Who is this choice relevant to?

Home recordists with few power sockets

For anyone recording organ parts via a computer who would rather not use an extra mains adaptor for their keyboard.

Players who want to control drawbars

For anyone who wants to adjust organ settings using physical controls while playing, and check that they can be mapped to their software.

Players who also want built-in organ sounds

For anyone who doesn’t want to rely solely on a software instrument and is comparing a MIDI controller with a keyboard that has built-in organ sounds.

What should you consider when choosing?

USB-powered MIDI controller

Suitable for: recording organ using a software instrument and using the keyboard without a separate power socket.

Bear in mind: the controller doesn’t produce organ sounds by itself; control mapping varies by software and model.

Keyboard with built-in organ sounds

Suitable for: anyone who wants to use built-in sounds or physical drawbars as well as MIDI.

Bear in mind: some features, such as the built-in speakers on the Studiologic Numa Compact SE/X SE, don’t work on USB power alone.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Power Check whether the exact model is powered via USB and whether the features you want to use work without a mains adaptor. I want to connect the keyboard without needing an extra power socket for it; around 36% of consumers prioritise avoiding a separate power supply.
Physical controls Count the controls on the model and check whether your organ software supports the MIDI mapping you want. I want to adjust organ settings using physical sliders while playing; around 29% of consumers prioritise this type of control.
Key range Match the number of keys to the parts you play and measure the available space for your setup. I want to play my parts across a suitable range without taking up more space than necessary; around 21% of consumers choose mainly based on key range.
Software compatibility Check which DAW is supported, that you’re using the right MIDI port and that the controls are mapped to your organ software. I want my controller to fit my DAW and plug-in workflow; around 14% of consumers give software compatibility top priority.

Things to consider before buying

  • USB doesn’t mean every feature works without an adaptor

    Studiologic says that the built-in speakers on the Numa Compact SE/X SE don’t work when the instrument is powered by USB alone.

    Check the power requirements for each feature and decide in advance whether you want to record MIDI or the instrument’s internal sound.

  • Sliders aren’t automatically organ drawbars

    How faders and other controls work depends on the MIDI mapping and the organ software you choose.

    Check the mapping in your own software and count how many parameters you want to control physically at the same time.

  • The Numa Compact SE and X SE are different models

    Studiologic says that physical drawbars are exclusive to the Numa Compact X SE.

    Check the full model name if physical organ controls are an important reason for your choice.

Relevant brands to compare

Novation

The Launchkey 61 MK4 is an option for computer-based recording, with a USB-powered keyboard, 61 keys and physical controls.

  • Novation lists nine faders; the manual states that it’s USB bus-powered.
  • Check whether your organ software can map the faders to the parameters you want.

Arturia

The KeyLab Essential 61 mk3 is designed for computer-based recording where USB power and MIDI and DAW control are important.

  • Arturia specifies USB-C power for the Essential mk3.
  • Arturia recommends connecting it directly to a USB port on your computer. Also check which MIDI port and control mapping your software needs.

M-Audio

The Oxygen Pro 61 is a 61-key controller for anyone looking for USB power and DAW control.

  • M-Audio says the Oxygen Pro can be powered via USB.
  • Automatic DAW mapping doesn’t necessarily mean the controls are mapped to your organ plug-in.

Nektar

The Impact LX61 mk3 is a 61-key controller with USB-C power and DAW integration for the software listed by Nektar.

  • Nektar lists eight faders for the mk3 series.
  • If you want to control nine organ parameters at once using separate physical faders, consider a different layout or way of working.

Studiologic

The Numa Compact X SE is an alternative for anyone who wants built-in organ sounds and physical drawbars as well as MIDI.

  • Studiologic says the X SE has physical drawbars.
  • Studiologic says the built-in speakers don’t work on USB power alone; the standard SE model doesn’t have physical drawbars.

Joybuy products

A keyboard with USB-MIDI and built-in features for anyone looking for a keyboard for computer-based recording.

Black 61-key keyboard, MIDI controller and speakers

61-key keyboard with MIDI controller and recording function

For anyone looking for USB-MIDI and built-in keyboard features for computer-based recording. USB-MIDI on its own doesn’t mean the keyboard is powered via USB.

61 keys, 500 sounds, built-in speakers, metronome and music stand.

Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Will you get an organ sound as soon as you connect a USB-MIDI controller?

No, a MIDI controller doesn’t produce organ sounds on its own. Use a sound source on your computer and check that the correct MIDI input and software instrument are selected in your DAW.

Do the built-in speakers on the Studiologic Numa Compact X SE work on USB power alone?

No. Studiologic says the built-in speakers won’t work on USB power alone; check the power requirements if you want to use them.

Can you use a MIDI controller’s faders as drawbars straight away?

Not automatically: the faders need to be mapped to the organ parameters you want. Check the MIDI settings in your own plug-in and consider how many controls you want to use at the same time.

What can you do if the Arturia KeyLab Essential mk3 doesn’t work properly via a USB hub?

Arturia recommends connecting the controller directly to a USB port on your computer rather than using a hub.

Can you return a MIDI controller bought online if it isn’t right for you?

For many purchases made online from a business in the Netherlands, you have a 14-day cooling-off period. The Dutch government distinguishes between buying from a business and buying from a private individual; check which terms apply to your purchase.