If you’re a music enthusiast or a professional DJ, you know that Technics turntables are the gold standard in the industry.
With their superior sound quality and iconic design, these turntables have been a staple in clubs and homes for decades.
But if you’re new to the world of Technics turntables, you may be wondering how to use them properly.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about using Technics turntables, from leveling the turntable to adjusting the pitch control.
So, whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, read on to learn how to get the most out of your Technics turntable.
How To Use Technics Turntable
The first step in using a Technics turntable is to ensure that it is properly leveled. The turntable should be level both front to back and side to side. This can be achieved by adjusting the feet of the turntable, which are designed to swivel and can be raised or lowered as needed.
Once the turntable is level, it’s time to adjust the vertical tracking angle (VTA). This is the angle between the cantilever and the horizontal plane, and it’s critical to achieving proper tracking performance. To adjust the VTA, remove the platter pad and place a bubble level on the bare metal platter. Adjust the foundation as necessary to get the bubble centered.
Next, put a record on the platter and put the needle on the record but do not turn the motor on. Obtain a carpenter’s level and crouch next to the turntable. Hold the level over the tonearm and adjust the tonearm mounting until the shaft is level with the horizontal plane.
Once your turntable is properly leveled and adjusted, it’s time to start using it. Technics turntables are known for their pitch control, which allows for precise adjustment of rotation speed. Club DJs have been using this function for years to match the pitch between two tracks for smooth transitions.
To use pitch control on a Technics turntable, simply adjust the pitch slider until you achieve your desired speed. The current vertical fader on newer models allows for accurate and stable adjustment within a range of ±8/16%.
Finally, it’s important to note that Technics turntables come with a variety of accessories designed to enhance your listening experience. These may include a turntable sheet, dust cover, PHONO cable, cartridge screw set, PHONO earth lead, auxiliary weight, headshell, overhang gauge, and owner’s manual.
Leveling Your Technics Turntable
To ensure that your Technics turntable is functioning at its best, it’s important to properly level it. The turntable should be level both front to back and side to side. You can achieve this by adjusting the feet of the turntable, which are designed to swivel and can be raised or lowered as needed.
Once the turntable is level, you need to adjust the vertical tracking angle (VTA). This is the angle between the cantilever and the horizontal plane and is critical to achieving proper tracking performance. To adjust the VTA, remove the platter pad and place a bubble level on the bare metal platter. Adjust the foundation as necessary to get the bubble centered.
Next, put a record on the platter and put the needle on the record but do not turn the motor on. Obtain a carpenter’s level and crouch next to the turntable. Hold the level over the tonearm and adjust the tonearm mounting until the shaft is level with the horizontal plane.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your Technics turntable is properly leveled and adjusted for optimal performance.
Understanding The Parts Of Your Technics Turntable
To fully understand and utilize your Technics turntable, it’s important to familiarize yourself with its components. The most prominent part of the turntable is the platter, which is the circular platform that spins the record. The platter sits on top of the spindle, which is connected to the motor that drives the rotation.
The tonearm is another crucial component of your turntable. It’s responsible for holding and positioning the cartridge and stylus, which are responsible for reading the grooves on your records. The tonearm should be balanced and adjusted properly to ensure accurate tracking and minimize wear on your records.
The cartridge is the part that actually reads the grooves on your record, and it’s usually attached to the end of the tonearm with a headshell. The stylus, or needle, is the small diamond tip that makes contact with the record’s grooves. It’s important to keep your stylus clean and replace it periodically to ensure optimal sound quality.
The pitch control slider is another key component of your Technics turntable. It allows you to adjust the speed of the platter to match the tempo of other tracks you’re mixing with. The pitch control range varies depending on the model of your turntable, but newer models typically offer a range of ±8/16%.
Other accessories that may come with your Technics turntable include a dust cover to protect your equipment from debris and a PHONO cable to connect your turntable to an amplifier or receiver. An overhang gauge can help you properly align your cartridge and stylus, while an auxiliary weight can help adjust tracking force.
By understanding each component of your Technics turntable, you’ll be able to properly maintain and optimize its performance for years of high-quality listening enjoyment.
Setting Up Your Technics Turntable
Before you start using your Technics turntable, it’s important to ensure that it is set up properly. The first step is to level the turntable both front to back and side to side. This can be done by adjusting the feet of the turntable until it is level.
Once the turntable is level, it’s time to adjust the vertical tracking angle (VTA). This angle is critical to achieving proper tracking performance, and it can be adjusted by removing the platter pad and placing a bubble level on the bare metal platter. Adjust the foundation as necessary to get the bubble centered.
After adjusting the VTA, put a record on the platter and put the needle on the record but do not turn the motor on. Obtain a carpenter’s level and hold it over the tonearm. Adjust the tonearm mounting until the shaft is level with the horizontal plane.
Now that your turntable is properly leveled and adjusted, it’s time to start using it. Technics turntables are known for their pitch control, which allows for precise adjustment of rotation speed. To use pitch control on a Technics turntable, simply adjust the pitch slider until you achieve your desired speed.
Finally, keep in mind that Technics turntables come with a variety of accessories designed to enhance your listening experience. These may include a turntable sheet, dust cover, PHONO cable, cartridge screw set, PHONO earth lead, auxiliary weight, headshell, overhang gauge, and owner’s manual. Make sure to use these accessories as directed for optimal performance.
Understanding The Pitch Control
The pitch control is one of the most important features of a Technics turntable, as it allows for precise adjustment of rotation speed. This is particularly useful for DJs who need to match the pitch between two tracks for smooth transitions.
The pitch control on a Technics turntable typically has a click in the middle when the speed is set to ‘0’ in the green. However, if you have a newer model without this feature, mixing long blends can become a difficult task. In this case, you may need to adjust the speed using the potentiometer screw on the motor. This screw is usually located near the speed switch, but it may be recessed or located on the back or bottom of the turntable.
If your turntable does not have an easily accessible pitch control or strobe bumps on the edge of the platter, adjusting the speed can be a hassle. In some cases, you may need to take the turntable apart to access the pitch screw. However, if your old unit goes out of pitch and there is nothing you can do, the only solution may be to replace the motor or replace the turntable entirely.
When purchasing a second-hand Technics turntable, it’s important to check that the motor and pitch fader are calibrated to accurately control playback speed. You can use the dots on the edge of the platter to check that the fader is accurate – when playing at zero, the big dot should stay solid. Additionally, check for missing screws on the underside of the turntable, as this is a classic sign of previous poor repairs. Finally, ensure that there is no play in the motor/platter and that RCA cables are strong and provide a solid signal.
Basic Techniques For Using Your Technics Turntable
Now that you have your Technics turntable properly leveled and adjusted, it’s time to start using it. Here are some basic techniques to get you started:
1. Placing the needle: When placing the needle on a record, be sure to handle it with care. Hold the needle by the sides and gently place it on the outer edge of the record. Avoid touching the needle with your fingers, as this can cause damage and affect sound quality.
2. Cueing a track: To cue a track, simply lift the tonearm and move it over to the starting point of the track you want to play. Lower the tonearm gently onto the record, being careful not to scratch it. Use the cue lever to raise and lower the tonearm as needed.
3. Mixing tracks: To mix two tracks together, start by matching their beats per minute (BPM) using the pitch control. Once you have them synced up, use the crossfader on your mixer to gradually fade in the new track while fading out the old one.
4. Scratching: If you’re interested in scratching, Technics turntables are a great choice. To scratch, simply hold down the record with your hand while moving it back and forth under the needle. Practice makes perfect when it comes to scratching, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t get it right away.
5. Cleaning and maintenance: To keep your Technics turntable in top condition, be sure to clean it regularly with a soft cloth and avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures or humidity. If you notice any issues with your turntable, such as skipping or distortion, take it to a service center for calibration or repairs.
With these basic techniques, you’ll be well on your way to mastering your Technics turntable and enjoying all that it has to offer. Happy spinning!
