3 best record mat

A record mat, also known as a slipmat, is an accessory used primarily by DJs and audiophiles when playing vinyl records on turntables. It serves several important functions related to vinyl record playback. Here's what you should know about record mats:

  1. Reducing Friction: Record mats are placed on the platter of a turntable between the record and the turntable's surface. They are made of materials like felt, cork, or rubber, which have a low coefficient of friction. This reduces the friction between the record and the platter, allowing for smoother and more consistent rotation.

  2. Improved Sound Quality: The reduced friction and cushioning effect of a record mat can result in improved sound quality. It helps to dampen vibrations and resonances, minimizing unwanted noise and enhancing the clarity of the audio.

  3. DJing: In the context of DJing, slipmats are essential. DJs often use slipmats to cue and scratch records more easily. The slipmat's reduced friction allows the DJ to manipulate the record by hand while the turntable's platter continues to rotate underneath.

  4. Customization: Slipmats come in various designs and colors, allowing DJs and vinyl enthusiasts to personalize their turntables and express their style. Some slipmats feature artwork, logos, or graphics related to DJ culture or music genres.

  5. Compatibility: Record mats are typically designed to fit standard turntable sizes, making them compatible with a wide range of turntable models.However, it's essential to check the size and compatibility of a slipmat with your specific turntable.

  6. Static Reduction: Some slipmats are designed to reduce static electricity buildup on the surface of the record. This can help prevent dust and debris from adhering to the vinyl, which can affect sound quality.

  7. Maintenance: Record mats are relatively low-maintenance accessories. They should be kept clean and free of dust and debris to ensure smooth operation and to prevent any potential damage to vinyl records.

  8. Anti-Skid Features: Many slipmats have anti-skid or grip-enhancing properties on one side to prevent slippage during scratching or manipulation by DJs.

  9. Material Choices: The choice of material for a slipmat can affect its performance and sound quality. Felt slipmats are common for their smoothness, while cork and rubber mats may offer different acoustic properties and dampening effects.

In summary, a record mat or slipmat is an essential accessory for vinyl enthusiasts and DJs. It reduces friction, improves sound quality, and is a versatile tool for manipulating records during DJ performances. The choice of material and design can cater to individual preferences and needs in both audiophile and DJ settings.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best record mat on the market
  

7 inch Turntable Platter Mat Rubber Silicone Turntable Slipmat Pad for All LP Vinyl Record Players Black

Based on 215 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Universal: Compatible with all Turntables Easily place this turntable mat on all standard platters. The mat conforms to your turntables spindle. Pair with popular brands such as: Rega, Pro-Ject, Fluance, Music Hall and more.

  • Compatible with all turntables. Use on all standard platters, conforming to the turntables spindle
  • Item Size: 7inch diameter, 2mm thickness. Made from silicone rubber composite, providing a 7 inch diameter flat, scratch and slip resistant surface
  • Upgrade or replace turntable slip mat pad for any existing felt, rubber or OEM turntable platter mat
  • Hear your records exactly as the artist intended. The dampening qualities ensure your records remain isolated from unwanted platter micro-vibration resulting in a deep, full, tone from your turntable
  • Order with No worry: Just try our products and if you don’t absolutely love them let us know .

User questions & answers

Question: Do you just place this on player? is there any adjustments needed to the arm? i have a victrola parker
Answer: Same thickness as original so no adjustments necessary.
Question: Will this work for an 11 inch platter
Answer: Hi. To be honest I wouldn’t see why not. I got this mat for an all in one I had gotten for Christmas. It covers the whole platter.
Question: Which side is the top
Answer: Rib side up. The center inner circle is recessed for the label. This also makes it easier to pick the 45 records up.

Hudson Hi-Fi Turntable Platter Mat - Audiophile Grade Silicone Rubber Design Universal to All LP Vinyl Record Players

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Turntable mat upgrades provide a significant improvement to record sound quality. As the single point of contact between a record and turntable platter; mats are an effective way to enhance your turntable playback experience. Platter mats absorb micro-vibrational energy in a unique way, ultimately enabling a stylus to make improved contact with the grooves on a record. Designed to RIAA specifications Designed in New York by Hudson Hi-Fi to the strictest audiophile standards. The platter mat incorporates non-slip groves and a label recess to ensure records stay flat on the mat for optimal playback. Universal: Compatible with all Turntables Easily place this turntable mat on all standard platters. The mat conforms to your turntables spindle. Pair with popular brands such as: Rega, Pro-Ject, Fluance, Music Hall and more. Kindly note: Prior to shipment, and during storage (due to heat variation, silicone/ rubber can develop an odor (same as a tire in the sun would). If a mat is received with any type of odor, simply remove it from the packaging and simply let it sit "out" for a little while. The odor eventually completely goes away.

  • Upgrade or replace any existing felt, rubber or OEM turntable platter mat
  • Compatible with all turntables. Use on all standard platters, conforming to the turntables spindle
  • Designed to RIAA specifications in NY by Hudson Hi-Fi, incorporating non-slip grooves and label recess to ensure records stay flat on the mat for optimal playback.
  • Manufactured from a proprietary silicone rubber composite, providing a 12” flat, scratch and slip resistant surface
  • NO RISK PURCHASE 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE. Just try our products and if you don’t absolutely love them let us know and we will refund your purchase price NO QUESTIONS ASKED!

User questions & answers

Question: How thick is it
Answer: 2.3mm
Question: Where is it made
Answer: Sorry, dont know. You need to contact the supplier.
Question: Does this fit on a pioneer plx-500? since diameter of platter is apparently
Answer: The mat measures 11 5/8". If your platter is 13" the mat would probably a bit small. However, the record is 11 3/4, slightly larger than the mat and it seems to work fine. 13" seems large for a platter, but, then I'm not familiar with the specs of the plx-500.
Question: Do you make these to fit players like crosely,or 1byone? if so how much are they? gary
Answer: I only purchased one and I believe it is a standard size mat to fit all platters.

Cork Turntable Mat by Pro-Spin for Vinyl LP Record Players (3mm) High-Fidelity Audiophile Acoustic Sound Support | Help Reduce Noise Due to Static and Dust

Based on 297 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Experience improved LP clarity by sliding a Pro-Spin cork turntable onto your deck that provides advanced sound dampening absorption. There’s nothing like listening to your favorite songs on a classic 45, especially when you’ve got the right mat to help minimize the pops, static, and hum produced when your record is spinning. That’s why we developed the Pro-Spin Cork Turntable Matthat help eliminate the dust and static picked up between the record and the player. These audiophile-grade cork slipmats offer advanced damping and sound quality because they’re precision cut and designed to support your music. More importantly, they can help retain the original sounds you were supposed to hear, without the added feedback mixed in. Product DetailsPrecision Turntable Mat (3mm Thick) Soft Cork Audiophile Craftsmanship Minimize Dust, Static, and Vibration Compatible with Vinyl LP Record Players Supports 33 1/3 RPM and 45 RPM Easy Placement Guaranteed Satisfaction Enhance the sound quality of your favorite LPs with a Pro-Spin soft cork slipmat by clicking ‘Add to Cart’ above to get yours today.

  • Improve LP Sound Quality – These soft cork turntable mats help reduce pop and static through smooth, professional sound dampening and natural absorption.
  • Soft, Audiophile-Grade Cork – Pro-Spin slipmats for record players offer a premier quality listening experience because they’re custom cut and made to suit vinyl LPs.
  • Vintage Turntable Look – Perfect for 33 1/3 RPM and 45 RPM records, these anti-static cork mats slide onto your turntable to create a retro look to match any setup.
  • Smooth, Even Contact – Each Pro-Spin cork slipmat is designed to better match the LP surface grooves which leads to more definition in mid and lower frequencies.
  • Advanced Damping Ability – The 3mm thickness of our cork record mats also help to reduce rumble and humming noise while also helping prevent records from slipping.

User questions & answers

Question: Which side should I use and what’s the difference
Answer: Use the side with the circular cut out. The difference is unknown, contact the Manufacturer or look at the instruction if any.
Question: So you do need to take the rubber mat off? It’s a little thinner not sure if that effects to earn angle
Answer: Yes, it is a little thinner toward the spindle and it fits perfectly right over the original rubber mat. I have a fantastic vintage Realistic turntable that was the best you could buy during the late 70's. The mat does eliminate most of the static but not all of it. It really does help though and it looks very nice. After seeing my setup my son also bought the same cork mat and he really likes it. My hearing isn't as good anymore (too many concerts) and he said that the cork mat also improves the sound of the albums.
Question: Will this work with a Pioneer PL
Answer: Yes. You first need to remove the rubber mat on the Pioneer and this one should be fine. I bought it because my new t.t. came with a felt mat that I didn't care for. Good luck.
Question: Would painting or drawing on this mat impact it's effectiveness? Any paint that would build up would obviously be bad, but what about pen or marker
Answer: i suppose you could do pen or marker but i wouldn't do it ....it's the build up in the vinyl you worry about

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