If you’re a vinyl lover, you know that one of the most important aspects of playing records is getting the pitch right. Whether you’re a DJ or just enjoy listening to music at home, properly adjusting the pitch on your turntable is essential for ensuring a high-quality listening experience.
Pitch refers to the speed at which a record is played, and it’s measured in rotations per minute (RPM). The standard pitch for most turntables is 33 1/3 RPM, but some turntables can play at speeds of 45 or even 78 RPM.
If the pitch on your turntable is not properly adjusted, the music will sound distorted and you may even damage your records.
How To Adjust Pitch On A Turntable
There are a few different ways to adjust pitch on a turntable, depending on the type of turntable you have. We’ll go over two of the most common methods below.
Adjust Pitch On A Turntable For belt-driven turntables:
1. Locate the pitch control knob (usually located near the tonearm).
2. Turn the knob until the desired RPM is reached.
3. Check the stroboscopic platter to make sure the speed is accurate.
Adjust Pitch On A Turntable on For direct-drive turntables:
1. Locate the pitch control slider (usually located on the front panel).
2. Slide the slider to the desired RPM.
3. Check the stroboscopic platter to make sure the speed is accurate.
Quick Extra Tips for Adjust Pitch On A Turntable:
1. Make sure the stylus is properly aligned before adjusting pitch.
2. Use a slipmat to prevent your records from slipping while you’re adjusting the pitch.
3.Start with a slower RPM and increase the speed gradually to avoid damage to your records.
4. If you’re using a direct-drive turntable, be careful not to move the pitch control slider too quickly or you may damage the motor.
5. If your turntable has a built-in stroboscopic platter, you can use it to check the accuracy of your pitch adjustment.
Advantages Of Adjusted Pitch:
1. Properly adjusted pitch results in clear, undistorted sound.
2. It prevents damage to your records.
3. It allows you to match the speed of your turntable to the music you’re playing.
4. It makes it easier to cue up tracks when DJing.
5. It can help you achieve higher scores in vinyl-based video games.
Disadvantages of Incorrectly adjusted pitch:
1. Incorrectly adjusted pitch can damage your records.
2. It can be difficult to achieve precise pitch adjustments without a stroboscopic platter.
3. You may need to purchase a separate slipmat if your turntable doesn’t come with one.
4. It can be time-consuming to adjust pitch if you’re switching between multiple records with different speeds.
5. You may need to purchase a separate speed control if your turntable doesn’t have one built-in.
FAQs on Adjust Pitch On A Turntable:
1. What is pitch?
Pitch is the speed at which a record is played, and it’s measured in rotations per minute (RPM).
2. What is the standard pitch for most turntables?
The standard pitch for most turntables is 33 1/3 RPM.
3. What are the benefits of properly adjusted pitch?
Properly adjusted pitch results in clear, undistorted sound, it prevents damage to your records, and it allows you to match the speed of your turntable to the music you’re playing.
4. What are the drawbacks of incorrectly adjusted pitch?
Incorrectly adjusted pitch can damage your records, it can be difficult to achieve precise pitch adjustments without a stroboscopic platter, and you may need to purchase a separate slipmat if your turntable doesn’t come with one.
5. How do I adjust pitch on a belt-driven turntable?
To adjust pitch on a belt-driven turntable, locate the pitch control knob (usually located near the tonearm), turn the knob until the desired RPM is reached, and check the stroboscopic platter to make sure the speed is accurate.
6. How do I adjust pitch on a direct-drive turntable?
To adjust pitch on a direct-drive turntable, locate the pitch control slider (usually located on the front panel), slide the slider to the desired RPM, and check the stroboscopic platter to make sure the speed is accurate.
7. What is a stroboscopic platter?
A stroboscopic platter is a disc with a series of evenly spaced lines that appear to stand still when the disc is spinning at the correct speed.
8. How do I use a stroboscopic platter to adjust pitch?
To use a stroboscopic platter to adjust pitch, align the lines on the disc with the lines on the platter, and then turn the knob or slider until the lines appear to stand still.
9. Do I need a special slipmat to adjust pitch on my turntable?
No, you don’t need a special slipmat to adjust pitch on your turntable. However, using a slipmat will prevent your records from slipping while you’re adjusting the pitch.
10. I’m having difficulty adjusting pitch on my turntable. What should I do?
If you’re having difficulty adjusting pitch on your turntable, try starting with a slower RPM and increasing the speed gradually. You can also try using a stroboscopic platter to help you achieve accurate pitch adjustments.
Final thoughts:
Pitch is an important factor to consider when setting up your turntable. Properly adjusted pitch results in clear, undistorted sound, and it prevents damage to your records. You can adjust pitch on most turntables by turning a knob or slider until the desired RPM is reached. If you’re having difficulty adjusting pitch, try using a stroboscopic platter to help you achieve accurate pitch adjustments.
