Do turntable mats make a difference?

Turntable platter mats are an appealing accessory to any home sound system. Certain colors and styles of mats can make an audio set-up look personalized, but audiophiles may find other reasons for liking them. Rubber mats help to further isolate the record so your music playback is less impacted by any vibration.

What are record mats for?

A turntable mat is a disc-shaped object which is placed between your platter and the vinyl. About the same size as your leather, turntable mats keep your record steady as it spins and ensure a smooth, even sound throughout your listening experience.

Should I use a turntable mat?

In its simplest, technical terms, a platter mat is used to dampen resonances and minimize other vibrations caused between the turntables platter, surface and other parts of the turntable. The platter mat should, in theory, and with correct use, provide a higher fidelity listening experience.

Is a turntable mat necessary?

Turntable manufacturers making acrylic platters suggest no mat at all, but like everything in audio, you can experiment. The most popular turntable mats are usually rubber mats or cork mats. Turntable Lab is a great place to start.

Are felt turntable mats good?

Many turntables ship with thin, felt platter mats as standard. On the one hand, they offer a safe, soft surface to protect against scuffs and scratches, but on the other hand, felt mats are a magnet for dust, lint, and static. Your records will regularly cling to the mat, which in turn increases the risk of damage.

Do you leave felt on turntable?

The felt pad allows the turntable to rotate while the record is being held still. If there is no rubber pad under the felt one, you need to use the felt one.

Do I need a turntable weight?

Placing additional weight on your record can provide a few benefits: Keeping records flat: New or old, few records are perfectly flat. Warping can make it harder for the stylus to track properly. If you have records that are slightly warped, then weighting the center may keep them flatter and improve trackability.

Do I need a vinyl mat?

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.

Do you keep Felt mat on record player?

You can use the felt pad without any problem. DJs use those to hold a record still until the right time to start the next song. The felt pad allows the turntable to rotate while the record is being held still. If there is no rubber pad under the felt one, you need to use the felt one.