If you’ve
ever owned a turntable, then you’ll know that it’s often hard to keep the records in the same
condition after having used them for a long time.
This is
because the records are easily scratched by outside forces, especially by the bottom of the
turntable.
In order to
keep your records from getting scratched beyond recognition, you should get yourself a turntable
mat.
Turntable mats are meant to
stop the vibrations of the turntable or phonograph so that the sounds that are produced do not become warped and
so the vinyl doesn’t become scratched.
When buying a turntable mat
(interchangeably called turntable slipmats, slip mats, or sometimes DJ
slipmats), there are different elements that you have to look into. First of all, you have to know the
material it is made from. Over the years, there have been different materials that turntable slipmats have been
made out of. Hard rubber is one of the first materials ever used for turntable mats.
There are also slip mats that
are made from a mix of rubber and metal, making it dense and stopping vibrations effectively. Lastly, there are
acrylic turntable slip mats. These are the most common, since they are easy to find and relatively cheap and can
even be made at home.
The different materials that
DJ slipmats are made from and how they are made affect how the mat will make the music sound. Remember that you
want your music to sound clear and almost as if it was live, so get the slip mat that you feel works best with
the kinds of records you’re playing and the turntable you use.
Another element is the
functionality of your turntable mat. Turntable slipmats have to have good grip on the platter on the record, so
that the mat and the record do not slip and fall. Some DJ slip mats are placed on the platter with double sided
tape or glue.
These cannot be removed, and
have good grip on the platter. There are also mats which rely simply on their grooves and weight to stay on the
platter. These slip mats can be used to play multiple records quickly by stacking records on top of mats, two or
three at a time for easy access.
Take note that DJ slipmats
should be the right size for your records. The best size for mats is 28.7 cm, and if you have one that exceeds
this size, then you should cut it down to size. This size will support the record well and keep the sound
good.
Turntable mats should also be
cleaned every so often so they will not get dusty or dirty and pass it on to the record. When your turntable is not in use, it is best to place a dust cover or a
carton cover the same size of the mat on top of it to prevent dust.
You can find turntable mat
options in music stores, and wherever you can buy a turntable. You can also easily find them online. Once you’ve
picked out the right slip mat for your turntables that will keep your records sound as good as ever, you’ll be
ready to make some great music. So don’t wait until your records start sounding ‘off’ and get a turntable
slipmat today.