Achieving the perfect tracking force on your record player is essential for preserving your vinyl records and enjoying high-fidelity audio. If the tracking force is too light, it can lead to a subpar listening experience and potentially damage your records and stylus. In this article, we’ll delve into the signs that indicate your tracking force is too light and discuss the potential consequences of this issue.
Understanding Tracking Force
Tracking force, measured in grams, is the amount of downward pressure applied by the stylus (needle) on the grooves of a vinyl record as it plays. A tracking force that is too light means there isn’t enough pressure, causing the stylus to skim the surface of the record rather than properly tracking the grooves.
Signs of a Tracking Force That Is Too Light
- Skating and Skipping: One of the most noticeable signs of insufficient tracking force is the stylus skating across the record’s surface. This can result in the needle skipping across the grooves, causing an annoying and disruptive interruption in the music playback.
- Distorted Sound: Light tracking force can lead to distorted sound, particularly in high-frequency areas of the music. This distortion may manifest as a “sibilant” or “shrill” sound, where certain frequencies become overly emphasized and harsh on the ears.
- Lack of Bass: Inadequate tracking force can also result in a lack of bass response in your audio. The stylus may not engage deeply enough with the grooves to pick up the lower frequencies, resulting in a thin and unbalanced sound.
- Inconsistent Volume: Light tracking force can cause variations in volume during playback. You may notice that some sections of a record are significantly quieter than others, making it challenging to enjoy a consistent listening experience.
- Excessive Record Wear: Insufficient tracking force can lead to excessive wear on your vinyl records. When the stylus doesn’t press firmly enough into the grooves, it may skip or slide, causing abrasion and damage to both the record and the stylus.
Consequences of a Tracking Force That Is Too Light
- Record Damage: Light tracking force can cause long-term damage to your precious vinyl collection. When the stylus doesn’t make proper contact with the grooves, it can wear down the record’s surface unevenly, resulting in permanent groove damage and reduced audio quality.
- Stylus Wear: A stylus subjected to too little tracking force is more likely to wear out prematurely. The stylus needs to be in constant contact with the grooves to correctly reproduce audio, and excessive skating can lead to rapid stylus degradation.
- Subpar Audio Quality: Perhaps the most significant consequence of a tracking force that is too light is a subpar audio experience. Distorted sound, lack of bass, and inconsistencies in volume can significantly detract from the pleasure of listening to vinyl records.
Achieving the correct tracking force on your record player is crucial for both audio quality and the preservation of your vinyl records and stylus. If you notice any of the signs mentioned above – such as skating, skipping, or distorted sound – it’s essential to recalibrate your tracking force to ensure it’s not too light. By maintaining the right tracking force, you’ll enjoy a superior listening experience and prolong the life of your valuable vinyl collection.
