Turntable Anti-Skating: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How to Set It Right

Turntable anti-skating is a small feature with a big impact on your vinyl listening experience. When you play a record, the stylus (needle) naturally wants to move toward the center of the record. This is called skating force. Anti-skating applies a gentle outward force to counteract this movement, keeping your stylus centered in the groove and your music sounding balanced.

Why Turntable Anti-Skating Exists

As your record spins, friction between the stylus and the groove pulls the tonearm inward. If you don’t counteract this, the stylus leans against one side of the groove. This causes uneven wear on your records and your stylus, and it can distort the sound. Anti-skating keeps the stylus sitting right in the middle, so both the left and right channels sound clear and even.

How Anti-Skating Works

Most turntables have a small dial or slider near the base of the tonearm labeled “anti-skate” or “bias.” Some use a tiny hanging weight on a string. Others, especially entry-level models, have a fixed setting or handle the adjustment internally. No matter the method, the goal is the same: apply just enough outward force to balance the inward pull.

What Happens If You Ignore Anti-Skating

If you don’t set anti-skating, you’ll notice a few problems:

• The sound may favor one channel (left or right) over the other.
• You might hear distortion, especially on loud or complex passages.
• Your stylus and records will wear out faster, sometimes much faster.

Setting Anti-Skating: Step-by-Step

Getting anti-skating right isn’t complicated, but it’s worth doing carefully. Here’s a simple process:

1. Level Your Turntable
   Make sure your turntable sits flat and stable. Use a bubble level if you have one.
2. Set Tracking Force
   Balance your tonearm and set the tracking force to match your cartridge’s recommendation. This is usually between 1.5 and 2.5 grams, but check your cartridge specs.
3. Adjust Anti-Skating
   Set the anti-skate dial to the same value as your tracking force. If your tracking force is 2 grams, set anti-skate to 2. If you use a weight, hang it according to your turntable’s instructions.
4. Test and Fine-Tune
   Play a record and listen for balance. If you hear distortion or one channel is louder, tweak the anti-skate slightly up or down.

How DJs Use Anti-Skating

If you DJ, especially with back-cueing or scratching, anti-skating works a bit differently. When you move the record backward, the forces reverse. Many DJs set anti-skate to zero or half the tracking force to avoid problems during fast moves.

Different Anti-Skating Mechanisms

You’ll find three main types of anti-skating:

• Dial/Knob: Most common. Easy to adjust.
• Hanging Weight: Found on some higher-end or vintage models. Adjust by moving the weight to a different notch.
• Fixed/Internal: Some turntables set anti-skating at the factory. You can’t adjust it, but it’s usually close enough for casual listening.

Using Anti-Skate Weights: When and How

What Are Anti-Skate Weights?
Some turntables use a small anti-skate weight—a tiny drum or puck on a string attached to the tonearm—to apply outward force. This system is common on vintage or high-end models, and it works by using gravity to counteract the skating force as the arm tracks across the record.

When Should You Use an Anti-Skate Weight?
Always use the anti-skate weight if your turntable is designed for it. Skipping it can cause the stylus to push too hard against one side of the groove, which can wear out your records and stylus faster and cause channel imbalance or distortion. If you notice your tonearm drifting outward too quickly when the weight is attached, double-check that you have the correct weight and that it’s installed in the right notch or groove on the tonearm stub.

How to Set Up an Anti-Skate Weight

1. Level Your Turntable
   Make sure your turntable is flat before adjusting anything. This helps the anti-skate weight work as intended.
2. Balance the Tonearm
   Set the tracking force to zero and balance the tonearm so it floats level. Then, set your tracking force to match your cartridge’s recommendation.
3. Attach the Weight
   Hang the anti-skate weight’s loop over the designated notch or groove on the tonearm stub. Most arms have several notches for different tracking forces. Match the notch to the tracking force you’re using (for example, the first notch for 1 gram, the second for 1.5 grams, etc.).
4. Fine-Tune as Needed
   Play a record and listen for channel balance and distortion. If the arm still pulls inward or outward, try moving the weight to a different notch or adjusting your tracking force slightly.

When to Adjust or Move the Weight

• If you change your cartridge or stylus, reset the anti-skate weight to match the new tracking force.
• If you notice channel imbalance or the stylus drifting, tweak the weight’s position.
• Always set the anti-skate weight after balancing the tonearm and setting tracking force.

Troubleshooting Tips
If the tonearm pulls hard to the right (outward), the weight may be too heavy or in the wrong notch. If it pulls inward, try moving the weight outward or checking your tracking force.

Summary
Use the anti-skate weight whenever your turntable is designed for it, and always match its position to your tracking force. This keeps your records and stylus in good shape and your sound balanced.

How to Tell If Anti-Skating Is Set Correctly

You can check anti-skating a few ways:

• Visual Test: Lower the stylus onto a stationary record or a blank part of a record. It should stay put, not drift inward or outward.
• Listening Test: Play a record with strong stereo effects. The sound should be balanced between channels.
• Test Records: Some audiophile test records have special tracks for anti-skating adjustment.

Common Anti-Skating Problems and Fixes

• Drifting Inward: Increase anti-skating slightly.
• Drifting Outward: Decrease anti-skating.
• Distortion in One Channel: Adjust anti-skating and check tracking force.
• No Adjustment Possible: If your turntable has no anti-skate control, keep your tracking force within the recommended range and use a quality stylus.

Anti-Skating and Record Wear

Proper anti-skating extends the life of your records and stylus. If the stylus presses harder on one side of the groove, you’ll see uneven wear. This damages both the record and the needle. Balanced anti-skating spreads the pressure evenly, so your gear lasts longer.

Anti-Skating and Sound Quality

A well-set anti-skate gives you clearer sound, better stereo imaging, and less distortion. You’ll notice tighter bass, cleaner highs, and a more immersive listening experience. If you hear fuzziness or channel imbalance, anti-skating is the first thing to check.

Anti-Skating on Different Turntable Types

• Manual Turntables: Usually have adjustable anti-skate.
• Automatic Turntables: May have fixed or adjustable anti-skate.
• Linear Tracking Turntables: Don’t need anti-skating; the tonearm moves straight across the record, so there’s no skating force.

Products With Good Anti-Skating Controls

If you’re shopping for a turntable, here are a couple of models on Amazon.com with solid anti-skating features:

• Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB: Popular with beginners and pros. Easy-to-use anti-skate dial.
• Fluance RT85: Simple dial, good for most home setups.

Both of these models are available on Amazon and have strong reputations for reliable anti-skating.

Maintenance Tips

• Check anti-skating every time you change your cartridge or stylus.
• If you move your turntable, recheck the level and anti-skate.
• Clean your stylus and records regularly to prevent extra friction.

Myths About Anti-Skating

• You Only Need to Set It Once: Not true. Any change to your cartridge, stylus, or even moving your turntable can affect anti-skating.
• More Is Better: Too much anti-skate is just as bad as too little. Always start with the same value as your tracking force.
• It Doesn’t Matter for Cheap Turntables: Even budget models benefit from proper anti-skate, if they have it.

Advanced Tips

• Use a test record for precise adjustment if you’re chasing perfect sound.
• If you hear distortion only on loud passages, check both tracking force and anti-skate.
• For cartridges with unusual shapes or weights, you might need to experiment a bit.

Troubleshooting Checklist

• Sound leans left or right: Adjust anti-skate.
• Stylus skips or mistracks: Check tracking force first, then anti-skate.
• Excessive surface noise: Clean your records, then check anti-skate.
• Fast stylus wear: Make sure anti-skate and tracking force match cartridge specs.

Anti-Skating and Cartridge Upgrades

If you upgrade your cartridge, always reset anti-skating. Heavier or lighter cartridges need different tracking forces, so your anti-skate setting will change too. Always check the cartridge manufacturer’s recommendations.

Anti-Skating and Record Types

Heavier records, warped records, or records with deep grooves might need slight tweaks to anti-skate. Always start with the recommended setting, then adjust by ear if needed.

Anti-Skating and Stylus Shapes

Elliptical and microline styli track grooves differently than conical ones. This can affect how much anti-skating you need. If you switch stylus types, double-check your settings.

Final Thoughts

Turntable anti-skating is a small adjustment that makes a big difference. Take a few minutes to set it right, and you’ll get better sound, longer gear life, and a more enjoyable vinyl experience.