Audio Technica AT-LP120BK-USB User manual
Setting Up the AT-LP120-USB Turntable –
Part 1
01.13.2015Audio-Technica 84 Comments
The AT-LP120-USB Turntable is a professional direct-drive turntable with both analog and USB
connection capability, so you can use it with all standard audio equipment or plug it directly into
your computer. But make no mistake, this isn’t just a tool to transfer records to MP3s – it’s
loaded with all the tools you’d expect from a professional turntable, including adjustable tone
arm and pitch control, ½-inch Dual Magnet™ cartridge, three speeds (33/45/78), DJ
functionality and more.
But, as with most professional gear, proper setup is critical to getting the most out of the AT-
LP120-USB and ensuring long-lasting operation of the stylus and enjoyment of your records. In
this post we’ll cover headshell and counterweight installation, and tone arm balance. In Part 2
we’ll tell you have how to set the tracking force and pre-amp selector switch, and make anti-
skate and tone arm height adjustments.
The first order of business is to put all the pieces in place. So set the platter and slip mat onto the
turntable spindle, making sure the platter is fully seated. Next, lock the tone arm in place in the
tone arm rest and attach the headshell assembly by inserting it into the end of the tone arm.
While continuing to hold the headshell, rotate the locking ring on the tone arm counterclockwise
to pull the headshell securely into place.
Now install the counterweight. With the black stylus force gauge facing forward, screw the
counterweight onto the back of the tone arm. Then, if you intend to use the dust cover, slip its
hinges into the slots on the back of the turntable and slide the cover into place on the hinges.
Once you have all that taken care of, you can move on to the important matter of balancing the
tone arm. This will help ensure that the cartridge tracks properly and that the stylus won’t wear
prematurely or damage your records. To get started set the anti-skate dial to 0.
Remove the protective cover from the stylus by sliding it straight forward off the front of the
cartridge. Take hold of the headshell and then release the tone arm’s locking clamp. The tone
arm will be unbalanced at this point, so take care not to damage the stylus by letting it come into
contact with the slip mat (or anything else). While continuing to gently hold the headshell, rotate
the counterweight until the tone arm is horizontally balanced –it should hover just above the
platter. Once this is done, lock the tone arm back in place on its rest.
Setting Up the AT-LP120-USB Turntable –
Part 2
01.15.2015Audio-Technica 37 Comments
In Part 1, we told you how to install the headshell and counterweight, and how to balance the
tone arm. Now it’s time to set the stylus tracking force. Setting the force properly will keep the
stylus from skipping out of the record groove at especially dynamic musical passages (too little
force) and prevent excessive wear to stylus and records (too much force).
The recommended force varies from cartridge to cartridge, so first you need to determine which
cartridge you’re dealing with. The AT-LP120-USB currently comes with an AT95E cartridge
(identifiable by its green stylus). Prior to September 2011, the turntable was equipped with the
now discontinued ATP-2XN (white stylus). If you are working with the AT95E, we recommend
setting the force to 2 grams; if you have the ATP-2XN, set the force to 3.5 grams. (If you ever
install an alternate cartridge, you’ll need to adjust the tracking force according to the
manufacturer’s recommended setting.)
As you’ll recall from the previous post, the stylus force gauge is located on the front of the
counterweight. Without adjusting the counterweight, rotate the force gauge so the number 0 lines
up with the centerline marked on the rear of the tone arm. Then set the tracking force by rotating
the entire counterweight (the force gauge should turn along with the weight) counterclockwise
until reaching the desired value.
Also, to compensate for the natural “skating” force that pulls the tone arm toward the center of
the record, set the anti-skate knob to match the value of the tracking force. However, if you
anticipate doing a fair amount of back-cueing, scratching or reverse-direction operation, you may
want to use less or no anti-skate control.
If you use a taller cartridge, thicker slip mat or play thick records (such as 180 g pressings or old
78s), you may also need to adjust the tone arm height in order to keep the tone arm parallel. To
do so, loosen the height-lock switch and rotate the black height-adjust dial –the lock and dial are
both located at the base of the tone arm. Once the height is adjusted correctly, secure it by
flipping the switch back into locked position.
Finally, adjust the PHONO/LINE selector switch on the back of the turntable to set the proper
output. If the turntable is connected to a receiver or other device with a dedicated phono input,
move the switch to PHONO. If the turntable is connected to a sound card, powered speakers or
AUX-type inputs, set the selector to LINE, which will activate the turntable’s internal pre-amp.
If you are using the USB output to connect the turntable to a computer, the selector switch can be
set to either PHONO or LINE as the switch doesn’t affect USB output in any way.
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