[BBJones]

I'm assuming you set up the VST devices and can add and map audio tracks to projects?

Assuming that...

Press F3 for the mixer and just make sure you're getting a decent amount of signal.

The rear inputs have the +/- to give you some adjustment on input levels since you don't have gain/volume knobs like the front 10.

None of the features do anything to the sound as far as know of (like the acoustic guitar button making it sound better when you use an acoustic guitar). Its all about getting decent levels.

I have been using cubase for a few years now and by no means a pro.

Best thing is to just make sure you're getting a signal on the track you expect, then do some sample recording.

Try the mic in different places, try the +/- buttons and the gain knobs/accoustic button etc until you end up with recording samples that you like.