i know nothing about desks, but soundcards, id recomend focusrites saffie 6. its what im running and a lot of guys who are now pretty big in the scene ran them (they always seem to be selling them on ebay now there getting more dollar). if your not running a soundcard at the moment the sound will be hugely different!
Motu Ultralite. Cost bit more. but last for ever... Best AD/DA converters and full compatibility with even martian os... I have my Motu since 2007, MK1. Still working like new, and I've been around Europe with that.
oh so you want to eq with the actual mixing desk?!?!?!? surely all that is done in cubase. like i say i have no idea why you would like a mixing desk?? im actually a noob with stuff like that. could you explain the main reasons for getting one.........im starting to feel im missing out on something!
I personally had one Tascam FW 1082 years ago, it is a great piece of DAW control! I sold it just because I was in need of money.
That and the M-Audio they both works as excellent soundcard and DAW control with Mackie control and motorised faders.