Powerbook Output And Input Max/msp Options

[godard]

Hello Forum people,

it's the first time i post since i just started learning the basics of computer music and especially max/msp.

i have some questions and will post them in order so i can be clear:

1) i am using a double socket to output from the powerbook headphones output to a)home speakers and b) to the powerbook input.
could this damage the audio card?
i want to be able to play something in max/msp and write it at the same time in cubase - is that possible?is it possible to use the filters and effects realtime?(without having to record the music first?)

2) as i understand i need a midi controller box to control the parametres in max/msp. please recomend a good and cheap one.

3) i need to control the output -small console with knobs for treble, bass -equalizers.(i always forget the name of this thing).
can i do that at the same time through another software in max/msp?
could you please recomend a small- cheap-good one?

please help i really love max msp and need to move on

p.s any links recomended for masic stuff needed for outputing/performing with a laptop will be much apreciated.

thanks!!