CARTRIDGE ALIGNMENT PROTRACTOR
OWNER’S MANUAL
Page 1 of 4
Nerve Audio reserves the right to alter the design and specification of this product at any time without notice.
Copyright © 2011, Nerve Audio
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for your purchase!! The Nerve Audio Cartridge Alignment Protractor is a precision instrument that is hand
crafted and assembled in the U.S. This device is use to precisely align a phono cartridge on turntables permit effective
arm length adjustments. Based on the Denneson Geometric Soundtracktor and using the same Baerwald geometry, the
Nerve Audio Alignment Protractor features a machined grid with a center bulls-eye alignment point that allows you to
quickly and accurately align a cartridge to achieve optimum sound production from all your records. This is the most
accurate cartridge alignment device of which we are aware.
FEATURES
•Utilizes Baerwald/Denneson geometry
•Manufactured from stock bar aluminum and precision machined to 0.003 accuracy
•Suitable for tonearms between 8 and 12 effective length
•Very accurate and simple to use
•Bulls-eye alignment point for accurate setting of stylus overhang
•Machined alignment grid for easy adjustment of offset angle
SET-UP
NOTE: Proper cartridge alignment is a delicate process that often requires numerous repetitive steps to achieve optimum
results. Be well rested before starting, take your time, and do not get in a hurry. If you get frustrated, take a break. Most
of all, have fun.
1. Before starting, thoroughly review this manual to familiarize yourself with the cartridge alignment steps and the
parts of the Nerve Audio Cartridge Alignment Protractor (see Figure 1).
2. To prevent unwanted platter rotation, disconnect the turntable from the mains power supply.
3. Mount the cartridge and connect the headshell leads in accordance with the cartridge manufacturer’s
specifications. DO NOT completely tighten the mounting screws – snug them enough to hold the cartridge in
place, but leave them loose enough that the cartridge can be repositioned in the headshell.
4. Balance the tonearm and set vertical tracking force (VTF) and antiskate force as recommended by the cartridge
manufacturer.
5. Place a record on the platter, lower the tonearm to place the cartridge stylus in the groove, and adjust vertical
tracking angle (VTA or tonearm height) following tonearm and cartridge manufacturers’ directions so that the
tonearm armtube is parallel to the record surface. Remove the record from the platter.
6. Assemble the Nerve Audio Cartridge Alignment Protractor. Insert the base of the Protractor Arm into the Base
Plate. Snug the Base Plate Set Screw, but do not completely tighten.
7. Place the assembled Protractor onto the turntable platter by inserting the platter spindle through the Spindle Hole
in the Base Plate.
8. Ensure that the Base Plate is flat and level with the platter surface. If the platter has a recessed area around the
spindle to accommodate a record label, it may be necessary to fabricate a thin wedge by folding a note card or
piece of paper to the desired thickness.
TIP: Thin wood window shims available at most hardware stores/home improvement warehouses or
small foam cosmetic wedge applicators can be used to keep the Base Plate flat.
9. Loosen the Pivot Pointer Set Screw, raise the Pivot Pointer, and snug the Set Screw.
10. Loosen the Base Plate Set Screw enough to allow the Protractor Arm to slide.Adjust the Protractor Arm so that
the Pivot Pointer is directly above the tonearm pivot point and tighten the Base Plate Set Screw.
11. Loosen the Pivot Pointer Set Screw, lower the Pivot Point to contact the top of the tonearm pivot point/bearing
assembly, and re-tighten.
12. At this stage, the Alignment Point on the Base Plate of the Nerve Audio Protractor is set up and in the proper
position for accurate cartridge alignment.
TIP: Immobilizing the platter will help to keep the Protractor in the proper position during the alignment
process. Insert one or two small foam cosmetic wedge applicators between the platter and plinth to
prevent the platter from rotating.
