A turntable is a device that spins a vinyl record at a specific speed so that the stylus can track the grooves and play the music. If the turntable speed is not correct, the music will sound distorted or even unplayable.
How to Calibrate a Turntable Speed
There are a few different ways to calibrate a turntable speed. One way is to use a strobe light. A strobe light is a light that flashes at a specific frequency. When you shine a strobe light on a spinning record, the record will appear to stand still if the strobe light is flashing at the same frequency as the record’s rotation speed.
Another way to calibrate a turntable speed is to use a digital tuner. A digital tuner can be used to measure the frequency of the sound waves coming from the turntable. If the frequency is not correct, you can adjust the turntable speed until it is correct.
Steps on How to Calibrate a Turntable Speed with a Strobe Light
Here are the steps on how to calibrate a turntable speed with a strobe light:
- Find a strobe light. You can purchase a strobe light from most electronics stores.
- Place the strobe light in front of the turntable. The strobe light should be about 12 inches away from the record.
- Start the turntable spinning. The record should be spinning at 33 ⅓ or 45 RPM.
- Adjust the strobe light’s frequency until the record appears to stand still. The frequency of the strobe light should be the same as the rotation speed of the record.
- Once the record is standing still, the turntable is calibrated.
Steps on How to Calibrate a Turntable Speed with a Digital Tuner
Here are the steps on how to calibrate a turntable speed with a digital tuner:
- Connect the turntable to the digital tuner. You can use a male-to-male RCA cable to connect the two devices.
- Turn on the turntable and the digital tuner.
- Tune the digital tuner to a station that is broadcasting at 33 ⅓ or 45 RPM.
- Adjust the turntable speed until the frequency of the signal from the turntable matches the frequency of the station.
- Once the frequencies match, the turntable is calibrated.
Conclusion
Calibrating a turntable speed is a relatively easy process. By following the steps in this article, you can ensure that your turntable is spinning at the correct speed and that your vinyl records will sound their best.
Here are some additional tips for calibrating a turntable speed:
- Make sure that the turntable is level. A level turntable will spin more accurately.
- Use a fresh, clean record. A dirty or scratched record can affect the accuracy of the calibration.
- Be patient. It may take a few tries to get the calibration correct.
With a little patience and care, you can easily calibrate your turntable speed and enjoy your vinyl records for years to come.
