Hooking up a preamp, power supply, and mic to my sound card

[paullypaull]

I just rented am Art Pro Channel preamp, and an Apex 460 mic. I dont know how to hook them up and the guy at the music store didnt tell me much. Could someone tell me what the chain is to hook these up. Also, in the case that carried the mic and power supply, there was a small multi-pronged lightbulb type thing; I dont know where it goes or if I even need it. Finally, at the back of the preamp there are 1/4 inch plugs that are called loop inserts or something, and I am wondering if I need to physically connect them with patch cords, or is that just if I am going to bypas the compressor, preamp or EQ. Long post yes, answer what you can, thanks!