How to Set Turntable Tracking Weight

Most turntables arms are equipped with an adjustable weight at the end of the arm. Setting the proper weight on a turntable's arm will ensure that the stylus makes the correct contact with the record grooves without scratching or otherwise damaging the record.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Unlock the arm from the arm rest and let it rest by itself on the arm rest.

2. 
   Turntable arm and tracking weight

   Turn the weight dial at the end of the arm slowly. The weight will move away from the needle end of the arm. Watch the arm. When it begins to float up and away from the arm rest, stop turning the weight dial.

3. 
   A close-up of a tracking weight dial

   Adjust the dial so that the arm just barely rises on its own from the rest. Lock the arm back down. Hold the large part of the weight and turn the dial end so that it reads 0 (zero).

4. Unlock the arm again and lift it over the platter without letting the needle touch the platter. If the needle is even with the platter, the arm is set. If it is higher than level (pointing up and away from the platter), turn the weight to move the weight toward the needle end to add weight until it is level. If it is lower than level (pointing down at the platter), turn the weight didal to back the weight away from the needle end until it is level.

Tips & Warnings

• Be gentle with all of the parts of your turntable. Adjust the dial slowly.

Resources

• Turntable basics
• Vinylengine turntable forum
• Audioholics forum