why do they look diff in the pics of the preamps? like the UA5 vs the V3.
The UA5 uses non-locking XLRs (which also contain a 1/4" connector) on the front panel.
The mic inputs on the UA5 are both XLR and 1/4" stereo jack... You can use either, they both fit into the UA5 jack...
As for 3 pin/XLR, I think there are 3 varieties: 3pin analog (what 99%) of us use, 4pin XLR (have no idea), and digital XLR or AES (methinks).
Get 2 equal length male to female 3 pin XLR mic cables and you'll be set...
Canare is a great cable, as is Blue cable. Get the Kiwi or Blueberry... Or order some canare qaud-cable from somewhere...
Later, once you are more expereinced, you can move up to a "better" mic cable, but if you get canare, you may never get another cable...
Terry