Question

Adding a way to duplicate a pad, adjust start and end points and globally adjust pitch would take the atom/impact combo over the top for me and a lot of other samplebased producers.

Answer 1

Check Google for the Atom SQ.  I own an Atom but the SQ is something I am very serious about buying.  

Answer 2

Updated annswer:- I received my Atom SQ a few days back.  It does work in concert with the original Atom and expands on control of the Impact XT giving superior control over the patterns feature.  There is much more I haven't found yet, but the instructions seem to imply that the SQ is a far superior controller.