How To Use A Turntable

What is a Turntable?

A turntable refers to a record player’s major component. It basically holds the record and spins it for you to hear a musical recording.

A record player and a turntable are somehow alike, but the latter does not come with an amplifier or built-in speakers. It also has components such as a motor and a platter. It is not complete without a needle or stylus, a tonearm, and a cartridge. The stylus is engaged in the record’s grooves and facilitates the transmission of vibrations through wires in their tonearms so you can hear a sound. The tonearm is responsible for holding the cartridge and stylus in its proper and safe place. You can have the option to connect the turntable to an external component through its pre-amplifier. To fully understand a turntable function, you must know and experience how to use a turntable.

How to Use a Turntable

• Step1. The first step on how to use a turntable is to put the platter into motion. Remember that every turntable has different control setups but most commonly have a switch that allows you to engage or disengage the motor that makes the turntable platter work.
• Step 2. The next step involves lifting the tonearm that entails the process called cueing. Many turntables are made with a cue lever to raise and lower the tonearm conveniently. However, if the cue switch feature is not present, you can lift the tonearm carefully and place your finger underneath the handle.
• Step 3. It’s time to position the turntable’s tonearms above the record. In this step, make sure that the stylus is placed over the outer grooves of the record.
• Step 4. Once done, you need to lower the stylus onto the record. You have to do it as gently as possible. The needle or stylus touches the grooves without the clicking sound. After lowering the stylus, the recording will begin subsequently.
• Step 4. When the record is over, finally place the tonearm back into its place. Lift the tonearm by lifting manually or using a cueing switch, depending on your turntable’s feature. There are turntables with programmed features whose tonearms return into place automatically once the record is over.

Levelling a Turntable

After knowing how to use a turntable, it’s time to know about the importance of leveling your device. Before using a turntable, make sure that it is in a safe and proper setup. You must have a dedicated area where you will know that it is safe and stable enough. Because it is usually placed on a shelf, you must make sure that the shelf has good support for your turntable’s weight to avoid the danger of unwanted falls that will cause damage issues. It is also recommended to place your turntable in a place away from vibrations to perform better.

You have to note that everything must be on a perfect level and that the stylus tip is placed correctly in the record groove. To make sure of it, make a constant check on your device whenever possible. Ensuring your turntable is placed on a perfect level will keep it safe and prolong its life. Appropriate leveling is also crucial in your device’s performance. Always check the level of the turntable’s platter as well. It must be fixed relative to the plinth. Over time you might need a professional check for adjustments, as needed. Learn more about turntables here! 

Conclusion

Turntables are great devices that uniquely play excellent audio recordings, and you will be amazed when you use them for the first time. The first thing to consider in using a turntable is to familiarize its parts and features. It is important to learn how to use a turntable so you can fully enjoy listening to a musical recording and avoid causing any damage to the device. The steps on using a turntable are simple and easy; mastering the skill will take your passion to the next level.