Are you a vinyl enthusiast who’s just getting started with playing records on a turntable?
Or maybe you’ve tried before but ended up damaging your records?
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
Playing a vinyl record may seem like a simple task, but there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you get the best sound and protect your precious records.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the process step-by-step, with clear instructions and helpful images.
Whether you’re a beginner or just need a refresher, read on to learn how to play a turntable like a pro!
How To Play A Turntable
Step 1: Place the Record on the Turntable Platter
The first step to playing a vinyl record is to place it on the turntable platter. Make sure the record is clean and free of dust and debris. You can use an anti-static brush to clean the record before placing it on the platter.
Step 2: Start the Turntable
Once the record is in place, start the turntable. Some turntables have a button or switch to start and stop the rotation, while others require you to manually spin the platter.
Step 3: Raise the Tonearm
Next, use the cueing lever to raise the tonearm. This will prevent the stylus from scratching or damaging the record as you move it into position.
Step 4: Move the Tonearm Across to the Record
Carefully move the tonearm across to the record. Make sure you’re not touching the stylus or any other part of the tonearm to avoid damaging it.
Step 5: Line Up the Stylus
Once you’ve positioned the tonearm over the record, use your fingers to gently guide the stylus to where you want to start playing. Make sure it’s lined up with the groove you want to play.
Step 6: Lower the Tonearm
With the stylus in position, slowly lower the tonearm onto the outer grooves of the record. You should hear a small clicking sound as the needle engages with the grooves.
Step 7: Enjoy Your Music!
Congratulations, you’ve successfully played a vinyl record on a turntable! Sit back, relax, and enjoy your music.
Setting Up Your Turntable
Before you can start playing your turntable, you need to set it up properly. Here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Find a Good Spot
Choose a sturdy surface for your turntable. If your furniture is not solid, consider getting some isolation feet to dampen unwanted vibration. A platter mat can also help with noise dampening.
Step 2: Balance the Tonearm
Balancing the tonearm is the trickiest and most important part of setup. Read the instructions carefully, as all turntables will vary slightly. Attach the belt (if there is one), place the platter on the spindle, and attach the headshell. Install the counterweight on the back end of the tonearm and set the anti-skate dial to 0. Move the tonearm into position above the platter and adjust the counterweight until the tonearm can float on its own, parallel to the surface of the platter. Set the arm tracking weight dial to 0 and then rotate the whole counterweight to the correct tracking force, which will be given in grams in the manufacturer instructions and varies according to the type of cartridge being used. Lastly, lock the tonearm back into its rest and adjust the anti-skate dial to match the tracking weight.
Step 3: Hook Up Your Cables
Most turntables come with RCA or phono cables for hooking up to stereo speakers. If you’re using a smaller all-in-one speaker, you might need a phono-to-3.5mm jack cable. Follow the instructions carefully, as there’s usually a diagram to tell you what goes where.
Step 4: Choose Your Speed
Make sure you select the correct speed for the record you’re playing. For most 12-inch records, you’ll need 33 RPM, while most 7-inch discs play at 45 RPM. Some older 10-inch records play at 78 RPM, but only three-speed turntables can play these.
Step 5: Adjust Tracking Force
Tracking force describes the amount of pressure the phono cartridge puts on your records. Too little force will cause skipping, while too much will wear out your stylus and records too quickly. Use a dedicated scale to adjust tracking force accurately.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to set up your turntable properly and enjoy high-quality sound from your vinyl records.
Understanding The Parts Of A Turntable
To fully understand how to play a turntable, it is important to know the different parts that make up the device. The six major components of a turntable record player are the plinth, platter, drive, tonearm, cartridge, and preamp.
The plinth is the base of the turntable and provides stability and support for the other components. It is usually made of wood or metal and can be mounted on feet to isolate it from vibrations.
The platter is the rotating disc on which the vinyl record sits. It is usually made of metal or acrylic and can be driven by various mechanisms such as belt drive or direct drive.
The drive system is responsible for rotating the platter. Belt drive systems use a rubber belt to transfer power from the motor to the platter, while direct drive systems have a motor directly attached to the platter.
The tonearm is the long rod that extends from the side of the turntable and holds the cartridge and stylus. It is responsible for positioning the stylus in the grooves of the record and transmitting the vibrations to the cartridge.
The cartridge is a small device that contains a stylus or needle and converts the mechanical vibrations from the grooves into an electrical signal. There are various types of cartridges available, including moving magnet and moving coil.
Finally, the preamp converts the phono signal from the cartridge into a line level signal that can be amplified by other audio equipment such as speakers or headphones.
By understanding each component of a turntable record player, you can troubleshoot any issues that may arise and make informed decisions when purchasing or upgrading your equipment.
Choosing The Right Needle And Cartridge
Choosing the right needle and cartridge is an important step in playing a turntable. The needle, also known as the stylus, is responsible for making contact with the record groove and extracting musical information. The cartridge, on the other hand, houses the stylus and converts the mechanical vibrations into electrical signals.
When selecting a stylus, consider its shape. There are several shapes available, including conical, elliptical, hyperelliptical, and micro-ridge. The shape of the stylus affects how it makes contact with the record groove and how accurately it can track modulations. Elliptical and hyperelliptical styli have smaller contact radii than conical styli, allowing them to trace grooves more accurately and extract more musical information, especially high frequencies. However, they tend to wear more quickly than conical styli.
The cantilever, which transfers vibrational energy from the stylus tip to the magnet or other generating element, should be as stiff and light as possible for effective transfer. Common materials used in cantilevers include aluminum alloy, carbon, boron, and certain copper alloys.
Trackability is another important spec to consider when selecting a cartridge. It describes how well the stylus can track a modulated record groove without distorting the signal. Factors such as stylus shape, cartridge alignment, and tonearm compatibility can influence trackability. The spec is often listed in micrometers (μm), with higher trackability specs indicating better performance.
When choosing a cartridge, consider its generator type. The two main types are moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC). MM cartridges are more common and tend to be less expensive than MC cartridges. MC cartridges require a preamp with a special MC setting and are generally more expensive.
Other important specifications to consider include frequency response, channel separation, channel balance, and output level. Frequency response measures the range of sounds that the cartridge can reproduce uniformly while channel separation measures how well one channel ignores the other stereo channel. Channel balance ensures that both sides of a stereo cartridge have equal loudness when equally recorded levels are present. Output level should also be considered to ensure compatibility with your electronics.
Preparing Your Record For Playback
Before placing your record on the turntable, it’s important to make sure it’s clean and free of any debris. This is because any dirt or dust on the record can cause damage to both the stylus and the record itself. To clean your record, use an anti-static brush to gently remove any dust or debris. Be sure to brush in a circular motion, starting from the center of the record and working your way outwards.
When handling your record, be sure to pick it up by the edges to avoid leaving fingerprints or smudges on the surface. It’s also important to store your records vertically so that they don’t warp over time. If your record only came with a paper sleeve, consider purchasing anti-static plastic inner sleeves to protect it from scratches and dust.
Once your record is clean and ready to play, it’s important to ensure that your turntable is properly set up. Make sure it’s on a sturdy, level surface to avoid any wobbling or uneven playing. Playing a record on a tilted turntable can result in poor sound quality or even scratches on your records.
In addition, make sure that all four elements of vinyl playback are working together: a turntable, a preamp, an amplifier, and speakers. These components must be present and adequately connected to transmit audio from your vinyl record and out through speakers (and into your ears). Depending on the type of turntable you have, you may need to purchase an external phono preamp and external speakers.
By following these steps, you can ensure that both your record and turntable are properly prepared for playback, allowing you to enjoy the rich, full sound that vinyl records have to offer.
Placing The Record On The Turntable
To place the record on the turntable, start by ensuring that the record is clean and free of any dust or debris. You can use an anti-static brush to clean the record before placing it on the platter. Once the record is clean, carefully place it on the turntable platter, making sure that it is centered and level.
After placing the record on the platter, start the turntable. Some turntables have a button or switch to start and stop the rotation, while others require you to manually spin the platter. Make sure that the turntable is rotating at the correct speed for your record.
Next, use the cueing lever to raise the tonearm. This will prevent the stylus from scratching or damaging the record as you move it into position. Carefully move the tonearm across to the record, making sure that you’re not touching the stylus or any other part of the tonearm to avoid damaging it.
Once you’ve positioned the tonearm over the record, use your fingers to gently guide the stylus to where you want to start playing. Make sure it’s lined up with the groove you want to play. With the stylus in position, slowly lower the tonearm onto the outer grooves of the record. You should hear a small clicking sound as the needle engages with the grooves.
Congratulations, you’ve successfully placed a vinyl record on a turntable! Now sit back, relax, and enjoy your music.
Starting The Turntable And Adjusting The Speed
Before starting the turntable, it’s important to ensure that the speed is correct. If the speed is off, it can affect the sound quality and pitch of the music. There are different methods to check and adjust the turntable speed.
One method is to use a strobe disc, which can be downloaded for free from many websites. Place the strobe disc on the platter and start the turntable spinning. Direct a strobe light at the revolving strobe disc, and if the lines/markings on the disc appear stationary, then the turntable is hitting the correct speed. Another method is to use a mobile app like ‘RPM Speed & Wow’, which can be placed on the stationary platter while it’s spinning to display the RPM of your record player.
Once you’ve checked the speed, it’s time to start the turntable. Place the record on the platter and start the rotation. Some turntables have a button or switch to start and stop the rotation, while others require you to manually spin the platter.
When playing a vinyl record, it’s important to choose the correct speed for the record you’re playing. For most 12-inch records, you’ll need 33 RPM, while most 7-inch discs play at 45 RPM. Some older 10-inch records play at 78 RPM, but only three-speed turntables can play these.
If you notice that the speed is not correct, you can adjust it by using a pitch control knob or slider. Play your record at 33 RPM and watch for raised bumps on the edge of your platter. The bumps will appear to be in line when your platter is spinning at exactly 33 1/3 RPM. If you notice that the lines are moving to the right, your platter is spinning too fast, and if they’re moving to the left, your platter is moving too slow.
Adjusting the speed may take some trial and error, but once you’ve found the correct speed, you can enjoy your music with optimal sound quality and pitch.
