Guide
How to choose the right slipmat for your turntable
Section 1: What is a slipmat?
A slipmat is the circular mat that sits on your turntable's platter, between the platter and your vinyl record. Every turntable ships with some kind of mat — usually rubber or thin felt — but most listeners don't realize how much the mat affects both sound quality and the overall feel of their setup.
Originally designed for DJs who needed records to spin freely for scratching and beatmatching, slipmats have evolved into both a functional accessory and a way to personalize your turntable.
Section 2: Slipmat materials compared
Felt is the most common slipmat material. It's lightweight, affordable, and works well for both casual listening and DJ use. Premium felt (like the 16oz felt Slip Matter uses) reduces static and provides a smooth, consistent surface. The tradeoff is that felt can attract dust, so keep your platter covered when not in use.
Cork slipmats are popular with audiophiles for their natural anti-static properties and vibration dampening. They're rigid and provide a firm, flat surface. Cork tends to produce a slightly warmer sound profile.
Rubber mats grip the record firmly to the platter, which prevents slippage but makes them unsuitable for DJ use. They're the most common stock mat included with new turntables. Rubber can sometimes stick to records and increase static.
Acrylic mats are the premium option. They're designed to closely match the density of vinyl records, which theoretically improves sound transfer. Many high-end turntables with acrylic platters are designed to be used without any mat at all.
Leather mats are less common but offer excellent vibration dampening and a distinctive aesthetic. They tend to be thicker, which may require a VTA (vertical tracking angle) adjustment on your tonearm.
Section 3: Does your slipmat affect sound quality?
Yes, but the degree depends on your setup. The mat's material affects how vibrations transfer between the record, platter, and tonearm. Thicker, denser mats tend to dampen micro-vibrations, which can reduce surface noise. Anti-static materials reduce the pops and crackle caused by static discharge between the record and the mat.
For most listeners with entry-to-mid-level turntables, the difference between mat materials is subtle. The bigger impact is usually visual — a good slipmat makes your setup feel more intentional and personal.
Section 4: Why double-sided?
Most slipmats are printed on one side with a plain backing. Slip Matter mats are printed on both sides with two different original designs. This means you get two looks from a single purchase — swap the vibe of your setup in seconds by flipping the mat. It also means there's no "wrong side" — both sides are designed to be displayed.