah baby! Yeah!
So finally keyboardists have fingertip expression at individual fingers like a guitarist.
Exactly!
Or you could get a synth with polyphonic after touch and assign it to expression.
Great video ! How do you get a shirt ?
Killer instrument. Love it! 🥰🥰🥰🥰
Great new synth. Love to see more video's about it. Don't really know what questions to ask... Wonder when Logic will be able to handle the MIDI info from this instrument. (Guessing it's not compatible yet.)
It is! I am thinking of doing an MPE vid with a bunch of programs, Logic's implementation of MPE looks way better than Cubase ATM...
@@jefgibbons Oh, that's great to hear! Thanks for replying Jef. Looking forward to that video!
Yeah, that would be great! @@jefgibbons
@@jefgibbonsYes please 🎹♥️
Hi Jef, would love to see how this works as a controller for other MPE libraries, like SWAM for instance.
I've gotta get some SWAM instruments!
Or the settings needed to set up the IRCAM solo instruments by MPE would be awesome. They have a great demo of it from 3 years ago, but I can't seem to get the MPE to work by just using the MPE setting on the Osmose yet - have to workaround, but I could be missing something. Not in the Cookbook yet either, but it will be wonderful to be able to play other instrument libraries with full MPE support!
So the Osmose is quite impressive. In fact, I am looking to consolidate two different keyboard controllers - Arturia Keylab 61 mk2 and three ROLI LUMIs - into one, for which the Osmose is a strong consideration. What is holding me is I am waiting for Arturia to come out with the mk3 of the Keylab and I'm hoping it will include polyphonic aftertouch/MPE support.
The complicated part with the Osmose is their patch editor, which is not the easiest to understand. This may be a dealbreaker if you are into sound design. But if you are not, like the patches provided and/or are using it more as a controller, then that shouldn't be a problem. The KORG Keystage does have polyphonic aftertouch at a reasonable price point and the recent Native Instruments KONTROL-S keyboards have it also.
I like being able to switch between playing styles. While I can certainly use more expressive playing, I am also used to the more static play-action/response. Therefore, I do like it when you can switch it on or off depending on what you are doing. Then there is adjusting sensitivities.
For sure, I'll be showing off the poly AT on the Kontrol keyboards as well soon... I still think it's nice to have choices and won't be sticking to just one or the other.
Wow incredible ! Want !
I purchased one of these when they came available and it has become my soloing synth of choice in the studio. I would love to see a step by step how to set it up as a controller in cubase as that is my main DAW.
Hopefully I'll have a vid on that soon, stay tuned!
@@jefgibbons And on Logic Pro it would be perfect ☺️
Thanks very much for this video, you've done a fantastic job.
I've subscribed so I don't miss a thing.
Was there any solution to making the pitch bend bigger in Cubase, does it have snapping? I've just been switching to Cubase from Bitwig (it handles MPE very well). Hopefully there's a solution to that in Cubase.
Love it.
I'm still struggling whether it's for me. I had a continuumini so I know the engine. But it annoyed me that I had no interest or ability to patch it.
I do find very few demos speak to me since they are often played with very standard bendy note jazz licks. No disrespect - not my thing.
I'm a folkie with ambient leanings. I like experimental but subtle sounds.
My feeling is that it feels "too much" in the sound department.
Interesting take thanks.
I kinda feel that in terms of my interests I'd be torn between what this offers and what the Soma Terra offers.
agreed. Lovely sounds, but the Egan Matrix synth engine is not for the faint of heart.
@@michaelzekonis8685 no indeed. And I get frustrated when it's as hard as that and then resent my purchase. Curse of adhd /asd
But that said I did wish I could afford a continuum slim but they are mental expensive
Amazing instrument and keys.. What hard choosing between this and the Rise 2..
Jef: does the screen still lag a little? like does it feel slow chaning parameters?
Yeah it does lag a little as Loopop said in his vid... I want to get a Roli so I can really compare... Role might be great for orchestral composition since you can start each note at a variable volume (by where you place your finger front to back) With the Osmose your finger press always starts at a predetermined point-either from zero of from some other point you set... Does that make sense? It's more like a keyboard with supreme expressive control but wouldn't replace things like breath controllers or controllers with a y axis!
@@jefgibbons Hey Jeff. Thanks for answering, really helpful! I had not even thought about that difference, to be honest. My plan is to use the Roli ALOT with cello samples as well as the many crossover sounds electronic/organic sounds. As well as pad sounds. Hoping to incoorporate it in all my music. Would LOVE to see a proper comparison. There are not many of those I would say? And I love that those two companies really try to reinvent the keyboard making it much more expressive and intuitive to the touch.
This synth has very beautiful sounds, I've been waiting for a while to find a keyboard with such an expressive standard layout. I would be interested to know if it works as a midi controller on my virtual instruments and which ones recognize, even partially, its functionalities, preferably on Cubase 13 pro.
Thank you so much.
It will work with any virtual instrument! It's easy to turn it into a regular controller, but it can also be an MPE controller for MPE capable virtual instruments. More vids to come!
Yey, welcome back Jeff. Hope you raised a ton of money?!
I have never heard a single piece of music where I thought "this needs pitch bend".
Jef,
Please share whether tracking into Cubase/Nuendo with Osmose require extra setup steps or whether it interfaces out of the box.
I almost bought an Osmose, but am TERRIFIED from the many stories I've heard from people and read online regarding the difficulty of using it as a MIDI controller.
If it requires extra steps, could you please post a Tutorial? I'd LOVE to own one.
Full Context:
Usage-Arrangement Composition (largely orchestral) / No live performances
Primary DAWs: Cubase/Nuendo/Reason/Studio One/Bitwig
ONLY want to accurate record and edit MIDI expression with Osmose... I can go back and move notes for it later (rescale/repitch).
I'd also LOVE to be able to play in notes based upon software based locks such as Scaler 2 (or others)
I REALLY hope that they have plug & play functionality so that Steinberg software automatically recognizes it/maps it... I really don't want to have to try to MIDI remote map this thing.
Hey Sekrit! That’s a good idea… maybe even an Osmose in multiple programs vid… it’s not pretty getting things set up in Cubase so I’d love to save people the mistakes I made! Also digging into controlling orchestral instruments with it. More to come!
@jefgibbons Thank you SO MUCH!!! I could be FAR more confident about ordering it if I had guides such as these (likely many other people who are apprehensive due to their due diligence research as well.)
BTW, if I may ask as "starter" question... when connecting via USB, does the computer initially see it (with all of its channels)? Or did you have to create a MIDI controller in Cubase MIDI remote?
@@sekritskworl-sekrit_studios Good question, and I don't use the MIDI remote, but you do have to make a MIDI Note expression device, same as with the ROLI, and the downside is that it keeps getting reset every time I close Cubase! Big pain... @musictechtuition has a great vid on it already: th-cam.com/video/7qMO02bxFy4/w-d-xo.html
Is there an equivalent software VST that can be installed in Cubase, so I can control the same sounds within the DAW? Not a big fan of having to use external hardware to manufacture audio.
The big thing here is the hardware, I don't think you can get the EagenMatrix software without some hardware... but look at Imagine by Expressive E for the physical modelling stuff, I have a vid on it in the description!
@@jefgibbons I think I'm right in saying that the patches for Haken's Continuum, which is where Expressive E got the EaganMatrix from, were originally developed in Kyma. The Osmose and these other platforms all rely heavily on DSP chips, not general purpose CPUs, so there isn't going to be a VST version now or soon. But as you say there are other VSTs, and products like NI's Prism, that tick some of the boxes, and they are definitely worth checking out.
I would like to see drums paches not percussion only.
I WAAAAAAAAAANT IT!!!!!!!!
You'd looooooove it!!!
Osmose is way better to play than the spongy rubbery styrofoam seaboard!!
I haven’t played with the Roli enough to compare!
Definitely Osmose is way better to play than Seaboards. Osmose is almost like any keyboard (in a good way) so straight away everything is there and works. I play Roli for several years already and it appears to me like a different instrument and needs to be learned and trained.
Wish maschine was mpe compatible
Same!
@@jefgibbons really would allow me to record my roli and equator software inside rather than using an excellent daw and bouncing that audio and importing the process is quite annoying for multiple tracks.
@@wesleyforman8391 For sure... at this point the easiest way to use it is just to record as audio in Maschine... Far from ideal!
@@jefgibbons Yes but I still have to host MPE software in a DAW that can recognize the multi-channel because the seaboard is a MIDI controller not a synth it doesn't record external audio it has to go through the sound card somehow. Plus recording audio directly doesn't allow me to change any parameters or any notes later on . I have to make multiple tracks in either Ableton or studio One and then export the audio that way and edit it back if I need it. I use exclusively inside of maschine as the limitations can get constraints tend to lead me to be more creative and better workflow.
@@wesleyforman8391 Gotcha, yeah that's complicated! But I also get your point of Maschine... there's something magical about it... but dang we need an update!
I have to stop watching because I can feel my GAS rising, I can't play a keyboard so it would be wasted on me but still I feel that I would love to own this keyboard. I have to go now or temptation will overcome my willpower, so Bye for now 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤤🤤🤤🤤
Ha! Stay strong! ;)
I can't play a keyboard either, but it sure is FUN to learn on! and much easier than trying to play all of the other types of instruments that this can potentially model or control vial VST's
not relevant, but: Thanx for gettting rid of the moustache! Sorry go on please. ;-)
Ha! Amazing how deeply people felt about it!
@@jefgibbons Love your content. With or without it!
Cool but not revolutionary to music. It won't change the music world in a fundamental way. Pitch bend wheels and expresion pedals will not be rendered obsolete. It has new options along with new limitations.