MPE hardware is splitting into two camps. One side builds the best possible way to play, then lets software supply the sound. The other builds a self-contained instrument that listens to MPE natively. Two recent products illustrate both approaches clearly: Expressive E's Osmose CE and the second-generation Töörö from Fred's Lab.
Osmose CE: the keybed without the engine
When Expressive E unveiled the Osmose CE ahead of Superbooth 2026, MusicRadar reported that it uses the same MPE keybed as the 2023 Osmose but drops the built-in EaganMatrix synth engine. Pricing is $999 for 49 keys and $1,199 for 61 keys, noticeably below the synth version. The article does not give an exact shipping date.
To make up for the missing engine, Expressive E offers Ctrl-e, a free companion plugin with a library of sounds mapped to the keybed. It hosts engines from Synapse Audio, AAS, Kilohearts, GForce, Dawesome and Vital, covering wavetable, physical modelling and analog modelling. Each preset has eight macros, and the MPE Arpeggiator and Press Glide are available.
The keybed responds to seven gestures: Tap, Press, Pitch Bend, Vibrato, Shake, Strum and Note-Off. The CE can behave as a traditional MIDI controller, a full MPE controller, or anywhere in between, which is handy if your DAW or plugin does not handle MPE well. Dedicated controls cover transport, track and device navigation and mixer functions, and Ctrl-e presets can be browsed from the hardware. MusicRadar lists Ableton Live, Cubase, Bitwig and Logic Pro as compatible with these controls. For connectivity there is 5-pin DIN MIDI In, Out and Thru, USB-C and two assignable pedal inputs.
The idea is clear: spend the money on the touch surface, and let the computer handle sound.
Töörö mkII: an MPE module with an analog filter
Fred's Lab goes the other way. Designed by Frédéric Meslin, the original Töörö appeared at SynthFest France in 2020 and was pulled from the market when some components became unavailable. According to Synth Anatomy, the mkII is a revision rather than a simple reissue.
It offers six hybrid voices with four-part multitimbrality. Each voice has two complex digital oscillators with waveform morphing, two-operator linear phase modulation and self-sync. The oscillators are now 16-bit, up from 12-bit, which the article says improves the noise floor and reduces zipper noise. There is also a new noise source and ring modulator, and an analog FL A847 12 dB/octave low-pass filter with auto-oscillation and saturation, plus a digital shaper.
For expressive players, the key detail is the mode switch. By default the unit runs four-part multitimbral, but you can change it to MPE mode, which supports two zones (lower and upper). That gives two simultaneous patches with three-axis MPE expressivity. Connectivity includes balanced main outputs, two independent dual-voice outputs, 5-pin MIDI In and Out, and USB, which powers the unit and carries data.
Pre-orders are priced at €499 including VAT. It ships from Germany, and the first batch is reportedly almost sold out, scheduled to ship in October 2026.
What this means for players
The two products are not really competitors. Pair an Osmose CE with a Töörö mkII, and you have an expressive keybed driving a hardware voice with a real analog filter, no computer sound engine required. Alternatively, pair either one with your favorite plugin and the roles reverse.
The broader trend is worth noting. Controller-only versions let expressive keyboards reach players who already own sound sources. Small-batch modules show that independent builders still see MPE as a reason to make hardware. For buyers, the practical question is whether you want your expression chain to live inside your DAW or on your desk. Both options now exist at sensible price points.