Few questions....
How many inputs do you need? Are you only using 2 line outputs from your MPC or are you using multiple outputs?
By recording records... do you physically mean sampling records? Or do you mean recording vocals?
Depending on your answer... i'd be looking at focusrite scarlett or roland quad capture interfaces for under $300. Don't hear virtually any issues about the Roland unit... and the scarlett is said to have pretty god preamps for this price range.
If you need more ins... i'd consider a used Presonus firestudio. Can pro9bably find one from guitar center's used website for $300 or under
Not much to worry about the pres if you're only recording line level stuff.
I guess that makes sense cause I want the cleanest possible signal to take to the studio. My concern was in the past I have had Mbox's, MOTU and other high end amateur cards. When I took the sessions into the studio the engineers would always find extras sounds. I was just recording my MPC 2500 straight into the sound card, The engineers even gave me proper studio jacks cause it use to drive them nuts having to strip the sounds out before a session.
So I guess then its just personal taste, do any come with Cubase?.
Another question....I started on Cubase many many moons and really liked the way it connected with old and new MIDI devices and generally though it was a solid DAW. But most of the engineers only used PT and said it completely slayed cubase. Honestly how true is that or more of a personally opinion?.