could anyone help this newbie out and explain a little on how to wire Neutrik 550-10284 jacks instead of the switchcraft?  help would be appreciated.

ps im a newbie  

To use cables and the DMM set to beep mode whenever I'm in doubt about where connections are, and aren't made.
 Plug the cable in, and take notes on where every possible connection could be made. Then unplug the cable and do the same again. Very easy to miss one on these jacks, or get one you don't see...
 I'm not familiar with New tricks...lol !!! Hope this helps !

anybody? these are the 4 pin, enclosed kind

I've bought their clone versions of the switch craft... not sure of the part.  No probmems.  i think i am going to switch to them.

Brian

Hubble: It really is easiest to figure it out with a meter (although Neutrik has pdf datasheets online). It's probably a streo, ground-switching thingie.
Insert an opened-up jackplug into the jack. Do a continuity test: first clip one lead onto the internal tip lug of the jackplug. Touch the other lead to all of the jack's terminals. Mark down what connects to what and switch to the ring, and later the sleeve. This 'll leave you with 3 terminals connected to tip/ring/sleeve and one that's not connected (or might be connected to the sleeve as well - haven't seen it, but I could imagine it being handy)
Now take out the jackplug. clip one lead to the terminal on the jack that connected to the tip. Check the other three terminals. repeat for the ring, and then sleeve.
If you now look at your notes carefully, you'll have figured out what goes where in both conditions (with and without a plug inserted)
It really pays to get even a simple multimeter with audio contunuity tester (beep). They're cheap and are really, really necessary for problem solving and stuff like this. You could also rig something up with a battery, LED and resistor, but a meter is just plain easier. And measures voltages. and tells you a whole lot more
hih