Frequently Asked Questions
Turntable Platter Mats
Is a turntable platter mat the same as a slipmat?
Although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, platter mats and slipmats serve different purposes.
A turntable platter mat supports the record during normal listening and can help manage vibration, resonance, static, and contact between the record and platter. A DJ slipmat is designed to reduce friction, allowing the record to move independently from the platter during cueing, mixing, and scratching.
Our cork products are turntable platter mats. Our felt DJ products are slipmats.
Will an Analog Restorations platter mat fit my turntable?
Our cork platter mats measure approximately 11.8 inches in diameter and 2.5 mm thick, making them compatible with most standard turntables and 12-inch platters.
Turntables with unusually small platters, raised outer edges, recessed mat areas, or specialized platter systems may require different dimensions. If you are unsure, contact us with your turntable make and model before ordering.
Will I need to adjust my turntable’s VTA?
Our 2.5 mm thickness was chosen to work with a wide range of turntables, including many models without adjustable vertical tracking angle, or VTA.
If your new mat is significantly thicker or thinner than the mat it replaces, check that the tonearm remains reasonably level while playing a record. Turntables and cartridges vary, so consult your manufacturer’s instructions if an adjustment appears necessary.
Can a platter mat change the sound of my turntable?
A platter mat affects how the record contacts the platter and can influence vibration control, resonance, grip, and static behavior. The audible result depends on the turntable, platter material, cartridge, existing mat, and the rest of the system.
We don’t believe in promising dramatic transformations. We developed our mats to provide a stable, consistent, and carefully controlled surface for record playback. In doing so it becomes a reasonable byproduct to sound better, but ultimately can be up to several variables in each persons individual system. We think any change that eliminates or reduces negative aspects is only going to increase your listening experience.
Why use cork for a turntable mat?
Cork naturally provides grip, vibration-damping properties, and a surface that is gentle on records. Cork also is triboelectrically neutral, which means it does not have the propensity to interact with other surfaces, like vinyl, to create static electricity. However, not all cork is produced to the same standard.
Material density, granule size, surface preparation, thickness, and manufacturing method all affect the finished product. That is why we spent so much time developing cork specifically for our platter mats.
What makes Analog Restorations cork different?
Our mats begin with premium Portuguese cork that is processed in the United States by a small, experienced manufacturer. After extensive testing and refinement, we developed a proprietary cork blend and construction exclusively for Analog Restorations.
Additionally, the cork is formed in solid blocks and sliced into sheets instead of being supplied from a roll. This helps eliminate roll memory and improves long-term flatness. Each sheet is then carefully prepared to achieve the dense, uniform, suede-like surface that defines our mats.
Our Platter Mat Collections
What is the difference between the Signature, Performance, and Studio Series?
The Signature Series features artwork laser engraved directly into natural cork. There is no added color, producing a subtle and refined natural finish. This particular finish has a very soft, suede like feel.
The Performance Series uses direct UV printing and can reproduce bold color, fine details, photographic artwork, and true white.
The Studio Series uses a specialized sublimation process that transfers color into the surface of the cork. Because this process does not print white, lighter areas allow the natural cork to become part of the design. The finished artwork is then UV sealed.
Custom Platter Mats
Can I create a completely custom platter mat?
Yes. You can start with your own artwork, photograph, logo, map, or original idea.
Our online preview tool works well for straightforward image placement, but it cannot anticipate every design or reproduce the judgment of an actual designer. If your artwork requires cleanup, layout changes, background removal, color adjustments, or more substantial design work, contact our art department before ordering.
Is the online customizer an exact representation of the finished mat?
The customizer is intended as a visualization tool. It provides a helpful approximation, but screen colors, image placement, cork texture, and differences between printing methods can affect the finished appearance.
We review submitted artwork before production and will contact you if we identify a significant concern.
Do you provide a proof before producing custom artwork?
For made-to-order Signature Series engraving and projects requiring direct assistance from our art department, we will work with you and provide a digital proof before you purchase or approve production.
We would rather resolve every question beforehand than produce something that does not meet your expectations.
What kind of image should I provide?
Send the largest and clearest version available. High-resolution images and vector artwork generally provide the best results. Avoid screenshots, small web images, heavily compressed files, or photographs that are already blurry.
If you aren’t sure whether your image will work, send it to us before ordering. We’ll review it and explain what, if anything, needs to be changed.
Can you reproduce copyrighted artwork, logos, or trademarks?
Customers are responsible for ensuring they have permission to use submitted artwork, names, logos, trademarks, and other protected material.
We cannot produce a finished product that violates copyright or trademark law. If you have questions about a particular image or project, contact us before submitting your order.
Can you print white on a cork platter mat?
Our Performance Series can print true white using direct UV printing.
Our Studio Series does not print white. Areas that appear white in the original design will generally reveal the natural cork underneath, allowing the material to become part of the artwork.
Slightly Less Frequently Asked Questions
Will this improve my relationship with my significant other?
Communication, trust, and shared taste in music seem to help. A new platter mat cannot guarantee the first two, but it can definitely help with the third.
Will I have more friends if I buy an Analog Restorations mat?
Possibly. Inviting people over to listen to records is a good start. You have to trust us, from experience, try not to spend the entire evening explaining cork density unless someone asks.
Will my cat like this?
Your cat will almost certainly prefer the shipping box. This is normal. Please discourage your cat from sitting on the mat while the turntable is spinning.
Will this make me cooler person?
The scientific evidence remains inconclusive, but early results are encouraging.
Will it improve my taste in music?
Unfortunately, no. It will, however, present your questionable choices beautifully.
Do I need a turntable to use one?
It helps tremendously.
Can I use it as a frisbee?
Almost anything can be a frisbee once. We strongly recommend enjoying this product in its intended habitat.
Is cork edible?
Cork is natural. So is poison ivy. Please do not eat your platter mat.
Will buying a new platter mat prevent me from buying more records?
Absolutely not. If anything, we may have made the problem worse.
Can it fix a turntable that doesn’t work?
No—but it can make your broken turntable look considerably more intentional.
Is any of this legally binding?
Our lawyer has asked us to stop answering this question.
Still Have a Question?
We care about this stuff too, and we’re always happy to help. Contact us with your turntable model, artwork, product question, or project idea, and we’ll point you in the right direction.