Holly shit Neutrik NP3X connectors suck.

[Metaltastic]

Hmm, the 25w Soldering Iron from RS was exactly what I used, and it worked ok for me! Maybe I just prefer something not so hot cuz I'm something of a soldering n00b

 

[Nebulous]

Put a little solder in the cup before trying to solder the wire in.

Just a tiny bit, the put the wire on top, heat the wire, feed n the solder and bobs your uncle

That's how I do it too.

 

[MetallyGuitarded]

Yeah man fuck these suck. Here check this out (also a Neutrik connector)

Notice the tip and the ring are nowhere near the ground. The tip and the ring connections are not as close together either!

I can't tell from the pics but are the second type you posted different from the Switchcraft type? That first one looks nice but you gotta have your cable prep'd JUST right to get that on without overheating the adjacent wire.

 

[AudioGeekZine]

first of all find the macro button on your camera and start the thread over again.

 

[Loren Littlejohn]

It was a cell phone camera.

And yes the second connector is the same as a switchcraft in the way they are (where the shield crimps onto the cable). Way easier to work with. I can see why the pain in the ass ones are better (those crimped ones are more likely to yank out and fuck your contacts up, although since these are studio cables they are not really gonna be abused to bad).