Ortofon offers a Test Record record with which you can use test signals to check and test the pickup in combination with the tonearm and turntable.

Before testing the pickup, check the functionality of the HiFi system. The left speaker should be connected to the left amplifier channel and the right to the right. Both loudspeakers should work in phase and be optimally positioned in the room.
The Test Record is designed to be played back through your system with built-in RIAA equalization. It is recommended to set the volume control to a moderate signal level.

Adjust the tonearm so it is parallel to the record surface, set the VTA and anti-skating to the cartridge's recommended specifications, and check the overhang.

The new 15-track fine pressing

Each page of the record consists of 15 tracks, numbered 1-4 and 5-15:

1. Frequency noise Left channel 800 Hz - 50 kHz. Log. 28 sec Linear cut * (800 - 20000 Hz ± 1.5 dB)
2. Frequency noise Right channel 800 Hz - 50 kHz. Log. 28 sec Linear cut * (800 - 20000 Hz ± 1.5 dB)
3. Frequency noise Left channel 800 Hz - 50 kHz. Log. 28 sec Linear cut * (800 - 20000 Hz ± 1.5 dB)
4. Frequency noise Right channel 800 Hz - 50 kHz. Log. 28 sec Linear cut * (800 - 20000 Hz ± 1.5 dB)
5. Reference tone 1000 Hz 5 cm / sec rms Left
6. Reference tone 1000 Hz 5 cm / s rms Right
7. Reference tone 1000 Hz 5 cm / sec rms Left
8. Reference tone 1000 Hz 5 cm / s rms Right
9. Traceability, lateral 50 µm peak
10. Traceability, lateral 60 µm peak
11. Traceability, lateral 70 µm peak
12. Traceability, lateral 80 µm peak
13. Traceability, lateral 90 µm peak
14. Trackability, lateral 100 µm peak
15. Square waveform 2.7 ms duty cycle 3:7
* The recording has a constant velocity amplitude during the sweep.

1-4 Frequency Noise - a tool for checking frequency response
There are several factors that can affect frequency response, including cable capacitance, payload, anti-skating, and worn parts. Because of this, it can be difficult to achieve a perfectly flat frequency response. Sometimes by making small compromises in the downforce setting, a better overall frequency response can be achieved. In view of this, the signal must be clean throughout the course of the test.

5-8 reference tone for channel output
With this standard reference signal it is possible to check the correctness of the left and right channel connections, channel balance and the rotation speed of the turntable.

9-14 scan test, 315 Hz lateral modulation
These traces contain a 315 Hz signal recorded at increasing amplitudes of 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 and 100 microns. Please refer to the capacitance value specified in the technical data sheet. Your pickup should be able to track actual level without audible distortion. In case of different tracking ability in the left and right channels it will probably be necessary to adjust the tonearm anti-skating correction. If both channels are not running properly, the application weight should be increased step by step until no further improvement can be achieved.