Analogue Productions Ultimate Analogue Test LP for precise turntable setup !
Sold Date:
May 18, 2016
Start Date:
June 30, 2015
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"Back in the golden age of vinyl there were many
different test LPs available - all rather similar to one another. Analogue
Productions decided to create a modern test disc that hasn't been done before,
and have succeeded. It specifically addresses the turntable, cartridge and
stylus." - John Sunier,Audiophile Audition, February 21, 2010
"The disc is indispensable for anyone who is dedicated
to the most accurate adjustment of his LP playback system and thus the best
sound." - Harry Pearson,
The Absolute Sound Editor
"…The modern renaissance in vinyl over the past decade, coupled with the
startlingly high performance of today's best LP front ends, has created the
need for a new standard in test records. And that new standard is undoubtedly
The
Ultimate Analogue Test LP from Analogue Productions. This new disc has
been meticulously assembled in collaboration with some of the world's greatest
technical experts in record cutting…a 'must-have' for any analog
enthusiast." – Robert Harley,
The Absolute Sound, October 2008
"The speed stability of this test record is outstanding and below the
measurable threshold, that's what it's supposed to be. With most test LPs, the
speed is erratic caused by off center holes and warps in vinyl. I have over 40
test records and for most functions they are useless. You made a great test LP,
I used it to set up and measure my new Rim Drive and without it most of the testing
would have been useless. It's unbelievable, there is no wavering." – Harry
Weisfeld, VPI Industries
"
The Ultimate Analogue Test LP from Analogue Productions is
something that could only have been dreamed of a few years ago. Now it's a
reality and an indispensable tool for setting up and getting the most from your
vinyl rig. It's 'all about the music' for us vinyl lovers and I can't imagine
how we ever did without something like this for so long! Bravo to Analogue
Productions/Acoustic Sounds for making this the true Ultimate set-up disk, a
tool that will enable us to get the most music and good sound from our record
collections." – Steve Hoffman, mastering engineer
"
The Ultimate Analogue Test LP is a milestone and very powerful
reference for those truly concerned about getting the very best performance
from an analog (vinyl) front end and also for those professionals who
manufacture the related analog front end products. To start with, Track One
very accurately provides a 1kHz tone at 7 cm/s mono (in-phase, lateral) NAB OVU
standard reference level, which has been the industry standard since 1964. This
supercedes the long-outdated RCA 5 cm/s (3.54 cm/s stereo) test level. Track
One can also be used as an outside track wow and flutter reference as will the
inner Track 10…two ways to approach this measurement. A close look shows that
each track on this disc can be used in multiple ways far beyond the list
provided in the limited space on the record jacket. Hats off to all of those
involved in making this outstanding test LP." – Keith Herron, Herron Audio
"
The Ultimate Analogue Test LP from Analogue Productions is
the quintessential tool for setup and fine tuning of ALL analog systems…Pure
Science yields High Performance." – Dan Babineau, Technical Editor,
TONEAudio
Magazine
"First of all I have to say it comes along in close to perfect
manufacturing quality. In comparison to lots of other test records available in
the market there are nearly no warps. So when it comes to talk about a test
record, the first thing that is absolutely necessary is perfect flatness of the
disc. The second and third tracks on the first side of this record are very
good tools to adjust azimuth to a certain degree without test-equipment. Track
10 is a perfect 3150 Hz tone that is mastered close to perfection. In direct
comparison to a German-made product, one can see that level is kept in a much
narrower band. So there is only very small amplitude deviation visible. All of
the other tracks are very useful as well. I have to give my highest
recommendation to this record – a must have for any audiophile!" – Dr.
Christian Feickert, Feickert Analog Products
"In having created a special grinding system we at Basis have created
turntable drive belts precise to within a fraction of a Micron. Combined with
our similarly groundbreaking work in creating absolutely true bearings and
platters Basis has broken new ground in turntable speed stability. The result
is that the speed stability of Basis turntables now exceeds the limits of the
very test records used to test speed stability. Only one out-of-print test
record so far had been up to the task. The recent test record you sent makes
the second. The lack of drift in the test tone makes this the most close to
perfect speed check we have found to date. Thank you for bringing this record
to my attention." – A.J. Conti, Basis Audio
"Yes, I'll occasionally set up a cartridge visually to listen casually.
However, all serious listening is done by setting up with the 'Ultimate Test
LP,' it's always interesting to see how far off I am with a visual set up. Some
of the adjustments are very fine. I don't think one can be certain that their
cartridge is set up right without this disk." – Michael Yee, Michael Yee
Audio
Analogue Productions set out to produce the ultimate test record. We’ve consulted many experts in the field, including mastering engineers, audio
experts, turntable experts and audiophile listeners, to create a test record
that's never been made before. When Barry Wolifson from Sterling Sound in New
York City called us with the same idea we had been thinking about – that being
to create the ultimate test record – he and our audio expert Clark Williams
began to brainstorm and research ideas until they were both completely
satisfied with what should go on the record.
Most of the test records in the past have been made to test a variety of
equipment. This test record excludes silly cannon shots, typewriters, voices on
one channel and other useless fluff. This one specifically addresses your
turntable and cartridge. It’s designed to provide the basic test signals
necessary to calibrate a turntable or cutting lathe as simply as possible. Most
of the signals have specific implications, but it is certainly possible to use
them in any number of novel ways.
This record was pressed at Quality Record Pressings on 200 gram vinyl.
Side 1
General Reference Level This 1 kHz reference tone will allow you to establish a “base level” for
all measurements.
Track 1 1Khz reference tone 7cm/s Mono, in phase (Lateral)
Basic reference for all measurements, adjust meter for maximum convenience
(in the studio 0VU). Adjust preamp channel balance for equal output. Also used to check the offset angle of the photo cartridge; L&R signals
should be exactly in phase as displayed on an oscilloscope.
Azimuth Adjustment
Track 2 1kHz reference level Left channel only
Measure Right channel output.
Track 3 1kHz reference level Right channel only
Measure Left channel output. The object is to sit the stylus exactly perpendicular in the groove. Twist cartridge about its radial axis until the measurements from Track 2 and
Track 3 are equal or very close to equal for both channels.
High Frequency Adjustment Tracks 4, 5 and 6 are used to calibrate the RIAA high frequency equalizer of a
phono preamp. This will be used to calibrate a mastering lathe’s phono
preamplifier or any phono preamplifier that has these adjustments.
Track 4 1 kHz tone at -20 below reference level, Lateral
Reference for High Frequency test.
Track 5 10 kHz reference tone at -20dbu, Lateral
Adjust the high frequency until the output level equals that of Track 4.
Track 6 1 kHz to 20 kHz sweep at -20dbu, Mono (Lateral)
The AC millivoltmeter reading should stay constant across all frequencies.
There are a number of factors which can affect frequency response, including
cable capacitance, cartridge loading, tracking force and worn parts. Because of
this, it can be difficult to achieve perfectly flat frequency response.
Sometimes by making small compromises in the 10 kHz adjustment, a better
overall frequency response can be achieved.
Low Frequency Adjustment Tracks 7 & 8 are used to calibrate the RIAA low frequency equalizer of a
phono preamp.
Track 7 1 kHz to 20 Hz sweep at 0 VU (Lateral)
Play Track 7 and measure the output with your AC millivolt meter. Ideally, the output will be flat across all frequencies. When viewed on an
oscilloscope, the amplitude would remain constant during the frequency
downsweep.
Track 8 100 Hz reference tone at 0 vu (Lateral)
Adjust LF Eq to reference (which is your reading from Track 1).
Track 9 VTA adjust
This is an IEC intermodulation distortion (IMD) test signal; 60Hz &
4kHz 4:1 ratio. Using an IMD tester, adjust VTA by raising or lowering the tonearm for minimum
distortion.
Track 10 Standard Wow & Flutter test signal; 3150Hz
The Wow & Flutter meter will give dynamic speed variations as a
percentage deviation from nominal. Also, the frequency counter should read exactly 3150 Hz for nominal speed. You
can use the Hz function on your multi-meter (if so equipped) to verify speed
here as well. You can also use to find the measurements at 45RPM. The correct
reading at 45RPM would be 4253 Hz (45/33.33) x 3150.
Side 2 Track 1 Anti-skating test; 315Hz amplitude sweep to +12dbu (Lateral)
Signal should remain clean in both channels up to the highest level, both
audibly and as viewed on an oscilloscope. In case of distortion, increase
anti-skating force or decrease anti-skate until breakup occurs equally in both
channels. The left channel information is inscribed on the inner groove wall,
the right channel information, on the outer groove wall. Because of the offset
angle of a pivoted tonearm, a constantly varying vector force biases the arm
towards the center of the record causing the stylus to lose contact with the
outer (i.e. right channel) groove wall. Both linear and modulated groove
velocity, tracking force, stylus profile, and vinyl composition are
contributing factors. The anti skating force attempts to ameliorate this by
applying an opposing similar force. It is also accepted that the overall force vector increases as the tonearm
approaches closer to the spindle or end of the record.
Track 2 Pink noise lateral Track 3 Pink noise vertical
Used for cartridge “demagnetizing” You can also use this track to loosen up the cantilever’s suspension to help
break in a new cartridge. Play these tracks five to ten times after every 300
hours of normal LP playback.
Track 4 1kHz @ reference level, vertical
This out-of-phase signal should cancel to nothing when summed to mono. Any signals still present are distortion artifacts, lack of channel balance, or
timing (phase) anomalies. This test can be a second confirmation of anti-skate
adjustment.
Track 5 1kHz to 10Hz sweep @ -20 below
reference level, vertical Resonance anomalies in the tonearm / cartridge interface will show up as
amplitude peaks and dips as the frequency sweeps down. Once again, by listening in ‘Mono’ it is easier to hear the distortion
artifacts.
Track 6 Silent groove for bearing rumble and table isolation
During playback of this track, nothing should be transmitted from the
turntable to the speakers. Replay the track and gently tap on the rack or base
that the turntable is resting on. There should be little or no thump
transferred to the speakers. This track will help you experiment with turntable
isolation methods and products to be able to get the most out of your playback
system. You may want to use a closed or sealed headphone for best listening
results, or a stethoscope on the plinth.