How to Balance a Turntable Tonearm & Set Tracking Force - Vinyl 101

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  • Опубліковано 24 гру 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 110

  • @soundmatters
    @soundmatters  Рік тому +6

    Thanks for watching! 🎶🎧 Do drop your comments and questions below. If you'd like to support the channel, check the video description for many DISCOUNT CODES codes to enjoy money off various products and feed your vinyl habit! (I earn a small commission - no additional cost to you). Thank you for your support!

  • @mjallenuk
    @mjallenuk 2 роки тому +32

    Brilliant and straightforward for any who are a little unsure or new to the game. I use exactly the same method. One thing I think I missed there is first make sure the deck is pretty much level in all directions. Really helps with that anti-skate adjustment and general playback thereafter 👌

    • @soundmatters
      @soundmatters  2 роки тому +6

      Great point added. Glad you liked the video!

  • @robertlunn6967
    @robertlunn6967 11 місяців тому +3

    Upgraded the cartridge on my turntable, and needed to rebalance the tonearm. Thanks to this video, I made light work of it. Thank you, looking forward to many more hours of happy listening 😊😊

    • @soundmatters
      @soundmatters  11 місяців тому

      Great! I'm glad the video helped. Enjoy the new cartridge and happy listening!

  • @musicwithmorals
    @musicwithmorals 9 місяців тому +12

    What's the background track? I want to play it for when I want guests to leave.

    • @Manoffire97
      @Manoffire97 2 місяці тому +1

      😂

    • @nicolegrima5433
      @nicolegrima5433 2 місяці тому

      would love if they uploaded this without that backing track. I had turn the video off as it was stressing me out

    • @laurentiuionutvita
      @laurentiuionutvita Місяць тому

      :)))))

  • @PaleVillian
    @PaleVillian Рік тому +66

    Great video but the background music is annoying.

  • @yeremiahangeles7252
    @yeremiahangeles7252 10 місяців тому +1

    Could you do a video on the old jam turntable please and on how to adjust the arm and such?

    • @soundmatters
      @soundmatters  10 місяців тому +1

      I think those turntables come pre-set from the factory if I'm not mistaken

  • @dingozeus
    @dingozeus Рік тому +5

    Unreal, man! I've been putting this off because I can't buy the calibration equipment right now. This was too easy, I appreciate it

    • @soundmatters
      @soundmatters  Рік тому

      Glad it helped! Happy spinning 🎶🎧

  • @chiiild-dj
    @chiiild-dj 2 роки тому +5

    Love it!! Super clear and simple. Thanks a ton!!

    • @soundmatters
      @soundmatters  2 роки тому +1

      Glad it helped and thanks for watching :)

  • @seatulpatel565
    @seatulpatel565 Рік тому +1

    Best video I’ve seen so far simple, easy and accurate 👍

    • @soundmatters
      @soundmatters  Рік тому

      Glad it helped! Happy spinning 🎶🎧

  • @nicolephelps6801
    @nicolephelps6801 Місяць тому +1

    Thank you so much for being straightforward and clear ❤️ great video

  • @kodreaming
    @kodreaming 11 місяців тому +1

    As much as I try to follow all the tutorials, it seems the only way I was able to get tracking pressure (according to the cartridge spec, VM95e) is to use the scale and directly adjust the counterweight so the scale shows 2.0g...it sounds good to me, but still curious what step I did wrong that I can't just set the dial to 2.0 and achieve the final result.

    • @prestonmartin2024
      @prestonmartin2024 Місяць тому

      Did you figure it out? It’s pretty easy. Just gotta try every weight there is on the counterweight and you’ll get it down. I have the same cartridge

  • @soundslikewater
    @soundslikewater Рік тому +1

    Fantastic! thank you very much. Do you know what the big ring is for. I know it lifts the whole thing up and down, but why? and what is default?

    • @soundmatters
      @soundmatters  Рік тому +1

      Thanks! Glad it helped. I think you are talking about VTA (vertical tracking angle). Adjusting the height of your arm will change this. A good starting point is to make sure the arm is parallel with the record. You can get an acrylic block to measure this. Does that help? And have I understood you correctly there?

    • @soundslikewater
      @soundslikewater Рік тому

      @@soundmatters Thank you!. that must be it. it heightens or lower the entire arm. It helps to know what it is. Not sure about he acrylic block but I will look into that. Thanks a lot man!!

  • @1599maybole
    @1599maybole 6 днів тому

    Got it in a nutshell thank you!

  • @prestonmartin2024
    @prestonmartin2024 Місяць тому +1

    I figured it out. Hell yeah. Thanks man

  • @theplumber4934
    @theplumber4934 6 місяців тому

    Just found this.... Thank you, I've been bought a Garrard AP75 and an amp as a gift, however it skates and bounces so your video will be a great help especially as I don't know anything about HiFi

  • @richardwarren449
    @richardwarren449 Рік тому +1

    I have an old Realistic Lab 55 turntable and am unsure as to how to adjust the tone arm pressure. It is not obvious. I got it years ago from a friend and am just now wanting to dial it in. I am clueless.

    • @soundmatters
      @soundmatters  Рік тому

      This model here?
      www.ebay.com.my/itm/404616630920
      It seems it does have a counterweight. Is the counterweight missing on yours by any chance?

  • @HeroicCoachDan
    @HeroicCoachDan 2 роки тому +2

    Ok Marc thank you! I'll bet the sound playback from my new Fluance RT85 would benefit from the fine tuning and especailly the anti-skate test. I purchased the scale and test record as you suggested. Once I receive them I will let you know how it turns out. Also, the test record has many more features for testing here is what is listed: Side 1: Channel Identification, Phasing, Channel Balance, Bias setting
    Side 2: Tracking ability, Cartridge & Arm, Lateral & Vertical Resonance, Cartridge alignment, Residual System Noise, Full Range Frequency System Check. Can you or have you done a video explaining these? My next challenge is properly cleaning the records.

    • @soundmatters
      @soundmatters  2 роки тому +1

      Hey Dan. A video on test records would be good actually! I'll add it to my list. Lots of content on the channel and site about cleaning records - just let me know if you have any specific questions :)
      Here's a link to the full record cleaning guide, by the way:
      www.yoursoundmatters.com/clean-vinyl-records/
      Hope it helps

    • @HeroicCoachDan
      @HeroicCoachDan 2 роки тому

      @@soundmatters Well I got the scale and dialed that in perfect to 1.8 (grams - 180 mg) now I have the test kit and it is quite confusing for a novice. First I need to assess the cartridge alignment with the enclosed protractor. There are three test parameters. The first one is Two Point technique suitable for 9" arms. This would be irrelivant since my tonearm is 224 mm or 8.82"; The Next one Universal technique. Suitable for all tonearms: Here is were I have a question: The settings are 30 to 140plus and I need to align the cartridge headshell parallel with the vertical lines printed according to specified by the tonearm manufacturer. The Fluance manual doesn't indicate any such specifications relative to this assessment - any thoughts? I did the third one Linear Offset and it seems quite accurate if I am looking for the correct things.

    • @HeroicCoachDan
      @HeroicCoachDan 2 роки тому

      @@soundmatters Yes I have that link saved. I am thinking that the stronger G3 and rinse might be necessary for older albums that I might purchase.

    • @HeroicCoachDan
      @HeroicCoachDan 2 роки тому

      Hi Marc, I played for over an hour with the HiFi Test LP and still unsure of the anti-skating tracts and which way to adjust the anti-skating value up or down? On Side 1 Track/band 1-5 were self evident and spot on. Then the Bias Settings also referred to as (anti-skating) Track/Band 6-9. I did hear a little distortion on the right channel during playback on Band 6, so do I adjust the value higher or lower? or would I play all the tracks/bands taking notes on which ones I hear any instability then make the adjustments on the first one noticed? The last one? Then there is Side Two with Tracking ability test? Is that the same as anti-skating? And many more question because as a novice the instructions on the LP are a totally different language. Example on Side Two Band 2 it states that generally a resonant frequency of between 8-15Hz is considered ideal from a a point of view of a cartridge's ability to track pressing warps and handle rumble? Huh? How do I assess this? Then Band 5 on Side Two tests for Cartridge Alignment? Is that what the protractor was for? I appologize for so many questions and thank you.

    • @soundmatters
      @soundmatters  2 роки тому

      ​@@HeroicCoachDan Hey Dan. No worries at all. I'd like to go more in-depth with this with a full article, but for now I will say this:
      Turntable setup can be a polarizing topic as a lot of it is about compromise. Because of how a tonearm pivots from the outside of a record to the center, it can only line up perfectly with the groove in a couple of places. In very simple terms, this is just a law of physics. Records are cut using a linear cutting stylus.
      Fluance recommend a Baerwald method protractor, here:
      support.fluance.com/s/article/Which-type-of-protractor-is-used-for-cartridge-alignment
      As for the anti-skating, this is a much-debated topic also, but in short, the blank space on the test record is there for you to set the "zero point" just as I did with the blank-sided single in this video. From here, you can fine-tune to setting using those test tracks. Because there is groove modulation going on here, this is likely to give you a more accurate reading.
      As you're hearing distortion in the right hand channel, it would suggest that the anti-skate (bias) is too strong. This is because the grooves closest to the outside edge of the record are the right-hand channel.
      Hope this helps as a starting point. It's best to get your alignment checked first, of course, to make sure this isn't influencing the result.

  • @Sumotori.
    @Sumotori. 2 роки тому +2

    Thank you for your helpful information , as I’m about to purchase a Ortofone 2M bronze for a pioneer turntable. Keep it up sir 👍

    • @soundmatters
      @soundmatters  2 роки тому +1

      Just seen your comment: how is the 2M Bronze? Good? Happy spinning

  • @bondjovi4595
    @bondjovi4595 Рік тому +1

    100% important. Especially when your invisible roommate moves the weight, and also messes up your heater thermostat. 😆 Otherwise skipping records will drive you absolutely nuts.

  • @morganx5570
    @morganx5570 Рік тому

    Why is my arm not going up in the air at all no matter what way I turn it ? And I'm really struggling to turn the weights is there two separate weights as when I try and twist it the whole metal thing at the end moved up and down the arm.

  • @julianlyth4345
    @julianlyth4345 Рік тому +1

    Lovely simple explanation. Now i know....

  • @12_inch_spinnerz
    @12_inch_spinnerz 11 місяців тому +1

    Also, what about vta adjustment for turntables that have vta?

    • @soundmatters
      @soundmatters  10 місяців тому

      I'll put a video together on this at some point. The adjustment mechanism for VTA varies from turntable to turntable though, of course

  • @00wrongun
    @00wrongun Рік тому +1

    How do you adjust the height, should it be level with the vinyl

    • @soundmatters
      @soundmatters  Рік тому +1

      Is your turntable VTA adjustable? If so, getting the tonearm level with the playing record is a great start using one of these VTA/Azimuth blocks (affiliate link):
      amzn.to/3rHNxrN
      There is debate about it though. Some feel the tracking angle should be the same as the angle the records are cut at (usually 92°). To achieve that, get it level and then raise it to approximately 15°.

    • @00wrongun
      @00wrongun Рік тому

      @@soundmatters set on 1.5 all good 👍

  • @Superstu8875
    @Superstu8875 5 місяців тому

    I can't get my tone arm to sit horizontal - it clicks either too far back or too far forward at a certain point, and doesn't work as a screw back and forwards?
    Could it be I'm using different head shells Ortofon Concorde - from standard, so the weight at that end is different?

  • @2HatHudders
    @2HatHudders 22 дні тому

    Thanks this is really helpful.

  • @MilitaryMobility
    @MilitaryMobility Рік тому

    Hi I notice your cue arm is down during this process. When my arm is down (angels horn record player) the arm slides back to the rest and is not stationary. If my arm is up it will stay put but the balance is way higher than when arm is down. I don’t have a separate anti skate adjustment. Advice? Thanks!

  • @12_inch_spinnerz
    @12_inch_spinnerz 11 місяців тому +1

    Do you recommend using the auxiliary weight on the technics?

    • @soundmatters
      @soundmatters  10 місяців тому +1

      The auxiliary weight is only required for heavier headshells/cartridges when the additional weight would be required to balance the tonearm. Hope that helps answer your question

  • @yeremiahangeles7252
    @yeremiahangeles7252 9 місяців тому +1

    Do you need to change the tracking force with every vinyl or just with every cartridge replacement?

    • @soundmatters
      @soundmatters  9 місяців тому

      Just the first time you set up a cartridge 👍 though it is a good idea to check it from time to time. Just in case of any movement

  • @premyslhon3193
    @premyslhon3193 Рік тому +1

    Thanx for very good instructions.

    • @soundmatters
      @soundmatters  Рік тому

      Glad it was helpful! Happy spinning 🎶🎧

  • @rettperera4099
    @rettperera4099 Рік тому +1

    i did this several times, all was going well! but only at the 2:18 step everything went wrong and it wasnt balanced at all! it was balanced at first, but after that last step, not at all.

    • @soundmatters
      @soundmatters  Рік тому

      Hard to say without seeing where you’ve gone wrong here, but it sounds like you turned the whole weight to the zero mark rather than the dial followed by the exact downward tracking force. If you have any questions, just let me know. 🎶🎧

  • @BillTied
    @BillTied Рік тому +1

    Very helpful video…truly appreciate it !!!

    • @soundmatters
      @soundmatters  Рік тому

      Great! Always nice to hear. Enjoy the music!

  • @xyanide1986
    @xyanide1986 11 місяців тому +1

    Nowww I got it. Great video thanks!

    • @soundmatters
      @soundmatters  11 місяців тому

      Really glad to help. Enjoy the music

    • @xyanide1986
      @xyanide1986 11 місяців тому

      @@soundmatters with everything dialed in properly and correct VTA it sounds awesome. Makes a big difference!

  • @ianwoollard2063
    @ianwoollard2063 5 місяців тому +1

    How do you set arm height?

    • @soundmatters
      @soundmatters  5 місяців тому

      By adjusting the VTA (vertical tracking angle). Not all turntables have adjustments for this

  • @adityamehta2530
    @adityamehta2530 2 роки тому +2

    Love it!! Super clear. Thanks a ton!

  • @starfox7673
    @starfox7673 4 місяці тому +1

    Is placing a penny on a needle arm a good idea?

    • @soundmatters
      @soundmatters  4 місяці тому

      No, I’d avoid. That’s an old school technique for playing through scratches. Set the tracking force correctly and unless there is something wrong with the arm, baring, stylus or alignment, it should track well. Playing scratched records is best avoided

  • @judebrown2672
    @judebrown2672 6 місяців тому

    Thanks for the advice.

  • @yeremiahangeles7252
    @yeremiahangeles7252 8 місяців тому

    What if you don't have all that expensive tech to test the counter weight?
    How do I do it without having to spoon out more money?

  • @Jeff-dx2cm
    @Jeff-dx2cm Рік тому +1

    Great video

  • @SuperinoFakeyama
    @SuperinoFakeyama 10 місяців тому +1

    Rad , thank you!

  • @alexchaussette
    @alexchaussette 11 місяців тому +1

    Thank you.

  • @dave-874
    @dave-874 10 місяців тому +8

    First step, balance the recordplayer itself.

    • @steevenfrost
      @steevenfrost 14 днів тому

      Do you mean make sure it's level on the surface it's placed on?

    • @dave-874
      @dave-874 14 днів тому +1

      @steevenfrost Yes, or adjust and Balance the recordplayer with the 4 things under the record Player, if that's possible, Things knobs? I don't know how to say it in English🤣🤷‍♀️.

  • @aurxnia
    @aurxnia Рік тому

    i’m so confused bc my tonearm is swinging towards the vinyl rather than away

  • @Ricky-cl5bu
    @Ricky-cl5bu Рік тому +1

    Good job

    • @soundmatters
      @soundmatters  Рік тому +1

      Thanks! Glad it helped. Enjoy the music!

  • @joshuagibson2184
    @joshuagibson2184 Рік тому

    I have one from the 60s that I'm trying to figure out 😕

  • @Rockmans1989
    @Rockmans1989 Рік тому

    Is it normal that my anti.skating is not the same as my tracking force? My stylus has a 2g tracking force and my antiskating is set at 1g to have my tonearm completely centered.

    • @soundmatters
      @soundmatters  Рік тому +1

      The same as tracking force is really just a starting point. To really get it nailed you have to use a test record or flat-side of an EP or single to balance central (as it sounds like you have).
      I'd go off that as the final say rather than setting my numbers alone. A test record will help you listen for distortion too

    • @xyanide1986
      @xyanide1986 11 місяців тому

      If that's an LP120x I have the exact same thing. The counter weight is proper when I checked with the analog scale, but the anti-skate should have like a very slow inward bias. If I set it to 2gr it flies outwards, but I have it on 1gr.

  • @malbliss4491
    @malbliss4491 Рік тому +1

    Thank you

    • @soundmatters
      @soundmatters  Рік тому

      Glad it helped 🎶🎧 - enjoy the music

  • @bjarnhedur
    @bjarnhedur 7 місяців тому +1

    Mine doesn’t have a dial

    • @soundmatters
      @soundmatters  6 місяців тому

      Sounds like yours is factory set. What model is it?

    • @bjarnhedur
      @bjarnhedur 6 місяців тому

      @@soundmatters mine is a jam turntable, im not sure what model as it was a gift. do you know if its normal for jam turntables to me like this?

  • @jaydavis3899
    @jaydavis3899 11 місяців тому +1

    That one was good .

  • @DISCOTEKED
    @DISCOTEKED 7 місяців тому +1

    so useful cheers

  • @blakehealymusic
    @blakehealymusic 8 місяців тому

    Thank you!!!

  • @stefanospina4333
    @stefanospina4333 Рік тому

    All perfect but, maybe, before to start it's better verify the perfect planarity of the turntable (above all the platter)

  • @brittanyedwards6043
    @brittanyedwards6043 9 місяців тому

    I’m new to the game and I’m pretty sure I already broke my record player and ruined some albums because my balance was messed up 😭

    • @soundmatters
      @soundmatters  9 місяців тому

      Oh no! If you have any questions, let me know. What seems "broken" about it? and what record player/turntable is it?

  • @brianbassett4379
    @brianbassett4379 Рік тому

    Can't wait to see the next video... *_How to oil your buggy whip._*

  • @marcoq1674
    @marcoq1674 Рік тому +1

    God I miss CD’s😅

  • @spotty67
    @spotty67 Рік тому

    Soon as that f music came on i was gone.

  • @DoctorRevers
    @DoctorRevers 2 місяці тому

    Last step: get that oasis record outta there.

  • @nukix3128
    @nukix3128 8 місяців тому

    Seriously the music in the background plus an accent made it hard to understand 😂

  • @DavidMander-rs4uk
    @DavidMander-rs4uk 7 місяців тому

    I don't bother with that as i just stick a CD on instead!

    • @NiiOnLood
      @NiiOnLood 17 днів тому

      And lose all that emotion, feeling and fun. I want to see the recurd spinning and its whole aesthetics. To me that's the whole point.

  • @tg6373
    @tg6373 2 роки тому

    Your voice is too loud

    • @salpimienta2961
      @salpimienta2961 Рік тому

      Your feet smell

    • @PU8698
      @PU8698 Рік тому +2

      Do you not know what a volume button is?