Have you looked into hui/mackie/prosonus or any other single fader units protocol way more accurate than 127 steps of midi, wondering if theres a better way to sample that data.
On another note, in my storage locker, I have a Neve V3 60 FF console,
Neve libra with Encore... the Encore looks like the faders used an optical wiper.
My SSL A series again is interesting too..magnetic induced coils, bloody things would creep by them selves if not calibrated and would also get stupid hot if not dialed in.
But for the most part.. almost all Large format consoles need to operate as a slave on a Smpte time based sync, someone needs to drive.. now we have MMC and other digital sync Midas over Ethernet is very cool too. $400 gets you a behringer controller that will do the job nicely to most DAWS. hence my large format consoles in storage LOL!!