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It may look pretty simple, but a turntable mat provides a bunch of benefits like record protection, steadying your vinyl during play, friction reduction, and overall improvement of sound quality with a higher-def listening experience. Simply placing one of these disc-shaped mats between your platter and the vinyl can make a big difference.
Choosing the best mat for you can depend on the type of turntable you have. Belt-drive, direct-drive, brass or aluminum materials, and even the weight of the platter itself all contribute to the sound you’ll get. With so many mat materials available, it’s possible to choose a specific style to get some control over the desired sound you’re aiming for.
“The platter mat’s sonic effect will vary across turntables and music styles,” says Ely Liberov, Founder of Hudson Hi-Fi, a New York-based company that develops turntable accessories, record displays, and sound isolation solutions. “Like musical preference, the sonic and aesthetic preference of the mat is subjective to the listener; there is no right or wrong answer. Mats are interesting, as they each offer different sonic characteristics.”
What Are the Different Types of Turntable Mats?
How do the different types of turntable mats affect sound? Liberov breaks it down like this:
Cork: According to Liberov, cork mats tend to have a “warm” sound, somewhat like tubes. Cork turntable mats are also among the most popular turntable mat options available online.
Acrylic: Acrylic mats can help brighten highs and tighten lows. “Modern releases, rock, and metal pair well with the acrylic for me,” Liberov says.
Leather: Choose a leather turntable mat if you want to broaden bass.
Silicone: The best silicone turntable mats have a transparent sound and provide decoupling from vibrations. “I enjoy pairing it with jazz and classical [records],” Liberov says.
Other Materials: Some audiophiles use brass, plastic, wool or glass materials, or even another record itself as a mat. There are also combination mats available with two materials, usually with a carbon-type layer on the bottom.
Why Do You Need a Turntable Mat?
The rubber turntable mats that often come with your record player can get the job done, but many of these basic mats also create the most static, while newer and more efficient mats can cut the crackling noises way down. Rubber mats still have their advantages though, especially for DJs, as they can help with toning down unwanted vibrations. Same goes for felt mats that give you the ability to hold the record in place while the platter still spins. The more devoted, DIY record enthusiasts can even cut out a mat themselves from their material of choice.
Is a Turntable Mat Necessary?
Note that if you already have an acrylic platter, you may not even need a mat – acrylic platters do a great job of controlling resonance, and adding a mat may mess with the angle of the stylus, and ultimately affect the playback and lifespan of your discs. Other factors can include humidity, room temperature, dust, and proper covering and storage of your collection when not in use.
“For a first-time upgrade, the cork is a great place to start,” advises Liberov. “It offers the most consistent sonic enhancement across all musical styles and turntables. [And] for those looking to add some ‘color’, the acrylic mats are absolutely awesome.”
