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How a Phonograph Cartridge Works











A tracking failure is referred to as mistracking. Serious mistracking, when the high mass of the stylus causes it to veer out of control, can permanently damage a record by altering the signal patterns in the record groove. Such damage can occur in just one play.


The stylus tip traces the musical signal inscribed in the record groove, which can contain modulations as small as a millionth of an inch. Tip geometry is a critical factor in determining the accuracy of sound reproduction. The narrower the side, or contact radius, of a biradial diamond tip, the more precise its ability to trace the audio signal. This is particularly critical in the complex, densely packed high-frequency range. The better a tip traces the audio signal, the more accurate the sound reproduction, and the more consistent this reproduction is across the audible spectrum. The term “detail” is often used when referring to the accuracy of signal tracing, as in “high detail,” or “lacks detail.”


The consistency of sound reproduction across the audible spectrum is generally described by the term frequency response, which is the range over which the cartridge sound output is essentially level, or “flat” – with fluctuations neither above nor below a reference level on a monitor. Because every manufacturer has its own definition of what the term “flat” means, with some dropping this qualifier altogether, the comparative value of posted frequency response ranges across brands is limited.


Tracking force refers to the total force holding the stylus in place in the record groove. Effective tip pressure on the record can actually be as high as several tons, due to the extremely small contact area between diamond tip and groove surface. The amount of tracking force is the major determinant of normal record wear (as distinguished from record damage, typically caused by mistracking.) The lower the tracking force, the lower the record wear, but also the lower the trackability. The best cartridges are able to achieve high trackability at a low tracking force.

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