TURNTABLE SET-UP & Calibration

This column is intended to teach DJs about proper turntable set-up and calibration. It answers many of the fundamental questions that, if you understand, will make your lives a lot easier - whether you're a beginner or expert.

What is skating?

Skating is the centripetal force generated by a turning record, which causes the tonearm to be drawn towards the inside of the record. Anti-skating is an adjustment used to compensate ior that. For DJ'ing, you always want your anti-skating to be set to zero. This allows it to be drawn in the natural direction during back-cueing and scratching.

When you get into HiFi cartridges it becomes crucial because the diamond profiles are so sensitive to even the most minor adjustments. This is less of a concern for spherical stylus-type DJ cartridges which sit more central to the groove anyways.

What is the height or Vertical Tracking Angle (VTA)?

This is the angle required to make the stylus sit in the groove properly, from front-to-back. Most DJs don't even look at this setting, but taking the time to adjust it properly can yield better sound quality and groove holding performance. Your height should always be set to be parallel to the record surface during playback. This depends, o� course, on the height of the cartridge and the thickness of the record and slipmat. For DJ use, it's often overlooked and it generally makes less of a difference with a DJ cartridge. That explains why you can go to a club and find their tonearm heights set at completely arbitrary heights, yet DJs can perform the whole time and not notice a difference.

What is the difference between straight and curved tonearms?

For DJ use, the only straight tonearm type is called an underhung arm, meaning that the arm is intentionally kept shorter to provide better scratch performance. This has a tendency to cause uneven vinyl wear and, overall, is bad for your records. This is not to be confused with a HiFi-type straight arm, which is much longer. The S-shaped tonearm is still the best-shaped tonearm for the professional DJ.

Can you explain Vertical Tracking Force (VTF) and what we need to know about it?

This is a critical adjustment for DJs, and it really pays to have an understanding of how to properly balance a tonearm before you even delve into VTF. This is adjusted via the counterweight on the rear of the tonearm. Too much weight, and you'll wear out your records prematurely (and sometimes the stylus as well). Too little weight, and you'll damage the grooves of your records.

What exactly is the signal output and why is it important?

It's the voltage generated by the cartridge during playback. My S-120, for example, is 10 mV, which means that my software (in the case of the SLl) doesn't have to apply as much software gain to the signal in order to get it loud enough to analyze the timecode. The less gain you have to apply, the higher the signal to noise ratio, and the better that the software can detect and analyze timecode.

What are the best settings for a noisy environment/jumpy needle?

With a traditional cartridge, your best bet is to increase the tracking force to the upper threshold as suggested by the manufacturer. The reality is that increasing tracking force does cause more profound record wear, so I still wouldn't overdo it unless it was with an old set of control vinyl or in emergency situations.

What are the best settings for preserving control signal quality?

I use Serato and I like to keep my control vinyl in the best shape possible, so I don't really track my cartridges any heavier than about 3, maybe 3.5 grams if I have to. Generally, your best bet is to follow the tracking force recommendations that are included with the cartridge, but if you are light-handed, you can opt for the minimum recommended value and still make out just fine.

[Sidebar]

Louis Dorio is a professional DJ of over 10 years. Outside of the office, you can find him hosting his weekly show. Electronic Warfare, on Bassdrive.com, the Internet's premier drum and bass network.

[Author Affiliation]

Yala Fox is an international DJ currently based out of New York City. You can find more information on his work and research at www.darwinv8themaolilne.com.