yad_man wrote: im about to receive my new 01v digital mixer, and im wondering if anybody could enlighten me on something before i get to use it...

1. how complicated/easy is DAW control with the 01v (Cubase SX2 implied)

Should be possible but not very easy

yad_man wrote: 2. which of these 2 sound cards is better recommended for use with this mixer: MOTU 2408 or RME Hammerfall (considering i dont want to be using ADATs), mostly straight to PC recording of up to 8 tracks simultaneously

It does not matter wich card you will combine with the mixer. It's more important how they play with your PC.

yad_man wrote: 3. anything interesting i should know about the 01v

RTFM

yad_man wrote: 4. and lastly, is the 01v96 truely better than the 01v (aside from the obvious ie bigger display, 100mm faders, etc...)

Hm ... it's a different dimension. DAW control is implemented, better preamp more possibilitys like surround sound better routing capabilities
It has a build in ADAT link, better faders, more processing channels and more buses and auxes

the 01V with Cubase SX1.x had EXTENSIVE control capabilities, and was very easy to set up. Controlled pretty much everything - level, pan, mute, sends, eq.

Somehow they broke the control template in SX2 allowing for only control of level.

I haven't upgraded yet - but supposedly, it works great again in SX3.
"-)