Naive question about connections.

Neutrik is just a company/brand name for high-quality plugs and jacks of all kinds.

These are plug types:

XLR is XLR (also known as Cannon)

1/4" is phone (6.3 mm)

Not sure what you mean with that cross-like input, what card(s) are you looking at?

 

Those are combination inputs - it will take either XLR or 1/4". (though the picture is kinda self evident. )
A mic usually has XLR, right JMX? So you wouldn't need an adapter. And the OmniStudio provides phantom power to that jack so you can hook your mic directly into it.
Nice little unit.

But I'd be wary of getting a USB box. For one, the direct monitor isn't really a direct monitor, it's more like a headphone out. The signal doesn't go to your computer and then back into the direct monitor out (as this would add too much lag on a USB connection). So you can't add effects or modify the signal at all while you're monitoring.

 

I think that cross shape just guides the 1/4" straight into the connector, while leaving room for the prongs of the XLR.

 

I'm pretty sure you knew what it was too, I was just funnin with you (that's why the smily was there). But yah, the strange connector threw me for a loop too.
(If I'm wrong about it though, I'm sure JMX will be able to correct me.)

 

I would second the suggestion that you look for something that is a PCI sound card with breakout box rather than a usb box.

 

Here's a pic. It will indeed take a male XLR or male TRS plug. Bitchen. Here's a link to a site with pictures of Neutrik stuff, too.

Neutrik plugs

 

Thirded.

 

I have Neutrik connectors on my Midiman Flying Cow 24 bit AD/DA. The only down side I have encountered is that they are NOT oriented in the the "normal" male/female XLR manner, so I got a couple of "gender benders" to allow me to connect standard XLR cables. I am told the Nuetriks cost less, so manufacturers can save some money (which can be passed to the consumer, theoretically). The adapters were fairly cheap - I think about $10 each