RECORD PLAYERS: Tracking Force

[@Brakefire]

Hey Jarrett! After watching this video, I fixed my dad’s old turntable which is almost 40 years old, and it sounds crystal clear again! Thanks for the help

[@done1675]

I love you Millennials, I really do - especially for bringing vinyl back. But in the 1970s and 1980s, when I was buying all my albums, the only gram scale we used was for weed. Some of this is overly technical. Yet still I watch.........

[@patrickwitmermaidman3773]

Josh Done ok boomer. JK

[@ER_aka_RAM]

Pretty sure gram scales in the 70/80s were for the powder 🙃 60s were for the flower!

[@christiansneller1728]

That audio techinca cartridge is so good especially for its price, saved my record player!

[@vinyleyezz]

+Christian Sneller it's a good little cartridge!

[@jcw684]

@@vinyleyezz I have a newer model of your turn table. I just got it this week. Sounds amazing. Your videos definitely helped. I also bought the cleaning kit for vinyl that you recommended, along with the static brush. I also ordered a cork mat and the same stylus that you have the Ortofon Red 2M. I also just ordered new and upgraded Klipsch speakers to replace my old Klipsch speakers. The ones I have are not bad, but the ones I bought are definitely an upgrade. Thank you for all your videos and tutorials. And no, I'm not messing with the preamp inside the turntable. I mat get an external one later down the road. Again, thank you for your videos and guidance.

[@EsotericArctos]

Carts will often have a range of tracking. I really love the AT-95E and the replacement, the AT-VM95E. Both have about the same tracking force, but I have found some will track better at the heavier end of their range, up to 2.20gram. Others track beautifully at 1.8. Even with the same cartridge it can be a little trial and error. Basically, the 2gram for the AT95E is a great starting point. If it sounds a bit distorted, you may want to add a little more. Go up in 0.1 or even 0.05 increments if you can. If it sounds great at 2gram, you can experiment going slightly lighter, but never go under the recommended range as you can damage your record and the stylus.

[@emmaenpapahenry7733]

Hey Jarrett! I'm from Belgium and I enjoy your instructions vids. Learned a lot! Thanx!

[@BeicCymru]

thanks vinyl eyezz. Had my first turntable and couldnt set up the tracking force or anti-skate. these videos are helpful.👍🏻👍🏻

[@KingQuanProductions]

Hey Jarret! loving the uploads so far!!! Keep up the fantastic work. i just wanted to ask a question about the tracking force. if you rotate the counter weight wont that effect the tone arm balance. and when u set the tracking force at the end, what do u mean by return it to its original place???

[@vinyleyezz]

If the tone arm has been balanced first, then rotating the counter weight to increase the tracking force is ok. It will cause the tone arm to tilt downward which is ok! And what I mean is to return the tone arm back to the tone arm rest.

[@KingQuanProductions]

+Vinyl Eyezz thanks soooo much!!!

[@vinyleyezz]

No problem!

[@visualsound2489]

1:08 Excuse me Jarrett New, But I've been looking on google and everywhere else to find out the specifications for my Fisher MT-57 Full Automatic Linear Tracking Turntable, I can't find no copy of a PDF anywhere. I really want to know the tracking force and weight along with other specifications of my automatic linear turntable, Is there any manual I can refer to as a reference? Please Help

[@rylanlovesharry]

how heavy is too heavy and how light is too light? i just got a vinyl for christmas and am wanting to get a turntable and i dont want to ruin my record. Any recommendations on decently priced turntables that the weight is just right and has good sound quality?

[@VoyageOne1]

Most cartridges have a lower and upper limit of recommended tracking force.

[@3411-q9c]

But if you adjust the counterweight to 2 grams wouldn't that put the weight off balance again?

[@vinyleyezz]

Yes it does but that's ok. First you want to balance the tonearm so it floats parallel to the platter. But then you set the counter weight to 2 grams (or whatever your recommended tracking force) and you're good. The tonearm will tip downward at the needle, and that's normal for contact with the record.

[@3411-q9c]

+Vinyl Eyezz okay thanks!

[@SALisRad]

Wouldn't the thickness of the scale on the platter affect how much closer it is to the stylus? I'm assuming its thicker than a vinyl, so the stylus pressure will hit the scale higher than when on a vinyl. Anyone else?

[@TheHyshock]

Exactly, I'd say go for the 2.5 like he had before he done goofed

[@robertmorales7812]

Exactly what I was thinking. If you can somehow make sure the two have the same height from the platter you'd know it was more accurate.

[@TheAllMightyGodofCod]

I believe no. IF this was spring loaded then yes, but being a counterweight I would say it doesn't affect it. I am not 100% sure but I would say it doesn't

[@tuckerguignard7462]

You are the absolute best!

[@vinyleyezz]

+Tucker Guignard haha thank you! More great stuff on the way!

[@RonDicken1971]

Now I've got to buy a scale? How much more crap do I have to buy before I can listen to a record?

[@j1fue_san]

RonDicken1971 just play it don't worry about all the perfectionist stuff

[@howardjonesjr7388]

I always just borrowed my pothead friend's scale, works just as good

[@NiiOnLood]

Just borrow a scale and confirm if that scale on counterweight is accurate. If it is, you never need a scale.

[@JoshMedia123]

LOVE THE EPISODES

[@time4tradin]

Also the penny is about 1 gram so placing a penny on the counter weight then rebalancing will make the tracking force 1 gram

[@nicholashunt3677]

Is there any other way to measure the true tracking force other than a digital gram scale or a stylus force gauge

[@Josieemon]

you should probably just get a scale. they cost like 10 dollars on amazon

[@Earcandy73]

You can still adjust the tracking force by using the ring gauge on the tone arm. You zero it out first by turning the counterweight back until the tonearm balances in mid air. Hold the weight still and turn the ring gauge until the 0 lines up with the notch. Your tonearm is now at 0 grams. You can then turn the weight and the ring gauge at the same time until the gauge number is set to the weight you want.

[@jurrepdb439]

Hey, I really like your videos and I decided to give you some advise for editing them. Please. If you want an image of google or anything, type in the name, hit enter and set the color (beneath the search bar) to transparant. This will make the search engine find ONLY (not always) transparant pictures, so there is no colored background. I hope you find this usefull!

[@RaymondHegnes]

love the videos! What kind of digital gram scale should I buy? Do you have the name of one that is doing the job?

[@stupidhaircuts6383]

Thank you very much for taking the time to explain all of this info. This series of videos has helped me tremendously.

[@madhousepictures]

I’m confused. In the tracking force instructions here, you’re re-adjusting the back weight. Wouldn’t that mess up the step before this for balancing the arm??

[@joeldee9010]

Silly question probably, but after using the counterweight to balance the tonearm, how does it not throw off the balance of the tonearm when you move the counterweight to adjust tracking force?

[@xxsaruman82xx87]

2:00 Does this damage the stylus?

[@conkerman01]

No.

[@xxsaruman82xx87]

@@conkerman01 Thanks.

[@conkerman01]

That's OK.

[@earrapetroll1794]

I bought an all in one victrola turntable with vinyl, cassette, CD, and even bluetooth. My dad(who used to collect records) said that victrola is a good name. But the record player has no counter weight. If I measure the tracking force and it's the right weight, will it be okay?

[@JosephStalin1941]

If it's the correct weight of 2 grams then yes but if not you'll either need to buy a different record player or fix it somehow yourself

[@mizaramirez1479]

@@JosephStalin1941 those types of record players can be up to 5.5 grams and not do any damage so it will be ok

[@EpicSkiEdit1]

haha already had a scale, I think you did too Jared

[@nealo814]

Hi jarrett I have recently gotten back into vinyl and have just got a project turntable. I have upgraded my stylus to an ortofon 2m red. My alignment went very well. beginners luck I think! my tracking force is not so simple. as many have commented the weight keeps changing I set it at 1.8 g. Played a record checked it still fine. checked later that day still ok. left it over night gone up to 2.33 g. is my scale rubbish or is there something else I have git wrong. I even started again balancing the arm. Was fine them same as before drifted up to 2.33. I have moved the weight to compensate but it is the wrong reading even though the digital scale says 1.8 and the needle is jumping or sticking when it didn't before. help! lol

[@djeasy5899]

Dude, tracking force range of AT95E is1.5-2.5 grams. Wich tracking force of this range is the best you can find out with a test vinyl.

[@SimplyLauraDK]

So you can’t adjust the TF without a weight?

[@howardjonesjr7388]

I have a BSR record changer with adjustable force via spring. Has a nice ADC magnetic cartridge. I have some double LP's that are designed to be stacked (outer edge has a thick lip so the grooves don't touch). Would the force be different on the 2nd record?

[@EthanMoran1999]

What do I do if I cannot seem to identify my cartridge? Is there a general rule of thumb weight, or am I pretty much screwed?

[@Jimmy-Lettuce]

Man is low key selling gram bags

[@blackbrick661]

Whats the name of the company that makes that digital gram scale??

[@vinyleyezz]

It's a company called AWS. It's the AC-650! Hope this helps!

[@blackbrick661]

wow you answer fast THANK YOU SO MUCH! I wanted to buy this already so i can get this out of the way

[@vinyleyezz]

Black Brick awesome! No worries! I'm gonna be making a video soon about the top 5 record player accessories, and that scale is definitely one of them! Take care!

[@jimmjimms]

I find that after a few plays, sometimes even just one record, I have to reset my arm weight as it has changed. usually increasing. slowly enough though, I usually keep mine on about 1.2- 1.5 and catch it before it hits 2. so not really a risk of damage just a slight annoyance. I was wondering if you have found this happen ever and if so how often do you have to reset your weight. also I have checked multiple times and it always moves both the wight and the plastic piece with the numbers, I will probably continue to double check this in the future too lmao. I take the weight with a calibrated digital scale.

[@vinyleyezz]

+James Seidler Yes, it does tend to slip over time, but just keep checking it with a digital gram scale and adjust the counter weight as needed.

[@MisterMetalFan666]

I know there is a little room for error, IE if it says the tracking force is 2g, there shouldn't be any damage if it's actually 1.7 or 2.2, should there? Also should higher end Tables not be more accurate then a 100- 200 dollar table?

[@vinyleyezz]

+Metal Fan Dave Yeah if it's a little off, it's not going to ruin the record grooves. If the tracking force is over 3.5 grams or more, it'll start to destroy the grooves. I've heard Crosley's track at up to 5 grams or more, EEK! The higher end turntables are going to be similar in accuracy to turntables in the 250 - 500 dollar range; However, they just tend to use better materials, like metal instead of plastic parts, carbon fibre tonearms, graphite headshells, etc.

[@tarasmuravskiy7809]

I dont understand, will this not change the arm balance?

[@penelope5266]

I was wondering if there was any toxic chemicals in vinyl???

[@vinyleyezz]

Well, you shouldn't melt/break vinyl because the PVC fumes are bad for you. If you don't subject your vinyl to intense heat, or breakage, you'll be alright. It's a type of plastic just like many things in your house, so it's not good to breathe the fumes.

[@penelope5266]

+Vinyl Eyezz ok, because I was playing my vinyl and after I ate chips and I got worried.

[@vinyleyezz]

yeah you're good!

[@penelope5266]

+Vinyl Eyezz ok thanks, I got really worried :D

[@jumpyslaps4952]

what happens if we dont have a scale ?

[@DavideMazzetti]

Buy one!

[@Kevinb1821]

I got a cheap scale off Amazon and it was way off from what my denon 300 turntable said it was. I had it set to 1.8 grams but the scale says 6 grams. I adjusted it according to the scale but now whenever the singer sings a high not it distorts now. I’m thinking the Scale is wrong. I have an ortofon 2m red cartridge on my turntable

[@erwindeutschzhao405]

what if my cartridge has a recomended tracking force of 3.5 and askes me to keep moving will this hurt the vinyl?

[@brucekevin8472]

Thank you for your videos. I'm trying to set up a Sony PS-LX300USB. Is there a particular reason that when I push the play button, the tone arm automatically moves to the center of the album? It seems like it is dropping about where a 45 record would start. I have the speed set on 33. I don't see any other settings. Thanks.

[@CookinBasic1]

my pioneer says "the appropriate pressure value for the included cartridge is from 3.0 to 4.0 " is this the correct information for my tracking force

[@jorgemtrevino]

If it's the PLX-500 it is. Set it halfway to 3.5. It's an AT cartridge with conical stylus designed for DJ's but it's a good warm sounding combo that is very forgiving with less that perfect records. For a truly brilliant experience get a better cartridge with an elliptical stylus like the AT-VXN95E or EN, or the Orthofon Red. Both will shine with well cared for, clean records.

[@maxroth2047]

Can someone explain why you want the needle to float slightly above and parallel to the platter when setting the tonearm? This seems to have just messed up the anti-skate, no matter the adjustment there or tracking force. Is this because I haven’t yet measured the tone arm weight with a gauge? Thanks

[@petrlizatko1794]

Is it a necessary to buy a scale?

[@turntablethomas2584]

Get a scratched record and adjust the tracking force to the highest setting possible. Your records will sound as good as Dolby digital in no time.

[@ViralSavage_]

Is this for real💀? Cause I got a few scratched records from an estate sale and if this works I might play them

[@lincyx]

Digital scale you using is too high when putting on platter. I removed the platter to get the same heigh and then measured tracking force :)

[@kyriakosacdc]

Hello there . I have recently started playing records . I have my dads old turntable , but I don’t have the manuals . I searched over the internet to find the tracking force , but I didn’t find anything unfortunately ... is there a tracking force value to adjust in order to be safe ? Thanks in advance

[@ethanlundy]

What if you bought your turntable second hand and the cartridge has no visible brand name? Is there a general tracking force to follow? Thanks

[@hannesrull8339]

Tracking force depends solely on stylus. If you are able to identify the cartridge or the stylus to attached to it you can buy a new stylus and follow its instructions to set tracking force. For second hand decks it's recommended to always buy a new stylus as old is probably in unknown condition.

[@sweetnotes4042]

Anti- skating should match with the tracking force but in my case my anti-skating to zero and my counterweight is 2.5 g hmmm..the sound of the record plays well no skipping of music and repeating of the parts of the song ..

[@jimmyystardust]

I just got a Musical hall USB-1, I think the recommended tracking force is 3 grams, is this accurate? I know it uses a AT3600L MM Cartridge, which I've read that it recommends a tracking force of 2.5-3.5. What do you recommend? Is a tracking force of 3 grams the right tracking force? Thank you!

[@Relias]

I have an rotel RP-3000 and idoesn't have the anti skate so what to do? Should i put the tonearm the same weight as the cartridge?

[@TheBrickSpot]

My audio technica 120's counterweight has a loose ring and I don't know when it's on 2 grams :/

[@NiiOnLood]

This loose ring really has to be loose. You balance the arm by turning the counterweight until the arm just floats few millimetres above platter (just like basic scale). Then you turn the numbered loose ring (NOT turning the counterweight) to zero and then you will turn counterweight to 2 grams.

[@thetravelerssyndicate3594]

can someone answer this, in the last video, he set the weight to 2 grams then put the numbers to 0 now he changes it to 2 grams again...doesnt that make it 4 grams of tracking force? im so confused lol

[@vinyleyezz]

+The Travelers Syndicate no, first you balance the tonearm and "zero" it out. Then you rotate it to the tracking force. So from 0 to 2 grams in this case.

[@juanvaliente5458]

Dj stylus like ortofon pro with 4.0 gr. Traking force can damage the records? Is better try to avoid these kind of sylus?

[@NiiOnLood]

Keep your record and stylus clean and nothing serious will happen to your records. Pro is 0.7 mil conical and 3-4 grams won't hurt. It's not a hifi cartridge but can actually sound great.

[@The20thCenturyLimited]

my console phonograph doesn't have the ability to set a weight like to Balance it. what should I do?!

[@KellyKE8MWQ]

do I have to reset my skate knob to us my scale

[@sweetnotes4042]

I set my tone arm weight to 2.5 g since i have Atn3600L stylus as recommended what is weird is when i set my anti-skating to same 2.5 g , I encountered minor problem with the vinyl sound when it played . The sounds kept repeating as if it has scratch but when i set back the anTi- skate to 0 it became fine . This is weird . My turntable is Marley brand.. what is the explanation of that..

[@benneven9316]

I'm probably too late, but I read somewhere that the anti-skate should be a little bit less than the tracking weight, so something like 2.25 in your case

[@giacomopagni1960]

DOVE COMPRARE QUELLA BILANCIA (MINUTO 1,43) MODELLO? GRAZIE-

[@cimarronhopper2261]

Arent crosleys your favorite record players 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@sweetnotes4042]

Hello i bought a marley turntable 3 days ago i played my vinyl it was ok but when i started to set my tone arm weight 2.5 g and anti -skating 2.5 also why the sound of my vinyl as if there was a scratch but i bought my vinyl 3 days ago

[@afterwork5542]

Stoners are just Like "Hell yeah, i'm good to go"

[@johnmckeown3463]

first

[@vinyleyezz]

Lol

[@johnmckeown3463]

Vinyl Eyezz​ I have the audio technica at lp120 USB and I wanted to know if I'm using powered speakers do I need an amplifier as well?