Which solution is right for you?

Organ player using a virtual tonewheel organ

You want to control drawbars and other organ functions while recording, not just enter notes. Pay particular attention to how the controller connects to your organ plug-in.

Home producer working with several instruments

You record organ parts, but also use the same keyboard for other software instruments and DAW controls. Check that its controls work with your software.

Player sharing a workspace

Your desk also serves as your home-working space. The room available and whether you want to play without a computer may influence your choice.

What should you look for when choosing?

Organ-focused MIDI controller

A good fit if: you want to control drawbars and organ functions directly as you play.

Bear in mind: Crumar says the DK61 sends fixed MIDI CC messages and has no built-in sounds; check that it works with your software.

MIDI keyboard with assignable faders

A good fit if: you want to control other instruments and DAW functions with the same keyboard too.

Bear in mind: faders don’t automatically work as drawbars; check that you can assign them to functions in your organ plug-in.

Instrument with built-in organ sounds

A good fit if: you want to play without a computer as well as record MIDI.

Bear in mind: Studiologic says the Numa Compact 2x is 127 cm wide; measure your workspace to check it will fit.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Direct organ control Check for physical drawbars, percussion and rotary controls, and MIDI CC compatibility with your plug-in. Crumar lists nine drawbars and fixed CC messages for the DK61. If you want to adjust the organ sound as you play without using a mouse, direct control could be a major consideration. Around 36% of consumers put this first.
DAW and other instruments Check compatibility with your DAW, whether the faders are assignable, and how the keyboard works with your organ software. Novation and Arturia each list nine faders on the 61-key models mentioned here. If you want one keyboard to control other software instruments and DAW functions too, versatility matters. Around 29% of consumers prioritise versatile recording controls.
Desk space Measure the available width and depth, including room for cables, and compare them with the dimensions of the exact model. Arturia lists the KeyLab Essential 61 mk3 at 890 × 240 × 70 mm; Studiologic gives the Numa Compact 2x a width of 127 cm. If your workspace also serves as your home office, you’ll want to know how much room the instrument takes up and how many keys you need. Around 21% of consumers prioritise the space available in their workspace.
Sound without a computer Decide whether you’ll only send MIDI to software or also want to play independently. If you want the latter, check the built-in sounds and audio outputs. If you sometimes want to play without a computer, a built-in sound source can influence your choice. Around 14% of consumers put standalone playing first.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming a MIDI controller is a complete, playable organ

    A MIDI controller without built-in sounds sends data to a sound source, but doesn’t produce organ sounds itself. Crumar says the DK61 has no integrated sound; the Studiologic Numa Compact 2x does have its own organ sounds, according to the manufacturer.

    Decide in advance where the sound will come from and how you want to record and listen to it.

    With a controller that has no built-in sounds, you’ll also need a suitable sound source and a way to listen to it.

  • Assuming nine faders will work as nine drawbars straight away

    Faders can control software parameters, but how they work depends on how they’re assigned to your plug-in. The DK61’s fixed MIDI CC messages may also need to be configured on the receiving end if you’re using software other than VB3 II.

    Check the MIDI Learn or CC options in your organ software, as well as the assignments for the exact controller model.

    Assigning parameters may take extra set-up time.

  • Comparing only the number of keys

    The number of keys doesn’t tell you how much desk space the instrument takes up. The stated widths vary: Crumar lists the DK61 at 90 cm, while Studiologic gives the Numa Compact 2x a width of 127 cm.

    Measure the space available and compare the dimensions of the exact model, as well as the key feel and controls.

Brands worth comparing

Crumar

Crumar designed the DK61 for direct control of virtual tonewheel organs.

  • Crumar says the DK61 has 61 waterfall keys and nine drawbars, with controls for rotary and percussion, among other functions.
  • Crumar says the model has no built-in sounds and sends fixed MIDI CC messages; check that it works with your software.

Novation

The Launchkey 61 MK4 is designed for DAW control as well as playing software instruments.

  • Novation lists 61 keys, nine faders and customisable control modes.
  • These features don’t guarantee that a specific organ plug-in is preconfigured to work as you want; check the connection and assignments.

Arturia

The KeyLab Essential 61 mk3 combines MIDI input with controls for a software-based home studio.

  • Arturia lists 61 keys, nine faders, DAW scripts and a pedal input.
  • An included software bundle doesn’t in itself confirm that it contains the organ sound or drawbar mapping you want.

Studiologic

The Numa Compact 2x is an alternative if you want built-in organ sounds as well as MIDI.

  • Studiologic says the model has 88 keys, built-in organ sounds, MIDI functions and audio outputs.
  • Its stated width is 127 cm; measure your shared workspace to check it will fit.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Can I hear and record an organ part with just a MIDI controller?

Not if the controller has no built-in sounds: it sends MIDI data to a sound source. Crumar says the DK61 has no integrated sound. So also check which software or other sound source and audio output you’ll need for your recording.

Will the DK61’s drawbars work straight away with every organ plug-in?

Don’t assume they will. Crumar says the DK61 sends fixed MIDI CC messages and is designed for VB3 II. With other plug-ins, check whether you can configure the receiving parameters to suit.

What should I check when connecting to my computer?

Check the USB connection, MIDI input in your DAW and selected sound source. Arturia says the KeyLab Essential mk3 supports MIDI communication via USB-C; also check what configuration you need for DAW control.

Can I return a controller bought online in the Netherlands, and contact the manufacturer if it’s faulty?

For eligible distance sales from a business, the Government of the Netherlands says you’ll generally have a 14-day cooling-off period; check the terms of the specific purchase. If a product is faulty, the seller is responsible for providing a solution, according to the Government of the Netherlands. There is no fixed statutory warranty period in the Netherlands that applies to all products.