Are you a vinyl enthusiast looking to optimize your turntable’s sound quality?
One crucial aspect of achieving the best possible sound is setting the tracking force correctly. But don’t worry, it’s not as complicated as it may seem!
In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of setting the tracking force on your turntable, step by step. Whether you’re a seasoned audiophile or a beginner, you’ll learn everything you need to know to get the most out of your vinyl collection.
So sit back, grab a record, and let’s get started!
How To Set Tracking Force On Turntable
The first step in setting the tracking force on your turntable is to locate the counterweight assembly. This is usually located at the back of the tonearm, near the pivot point.
Once you’ve found the counterweight assembly, rotate it counterclockwise to set the recommended stylus tracking force. As you rotate the counterweight assembly, the force gauge ring will move along with it, allowing you to set the counterweight for a specific tracking force.
It’s important to note that the recommended tracking force will vary depending on the cartridge you’re using. For example, if you’re using an AT95E cartridge, set the tracking force to 2.0 grams.
Tracking force is crucial because it determines the weight at which your record player’s stylus sits on the record. The stylus needs to make contact with the record at the correct weight to create the best sound and prevent damage to the record.
If your tracking force is too heavy, this means that the stylus is pushing down too hard on the record. You’re likely to hear more distortion and, in some cases, it can damage the record. On the other hand, if the weight of the stylus on the record is too light, there’s a chance that the force from the grooves will throw the cartridge up and cause the needle to ‘skate’ across the record. This will lead to music skipping and potentially scratching your vinyl.
Understanding Tracking Force
To understand tracking force, it’s important to know that it’s the weight at which the stylus sits on the record. The stylus needs to make contact with the record at the correct weight to create the best sound and prevent damage to the record.
When you set the tracking force too high, it puts extra weight on your records. This may result in wearing down your records or damaging them from the excess drag. However, when you set the tracking force too low, it may cause problems in relation to your sound quality and the way the stylus moves over the record. Light force results in the needle ripping across the record and potentially scratching or damaging your collection. It also causes poor sound quality when you play music on the turntable.
Therefore, it’s important to find the correct tracking force for your cartridge. Each cartridge will have a recommended tracking force weight, which can be found in its manual or by searching online for your specific cartridge and weight needed. For example, if you’re using an Ortofon 2m Red cartridge, then the recommended force needed is about 1.8g.
To set your tracking force, first reset your tonearm so it can balance in mid-air on its own. Then adjust the counterweight so that the cartridge and stylus are floating without touching the platter/record but also not falling upwards. Your counterweight is now set to zero. Next, adjust your counterweight to the appropriate setting for your cartridge by turning or adjusting it to the required weight for your specific cartridge that you have already looked up.
If your tonearm also features an anti-skate control, adjust this to match the counterweight setting. This helps counteract the tendency of the tonearm to move inwards as the stylus gets closer to the center of the record, thus keeping the music sounding its best.
To further check that your tracking force is correct, you can buy a digital gram scale. With one of these, you can lower the stylus onto its platform and a digital readout will tell you exactly how much force is being applied. You can then check this against the dial on your counterweight and adjust accordingly.
Tools You’ll Need
To set the tracking force on your turntable, you’ll need a few tools. The first tool you’ll need is a digital scale that can measure in grams. This will allow you to accurately measure the weight of the stylus on the record.
Another tool you may want to consider is an anti-skate gauge. This will help you adjust the anti-skate control on your turntable, which helps to counteract the tendency of the tonearm to move inwards as the stylus gets closer to the center of the record.
You may also need a cartridge alignment tool, which will help you align your cartridge properly on the headshell. This is important because if your cartridge isn’t aligned correctly, it can cause distortion and affect the sound quality.
Finally, you’ll need a user manual for your specific cartridge. This will provide you with information about the recommended tracking force and other important specifications that are specific to your cartridge.
Preparing Your Turntable
Before you can set the tracking force on your turntable, you need to prepare it properly. First, reset the tonearm so it can balance in mid-air on its own. If your turntable has an anti-skate setting, set this to ‘0’.
Next, adjust the counterweight so that the tonearm balances in mid-air. This means that the cartridge and stylus are floating without touching the platter or record but also not falling upwards. Your counterweight is now set to zero.
Now it’s time to find the correct tracking force for your cartridge. Each cartridge will have a recommended tracking force weight, which you can find by checking the manual or searching online for your specific cartridge. For example, if you’re using the Ortofon 2m Red cartridge, the recommended force is about 1.8g.
Once you’ve found the recommended tracking force, you can set the counterweight to the appropriate setting for your cartridge. Simply turn or adjust the counterweight to the required weight for your specific cartridge that you have already looked up. Set the numbered dial on your counterweight to the required weight and this should make the cartridge move downwards towards the turntable platter or record, and sit at the correct weight when you play music.
If your tonearm also features an anti-skate control, adjust this to match the counterweight setting. This helps counteract any tendency of the tonearm to move inwards as the stylus gets closer to the centre of the record, keeping your music sounding its best.
If you want to further check that your tracking force is correct, you can purchase a digital gram scale. With one of these, you can lower the stylus onto its platform and a digital readout will tell you exactly how much force is being applied. You can then check this against the dial on your counterweight and adjust accordingly.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to properly prepare your turntable and set the tracking force for optimal sound quality and minimal record wear.
Setting The Tracking Force
To set the tracking force, you’ll first need to reset the tonearm so that it’s balanced in mid-air. This means that the cartridge and stylus are floating without touching the platter/record, but also not falling upwards. If your turntable has an anti-skate setting, set this to ‘0’.
Next, adjust the counterweight so that the tonearm balances in mid-air. This means that the counterweight is set to zero. To find the correct tracking force for your specific cartridge, check the manual or look up the appropriate weight online.
Once you’ve found the recommended tracking force, adjust the counterweight to match it. The numbers on the counterweight are represented in grams, so if the tracking force is 2 grams, set the counterweight to 2.
If your turntable has an anti-skate control, adjust it to match the counterweight setting. The anti-skate function helps counteract the tendency of the tonearm to move inwards as the stylus gets closer to the center of the record, keeping the music sounding its best.
It’s important to note that you should avoid setting your tracking force at either end of the recommended range. Instead, set it in the middle of the range for optimal performance and to prevent damage to your records.
If you want to double-check that your tracking force is correct, you can use a digital gram scale to measure it. Lower the stylus onto its platform, and a digital readout will tell you exactly how much force is being applied. You can then compare this to the dial on your counterweight and make any necessary adjustments.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your turntable is properly set up and ready to deliver high-quality sound without damaging your vinyl collection.
Testing Your Tracking Force
Once you’ve set your tracking force, it’s important to test it to ensure that it’s correct. One way to do this is by using a digital scale. Simply place the stylus on the scale and read the weight. If the weight matches the recommended tracking force, then you’re good to go.
Another way to test your tracking force is by listening to your records. If you notice any distortion or skipping, then your tracking force may be too heavy or too light. Adjust the counterweight accordingly and test again until you find the perfect weight for your cartridge.
It’s also important to note that tracking force can change over time as your stylus wears down. It’s recommended to check your tracking force periodically and make adjustments as needed.
Fine-Tuning Your Tracking Force
Once you have set the recommended tracking force, it’s important to fine-tune it to get the best possible sound from your turntable. To do this, you can use a digital gram scale to measure the force being applied by the stylus.
To fine-tune your tracking force, first, reset the tonearm so it can balance in mid-air on its own. If your turntable has an anti-skate setting, set it to ‘0’. Next, adjust the counterweight so that the tonearm balances in mid-air with the cartridge and stylus floating without touching the platter or record but also not falling upwards. This will set your counterweight to zero.
Now, you need to find the correct tracking force for your cartridge. Each cartridge will have a recommended tracking force weight, which you can find in the manual or by searching online. For example, if you’re using an Ortofon 2m Red cartridge, the recommended tracking force is around 1.8 grams.
To set your counterweight to the correct tracking force, turn or adjust it to the appropriate setting for your cartridge. Set the numbered dial on your counterweight to match the required weight for your specific cartridge. This will make the cartridge move downwards towards the turntable platter or record and sit at the correct weight when playing music.
If your tonearm features an anti-skate control, adjust it to match the counterweight setting. This will help counteract the tendency of the tonearm to move inwards as the stylus gets closer to the center of the record, keeping your music sounding its best.
It’s important to note that these settings are just a starting point, and you’ll need to adjust them by ear for optimal performance. Start by warming up your cartridge and system by playing two sides of an LP with complex music such as classical or complex jazz. Listen carefully and make adjustments as necessary until you get the best possible sound from your turntable.
