Vinyl enthusiasts know that setting up a turntable can be a daunting task. One of the most important aspects of turntable setup is anti-skating, which compensates for the side-thrust that can cause distortion in your records.
However, there are many different methods for setting anti-skating, and it can be difficult to know which one to use. In this article, we’ll explore how to set anti-skating by ear, a method that relies on your own ears to achieve the perfect balance between the left and right channels.
So sit back, relax, and get ready to learn how to fine-tune your turntable like a pro!
How To Set Anti-Skate By Ear
The first step in setting anti-skate by ear is to find a recording with good dynamics and voice. Put the anti-skate all the way down and listen to the relative dynamic in the right channel versus the left. The right channel should be dull in comparison.
Now slowly bring the anti-skate up and listen for the right channel dynamic and soundstaging to come up to snuff with the left. Keep raising the anti-skate until both channels become more dynamic, but be careful not to raise it too much. You should notice a point where both channels quickly drop off in quality.
Once you’ve found this sweet spot, back off the anti-skate just a bit. This is where you want it to be set for optimal performance.
It’s important to note that the appropriate figure for anti-skate is 9 to 11 percent of VTF (vertical tracking force). So if you’re tracking at 2 grams, you want 0.2 grams of anti-skate. If your turntable tracks at a different weight, adjust accordingly.
To measure anti-skate, you can use a digital VTF gauge and set it up on its side at the edge of the platter so that the finger lift is in the crosshairs. Activate the anti-skate and adjust it until it reaches the appropriate weight.
It’s also important to measure anti-skate from the same radius as the stylus. If you don’t have a finger lift at the right location, you can tack a toothpick to the headshell and measure from that. As long as you have everything balanced at zero, you’ll be fine.
Understanding Anti-Skating
Anti-skating is an essential feature on turntables that prevents tracking issues during playback. When a record is playing, the friction between the stylus and the record surface produces a force that pulls the tonearm towards the center of the platter. This inward force is known as skating force, which can cause the stylus to skip or scratch across the record’s surface, resulting in an unpleasant sound quality. The anti-skate feature applies a small outward force to the tonearm, counteracting the tendency of the arm to move inward (skate) towards the center of the record as it approaches the end of the record.
Most turntables come with an anti-skate feature, either as an adjustable manual control knob or preset at a fixed value by the turntable’s manufacturer. However, some turntables that utilize an integrated cartridge may not have a manual adjustment knob. In this case, the anti-skate force is handled internally and preset at a fixed value by the manufacturer.
The primary goal of anti-skate is to maintain good channel balance, minimize distortion, and reduce stylus and record wear. These goals can be achieved if the stylus tip remains centered in the record groove as the tonearm travels across the record. To set anti-skate on a turntable with a user-adjustable control knob, start by adjusting it to the same value as the vertical tracking force (VTF) used. This will get you close to the optimal setting.
Inner groove distortion can be quite noticeable during playback. Listen carefully to the last few minutes of a record to determine if more or less anti-skate is needed. Listen for distortion, particularly in the form of sibilance (that annoying hissing sound produced when pronouncing certain letters or combinations of letters such as “s” and “sh”), and determine if it appears to be louder on one channel than on the other. Adjust the anti-skate value until you minimize distortion.
It’s important to note that anti-skate should be set at 9 to 11 percent of VTF (vertical tracking force). So if you’re tracking at 2 grams, you want 0.2 grams of anti-skate. If your turntable tracks at a different weight, adjust accordingly.
The Importance Of Setting Anti-Skating
Setting anti-skating is crucial for maintaining good channel balance, minimizing distortion, and reducing stylus and record wear. Without proper anti-skating, the stylus can be pulled towards the center of the record, causing uneven wear on the groove wall and increasing damage to the record. This can also lead to distortion and a reduction in sound quality.
By setting anti-skate by ear, you can ensure that both channels are tracking equally well and minimize any potential damage to your records or stylus. It’s important to find the sweet spot where both channels are dynamic and balanced, but not to raise the anti-skate too high as this can cause a drop in quality.
It’s also crucial to measure anti-skate accurately using a digital VTF gauge and adjust it accordingly based on the vertical tracking force of your turntable. Measuring from the same radius as the stylus is important for accuracy.
Traditional Methods For Setting Anti-Skating
While using a digital VTF gauge is a precise and easy method for setting anti-skate, there are also traditional methods that can be used.
One such method is to use a blank vinyl record and a test tone. Set the anti-skate to zero and play the test tone. Adjust the tracking force until the tone sounds clear and stable. Then, slowly raise the anti-skate until the tone starts to distort or skip. Back off the anti-skate just enough to eliminate the distortion or skipping.
Another traditional method involves using a blank vinyl record and a blank CD. Start by setting the anti-skate to zero and playing the blank vinyl record. Adjust the tracking force until it sounds clear and stable. Then, switch to playing the blank CD and adjust the anti-skate until the sound is balanced between the left and right channels.
It’s important to note that these traditional methods may not be as precise as using a digital VTF gauge, but they can still be effective in achieving optimal anti-skate settings.
The Ear Method: How To Set Anti-Skating By Ear
Another method for setting anti-skate is the ear method. This method involves using your ears to find the optimal anti-skate setting for your turntable.
To start, find a recording with good dynamics and voice. Begin by setting the anti-skate all the way down and listening to the relative dynamic in the right channel versus the left. You should notice that the right channel sounds dull in comparison to the left channel.
Now slowly bring the anti-skate up and listen for the right channel dynamic and soundstaging to come up to snuff with the left. Keep raising the anti-skate until both channels become more dynamic, but be careful not to raise it too much. You should notice a point where both channels quickly drop off in quality.
Once you’ve found this sweet spot, back off the anti-skate just a bit. This is where you want it to be set for optimal performance.
It’s important to note that the appropriate figure for anti-skate is 9 to 11 percent of VTF (vertical tracking force). So if you’re tracking at 2 grams, you want 0.2 grams of anti-skate. If your turntable tracks at a different weight, adjust accordingly.
To measure anti-skate, you can use a digital VTF gauge and set it up on its side at the edge of the platter so that the finger lift is in the crosshairs. Activate the anti-skate and adjust it until it reaches the appropriate weight.
It’s also important to measure anti-skate from the same radius as the stylus. If you don’t have a finger lift at the right location, you can tack a toothpick to the headshell and measure from that. As long as you have everything balanced at zero, you’ll be fine.
Tips For Fine-Tuning Your Anti-Skating Settings
Here are some tips for fine-tuning your anti-skating settings:
1. Increase your tracking force: If you’re experiencing inner groove distortion (IGD), it could be due to mistracking. Increasing your tracking force may solve this problem.
2. Set the anti-skating to keep the arm stationary on a blank disc or CD: Anti-skating force varies across the record and depends on the amplitude of the modulations. Setting the anti-skating so that the arm remains stationary on a blank disc or CD will give you an approximate setting.
3. Adjust the anti-skating for each channel: The right channel is on the outer groove wall, while the left is on the inner. Turning down the anti-skating will increase the force on the inner wall (left channel) and decrease it on the outer wall (right channel). If you increase your VTF, it will increase the force on both groove walls.
4. Consider stylus condition: Mis-tracking or a worn or damaged stylus can permanently damage the groove, which often becomes first apparent on the innermost grooves. So, part of what you’re hearing could be groove damage if they are well-used records.
5. Use a Shure SFG-2 to set tracking force: A Shure SFG-2 is a reliable tracking force gauge that costs around $30 and doesn’t require batteries.
6. Gauge reaction when lowering the arm: Lower the arm with the cue lever while listening to a recording. When the needle hits the groove, listen for any movement to either side. If one channel is louder or fuzzier than the other, adjust the anti-skate accordingly.
7. Stylus shape influences anti-skate: Ellipticals and microlines/shibatas/microridges “drag” more than conicals. If your turntable has settings for both conical and elliptical stylus shapes, adjust accordingly.
By following these tips, you can fine-tune your anti-skating settings and achieve optimal performance from your turntable.
Troubleshooting Common Anti-Skating Issues
Despite your best efforts to set anti-skate by ear, you may encounter some common issues that require troubleshooting. Here are a few tips to help you overcome these problems:
1. Skating towards the center: If you notice that the tonearm is skating towards the center of the platter, it could be an indication that your anti-skate is too low. Try raising the anti-skate and see if it helps. If it doesn’t, there could be other issues at play, such as a damaged stylus or a warped record.
2. Skating towards the edge: On the other hand, if the tonearm is skating towards the edge of the record, it could mean that your anti-skate is too high. Try lowering the anti-skate and see if it helps. If not, check for other issues such as a dirty stylus or a worn-out cartridge.
3. Uneven sound: If you’re experiencing uneven sound between the left and right channels, it could be an indication that your anti-skate is not properly balanced. Try adjusting the anti-skate until both channels sound equal in terms of dynamics and soundstaging.
4. Distortion: If you’re hearing distortion during playback, it could be due to incorrect anti-skate settings. Make sure that you’re setting anti-skate according to the appropriate figure of 9 to 11 percent of VTF.
5. Test with a blank record: While a blank record can be used to test anti-skate, it’s important to keep in mind that skate force is different on a grooved record than on a flat surface. Therefore, it’s recommended to use a test record or digital VTF gauge for more accurate results.
By following these troubleshooting tips and adjusting your anti-skate accordingly, you can optimize your turntable’s performance and enjoy high-quality sound during playback while also taking good care of your vinyl records.
