Vinyl 101: Should I Use a Slipmat on My Turntable?

When you begin your vinyl journey, you might feel overwhelmed by the wide range of vinyl-related products available. You may wonder, "Do I really need this accessory?" and "Which ones are essential before starting my vinyl collection?"

For example, today I'd like to discuss the question, "Should I use a slipmat on my turntable?" Slipmat sales have been steadily increasing on commercial websites, with many enthusiasts leaving reviews praising improved sound quality and reduced static. For any vinyl lover, it's hard to resist such an accessory that promises to enhance sound quality with a simple setup. When it comes to playing vinyl records, both slipmats and platter mats are crucial components of a turntable setup, but they serve very different purposes. Before making a purchase, it might be useful to learn more, so you'll know if it’s just marketing or if it truly improves your listening experience.

What is a Slipmat?

Slipmats are primarily used in DJ setups. When DJs manipulate records, the slipmat provides a certain level of friction to prevent the record from slipping or skipping while it’s spinning. This is crucial for DJs, as they use slipmats to perform techniques like rewinding (moving the track to a specific point) and scratching (manipulating the record's movement to create sound effects). Essentially, slipmats help DJs control the record during live performances without affecting playback or causing damage.

What is a Platter Mat?

Platter mats are typically used in audiophile setups to enhance audio quality by creating a better interface between the vinyl record and the turntable platter. Unlike slipmats, which prioritize movement, the primary function of a platter mat is to provide a stable and vibration-dampening surface between the record and the platter. This ensures the stylus can more accurately track the grooves of the record, producing clearer sound with minimal distortion.

What Are the Main Differences Between a Platter Mat and a Slipmat?

Usage and Purpose:

• Slipmat: For DJs, the slipmat is not intended to enhance sound but to provide control. It offers the necessary friction to prevent the record from slipping, while still allowing enough movement for performance techniques.
• Platter Mat: Designed to optimize sound quality in audiophile setups, the platter mat serves as an interface between the vinyl record and the turntable platter, ensuring the contact point between the two surfaces doesn’t interfere with sound reproduction. It's not for performance but to create the ideal environment for the turntable system to perform at its best.

Material:

• Slipmat: Slipmats are typically made of felt, which balances grip and low friction. While felt is the most common choice, slipmats can also be made from other materials like leather, rubber, or plastic, depending on the DJ's preferences or the type of music being played. Each material offers a slightly different feel and response, but the goal is the same: to allow the vinyl to move smoothly while providing enough operational friction.
• Platter Mat: Platter mats are made from various materials, including felt, leather, rubber, cork, or acrylic, each selected for its unique sound isolation properties. If you want to learn more about the characteristics of different materials and which platter mat best suits your needs, check out our article "What Is The Best Material For A Turntable Platter?"
  

  Here’s a quick summary:

• • • Rubber Mats: Absorb vibrations and reduce distortion. They are more durable than felt but may leave rubber residue on records.
    • Felt Mats: Soft and lightweight but attract dust and static.
    • Cork Mats: Offer good sound isolation and are less likely to stick to records.
    • Leather Mats: Aesthetic and durable choice.
    • Acrylic Turntable Mats: Provide a stable, flat surface minimizing unwanted resonance.

Function:

• Slipmat: Allows vinyl to rotate freely with minimal resistance. Vital for DJs who manipulate records in real-time.
• Platter Mat: Suppresses vibrations to reduce noise, ensuring sound remains faithful to the original recording.

Which Mat Should You Use?

By now, you should have a good understanding of the differences between slipmats and platter mats. Your choice depends on your needs:

• For DJs: A slipmat is essential for manipulating vinyl records during performances. Its main purpose is control, with minimal concern for sound quality.
• For Audiophiles: A platter mat is crucial for optimizing sound quality. It helps suppress vibrations, reduce static, and improve stability, resulting in cleaner, more accurate sound.

VTA and Mat Relationship

Concerns About Mat Thickness and Solutions

When searching for turntable mats, you may come across concerns about whether increased mat thickness will affect stylus performance or even cause damage. Such concerns can be easily addressed by making a simple adjustment to the VTA (Vertical Tracking Angle).

The Importance of VTA Adjustment

Understanding the concept of VTA before purchasing a stylus can help alleviate concerns. VTA refers to the contact angle between the stylus and the grooves of a vinyl record, which determines how accurately the stylus can track every detail of the record. If you replace your mat with one of a different thickness, VTA may be affected. However, by adjusting the height of the turntable and tonearm, you can restore the correct contact angle and ensure that the stylus is not damaged.

No Damage to the Turntable or Stylus

Using slipmats or platter mats will not damage your turntable or stylus. The key is choosing the right mat and adjusting VTA if necessary. Slipmats tend to be thinner and often don't require adjustment, while platter mats tend to be thicker and may require minor height adjustments to the turntable or tonearm.

Easy Steps to Get VTA Set Up

1. Check mat thickness: Thicker platter mats may require a VTA adjustment, while the thinner slipmats often don't require any changes.
2. Adjust platter height: If using a thicker platter mat, raise the platter slightly to maintain proper stylus contact angle.
3. Adjust tonearm height: For thicker mats, adjust the tonearm height slightly to ensure that the stylus maintains optimal contact with the record surface.

In this article, we briefly introduced how VTA adjustments can help eliminate concerns when choosing different thicknesses of turntable mats. It's important to note that different turntable setups and mats may vary, so we recommend reading our article, The Relationship Between Turntable Mats and VTA, where we go into more detail about VTA adjustments. This will help you fine-tune your turntable and fully experience the auditory changes brought by switching between different mat materials.

Conclusion

In short, slipmats are designed for performance and movement, while platter mats are intended to optimize sound and fidelity. When choosing a mat, consider your specific needs—whether you prioritize precision and control for DJing or clarity and fidelity for audiophile listening.Regardless of whether you choose a slipmat or a platter mat, their thickness and material will affect the VTA settings. By adjusting the turntable and tonearm height, you can ensure the stylus maintains the optimal angle on the record, resulting in clearer, more balanced sound quality.