I am an avid user of softsynths. I won't claim they are better than hardware in a studio, because that's an individual judgement, and I think both have their place. I really like hardware boards btw.

I will say that using softsynths gives me many more options for upgrading sounds and effects inexpesively, while taking up much less space vs using and acquiring hardware modules.

I agree with Fran. I had an M Audio controller. It was very useful feature wise, but the keys felt awful to me. I am currently using my Motif ES6 as a controller.

The Es does have a ribbon controller along with 4 controllable knobs and 4 sliders. Each each knob can control up to 3 parameters via switching. Without using any add on pedals, I can adjust and control 18 parameters, including using the mod wheel but not including use of the pitch wheel. Normally that's more than enough, but with some of the Virtual Analogs, I actually could use a few more.

AJ