How to Use Them on a Turntable

Slipmats are one of the most misunderstood but important accessories in the vinyl world. Whether you’re a beginner setting up your first turntable or looking to improve performance and handling, understanding slipmats can help you get better sound, better control, and a better overall experience.

In this guide, we’ll explain what slipmats are, what they do, how they compare to standard turntable mats, and how to use them correctly. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links and if a purchase is made, RMR may receive a commission at no cost to you.

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What Is a Slipmat on a Turntable?

A slipmat is a thin, flexible mat placed between a vinyl record and the turntable platter. Most slipmats are made from felt, cork, rubber, or synthetic materials.

Unlike standard rubber mats that grip the record, slipmats are designed to reduce friction between the record and platter.

This allows the record to move more freely while the platter continues spinning underneath.

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What Does a Slipmat Do?

Slipmats serve several key purposes depending on how you use your turntable.

Improved Record Control

Slipmats allow the record to “slip” on the platter. This is especially useful for:

• DJ scratching
• Beatmatching
• Cueing and back-cueing tracks

Reduced Friction Between Record and Platter

A slipmat reduces direct contact between vinyl and the platter surface, allowing smoother manual movement.

Vibration and Surface Isolation (Limited)

Some slipmat materials can help reduce minor vibrations and improve isolation between the record and platter.

Protection for Vinyl Records

Slipmats add a soft buffer layer that helps protect both the record and the platter surface from wear.

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Slipmat vs Rubber Turntable Mat

Understanding the difference between slipmats and traditional mats is important.

Rubber Mat

• Grips the record tightly
• Improves stability during playback
• Common in audiophile listening setups
• Reduces record movement

Slipmat (Felt/Cork/etc.)

• Reduces friction
• Allows controlled record movement
• Preferred for DJ use
• Less platter grip than rubber

Some users experiment with stacking mats, but this depends on the turntable design and cartridge setup. You can check out some cool looking acrylic slipmats here, that really make your turntable pop. My buddy has a red acrylic slipmats and it looks awesome.

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Do Slipmats Affect Sound Quality?

Yes—but usually in subtle ways.

Different slipmat materials can slightly change vibration behavior:

• Felt slipmats: neutral feel, common for DJ use
• Cork slipmats: improved isolation and tighter bass response
• Rubber slipmats: more damping and stability, often preferred for hi-fi listening

However, the difference is usually subtle compared to upgrades like cartridge, stylus, or speakers.

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How to Use a Slipmat Correctly

Installing a slipmat is simple, but setup matters:

1. Place the slipmat directly on the turntable platter
2. Align the center hole with the spindle
3. Ensure the mat lies completely flat
4. Place your record on top of the slipmat
5. If changing mat thickness, check tonearm height and tracking force

Proper setup ensures stable playback and avoids tracking issues.

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Who Should Use a Slipmat?

Slipmats are not required for every listener, but they are useful for:

• DJs who need record control and scratching ability
• Casual listeners who want to customize their setup
• Vinyl users experimenting with sound and vibration damping

For pure audiophile listening, many users prefer a standard rubber mat unless they are tuning specific aspects of their system.

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Common Slipmat Mistakes

Avoid these common issues when using slipmats:

• Using thick slipmats without adjusting tonearm height
• Assuming all slipmats significantly improve sound quality
• Mixing incompatible mats that affect platter stability
• Using worn or uneven slipmats that cause record wobble

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Are Slipmats Worth It?

For most turntable users, slipmats are a low-cost, easy upgrade that mainly affects feel and control rather than dramatically changing sound.

They are essential for DJs and optional for home listening setups.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the purpose of a slipmat on a turntable?

A slipmat reduces friction between the record and platter, allowing smoother manual control of the record while it spins.

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Do slipmats improve sound quality?

Slipmats can slightly affect sound by changing vibration and damping, but the differences are usually subtle compared to other audio upgrades.

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Can I use a slipmat instead of a rubber mat?

Yes, but it depends on your goal. Slipmats are better for DJ control, while rubber mats are typically better for stable home listening.

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What material is best for a slipmat?

Felt is most common for DJ use, cork offers better isolation, and rubber provides more damping and stability.

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Do I need a slipmat for my turntable?

Not always. Many turntables work perfectly with the stock mat, but slipmats are useful for customization, DJ use, or experimentation.