Pro-Ject - Measure it S2

A dedicated tracking force balance reading to a thousandth of a gram over a 0–5g range, with a 5g calibration weight, a screwdriver and a protective case in the box.

Where the Measure it DS is a slim general-purpose scale that happens to be good at tracking force, the Measure it S2 is a purpose-built instrument that does one thing. Its range stops at 5g, which is above anything any domestic cartridge will ever ask for, and within that range it resolves to 0.001g — ten times finer than the DS.

That precision is not academic. Cartridge makers routinely specify an optimum tracking force to a tenth of a gram and a usable window of perhaps half a gram either side, and within that window the sound genuinely changes: bass weight, treble extension and tracking security all move. Being able to set 1.95g rather than ‘about two’ is the difference between following a manufacturer’s recommendation and approximating it.

It self-calibrates using the supplied 5g weight, which is the part most cheap gauges leave out and the reason most cheap gauges drift. A four-digit backlit LCD, two AAA cells, a small screwdriver and a protective case are all included. At 170g it is a solid little object rather than a card.

One published difference worth knowing: Pro-Ject explicitly states that the Measure it DS has a non-magnetic weighing surface, and makes no such claim for the S2. We are flagging that rather than assuming the two share the feature. If you are setting a moving coil and want the magnetic question settled, ask us and we will check the unit in stock.

Features

• 0.001g resolution over a 0–5g range
• Self-calibrating with the included 5g weight
• Four-digit backlit LCD
• Screwdriver, protective case and batteries included
• Purpose-built for cartridge tracking force

Specifications

• Type: Digital stylus tracking force balance
• Range: 0 to 5g
• Resolution: ±0.001g
• Accuracy: Pro-Ject publishes no separate numeric accuracy figure beyond the ±0.001g resolution
• Display: Four-digit LCD with backlight
• Calibration: Automatic, using the included 5g calibration weight
• Magnetic safety: Not stated by Pro-Ject for this model. They do make an explicit non-magnetic claim for the Measure it DS and do not repeat it here — we are not going to assume the two are the same
• Power: 2 x AAA, 1.5V cells, included
• Dimensions: 122 x 27 x 55 mm
• Weight: 170g
• Included: Stylus balance, 5g calibration weight, screwdriver, batteries, protective case, user guide
• Country of manufacture: Not published for this product
• Warranty: Two years from date of purchase, extendable to three years by registering the product with Pro-Ject and subscribing to their newsletter. Pro-Ject states that warranty is administered by the local distributor and that terms can vary by region; no separate United States term is published. Coverage requires purchase from an authorised dealer — The ’In Groove is one.