>Anybody else been able to replicate a good, MPC-like workflow
>from software w/ a controller? I still sample from vinyl, btw,
>so recording into the computer will probably require an
>additional component along with this controller.

...i use ableton live and a push and a midi keyboard with an audio interface
To sample from vinyl you'd definitely need an audio interface...
There are customised drum rack presets for Ableton floating around the internet that can make it more MPC like...Ski Beatz had a link to one he built on his youtube channel years ago....I downloaded it then. I think he deaded the link at some point....
I can't judge how MPC like it is because I've never used an MPC but it's pretty cool...
I now use a modified version of it to do my chopping..

That's the beauty of programs like Ableton though...it's totally customisable...the learning curve is a bit steep but once you get the basics...it opens so many doors..I don't know any two people who use it the same.