How To Use A Turntable Mat (Plus 9 Best Mats On The Market)

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How to use a turntable mat is a question often asked by people who are new to turntablism. Platter mats look relatively simple, so people often think that they will not make much difference. But how can this thin, round mat make a difference with your music experience?

You can use a turntable mat simply by placing it at the top of your platter before putting the record that you want to play. This accessory will reduce vibration and dampen unwanted noises to help your record produce better sounds. Turntable mats also help reduce skip rates.

How To Use A Turntable Mat

Platter mats seem to confuse record player enthusiasts regardless of whether they are new or knowledgeable about turntables. These materials, although thin, can change the sound that your device creates. For this reason, it is crucial to understand how to use a turntable mat correctly. It is also vital that you know which ones are the best mats in the market.

How To Use A Platter Mat

Platter mats are thin and round materials that record player owners place on their platter before putting a vinyl record. Their size is usually the same as the platter’s size, with a thickness ranging from 1.5mm to 4mm.

Additionally, there are four significant types of turntable mats:

• Felt – the most common and aesthetically pleasing platter mat. DJs also use felt mats as slip mats as they have less friction, making scratching easier.
• Rubber – firmer than other types of platter mats, thus giving it an extra grip onto the platter. As a result, rubber mats can isolate the platter from any vibrations coming from the turntable parts.
• Cork – an inexpensive option that creates a smooth contact between the platter and the record.
• Leather – a material that dampens some sounds while enhancing the quality of others. A leather turntable platter creates a warm sound for bass tones.

Moreover, you use a turntable mat to dampen resonances and reduce the vibrations between the platter, the surface of the turntable, and the other parts of the record player. A turntable mat should provide you with a higher fidelity sound than devices without it when used correctly.

A platter mat also increases the quality of sound by reducing skip rates. This way, the music will be more integrated with the system, thus resulting in a more natural sound.

To use a platter mat, the only thing you need to do is to place the mat on top of the platter before putting the record on. This way, you will increase the sound quality of the record you are playing. Additionally, it will protect the back of your record from getting scratches. (source)

9 Best Turntable Mats In The Market

Choosing the suitable platter mat depends on what you have for a type of record player. Whether your turntable is a belt or direct driven, its materials and even the platter’s weight can affect the sound that it will make. According to Hudson Hi-Fi founder Ely Liberov, “The platter mat’s sonic effect will vary across turntables and music styles.” Notably, Hudson Hi-Fi is a New York-based company that manufactures turntable accessories.

So, if you are planning to use a turntable mat, it is essential that you know which ones to purchase. This way, you can ensure that you get the best out of your purchase.

1. Pro Spin Acrylic White Turntable Mat

This acrylic mat by Pro Spin can bring the best out of your turntable’s sound quality. With a thickness of 3mm and a weight of 6.4 ounces, it can help your device produce crisp and punchy music while removing resonances.

This turntable mat can also absorb unwanted popping and static sound. It works on 33 1/3 and 45RPMs, resulting in a noticeable sound improvement from the first listen. (source)

2. Hudson Hi-Fi Premium Acrylic Turntable Mat

The Hudson Hi-Fi Acrylic Mat is more than just its classy look. Instead, it offers a significant reduction to the annoying noise and static produced by your record player.

You also notice a decrease in resonance when you use a turntable mat like this one from Hudson Hi-Fi. Its leather surface provides an excellent grip on the record. The material also isolates vibration and boosts bass for clear and lively music.

Moreover, this turntable mat fits any 12-inch record player. (source)

3. Facmogu Anti-Static Wool Mat

If you are worried about your turntable mat making your entire platter heavier than it already is, the Facmogu Wool Mat is only 1.44 ounces. The wool material reduces static and takes away bumps and vibrations, which results in a crystal clear sound.

Additionally, this anti-static wool mat is foldable yet lays flat on the platter. The wool helps vinyl records adhere well on the platter during play. As a result, it creates a unique sound that more rigid mats cannot produce. (source)

4. Outus Three-Piece Cork Turntable Mats

The brand Outus offers a three-piece set of turntable mats, which allows you to change your mat every day.

This product reduces the static and pops produced by your record player. The reason is that cork is natural sound damping and absorption capabilities. Additionally, the cork turntable mat has a soft texture, allowing you to play your vinyl record without damaging it.

Moreover, this cork mat by Outus fits any 12-inch turntables. (source)

5. Pro Spin PU Leather Turntable Mat

If you want to use a turntable mat that offers noise dampening and absorption, a leather turntable mat is what you need.

This platter mat by Pro Spin consists of high-grade PU leather. For this reason, it can provide a fantastic listening experience. And if you want to add a retro feel and look to your record player, this anti-static leather mat can provide you with that.

The Pro Spin PU Leather Mat works with most record players. However, it best fits 45RPM and 33 1/3RPM records. (source)

6. Hudson Hi-Fi Premium Swiss Leather Turntable Mat

Hudson Hi-Fi crafted this turntable mat using leather that you can only find in the US. This leather material reduces static and vibration. Even better, it does not attract dirt and dust, so you do not have to worry about dust buildup scratching your record.

If you plan to use a turntable mat, this one from Hudson Hi-Fi is worth having. But you have to make sure that your turntable platter measures 12 inches. (source)

7. Electrohome Turntable Platter Mat

The best thing about this turntable mat is that it has a silicone rubber material. For this reason, the mat’s surface will never scratch your vinyl record.

This record player mat will let you hear music exactly as the artist intended. It has a hollow center, allowing vinyl records to lay flat on the platter regardless of their thickness. Even better, it is compatible with any 12-inch turntable platters. It can even conform to your device’s spindle. (source)

8. Tamwell Turntable Mat

The Tamwell turntable offers a significant amount of noise absorption, making the music you listen to crisper and more precise. It has a rubber silicone material, making it naturally slip-resistant. The manufacturer added grooves into the mat to make this slip resistance better.

However, the mat comes with an anti-static cloth that you need. Without this fabric, the mat could generate more static than your vinyl record produces. (source)

9. Feir Store Turntable Mat

People who want to use a turntable mat should have what they pay for, equating to good quality. Such is something that Feir Store turntable mat can offer.

This platter mat works with almost all record players. It has a record label recess along with grooves for slip resistance. On top of that, this mat is an affordable option for first-time mat users who do not want to spend much on their first purchase. (source)

Should I Use A Turntable Mat?

A turntable mat is an accessory for your record player’s platter. Of course, it is not something that you are required to use. But if you want to make your music experience better, a turntable mat can help you achieve that.

The reason is that a record player mat is a vital interface between the record player platter and the vinyl record you are playing. It makes a positive difference to your record sounds by making them clearer and more natural. If a muddy bass performance is a problem with your turntable, you will be able to fix it using a platter mat.

So, should you use a turntable mat? If you aim for overall improved sound quality, you should use this accessory.

Moreover, turntable mats may look pretty simple. Despite this simplicity, it provides benefits such as:

• vinyl record protection
• friction reduction
• steadying your vinyl when it is in play
• overall sound improvement

That said, simply putting your mat on top of your turntable platter before playing a vinyl record can make a huge difference. (source)

Are Felt Turntable Mats Any Good?

Vinyl enthusiasts know how essential it is to use a turntable mat. They know precisely which mat type will deliver the best sound quality.

But for people who are not that familiar with turntablism, a platter mat might be another accessory to overlook. If you are new to record players and turntable mats, it is crucial to know how this accessory works and why they matter.

As mentioned, there are five significant types of turntable mats, and one of them consists of felt. Considering how lightweight and thin this material is, will they do any good to your record?

What Are The Qualities Of Felt Platter Mats?

Felt turntable mats are the most average of all platter mats. They usually feature a thin to a medium thickness of 2mm on average. Additionally, they offer a safe and soft surface protecting your vinyl record against scratches and scuffs. They also reduce friction, making them an ideal slip mat for DJs.

However, it is essential to note that felt platter mats are relatively low sound dampening ability. It also cannot control stylus vibrations.

The Pros And Cons Of Felt Platter Mats

Pros	Cons
Felt platter mats are lightweight, so they do not add additional weight to your record player.	Felt is a magnet for dirt, dust, and other airborne particles. For this reason, you may have to goose every record player with an anti-static gun.
The material has a soft surface, so it will not cause any scratching to your vinyl record.	This material sticks to the platter, which stresses audiophiles as they think it will damage their record. (source)
Felt is versatile, allowing DJs to use felt platter mats as a slipmat.

That said, despite the disadvantages of felt platter mats, it is still beneficial to use, especially if you are into record scratching. It is affordable, making it a good option if you want to know how to use a turntable mat without spending too much.

Moreover, you can solve the problem of a felt turntable mat attracting dust and dirt by removing it from your platter after using it. This way, you can ensure that it will not face airborne particles that may stick to it.

Are Rubber Turntable Mats Better Than Felt?

There is no denying that a turntable mat can make your record player look visually appealing. This turntable accessory is available in different materials, designs, and colors. For instance, felt can give your record player a modern look while leather makes it look classic.

But with all the types of record player mats available, there are two that audiophiles often compare: rubber and felt.

That said, are rubber platter mats better than felt?

A Comparison

Rubber

Platter mats made out of rubber are lightweight yet firm. Since rubber materials are natural sound dampeners, these platter mats can reduce the static and popping noise that your vinyl record produces.

In addition, rubber turntable mats can prevent too much vibration. The reason is that it can isolate your vinyl record from the rest of the record player, making music playback clear and crisp.

Felt

As mentioned, felt is a soft material. This factor makes felt platter mats easily adjustable and removable from the turntable platter. But while it can protect your vinyl record from scratches and scuffings, it does not do much when it comes to dampening unwanted noises.

But what makes this turntable mat ideal is its versatility. Apart from being a turntable platter, you can also use it as a slip mat for DJing.

Which Is Better Between Felt and Rubber?

With all that’s said and done, it is safe to conclude that rubber is better than felt. The reason is that it provides sound dampening benefits to your record player. So, if you use a turntable mat made of rubber, you can ensure that you will hear the music you are playing exactly how it should sound. (source)

How Can I Make My Vinyl Sound Better?

Your listening experience will undoubtedly become better if you use a turntable mat. The reason is that this material can bring a massive difference to vinyl records. But apart from that, there are other ways to make your vinyl sound better than it already is.

1. Keep dust away from your records

A good turntable brush is a key to keeping your vinyl records dust-free. Just purchase a soft carbon fiber dust and brush your record before playing them. This way, your music experience will be free from static and skips.

2. Reduce annoying vibrations

A record needle is sensitive to vibration. It can pick up unwanted vibrations, resulting in a poor listening experience. You can use a turntable mat to reduce that vibration. However, you can also purchase a vibration isolator to prevent needle skipping.

3. Clean your records

If your vinyl record still produces muddy sound even after using a record brush, it may need deep cleaning. This way, you will be able to remove hard-to-clean dirt and the natural oils that came from your hands.

However, it is essential to note that you should never use household cleaning materials when deep cleaning your record. The reason is that they contain harsh chemicals that can ruin your record’s surface.

4. Check your turntable’s cables

Sometimes, the problem is on the record player and not on the vinyl. For instance, a crackling noise coming from your record player means that the cables connecting it from the gear have frayed connections. If such a thing happens, you need to replace your old cables with better quality ones.

5. Get a better cartridge

While your turntable already has a suitable cartridge, there will always be room for improvement. If your record player has a nut on the tonearm that you can loosen, replacing the cartridge yourself will be reasonably straightforward. But if you do not have this option, the best thing to do is get a professional to help you. (source)

The Takeaway

Some turntable owners, especially those still new to turntablism, do not know precisely how a platter mat works. But with this accessory, you can increase the sound quality of your record player.

However, it is essential to note that finding the best turntable mat is a game of trial and error. With all the different types of mats available, you may need multiple options to see which one will be a perfect fit for your turntable.

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