The alignment gauge helps adjust the cartridge so that the needle is as perpendicular as possible to the tracked groove.

Loosen the cartridge mounting screws slightly and place the gauge on the turntable. The hole in the gauge is set onto the turntable's center pin. Lower the tonearm and needle to the tip of the arrow furthest away from the center point. Align the cartridge straight using the scale of the gauge. In some cartridges, the small arm of the needle may not be perfectly straight in relation to the cartridge; the most important thing is that this arm is aligned with the scale. Also, check the position of the cartridge at the inner tip of the arrow and tighten the mounting screws.