Turntable Anti-Skate: What is it and How to Set it Correctly

What is turntable anti-skating, and how does it work?

This diagram shows the spindle, the needle tip, and a groove cross-section in vinyl. When the anti-skate isn’t set correctly, the tip pushes toward the inner edge of the groove.

When set correctly, the anti-skate mechanism applies a sideways counterforce. This equal force pushes against the “skating force”, balancing the arm and ensuring the needle is kept toward the center of the groove.

This keeps the stereo image (left-right channels) balanced by maintaining equal pressure on either side of the groove. Otherwise, one channel may be louder than the other due to the stylus being pushed harder into one side of the vinyl groove.

In essence, the control changes the Lateral Tracking Force (LTF) to exert equal pressure on both sides of the tonearm, keeping it straight when running through the record groove.

How do incorrect anti-skate settings affect turntable performance?

Without the proper anti-skating setting, a few issues can arise with playback and the tonearm:

• Incorrectly configured anti-skating features can produce a mismatched stereo image due to excess pressure between either the left or right channels of a cartridge. If there is more distortion (or volume) in the left channel, it means the cartridge is being pushed into the outer groove with too much force. To counter this, you should adjust the anti-skate to a higher level. The same is true in reverse – if the right channel is louder, the anti-skating should be reduced.
• Incorrect setup also increases the chance of inner groove distortion This creates a distorted sound and affects the frequency response – often blurring the high frequencies, which results in sibilance (most commonly heard as distorted S-es in vocals).
• The turntable anti-skating feature also helps to keep your records and stylus in better condition. With an incorrect setting, your stylus may struggle to stay in the record’s grooves, which can cause skipping or jumping, which can cause wear and tear over time. Worst case, it can also damage your vinyl.

What should I set my turntable anti-skate to?

The exact setting varies based on your turntable’s cartridge. Generally, the anti-skate value should be equal to the cartridge’s specified Vertical Tracking Force (VTF).

The VTF is a value that describes the recommended weighting of the stylus and is managed via the counterweight at the end of the tonearm. Check the stylus manual for the recommended VTF value.

So if you used a cartridge with a VTF of 2 (grams), you should change the anti-skating mechanism to 2.

Find out more about setting the VTF feature in our guide on how to set up a turntable.

How to Set Anti-Skate on Turntable: A Quick Step-by-Step Guide

This section explains the best process to set your anti-skate setting, assuming your turntable has a regular dial control.

1. Level the turntable

It’s important to get your record player flush with the playing surface to get the best calibration.

For the first step, adjust the height of the feet to ensure it’s flat. A spirit level helps, but you can also use a mobile app (iOs / Android) as well.

2. Balance the Tonearm

Before changing the skating, you must ensure your tonearm is perfectly balanced, then set the correct VTF (in step 3).

At the end of the tonearm, you will find the counterweight. Start by setting both the counterweight and anti-skate mechanisms to 0.

Next, adjust the counterweight setting until the tonearm is balanced. It should “float” without leaning either on the side of the counterweight or on the side of the headshell and cartridge.

3. Set the Tracking Weight

Adjust the tracking force by rotating the setting on the counterweight until the number reaches the recommended VTF (verticle tracking force) value provided by the stylus manufacturer.

This is typically between 2 and 3 grams, but check the manual. Getting the VTF correct is important; otherwise, it can create too much or little friction.