Topic: Using 3rd-party MIDI controller instead of ARC?

I would like a controller that can do what USB ARC does but with more knobs so I can control phones and main output level without the need to press a button first. Before I waste an afternoon, I was wondering if someone who has tried this before would care to comment. Is it doable? Will I be able to integrate the third-party controller as nicely as the USB ARC? Can the ARC be impersonated with a programmable MIDI controller? (would be interested in a MIDI implementation chart if anyone has one) Thanks