Turntable Mat

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.