It may seem simple, but turntable mats have many benefits, such as protecting records, stabilizing the vinyl during playback, reducing friction, and generally improving sound quality through high-resolution listening. Simply placing a disc-shaped mat between the turntable and the vinyl record can make a big difference.
Choosing the right mat depends on the type of turntable you have. Belt drive, direct drive, brass or aluminum, and even the weight of the turntable itself can all affect the sound you get. With so many different mat materials to choose from, you can choose a specific style to control the sound you want.
“The sound of a turntable pad will vary depending on the turntable and the style of music,” says Eli Liberov, founder of Hudson Hi-Fi, a New York-based company that designs turntable accessories, record displays, and soundproofing solutions. “Like musical preferences, the sound and aesthetic preferences of pads are subjective to the listener; there is no right or wrong answer. Pads are interesting because each one offers different sonic characteristics.”
Cork: According to Liberov, cork pads tend to have a “warm” sound, somewhat reminiscent of a trumpet. Cork turntable mats are also among the most popular turntable mats available online.
Acrylic: Acrylic pads help accentuate high and low notes. “For me, contemporary music, rock, and metal go well with acrylic,” Liberov said.
Silicone: The best silicone turntable mats provide transparent sound and isolate vibrations. “I like to pair it with jazz and classical [recordings],” Liberoff said.
Other Materials: Some audiophiles use brass, plastic, wool or glass as a mat, or even the record itself. There are also combination mats of both materials, usually with a carbon-type layer on the bottom.
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The rubber turntable mat that usually comes with your turntable will do the trick, but many of these simple mats also generate static electricity, and newer, more effective mats can significantly reduce the crackling. However, rubber pads do have their benefits, especially for DJs, as they can help dampen unwanted vibrations. The same goes for felt pads, which help hold the record in place while the turntable spins. More dedicated DIY record lovers can even cut their own mats from materials of their choice.
Note that if you already have an acrylic turntable, you may not even need a mat – acrylic turntables are great at controlling resonance, and adding a mat can affect the stylus angle, which will ultimately affect playback and record life. Other factors include humidity, room temperature, dust, and proper shelter and storage of your collection when not in use.
“For a first upgrade, softwood is a good starting point,” Liberoff advises. “It provides the most consistent improvement in sound across all styles of music and players. [And] acrylic pickguards are fantastic for those who want to add a little color.”
Weighing only 10 ounces and measuring 3mm thick, this acrylic mat not only looks elegant, but also significantly reduces unwanted noise and static.
Resonances are also noticeably reduced, especially on metal platters. Leather helps to better hold the platter, isolates vibrations and provides a cleaner, clearer result, and can also enhance bass. This mat will fit any 12-inch table.
This turntable mat is made by Hudson, a New York-based company that makes several types of mats, as well as a variety of cleaning, stabilizing, measuring, and sound-improving products for hi-fi enthusiasts.
This 3mm thick acrylic pad will ensure that even the oldest records sound clear and powerful. It is a huge improvement over the factory rubber mats as it eliminates rumble and absorbs annoying clicks and static.
It runs at 33 1/3 and 45 RPM, and the difference is noticeable on first listen. The sound is less “harsh” and the weight of only 6.4 ounces does not weigh the turntable down.
This is another great choice from Hudson Hi-Fi, the cork matches some of the other mats in functionality but also adds its own benefits to the turntable.
Cork is a non-conductive material that is breathable, lightweight, soft to the touch, yet very durable. It does not attract dust like other mats and is easy to clean. It significantly reduces static buildup, providing a cleaner sound, and is coated with rubber for added durability.
Because cork does not resonate, it is particularly well suited for steel and lightweight turntables, reducing friction and absorbing vibrations without the excessive damping or lack of sound transmission that can be caused by felt.
Weighing only 1.44 ounces, this ultra-light fleece mat is incredibly soft while significantly reducing shock and vibration.
It folds up but can still lay flat on the turntable, although it does occasionally get stuck when changing discs. However, the wool also provides increased grip on the record during playback, which can create a unique sound compared to other, more rigid pads.
If left out in the open it will collect dust and debris, so it’s best to keep it (and the player) covered when not in use.
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