Adjust Tracking Force
One of the many benefits of vinyl playback is that it allows the user to exercise minute control over each aspect of the process. The turntable itself is comprised of many moving parts, most of which will need adjustment, maintenance, and eventual replacement in order to keep the turntable functioning at its best. Learning how to adjust the tracking force (also called tracking weight) of the turntable's tonearm is an important part of this process, as it keeps your records from being damaged.
Steps
- Familiarize yourself with the reason for adjusting the tracking force. Tracking force refers to the amount of downward pressure the stylus exerts on the record during play. Too much force keeps the stylus from following the groove precisely, while too little force will cause the stylus to lose contact with the groove. Both of these scenarios will cause premature wear to your records.
- Adjust the counterweight's calibration dial. Before making any other changes, set the tracking dial to "0." This will keep the tonearm from applying any additional weight towards the cartridge.
- Adjust the tonearm's counterweight so that the tonearm is perfectly balanced. At the rear end of the tonearm, there will be a small cylindrical weight - this is the counterweight, and is used to adjust the tracking force. This weight can be moved inward or outward by either twisting it along a threaded bolt, or on some models, loosening its screw and sliding it manually. Move the counterweight until the entire tonearm floats perfectly level - this means that the tracking weight is now 0.
- Adjust the tracking dial to reflect the desired tracking force. Once the tonearm is balanced, use the dial next to the counterweight to set the tracking force. You can look up the manufacturer's recommended tracking force for your particular cartridge, but if this is not available you should aim for a weight between 1 and 1.5 grams.
- Check the tracking force using a tracking gauge. If your tonearm doesn't have a tracking dial, you will have to determine the tracking weight using a gauge. You can also choose to use a gauge to ensure accuracy. These gauges are available in both electronic and manual forms.
- Begin by removing the stylus guard from your cartridge if you have one. If you have an electronic gauge, tare the weight to 0.
- Place the stylus gently onto the gauge in the designated groove. An electronic gauge will provide a readout of the tracking force as you adjust the counterweight. A manual gauge requires you to move a sliding weight along a scale and read the tracking force from the scale.
- Readjust the tracking force regularly. Once you have adjusted the tracking force and secured the counterweight, make sure to regularly check that the weight has not changed. Over time, the tonearm's counterweight may shift and the tracking force may change as a result.
Things You'll Need
- Turntable
- Cartridge
- Tracking gauge
Related Articles
- Properly Package Vinyl Records and Compact Discs for Shipping
- Pack Vinyl Records for Shipping
- Fix a Scratch on a Vinyl Record
- Find Vinyl Records on the Net
- Use Vinyl Records As Cake Plates
- Make Bowls out of Vinyl Records
