Ortofon OM Scratch White on SH-4 Blue (DJ System)

The Ortofon OM Scratch White is a scratch cartridge with a spherical stylus that comes factory-mounted on a blue SH-4 headshell and is designed for strong groove hold.

White cartridge on a blue headshell – eye-catching enough that it certainly won't get lost among the others in your record case.

Why the OM Scratch White?

Because of the reinforced rubber suspension and the increased trackability Ortofon gives this cartridge. The stylus stays under control in the groove when scratching and back-cueing. Thanks to its universal mount, the SH-4 headshell fits a wide range of S-shaped tonearms, and according to Ortofon the geometry is Baerwald-correct on most tonearms – so you don't have to readjust with an alignment protractor.

What you get

A solid 7 mV signal, a stiffly tuned suspension with low compliance (6 µm/mN) and a recommended tracking force of 4 g. It's exactly this combination that makes the cartridge so steady when the record is yanked back and forth under your hand. With a total weight of 18.5 g including headshell, it also brings a fair bit of mass to the tonearm.

Who is the OM Scratch White for?

For scratch DJs and newcomers to turntablism looking for a steady cartridge at a fair price. Straight talk: At 7 mV, the level is clearly below that of the OM Q.Bert (11 mV) – so on quiet mixer inputs you'll add a little more gain. For detailed listening to music, an elliptical tip is the better choice.

Our verdict

An honest working tool for the platter: stiff suspension, good groove hold, ready mounted and hard to mistake in its blue headshell. If you want to learn scratching or practise a lot, this is the right place.

Technical specifications

• Type: DJ cartridge (OM series), premounted on headshell (bayonet/SME connection)
• Headshell: Ortofon SH-4, blue
• Stylus tip: spherical, radius 18 µm
• Output voltage: 7 mV (1 kHz, 5 cm/s)
• Recommended tracking force: 4.0 g (range 3.0–5.0 g)
• Trackability: 80 µm (315 Hz)
• Frequency response: 20–20,000 Hz (+3/–2 dB)
• Channel separation: 25 dB (1 kHz)
• Channel balance: 1.5 dB (1 kHz)
• Compliance (dynamic, lateral): 6 µm/mN
• Vertical tracking angle: 20°
• Internal impedance (DC): 750 Ohm
• Inductance: 450 mH
• Recommended load: 47 kOhm, 200–600 pF
• Weight: 5 g (cartridge), 18.5 g (incl. headshell)
• Colour: cartridge white, headshell blue
• In the box: OM Scratch White cartridge, factory-mounted on SH-4 headshell blue

Frequently asked questions

Is the OM Scratch White suitable for beginners?

Yes, it's a good way into scratching. The stiff suspension and the recommended tracking force of 4 g ensure stable groove hold, even when your technique isn't quite there yet. As it comes ready mounted on the SH-4 headshell, there's no installation – plug in, set the tracking force, practise.

What is the difference between the OM Scratch White and the OM Q.Bert?

The OM Q.Bert delivers significantly more level at 11 mV and works with 3 g tracking force and a softer suspension. The OM Scratch White reaches 7 mV, is tuned stiffer with 6 µm/mN compliance and runs at 4 g. Both have a spherical tip and come ready mounted on an SH-4 headshell.

Which phono inputs suit the OM Scratch White?

Any normal MM phono input – on the DJ mixer, the amplifier or a separate phono stage. Ortofon recommends 47 kOhm load resistance and 200 to 600 pF capacitance, both of which practically all MM inputs meet. An MC input or step-up transformer is neither necessary nor sensible. Most DJ mixers already have the right input built in.

Why buy the OM Scratch White from HD Zürisee?

Because with us you have someone who has known turntables for decades and will tell you honestly which cartridge suits your deck and your style. HD Zürisee in Wädenswil advises you personally by phone on +41 44 680 22 00 or by email – including on replacement styli and suitable accessories.

Goes well with

More cartridges for your second deck, a phono preamp for your hi-fi system and useful turntable accessories.