The anti-skate adjustment is an important feature on a turntable that helps maintain proper tracking and minimize distortion during vinyl playback. It counteracts the inward force exerted on the tonearm by the record groove, ensuring that the stylus remains centered. While there are various methods to set the anti-skate, using a blank record is a common approach. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to properly set the anti-skate on your turntable using a blank record.
Step 1: Prepare the Equipment Ensure your turntable is set up correctly and leveled. Place a clean, blank record on the platter. It’s advisable to use a blank record or one with no grooves to avoid interference from the audio content.
Step 2: Set the Tracking Force Before adjusting the anti-skate, make sure you have correctly set the tracking force for your cartridge following the manufacturer’s recommendations. This step is essential for accurate anti-skate adjustment.
Step 3: Balance the Tonearm With the turntable powered off, unlock the tonearm rest and carefully balance the tonearm using the cueing lever. The tonearm should float freely, parallel to the platter, without touching the surface.
Step 4: Activate the Anti-Skate Adjustment Locate the anti-skate control or dial on your turntable. This adjustment is typically found near the base of the tonearm. If you’re unsure, consult your turntable’s manual for specific instructions on accessing and adjusting the anti-skate.
Step 5: Start with Neutral Setting Set the anti-skate control to its neutral or zero position. This ensures that there is no additional force acting on the tonearm, allowing it to move freely across the blank record.
Step 6: Lower the Tonearm Using the cueing lever, gently lower the tonearm onto the blank record surface. Take care to avoid any sudden movements or dropping the stylus onto the record.
Step 7: Observe the Tonearm Movement Observe the behavior of the tonearm as it rests on the blank record. Ideally, it should stay centered and not move towards the center or outer edge. If the tonearm tends to drift inward or outward, it may indicate a need for adjustment.
Step 8: Adjust the Anti-Skate Make small adjustments to the anti-skate control, typically in increments of 0.5 or 1 gram, depending on your turntable’s scale. Increase or decrease the anti-skate setting gradually and observe the tonearm’s behavior on the blank record after each adjustment.
Step 9: Achieve Balanced Movement Continue adjusting the anti-skate until the tonearm remains balanced and exhibits minimal lateral movement. Aim for a setting where the tonearm remains centered, allowing the stylus to track the blank record without any noticeable bias towards the center or outer edge.
Step 10: Confirm with Test Tracks Once you have set the anti-skate using the blank record, it’s a good idea to test it with regular vinyl records. Play a variety of records with different types of music to ensure the anti-skate adjustment provides balanced tracking and minimizes distortion across various audio content.
Conclusion:
Using a blank record to set the anti-skate on your turntable is a practical method to achieve accurate tracking and minimize distortion during vinyl playback. By following these steps and carefully observing the tonearm’s movement on the blank record, you can adjust the anti-skate control to achieve balanced tracking and optimize the performance of your turntable. Remember to consult your turntable’s manual for specific instructions and seek professional assistance if needed.
