Are you a vinyl enthusiast wondering if you need a slipmat for your turntable?
The short answer is yes, you do.
But why?
Slipmats serve multiple purposes, from protecting your records to improving sound quality and overall listening experience.
In this article, we’ll dive into the world of slipmats and explore their importance for both casual listeners and DJs.
Whether you’re new to vinyl or a seasoned collector, read on to discover why a slipmat is an essential accessory for your turntable.
Do I Need A Slipmat For My Turntable
The answer is a resounding yes, you need a slipmat for your turntable. Slipmats are thin mats that are placed between the vinyl record and the deck plate of your turntable. They serve many purposes, including improving sound quality, reducing resonances, assisting in scratching, and increasing the accuracy of cue-ins.
Slipmats are a necessary tool in any DJ’s equipment kit. They allow the DJ to stop the record while allowing the deck plates to continue to turn. If you try to stop a record without a slipmat, you risk damaging the deck plate and the vinyl record. Pressing too hard on the record could break it or damage the deck plate underneath. Pressing too soft will slow the stop of the record and make mixes and cues inaccurate. Slipmats alleviate this risk and create better-quality performances.
But slipmats are not just for DJs. They are also important for casual listeners who want to protect their records and improve their listening experience. Most modern turntables come with a turntable platter mat, but if you’re missing one they are a relatively inexpensive purchase to make that can go a long way.
Slipmats come in different materials, thicknesses, weights, and sizes. Thicker, heavier slip mats weigh down the deck platter which slows the rotations. Thinner and lighter slip mats are easier to use but also deteriorate quickly. The size of a slip mat is simply based on the size of the records being used by the DJ.
Rubber mats that often come with your record player can get the job done, but many of these basic mats also create static, while newer and more efficient mats can cut down on crackling noises. Same goes for felt mats that give you the ability to hold the record in place while the platter still spins.
What Is A Slipmat And How Does It Work?
A slipmat is a circular piece of material that sits on top of the turntable platter. The main purpose of a slipmat is to allow the record to spin freely, so that a DJ can back cue a record to the precise spot they want a cut to begin when transitioning from track to track. Slipmats are designed to slip on the platter, allowing the DJ to manipulate a record on a turntable while the platter continues to rotate underneath. This is useful for holding a record still for slip-cueing, making minute adjustments during beatmatching and mixing, and pulling the record back and forth for scratching.
Slipmats are usually made out of synthetic fabric, with some having thin plastic backings to make the mat slick. Since slipmats are most commonly made out of felt, static can become an issue. Vinyl records can stick to the felt which makes swapping records tricky. Many slip mats are made out of synthetic, non-static fabric to avoid this problem.
Slipmats are classified by material, thickness, weight, and size. Thickness and weight selections are based on the preference of the DJ. Thicker, heavier slip mats weigh down the deck platter which slows the rotations. Thinner and lighter slip mats are easier to use but also deteriorate quickly. The size of a slip mat is simply based on the size of the records being used by the DJ.
The Benefits Of Using A Slipmat On Your Turntable
Using a slipmat on your turntable provides many benefits that improve your listening experience. Firstly, slipmats reduce the amount of static that is produced during playback. This is especially important for vinyl records, which are prone to static buildup. Slipmats made of materials like felt or cork are great at reducing static and can help to eliminate unwanted noises and crackles.
In addition, slipmats help to isolate the record from vibrations and resonances that can affect sound quality. Rubber mats that come with some turntables can actually create more vibrations, while slipmats help to reduce them. This means that the sound quality of your records will be clearer and more defined.
Slipmats also allow for more accurate scratching and cueing. DJs use slipmats to stop the record while allowing the deck plates to continue turning. This allows for precise cueing and scratching, which is essential for creating seamless mixes and performances.
Finally, slipmats protect your records from scratches and scuffs. Vinyl records are delicate and can easily be damaged if not handled properly. Slipmats provide a soft surface that protects the record from scratches caused by the deck plate or stylus.
How Slipmats Protect Your Records From Wear And Tear
Slipmats not only improve the quality of your listening experience but also protect your vinyl records from wear and tear. When a record is placed directly on the platter, it can cause damage to the album’s grooves. This can result in scratches, skips, and other forms of distortion that can affect the sound quality.
Additionally, without a slipmat, the record can slide around on the platter, causing even more damage. Slipmats grip the record and keep it in place, reducing the risk of scratches and other forms of damage. They also help to reduce vibrations, which can further protect your vinyl from damage.
Rubber mats are designed to grip the record and stop it from slipping, but they can also attract dust and stick to the record. They can also over-isolate a record and increase static, which can affect the sound quality. Felt slipmats are a popular choice because they allow for less stoppage when scratching or mixing, but they can also create static.
Ultimately, slipmats are an essential tool for anyone who wants to protect their vinyl records from wear and tear while improving their listening experience. They come in different materials, thicknesses, weights, and sizes, so it’s important to choose one that works best for your needs.
Improving Sound Quality With A Slipmat
One of the most significant benefits of using a slipmat is the improvement in sound quality. Slipmats help to reduce resonances between the turntable and the vinyl record, resulting in a cleaner and clearer sound. They also help to absorb extraneous vibrations and stray static that can cause crackling noises and distortions in the audio.
Felt slipmats are the most commonly used type of slipmat, as they allow the most freedom of movement for DJs when back-cueing or scratching. However, cork slipmats are also a popular choice for those looking for a more significant enhancement in sound quality. Cork slipmats create a smooth contact between the record and the platter, which helps to dampen resonances more effectively than felt mats. They also absorb mechanical noise from the record player with greater ease, resulting in an improved separation of detail within the music.
It’s important to note that adding a slipmat to an acrylic platter may not be necessary, as acrylic platters already do an excellent job of controlling resonance. Adding a mat may affect the angle of the stylus and ultimately affect playback and the lifespan of your discs. Therefore, it’s essential to consider all factors, including humidity, room temperature, dust, and proper covering and storage of your collection when not in use.
Slipmats For DJs: Why They Are A Must-have Accessory
For DJs, slipmats are an absolute must-have accessory. They allow for precise and accurate scratching, cutting, and mixing, which are essential skills for any DJ. Slipmats also help protect vinyl records from scratches and damage caused by the metal turntable below it.
One of the main benefits of using a slipmat for DJs is that it allows them to back cue a record to the exact spot they want a cut to begin. This is crucial for seamless transitions between tracks and for creating a flawless performance. Slipmats also help reduce static and improve sound quality, making the music sound better overall.
DJs often prefer slipmats with coatings that make them extra slippery, especially when scratching. Felt slipmats are the most popular choice among DJs as they allow the most freedom of movement, both back and forth on the platter.
When setting up a turntable for DJ use, it’s important to set the VTA (vertical tracking angle) on the stylus to 0 degrees – straight up and down. This allows the stylus to move freely when cueing or back-cueing a record. Using the standard 15-degree VTA will cause the stylus to shear off when scratching or back-cueing. Slipmats help facilitate this process by allowing for precise movements on the platter.
In addition to their functional benefits, slipmats can also add a touch of style to a DJ’s setup. Many slipmats come with compelling designs on them, allowing DJs to represent their favorite brands while they’re getting the dance party underway.
Different Types Of Slipmats And How To Choose The Right One For You
When it comes to choosing the right slipmat for your turntable, it’s important to consider the material, thickness, and intended use. Here are some common types of slipmats and their characteristics:
1. Felt Slipmats: Felt slipmats are the most popular type of slipmat for DJs. They are thin and lightweight, allowing for quick movements and easy scratching. They also provide a soft surface that can help reduce vibrations and improve sound quality. However, felt slipmats can wear out quickly with heavy use.
2. Rubber Slipmats: Rubber slipmats are thicker and heavier than felt slipmats, which can slow down the rotation of the deck platter. They provide a good grip on the record, reducing slippage and improving sound quality. However, they can generate static electricity that can cause crackling noises.
3. Cork Slipmats: Cork slipmats are made from natural cork, which is a sustainable and eco-friendly material. They provide a good grip on the record and can help reduce vibrations and improve sound quality. However, they can be more expensive than other types of slipmats.
4. Plastic Slipmats: Plastic slipmats are made from a hard plastic material that provides a slick surface for quick movements and scratching. They are durable and long-lasting, but they can generate static electricity that can cause crackling noises.
When choosing a slipmat, consider your intended use and personal preferences. If you’re a DJ who needs quick movements and scratching ability, a felt or plastic slipmat may be best. If you’re a casual listener who wants to improve sound quality and protect your records, a rubber or cork slipmat may be more suitable. It’s also important to consider the thickness and weight of the slipmat, as this can affect the rotation speed of the deck platter.
In conclusion, slipmats are an essential tool for any turntable owner, whether you’re a DJ or a casual listener. By choosing the right type of slipmat for your needs, you can improve sound quality, reduce vibrations, protect your records, and enhance your overall listening experience.
