Rikki, Vquestor's suggestion is a good one. I will go toward that approach once I upgrade my music computer. Here is an example:
http://sys.us.shuttle.com/

Bachus, your knowledge about controllers is likely much more than mine. I have heard only good things about the CME and the company's newer version controllers. There may be other controllers of even higher quality, for example:
http://www.viscount.it/products.asp?idcat1=-250368922