What’s the best turntable mat? We found and reviewed the seven best models available on the market right now.
Several features will help to improve the sound on a turntable and also protect records. It is a great thing whether you are simply listening to records or are using records to DJ.
Turntable mats are one of the most important and affordable turntable accessories that will improve the quality of the sound you produce when DJing or listening to music.
Top 7 Best Turntable Mats:
Hudson Hi-Fi Premium Swiss Leather Turntable Mat (Editor’s Choice)
Hudson Hi-Fi is a popular and trusted manufacturer of a wide variety of audio equipment and accessories. Their Premium Swiss leather turntable mat is a beautiful, high-end mat that is durable and well designed to stand the test of time.
The mat helps to dampen resistance and reduce vibration to improve the overall sound quality of the turntable. In addition, it is resistant to static and reduces operational noise.
Pro-Ject Cork It Turntable Mat
Pro-Ject is an up-and-coming company that makes a wide range of different pieces of equipment and accessories for DJs and turntable enthusiasts. The Cork It Turntable Mat is an exciting alternative to the more common leather turntable mat.
Besides being a departure from leather or felt, the cork style mat also has characteristics that give your records a unique sound. It also helps to reduce vibration and resonance, which improves the overall sound quality.
These mats are suitable for all turntables. Like their leather counterparts, they are also known for preventing the build-up of dust and static.
Jake’s Premium Leather Deer Hide Turntable Mat
From Jake’s Turntable Mats, a company known for making various turntable mats, the Premium Leather Deer Hide Turntable Mat is an excellent high-end mat. Made from high-quality leather and suede, it is durable and nice to look at.
This affordable mat is resistant to static and dust and reduces vibrations, decreasing the quality of sound produced. In addition, the mats are hand-cut and well designed for regular use.
Turntable Lab Cork & Rubber Record Mat
Turntable Lab is a company that produces a range of turntable accessories for DJs and vinyl enthusiasts. It is an affordable composite mat that is another excellent alternative to a felt or leather mat. The mat is suitable for all turntables and helps reduce resonance and vibration while protecting your records from undue damage and stress.
Since the mat gives you improved grip, you have more accurate timing and a reduced tendency to experience unwanted slips. In addition, these composite mats are better at repelling static and dust than their felt counterparts.
Electrohome Turntable Platter Mat
Electrohome is a brand known for making a variety of turntables and accessories. Electrohome is a high-end, top-of-the-line manufacturer of turntable mats and other related products, from the turntables themselves to mats, microphones, and even karaoke machines. For example, their Turntable Platter Mat is an affordable mat uniquely made from silicone instead of the more traditional felt, leather, and even cork.
The mat provides a non-scratch, responsive surface that also helps to dampen resonance and reduce vibrations, impeding the record sound quality. As a result, the mat is well suited for all turntables and can be used even with LPs with hollow centers.
Turntable Lab Cork Record Mat
Another great option from Turntable Lab is their Cork Record Mat. It is a pure cork mat, and unlike the composite mat we reviewed earlier. As with its composite counterpart, this mat helps to repel dust and static. However, it also helps protect records from unnecessary damage, reduces vibration and resonance, which can cause decreases in your sound quality.
It has a better grip than felt or leather mats and also has its unique sound characteristics.
Turntable Toys TC-8 Cork Audiophile Turntable Mat
Turntable Toys makes several different high-quality yet affordable turntable mats. The Cork Audiophile Turntable Mat is a well-designed and solidly constructed cork mat available at a fantastic price. The mat helps to improve traction, which improves timing. Unfortunately, it also works to dampen resonance and vibrations, which reduce the quality of the sound.
Like other cork mats, the Audiophile Turntable Mat is excellent for repelling static and dust.
Things to Consider When Shopping for a Turntable Mat
Many people might not see the purpose or need for turntable mats, but there are some essential purposes that these mats serve.
A turntable mat can be an eye-catching addition to your DJ setup, allowing you to express your personality while you mix the latest sounds. However, they serve a much more practical function as well.
Turntable mats help protect records from being damaged and help reduce friction applied to a record when someone is mixing, scratching, or otherwise DJing. Additionally, turntable mats provide improved sound.
To find the best turntable mat, you want to get a mat that will reduce friction while not sliding around a lot, as this is rather inconvenient when trying to use the turntable.
Most often, leather or cork material is the recommended material for turntable mats. These are durable materials that will not cause undue friction but are also not prone to slippage.
We should note that these mats are incredibly different from a slipmat, another standard turntable accessory. A slipmat is pretty much only used as a decoration for when no record is on the turntable. In addition, these are often made from slippery or synthetic materials that are not conducive to actual DJing.
Conclusion: The Best Turntable Mat
Certain accessories are necessary components for a full-fledged DJ setup or even a proper setup for the avid vinyl lover. A turntable mat is an affordable and vital accessory that will help reduce wear and tear on your turntable and improve sound quality.
High-quality turntable mats help protect records from damage, reduce vibration, and also help smooth out the sound quality. Finding a durable turntable mat is a great way to get the best sound and prevent wear and tear out your system.