I am using a Novation Launchpad 61 and an older M-Audio Axiom 25 both working fine with Sonar using the AZ controller including with the Novation the use of voice prompts when switching from standard pad/knob/fader use to In-Control settings to control various parameters such as WAI. also using the transport controls successfully on either if and when required.

When people say "controllers", I tend to think of hardware that only have faders, knobs and buttons to control the various functions like the Behringer X-TOUCH.  I never thought of my MIDI keyboard as a "controller". even though it does have 32 assignable knobs, faders, buttons, and transport controls, along with 88 MIDI keys (which to me, is it's main function....playing notes)

But I see a lot of people are listing their MIDI keyboards as controllers.  So I guess I'll add my M-Audio Oxygen 88 as the controller I use.   I did try and setup the faders, knobs and buttons to work with Sonar, but I never got past being able to assign them globally for all projects.  I just got the faders assigned to work with the various tracks, but when I opened a new project, those assigned faders were no longer assigned.

So put me in the group of people who prefer to use my mouse to adjust everything, instead of hardware.  That's what I'm used to I guess.   I'm sure if I got it set up properly, I'd probably use it all the time..   It's like people who just have one video monitor and are happy with it.  But if you have multiple video monitors, you'll never want to go back to just one screen.

Mackie MCU / the old one. Uses midi not usb, no drivers required. Takes 2 minutes to set up and the controllers can be bought for 200 to 300 bucks used. IMO its the best deal for something with motorized faders.

I'm using Behringer X-Touch-mini and AZ Control, works for what I need. 

listen
Here is where I am at - I have a VS 700 Console & I/O need to upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10.  Got a new computer with Windows 10 and the VS 700 Console & I/O does not work with Windows 10.   So again, who is using what controller with SPLAT???
(Without any problems)!!!!

Mackie MCU Pro.

I use a PreSonus Fader port at the desk and a Frontier Tranzport in the booth. Planning to upgrade to the PreSonus Faderport 16.

I'm using an Novation SL MkII 49 and just because I like the dedicated transport buttons better (and because I had it anyway) I'm using a Roland / Cakewalk V-Studio 20 with a driver that I hacked so that W10 thinks it's a W10 driver.

Why doesn't the OP use the VS-700 until it dies?

Behringer X-Touch - look around for the Cakewalk/Sonar overlay. It all works very well.

Had to ditch my beloved Frontier Tranzport due to old drivers crashing Win10 Pro x64.

Have yet to find an iPad app thats designed for Sonar and not originally made for ProTools or Cubase...

Another vote for the Behringer X-Touch.