Tracking Force Application
Tracking force application describes how a tonearm produces the downward force at the stylus. It identifies the mechanism, not the force setting in grams.
Static arms set force by changing counterweight position after balancing. Dynamic arms use a spring or magnetic force; they can still have a counterweight to balance the cartridge. The label “Dynamic (spring)” also includes magnetic designs here, so it does not always mean a physical spring. “Selectable” offers both methods, subject to the arm’s instructions.
Tracking Force Application — Tonearm
Follow the tonearm maker’s setup instructions and the cartridge maker’s recommended tracking force. Changing the application method does not replace setting the correct amount of force.
Dynamic compliance is a different property: the flexibility of the cartridge’s stylus suspension. Anti-skate compensates for sideways pull toward the record’s centre, rather than applying downward tracking force. The application method alone does not tell you which arm sounds better.
Sources
- AT-LP8X: balance, tracking force and anti-skate — Audio-Technica
- Series V-12: dynamic balance and spring force — SME
- AXIOM owner’s manual: static and magnetic force — Acoustical Systems (manual mirror)
- Cartridge compliance explained — Dynavector
- RB330 balancing and tracking-force setup — Rega