Audio-Technica AT-LP140XP-BK

1. Introduction

This manual provides detailed instructions for the proper setup, operation, and maintenance of your Audio-Technica AT-LP140XP-BK Direct-Drive Professional DJ Turntable. Please read this manual thoroughly before using the product to ensure optimal performance and longevity. This turntable is designed for both professional DJ applications and general high-fidelity audio listening.

Figure 1: The Audio-Technica AT-LP140XP-BK Direct-Drive Professional DJ Turntable. This image shows the turntable with its clear dust cover open, revealing the black platter, S-shaped tonearm, and various controls on the top panel.

2. Safety Precautions

• Power Source: Connect the turntable only to an AC outlet of the voltage specified on the product.
• Moisture: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this appliance to rain or moisture.
• Ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation around the unit. Do not block ventilation openings.
• Handling: Handle the stylus and tonearm with care to prevent damage.
• Cleaning: Always disconnect the power before cleaning. Use a soft, dry cloth.

3. Parts and Accessories

The following items are included with your AT-LP140XP-BK turntable:

• Turntable chassis
• AT-XP3 phono cartridge
• AT-HS6 headshell
• Dual RCA (male) to dual RCA (male) cable with ground wire
• Counterweight
• Felt mat
• Dust cover
• 45 RPM adapter
• Plug-type stylus target light

4. Setup

4.1. Turntable Placement

Place the turntable chassis on a sturdy, level surface away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and excessive vibration. Ensure there is enough space around the unit for proper ventilation and operation.

4.2. Platter and Felt Mat Installation

1. Carefully place the die-cast aluminum platter onto the center spindle. Ensure it is fully seated and spins freely.
2. Place the felt mat on top of the platter.

4.3. Tone Arm Assembly

1. Remove any twist ties, foam blocks, or foam sheets from the tonearm. Temporarily secure the tonearm to its rest with the locking clamp.
2. Attach the AT-HS6 headshell with the pre-installed AT-XP3 DJ cartridge by inserting it into the tonearm socket. While holding the headshell in position, carefully rotate the headshell locking ring counterclockwise until it pulls the headshell into its seated position. Tighten carefully.
3. Install the counterweight onto the rear of the tonearm. Ensure the black stylus force gauge dial is oriented toward the front. As you rotate the counterweight, it will thread onto the tonearm.

4.4. Balancing the Tone Arm

This important process allows the cartridge to track properly. Failure to do so can cause the stylus to wear prematurely and possibly damage your records.

1. First, set the anti-skate adjustment knob to "0".
2. Carefully remove the stylus protective cover by sliding it straight forward off the front of the cartridge, exposing the stylus.
3. While gently holding the headshell to stabilize the tonearm, carefully release the locking clamp. At this point, the tonearm is unbalanced and can easily swing. Be careful not to let the stylus drag across the platter.
4. While gently holding the headshell, rotate the counterweight until the tonearm is horizontally balanced. It should hover freely just above the platter and not touch the platter surface.
5. Once the tonearm is balanced, without touching the counterweight, carefully move the tonearm to its rest and secure it with the locking clamp.

4.5. Setting the Tracking Force

The AT-XP3 DJ cartridge has a tracking force range between 2 and 4 grams, with 3 grams standard. Depending on your application, you may desire to track lighter or heavier than the standard 3 grams.

1. Locate the black stylus force gauge dial on the front of the counterweight. This dial is marked with numbers and lines indicating different tracking forces, and it can rotate independently from the counterweight.
2. Without turning the counterweight, carefully rotate the stylus force gauge dial until the "0" on the dial lines up with the centerline mark on the top of the tonearm.
3. Now set the tracking force by rotating the entire counterweight assembly in a counterclockwise direction. As you rotate the counterweight, note that the gauge dial rotates with it. Continue turning the counterweight until the "3" value on the gauge dial lines up with the centerline mark on the tonearm. You have now set the standard tracking force for the AT-XP3 DJ cartridge.
4. Important: If you ever change out the cartridge and headshell, you will need to rebalance the tonearm and set the tracking force to the value required by the new cartridge.

4.6. Adjusting the Anti-Skate

The anti-skate force adjustment dial is located on the base of the tonearm. Anti-skate is a small outward force applied to the tonearm. It compensates for the natural skating force that pulls the tonearm toward the center of the record as it plays.

For best performance during normal turntable operation, set the anti-skate adjustment knob to the same value as the cartridge tracking force (e.g., if tracking force is 3 grams, set anti-skate to 3).

4.7. Tone Arm Height Adjustment

When properly set up, the tonearm is parallel to the record surface. If you are playing thicker records, you may need to adjust the tonearm height.

1. Loosen the tonearm anchor lever.
2. Use the height adjustment dial to raise or lower the tonearm as needed.
3. After adjustments are complete, tighten the tonearm anchor lever.

4.8. Leveling the Turntable

For best performance, the turntable should be level. Using a small bubble level (not included), adjust the turntable's feet as needed to make certain the turntable is level.

4.9. Power and Audio Connections

With the turntable assembled and leveled, the power and audio connections can be made.

1. Power: Connect the AC power cable to the turntable and a convenient AC outlet.
2. Audio: The AT-LP140XP's output is designed to connect to dedicated PHONO inputs on DJ mixers and Hi-Fi stereo components with phono inputs. Connect the turntable's dual RCA output cable to the mixer's phono input and make certain the mixer's input selector is set for "PHONO". If your audio device has a "ground" terminal, connect the spade lugs on the dual RCA cable to the ground lugs on your device and the turntable to help minimize hum.

4.10. Dust Cover

The turntable's dust cover is designed to protect the turntable when not in use. It should remain off when records are playing to prevent acoustic feedback and vibration.

5. Operating Instructions

5.1. Playing a Record

1. Place a record on the platter. If playing a 45 RPM single, place the 45 RPM adapter on the center spindle.
2. Select the appropriate speed (33, 45, or 78 RPM) using the speed selector buttons.
3. Press the START/STOP button to begin platter rotation.
4. Unlock the tonearm clamp and gently lift the tonearm using the cueing lever.
5. Position the stylus over the desired groove of the record. The stylus cue light pops up, illuminating the record surface to assist in finding the groove in a low-light situation.
6. Gently lower the tonearm using the cueing lever. The stylus will make contact with the record and playback will begin.
7. To stop playback, lift the tonearm using the cueing lever, return it to the tonearm rest, and secure it with the clamp. Press the START/STOP button to stop platter rotation.

5.2. Pitch Adjustment

Use the pitch change slider control to adjust the playback speed. The range can be set to +/-8%, +/-16%, or +/-24% using the corresponding buttons. The QUARTZ lock button can be engaged to return to the precise nominal speed.

5.3. Forward and Reverse Play

The turntable supports both forward and reverse playback. Press the REVERSE button to switch playback direction.

6. Maintenance

6.1. Stylus Cleaning

Regularly clean the stylus using a soft brush designed for stylus cleaning. Brush from back to front, following the direction of the record groove. Do not use excessive force.

6.2. Turntable Cleaning

Wipe the turntable chassis and platter with a soft, dry cloth. For stubborn dirt, use a slightly damp cloth and then dry thoroughly. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.

7. Troubleshooting

8. Specifications

• Model Name: ATLP140XPBK
• Color: Black
• Style: Turntable
• Item Weight: 22 Pounds (9.98 kg)
• Material: Cast Aluminum
• Product Dimensions: 22 x 18 x 11 inches (55.88 x 45.72 x 27.94 cm)
• Maximum Rotational Speed: 78 RPM
• Connectivity Technology: RCA
• Special Features: Adjustable dynamic anti-skate control, Balanced S-shaped tonearm with hydraulically damped lift control, height adjustment, and lockable rest, Direct-drive, high-torque servo motor with speed stabilization, Fully manual operation; Selectable 33/45/78 RPM speeds, Professional anti-resonance, mass-damped, die-cast aluminum platter with felt mat.

9. Warranty and Support

For warranty information and customer support, please refer to the official Audio-Technica website or the documentation provided with your purchase. You can also find additional support resources and a downloadable PDF user manual at the following link: Audio-Technica AT-LP140XP-BK User Manual (PDF).

Please note that while official product videos may be available from the manufacturer or authorized sellers, this manual focuses solely on providing comprehensive written instructions for setup, operation, and maintenance.