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DJ - Setting Up Your Phono Cartridge PDF Print E-mail
Written by TERMiNAL OPTiC   
Friday, 02 January 2009 00:00

DJ Tutorial - Setting Up Your CartridgesAlthough it's the most simplest part of being a DJ, for many beginners, this is the part that confuses them the most... Setting up the cartridges.

For starters, we'll begin with terminology and definitions.  The following diagram will show you exactly which parts we are talking about... so, pay attention.

First and foremost, 99.9% of all turntables used for DJing have what are called STANDARD MOUNT TONEARMS.  On a standard mount tonearm, you will use a standard mount cartridge, which attaches to a standard mount headshell, as illustrated here: 
Standard Mount Cartridge Set Up
You will notice the cartridge mounts to the headshell, and the stylus (aka needle) mounts to the cartridge.

Here is an image of a real live cartridge and what it looks like.  This is the Shure M44-7 Cartridge.  It is very popular among scratch DJ's and known for it's reliability and ability to take the abuse within the battle scene. This is what mounts to your headshell.

Shure M44-7 Cartridge

This is what the headshell looks like... This is the Technics Headshell, which comes standard with all the Technics SL1200MK2, MK5 series turntables, and the one we recommend...
Technics Headhsell

There are different brands of headshells, the Technics brand just happens to be the most popular and commonly used, so we'll use it here too.

In regards to installation, you just have to follow the manufacturer's instructions on mounting the cartridge to the headshell.  Once assembled, it will look like this...

 

Shure M44-7 Cartridge Technics Headhsell

This assembled item will now go inside your tonearm.  That's it.  Very simple. After you've mounted your cartridge to your headshell, the next step is to balance your tonearm, so that you don't put too much pressure on your stylus, which will cause wear and tear on your vinyl and stylus if not properly set up.  CLICK HERE FOR TONEARM SET UP!

Now, here are some various videos to help you out with other aspects of the cartridge, the stylus, the headshell, installation, and stylus replacement.  Pay attention class!

TIP: ALWAYS remove the stylus, whenever your working on the cartridge, as you could damage it while your handling it.  Always be careful to take care when handling your cartridge and stylus.

 

PHONO CARTRIDGE INSTALLATION

CARTRIDGE, HEADSHELL, & STYLUS OVERVIEW



1) Connecting the Wires to the Cartridge



 2) Connecting the Cartridge Wires to the Headshell



3) Attaching the Cartridge to the Headshell



4) Connecting the Headshell to the Tonearm

 
5) Replacing the Stylus (when it becomes worn)


 
 
After you've mounted your cartridge to your headshell, the next step is to balance your tonearm, so that you don't put too much pressure on your stylus, which will cause wear and tear on your vinyl and stylus if not properly set up.  CLICK HERE FOR TONEARM SET UP!
 
Still have questions?  Talk to us in the FORUMS!
Last Updated on Friday, 02 January 2009 00:33
 

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