In this post, we will consider turntable mat review, whereby we will highlight the top 5 best turntable mats available in the market today. These turntable mats are not only stylish but also they are appealing and add to the sound and functionality of your turntable.
If you own a turntable, then a mat is inevitable. Turntable mats help to protect your records, improve the quality of the sound produced, absorb any mechanical sounds that are produced by the turntable. If you have used a turntable for some time, you might realize that the records have some static, while removing it from the platter or when you put it on the shelve. The turntable mat is designed to prevent the formation of static because the static will attract dust on the surface of the record, which will make the record to play with a pop sound.
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But before we go any further, What is a Turntable Mat?
A turntable mat is a disk-shaped entity that you can place between the record and the platter. Its primary purpose is to keep the record steady and ensure that the record has a smooth movement during spins. The best turntable mat helps to dampen any noise that is produced by the motor so that it will produce an even sound.
They come in different materials, and each material has its unique sound experience. Therefore, a turntable mat is critical because it helps to improve the audio quality and also prevent the skipping of the record during playing.
Benefits of Using Turntable Mats!
Depending on the kind of turntable mat that you buy, you will experience the following benefits:
- It helps to dampen motor vibrations
- Helps to prevent record static
- Reduces any auxiliary noise
- It helps to eliminate any unwanted record adhesion
- Improves the clarity of the sound drastically
- The overall audio quality is improved tenfold
Features:
Before you buy a turntable mat, look for the following salient features:
1. Material
Turntable mats are made from different materials, and each material has different results. Some of the materials that are used include cork, leather, fern, and glass. Besides that, the material used determines the smoothness, weight, and size of the mat. Most importantly, the material used to make the mat affects the quality of sound produced.
2. Weight
The weight of the turntable mat has a significant effect on the functionality. Mats come either as lightweight or heavy. Lightweight mats easily spin as the record is spinning, and it does not hinder the spinning of the record. However, as the mat spins, it might detach some lines from the platter. The heavy turntable mats, on the other hand, hold the platter perfectly in place, but if the platter does not have a surface to attach to, it will scratch the grooves of the record.
3. Price
Different mats come with different price tags. For instance, mats made of glass, cork, and rubber are affordable as compared to mats made of leather and oil, which are expensive. The cost of the mat is determined by the material used. Moreover, custom made mats are more expensive because they are designed according to your needs. Therefore, when you buy a mat, consider its cost.
4. Compatibility
Most mats are incompatible with most records. There are different brands of turntables in the market, and each mat is designed to be used with specific turntables. There are mats that perform better on specific turntable brands. For instance, mats that are made of rubber or cork work well when used on a turntable with a metallic platter. Therefore, before you buy any turntable mat, ensure that it is compatible with your turntable.
5. Texture
Mats come with different textures. There are those that are soft, while others are smooth. A mat that is smooth and soft is better because the record can spin easily and at a regular rpm. In addition to that, a smooth and soft mat will not damage the record.
6. Flexibility
The best turntable mat should be flexible such that the audiophile can easily manipulate the sound. In addition to that, it will be able to pull up a record, stop, or combine. Therefore, if you want to have the best experience using a mat, go for one that is flexible. Some of the most flexible mats are those made of rubber, cork, or oil.
7. Static
Static refers to the electric charges that are created during the movement of the record. When the record is static, it will easily attract dust, which not only gives you the work of cleaning but also can damage the record. Besides that, when the records have static, they play with a pop sound. When the record makes a pop sound, it affects not only the quality but also playback, thus causing spillage. For this reason, ensure that you buy an antistatic mat.
8. Durability
The durability of the mat differs from one mat to another. This is determined by the material that is used to make them. In most cases, mats that are made of cork tend to disintegrate after some time. Rubber is more durable as compared to other materials.
9. Security
Ensure that the turntable mat that you buy is designed to protect your record from damage. The best turntable mat should have a protective layer that will protect your records from scratches. Mats that have a smooth and soft surface offer better protection to the record as compared to tough mats.
10. Color
Turntable mats are available in different colors. Some of the main colors include red, black, green, dark brown, light brown, chocolate brown to mention just but a few. Also, some mats are custom made according to the user’s requirements, such as having a logo, slogan, band name, among other features. You can choose a color that best expresses your personality. Colors can be used to make a statement. For instance, there are some colors that make the turntable mat to look expensive and classy.
11. Acoustics
The best turntable mat should have superior acoustics as compared to CDs and other players. The mat helps to enhance the resonance of the record. It enhances the sound and bass quality as compared to other music players.
12. Audio quality
The turntable mats are meant to enhance the quality of the sound. It helps to absorb all the mechanical sound from the motor so that only quality sound is produced. Choose a mat that will produce quality sound when you are using it.
13. Usability
It should be easy to install and use the mat that you buy. Ensure that you buy a mat that you can place on and take off easily when you want to clean it.
Top 5 Best Turntable Mats
1. Jake’s Turntable Mats
This mat is designed to improve the sound quality of your turntable. Besides that, it significantly reduces static issues as well as dust attachment problems.
The material used to make it is deer hide, which is very soft. Leather is one of the most durable materials known for making mats, so you can be sure it will last for generations. Also, it is soft, so it will not damage the record.
Also, since it does not have static, it helps to reduce resonance from the metallic platter. Most importantly, it helps to enhance the sound quality. Also, it amplifies the bass, thus giving you the best audio experience. Generally speaking, the audio quality produced by this mat is exceptional.
It is double-sided, whereby one side is made of suede, and the opposite side is pure leather. Thus this mat is double, and it can be used by a platter that is 12 inches.
The mat is custom made, and each mat is cut separately. This mat is made to offer you the best experience of using a mat on your turntable.
Pros
- It is soft and smooth
- Long-lasting
- Helps to reduce static
- Enhances the sound quality and improves bass response
- Reduces dust attachment
- Double-sided
- Ideal for use with the 12 inches platter
Cons
- It is expensive
2. Hudson Hi-Fi Turntable Platter Mat
This mat is manufactured with silicone rubber, which greatly helps to improve the audio quality of the turntable. It is designed such that the record sits perfectly and does not have any trembling during playing. When there is no tumbling, the quality of the sound is not affected.
Besides that, it prevents static, so there will be no pop sound produced as the record plays. Also, it helps to dampen any mechanical sound made by the motor, and it is compatible with many turntables such as music hall, among others.
It is made of durable material, so it is long-lasting. And it is designed to be used on a 12-inch platter. In short, it fits on most turntables available in the market today.
However, it is a bit heavy and thick, which slows down the spinning rate. But it dramatically absorbs much of the mechanical sound produced by the motor.
Moreover, it is made smooth and soft, which ensures that your record is not damaged. In terms of cost, it is appropriately priced, but it will satisfy your turntable plating needs.
Pros
- It is appropriately priced
- Compatible with most turntables in the market
- Smooth and soft thus protects the record
- Helps to dampen any mechanical sound produced by the motor while playing
- Reduces static
- Durable
- Reduces dust attachment
- Improves the audio quality
Cons
- The rubber has a smell due to friction from the platter
- It is heavy hence reduces the spinning rate of the record
3. Premium Leather Deer Hide Turntable Mat
This turntable mat is made of deer hide. The deer hide is durable hence the high price. It is very soft and smooth, which ensures that your record is not damaged.
It is also very flexible; hence, it protects your record. However, as compared to most mats in the market, this mat has static. But it greatly helps to dampen any mechanical sound produced by the turntable player. At the same time, it helps to improve the audio quality and enhance the bass tone.
It is very appealing, and it is available in two color shades to choose from. Also, it is compatible with most turntables in the market, including Jensen, Pro-jet, avid, among others.
It fits perfectly on the 12-inch platter, which is the standard size for most platters in the market. In addition to that, it is lightweight, which ensures that it does not reduce the spinning speed of the record.
Most importantly, it does not make any scratches on the records, and it is easy to take care of it. You can wash it with water without destroying it.
However, as compared to most turntable mats in the market, this mat is expensive. This is because the deer hide is stronger and more durable as compared to other hides.
Pros
- It is compatible with most turntables
- Available in two colors to choose from
- Has an appealing design
- Durable
- Lightweight, so it does not hinder the record spinning
- Soft and smooth thus offering protection to the records
- Fits on a 12-inch platter
- Helps to dampen mechanical sounds
- Improves sound quality and bass
Cons
- It is expensive
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4. Martelli Enterprises Turntable Mat
Although there are many turntable mats in the market, this one stands apart. It is designed with special ball bearings, which help the mat to turn smoothly. Also, it doubles up as an ironing pad.
Besides that, it is multipurpose, and you can use it for other purposes such as quilting, crafting, scrap-booking, among other uses.
It comes in different color shades to choose from. It is made of stainless steel, and it has a 30-piece ball bearing. The various ball bearings make it unique and stand out from the crowd.
The stainless steel allows this mat to have a smooth turn. Moreover, it is easy to use, and you do not need a lot of energy to work on it. Most importantly, it is easy to cut, and you can design it in any shape that you want.
Pros
- It is multipurpose
- Available in different color shades to choose from
- Made of stainless steel
- Easy to work on
- Has 30 piece bearing which allows the mat to turn smoothly
- It is easy to cut and design to any shape
- It can be used for scrap-booking
Cons
- Very expensive
5. Turntable Slip-mat Anti-Static Cork Mat
This slipmat is intended to give you outstanding sound quality. It is antistatic, which ensures that the record does not develop any pop sound while playing. In addition to that, it helps to absorb all mechanical noise that is produced by the turntable while playing music.
It is compatible with most turntable brands available in the market. However, for perfect functioning, it is used with a metallic platter.
It is designed to slip on the platter of the turntable such that the DJ can be able to control the platter while it is playing. The slipmat is ideal for pulling and mixing records, beat matching, and slip cueing.
It comes with a sleek design, which even if you are not using it, it will add to your home décor. Most importantly, it comes with a two-year warranty.
It is lightweight and thin, which allows the records to spin freely without any hindrance. Besides that, it is long-lasting and affordable as compared to other mats such as those made from hide.
Since it is antistatic, the sound quality is outstanding, and that is why it is ideal for DJs. Also, antistatic nature helps to prevent attracting dust.
It is made of cork; therefore, it is smooth. This helps to protect the records against scratches.
Pros
- It is durable
- comes with a two-year warranty
- Has an appealing design
- Ideal for DJs
- Smooth to protect the records against damages
- Is anti-static and does not attract dust
- Compatible with most turntables
- Lightweight
- Affordable
- Available in different color shades to choose from
Cons
- Easily develops fragments after continued use
- More consistent with metallic platters