Antiskate

Antiskate is a control on a turntable’s tonearm that applies a small outward force to counterbalance the inward skating force generated when the stylus tracks a record groove. The skating force arises from the geometry and friction of the tonearm as the record spins, and without adequate antiskate the cartridge can track unevenly, leading to distortion, channel imbalance, and accelerated inner-groove wear.

In most turntables, antiskate is implemented as a dial or weight-connected mechanism. The user typically adjusts it by a numeric value, often intended to correspond to the tracking force in grams. The outward bias counteracts the inward pull toward the record’s center. Some tonearms feature dynamic or position-dependent anti-skate systems, while others provide a fixed setting that is intended to remain constant during playback.

Setup guidance generally recommends starting with an antiskate value near the tracking force specified for the cartridge, then fine-tuning by ear or with test records. It should be used in combination with correct cartridge alignment, azimuth, and vertical tracking angle. Antiskate cannot compensate for poor alignment, worn records, or an improperly balanced tonearm.

Effects of misadjustment can include audible distortion, especially on inner grooves with low anti-skate and overweight tracking, or channel imbalance and distortion on outer grooves with excessive anti-skate. Cartridges and tonearms vary, so some users find small, incremental adjustments yield the best balance for their specific setup.