Let's talk about "slip mats"

First off...what exactly is a platter mat?

 

Platter mats (also known informally as slipmats), are the thin and circular objects that listeners put on top of their record platter before taking their disc out on a spin. Platter mats are there to protect a record's surface to avoid any unwanted damage like scratches, while also "reducing the rumble” through dampening any mechanical noises from your turntable’s motor.

Platter mats can offer a variety of unique colors, patterns, materials, and designs which allow you to personalize how your table can look when no records are spinning. As appealing as each factor may be for one's turntable set-up, it's very important to consider what you, the listener, would want in experiencing a higher fidelity experience. So check out our guide to browse through what type of slipmats you'd think is best for you!

 

#1: Felt Platter Mats

 

Felt material platter mats are some of the more common type of mats that one would be familiar with. Most modern turntables already come with a standard felt mat that comes in a standard color of black, while others may feature the logo of the turntable's brand. Other felt mats would include colorful and intricate graphics that make your turntable feel more personal and styled for you.

PROS	CONS
Great for DJ Use	Known for attracting static, dust, and hair which may affect sound quality.
Cheapest Option	Feels cheap at times
Can be unique and personalized to one's liking.

  

#2: Cork Platter Mats

 

Made up of a natural & relatively inexpensive material, cork platter mats are what arguably may improve sound quality significantly. Because it creates such a smooth contact between the disc & the platter, resonances from the player's mechanisms are dampened significantly, while also reducing the slipping of the record as well for a great listening experience.

PROS	CONS
Good Static Control	May flake and disintegrate over a period of time
Unique Sound Character	Doesn't control stylus vibrations
Doesn't stick to disc	Not as durable over time as compared to felt mats
Others have design
Absorbs more mechanical noise

 

#3: Rubber Platter Mats

 

Although it's still included in the lightweight class, Rubber Platter Mats are much more firm than standard felt mats. With it's firmness, it has a much stronger grip onto the platter–allowing for the record to be flat and isolated from any type of vibrations. Rubber mats result in a deeper & warmer sound without any static interference, making it great if you'd like something closer to the original recordings of the record.

PROS	CONS
Very Durable	"Burnt Rubber" smell
Eliminates Static	Rubber flakes may get on your records
Isolates Vibration	Not as personalized
Warm SQ

 

#4: Acrylic Platter/Mats

 

PROS	CONS
Excellent static and resonance control	Harder surface than most traditional slipmats.
Controls stylus vibrations	Upgrade to a whole platter is an expensive yet worthwhile upgrade.
Unique sound characteristics
Looks great with both Transparent & Translucent record pressings.

 

#5: Leather Platter Mats

 

Leather platter mats are known for their mild dampening qualities, along with a subtle uplift in bass response. With leather, one can really get creative with the material as it comes in a wide variety of finishes and styles–adding a touch of class to anyone's turntable set-up. Despite their quality, durability and long-lasting nature, leather mats are always going to be one of the more expensive options of mats out there.

PROS	CONS
Good static control	Limited resonance control
Smooth surface	No control on stylus vibration
Enhanced bass tones	Expensive upgrade
Classy and attractive look

 

#6: Glass Platter

With a clear finish that's sleek from top to bottom, glass platters are an appealing upgrade to one's turntable set-up. Glass platters provide a smooth surface for one's records that also provides a richer sound output. Like it's nature, others have noted that the sound quality is often more transparent (but also harder) than when using other types of platters.

PROS	CONS
Great aesthetics	Others would recommend to still add a slip-mat with such a platter
Clean look	Quite a pricey upgrade
Smoother surface	More fragile as compared to other options.
Richer sound output

 

So what exactly is the best type of platter mat?

That's up to you!

Every listener looks for different things that make their listening experience unique and personalized to their liking. Whatever pros and cons you'd like to weigh out, the ultimate decision about what platter mat you'd like to use is entirely your decision. So keep spinning!