View Full Version : I need some speed
carruthersesq
09-02-2015, 21:17
Guys, how do you guys test your speed?
I know my TT allows me to adjust its speed but I'm not sure how best to test it?
A strobe disc and a mains light shining on it is what I use....lenco ones can be bought on ebay but there are others.
I've used a number of methods. I happen to own a Linn strobe disc and matching strobe which is significantly more accurate than the 50Hz flash of domestic lighting (the Linn one isn't commercially available but similar can be purchased) - but even more accurate is to record a test tone and look at it in Audacity.
carruthersesq
10-02-2015, 13:09
[QUOTE=YNWaN;619554 but even more accurate is to record a test tone and look at it in Audacity.[/QUOTE]
Oooo, that sounds like a faff, but one that would be worth it.
I was thinking more of a disc/strobe light application, there are several on eBay, not sure if some are better than others??
often the more u pay the more accurate youll get but not always. i find my cheap method accurate enough.
awkwardbydesign
10-02-2015, 14:02
http://www.vinylengine.com/strobe-discs.shtml and print. I've just used mine to check a Rock.
337alant
10-02-2015, 14:04
I've used a number of methods. I happen to own a Linn strobe disc and matching strobe which is significantly more accurate than the 50Hz flash of domestic lighting (the Linn one isn't commercially available but similar can be purchased) - but even more accurate is to record a test tone and look at it in Audacity.
Mark
Why on earth would you need an accurate strobe disc for an LP12 :scratch::D:D:D
Alan
Mark
Why on earth would you need an accurate strobe disc for an LP12 :scratch::D:D:D
Alan
Maybe that isn't as daft as it sounds. If your ears do not suggest a problem, then there isn't much of an issue really. Especially as a significant number of LPs are not truly concentric anyway. And sometimes you can hear speed variations on the record, between different tracks. Best to be a bit laid-back about these matters. Now wow and flutter, that really can be annoying, especially on stuff like piano. So, to me, that is something to get right.
Mark
Why on earth would you need an accurate strobe disc for an LP12 :scratch::D:D:D
Alan
I'm guessing that's a joke but you can actually set the speed very accurately on an LP12 by adjusting the tilt of the motor.
I use a camera tripod with one of these (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Noncontact-Tach-Tool-RPM-Handheld-Digital-Photo-Laser-Tachometer-Meter-Tester-UK-/141210169483?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item20e0c8308b) attached. Cheap and accurate.
DarrenHW
11-02-2015, 18:50
... but even more accurate is to record a test tone and look at it in Audacity.
Top Tip :thumbsup: This had never crossed my mind, simple to set up and completely free :youtheman:
carruthersesq
11-02-2015, 19:33
I use a camera tripod with one of these (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Noncontact-Tach-Tool-RPM-Handheld-Digital-Photo-Laser-Tachometer-Meter-Tester-UK-/141210169483?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item20e0c8308b) attached. Cheap and accurate.
Do you have to put something on the platter?
I use a camera tripod with one of these (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Noncontact-Tach-Tool-RPM-Handheld-Digital-Photo-Laser-Tachometer-Meter-Tester-UK-/141210169483?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item20e0c8308b) attached. Cheap and accurate.
I have been using one similar. The Model is 6234P+ digital Photo tachometer.
Do you have to put something on the platter?
You simply apply a piece of reflective tape on the platter. When the platter is spinning. you press the test button and align the visible light beam with the tape.
I use a camera tripod with one of these (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Noncontact-Tach-Tool-RPM-Handheld-Digital-Photo-Laser-Tachometer-Meter-Tester-UK-/141210169483?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item20e0c8308b) attached. Cheap and accurate.
I've got one of these and it does work well. You don't strictly need a tripod to use it but it basically counts the passing of something reflective so you do need to keep it pretty still. You also need to apply some of the reflective strip to something non- reflective. Luckily I had a dust mat that I could use but others may not.
I've still got my trusty Linn strobe - 300Hz - and it's very good. Similar are available.
Another way, platter speed app and a test record can also give you W&F with in-app purchase
carruthersesq
18-02-2015, 20:47
One on order. Cheers.
Bit of a two-edged sword? You get highly accurate measurements...do you also get neurosis? Analogue can never major on technical perfection. As long as the figures are vaguely ok, I wouldn't worry. How many LPs are truly concentric anyway?
Analogue is for fun......it just sounds right (to me anyway!)
Bit of a two-edged sword? You get highly accurate measurements...do you also get neurosis? Analogue can never major on technical perfection. As long as the figures are vaguely ok, I wouldn't worry. How many LPs are truly concentric anyway?
Analogue is for fun......it just sounds right (to me anyway!)
I would tend to agree - as long as the speed is correct according to the built in stroboscope, I'm happy. I don't have perfect pitch, so am unconcerned by the small variation of mains frequency allowed by legislation.
I would tend to agree. As long as the markings of the built in stroboscope of my turntables are stationary, I'm happy. I don't have perfect pitch, so am not concerned by the short-term variation in mains frequency (2%, that is 50 +/- 1Hz) allowed by law.
http://wwwhome.ewi.utwente.nl/~ptdeboer/misc/mains.html
I find it easy enough to set and forget. A good turntable should hold its speed over time quite happily.
Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.2.3 Copyright © 2024 vBulletin Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.