Neutrik NC3 FXX-B

These sockets do everything well:
- They are completely robust
- The lock mechanism is intuitive and easy to use
- They grip the cable extremely well
- They give a reliable, low resistance connection
- They can be colour coded with little rings (XXR) or backs (BXX)
- They are really easy to assemble: Great big solder buckets, clear markings and the only thing you need to put onto the cable before you strip it is one part: the back.

If you want to save some money the same socket is available with a nickel case instead of black.

There is also a slightly cheaper model with silver plated connections instead of gold (part NC3 FXX BAG). Eventually the gold plating on these sockets will wear away; while the silver plating on the Ag model is thicker, but silver is subject to tarnishing by airborne sulphides, so choose by your application.

If you want to pay a bit more there is a model with rhinestones embedded in it, but I haven't yet met that special someone who wants an XLR connector...

So this is the second time buying a load of these

Obviously you need to buy the male ends as well (they work together duh!) to complete your XLRs but this can make the cost of these add up quite fast.

They are honestly the best in quality, you can't beat them! That is why every professional studio ever uses Neutrik ends on their cables. They sound absolutely fantastic, they look awesome all in black with the little rainbow logo on them and the build quality is exceptional. I guess the gold plated parts of these make a difference to the sound, whatever it is they are awesome.

I use these for recording in various studios music for film an TV. I also make sample libraries and am a professional session Guitarist and i use the cables with these ends for all of my work.

I combined these with the Sommer Highflex cable. They sound fantastic together and if you buy a 100 meters of the Highflex they give you a bulk deal on the stuff. I went with the purple so my cables would stand out.

Unfortunately because of the nature of building cables you usually end up getting too carried away with ordering hundreds of meters of cable and forget about the cost of the ends. The price of these may be small for one but when you need 20 female and male ends it adds up. But buy them once and you wont have to buy them again is what i say!

Pros:
Professional in every way
Sound fantastic
Easy to solder and assemble
The name says it all
Look very cool

Cons:
The cost of these adds up quickly

I value my cables a lot, get these and make them yourself to save some money and get some high quality cables. You wont regret it!