Tracking Geometry
Tracking geometry describes how a tonearm carries the cartridge across a record and keeps it aligned with the groove.
Pivoted arms swing through an arc. Pivoted tangential arms also use pivots, but change their geometry to keep the cartridge nearly tangent, pointing along the groove. Linear tracking moves the cartridge along a straight line across the record. “Tangential” therefore does not necessarily mean a straight-travelling carriage.
Tracking Geometry — Tonearm
Geometry affects tracking-angle error: the mismatch between the cartridge’s direction and the groove’s direction at the stylus. A tangential or linear-tracking label does not guarantee zero error in use; alignment still matters. Follow the manufacturer’s setup instructions for the exact arm.
Gimbal and unipivot describe bearings, a separate specification. The catalogue’s Accessory value identifies a separately sold armboard, arm wand, counterweight or headshell, not another working geometry.
Sources
- Horizontal tracking error glossary (Japanese) — Audio-Technica
- Pivoted tangential tracking principle — Reed
- Linear tracking explained — Bergmann Audio
- Linear tonearm setup guide — Bergmann Audio
- Bearing assemblies and tonearm geometry — Rega