Choosing The Right DJ Slipmat | Skratch School

In this video we look at a wide range of options for turntable slipmats, and weigh the pros and cons of different types to help you decide what you need. You'll also learn more about the turntable platter and how it works. All of this will help you in your quest to have the cleanest cuts possible.
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[@Perplexer1]

Finally found a video explaining the strobe light and those rows of "dimples". Thumbs up!

[@Ninja_Gaijin]

Didn't realise this was esoteric knowledge or something xD

[@estupedude21]

@Nico Amari Wtf 🤣

[@Djtonydraper]

In my 30yrs as a DJ I must have tried every slip mat on the planet.. Nothing better IMO than the butter rug for cutting/scratching. Great product.

[@Ninja_Gaijin]

And what about Slip n Slides? www.turntablelab.com/products/stokyo-d-styles-slip-n-slide-slipsheets-for-slipmats-8-units

[@Ninja_Gaijin]

also.. have you tried any of the 7" mats like the new donuts?

[@slomodidit7849]

Just ordered some because of this comment lol

[@yomommastupid]

I think the part you said about the strobe light and the dots and pitch control is something lots of newbies to turntables don't know about. It is extremely important that the dots are aligned according to the pitch. If its not aligned any longer it means you need to reset the pitch control which is plausible if you know how to do it. If that doesn't work it means the pitch control needs to be replaced which is more costly. Also, if the dots are not aligned it means the record does not play at the correct speed level.

[@anthonymorales1476]

theabstrakt84 i hear ya.

[@djbeatmarshall]

My man., the intro about the strobe light the platter dimples was priceless. Nice video. 👍🏼

[@flyagaric23]

Thanks you Bastid, I needed that. And learned something about strobes. Cheers.

[@juzzlikedat1546]

Great series and well explained thank you :)

[@tim818able]

Thanks for the tips! Great Video!

[@Djrmc868Blogspot]

Love the video, thanks for the info.

[@DjTooBig]

I been using butter rugs for a few years now looking forward to trying these new ones

[@robsemail]

I love your videos! I was a club deejay through the 1980s and into the 90s. I always used felt on top of rubber mats. You almost hit on one of my reasons for doing it that way: I could hear the felt pad rubbing against the metal platter through the speakers, although just barely. The other reason was the fact I used a fair number of 45s, and touching the felt mat directly sometimes I’d catch a bit of static electricity. Putting rubber under the felt eliminated that. The extra thickness never bothered me, I just used the tonearm height adjustment to compensate.

[@nankduggets9347]

Love the dr Suzuki’s, have had them for 6years... need to try the kingdom elements. Tried the butter rugs, not bad but the dr Suzuki’s are better. I use the butter rug on my third tt cause I don’t have another dr Suzuki. Also I use to use the thud rumble fly paper and thought it was nice for a while, but just the dr suzuki alone has given me the best results out of what I have tried.

[@Marvin7408]

I use the DMC Red Technics Speedmat. Great product.

[@rapfreak7797]

I started off a couple decades ago with the blue Stanton felt slipmat with wax paper cut to size underneath.

[@DJGrandGroove]

I find that adding Plastic underneath your slipmats build up a static charge that eventually collects on your Control Vinyl. This eventually causes your stylus (if you use Ortofons) to become a Dust Magnet and interfere with your mixes.

[@Waynestarr]

I've been using Butter Rugs by Thud Rumble for years now. Greatest slipmat ever in my opinion.

[@Solarsystemrdffdfyyhh]

Listen up to all you youngsters. Before djing became mainstream and you actually had stores with Dj supplies we would search for the best with what ever we had. So he is what I found, if you go into a art store look for something called acetate. The film or plastic part cut it out and place two of them underneath the slip mat. Slick! Nothing else was better but maybe now something new.

[@mm-2018]

I used to trace the inserts of the records I bought and cut them out to make slip mats back in the early 80s

[@itimmy101]

Don't EVER throw away the rubber mat! if you're looking into ripping vinyl especially the music that isn't yet available in mp3 format. That rubber mat comes in handy because it can help with recording. If you live in an apartment and have recorded records but still can hear foot steps or people stomping in the background? This can help minimize that and just record the music.

[@IfflaMedia]

You missed the part when he said it’s NOT for DJ’ing anything else you keep. So yes THROW THEM AWAY.

[@itimmy101]

@@IfflaMedia i never said DJing🤦‍♂️ i wrote FOR RIPPING VINYL ONTO AN MP3!

[@IfflaMedia]

@@itimmy101 so you’re on a video that was created by a world known scratching Dj that labeled the video saying choosing the right > DJ < slipmat and try to justify what you’re writing? We aren’t here to ripping your grandpa Elvis records, we are here to Dj and Scratch.

[@itimmy101]

@@IfflaMedia whatever dood...i wrote what i wrote bcus loads of underground music isn't in mp3 form. I don't play top 40 shit u hear on the radio! I'm entitled to write anything including opinions last time i checked! If you don't like it? I don't give a FUCK!

[@judj2875]

You know I stiil love you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I know I jumped the gun and commented in the first ten seconds of the video, but I still want you to call me and I am totally into what you do homie! Much Love

[@johnniekaihewalu3323]

What is that green one you like?

[@Bronxio]

Great video, didn't know about the kingdomelement ones! Maybe I'll try them in the future. Some points I would like to add from my own experience (and I'm aware they could sound weird): - I have Numark TT500 turntables. These have different plates than Technics, Reloop and others (they have an "antidrag" sign on them, and feels good actually to me). The plastic layer worked fine on my former turntables (Vestax 2000 MkII Pro), but they offer more resistance on the Numarks... they're counter-prductive here. - With the Vestax, I always used their included slipmats. Now with the Numarks (second hand, no original slipmats included), I bought cheap ones (JBSystems, not very thick) and I'm happy for mixing (not the best for heavy scratching, but enough for back spinning and medium scratching). I bought Butter Rugs and I like the "instability" of fast sound replays in scratching (I mean they not sound exactly at the same speed at the beginning when I release the vinyl to play it regular). But... too thin, I agree (and I don't like to have the needle in diagonal if I don't see it necessary, and the tonearm can't be set lower). So, for heavy scratching I use both slipmats at the same time (Butter Rugs below, JBSystems above) and I'm happy with this! :P - I tried an old Dr. Suzuki and looks good, but that one was as thin as the Butter Rugs. Haven't tried the new ones, surely they will feel good to me.

[@Ninja_Gaijin]

you can get J shape arms on the Vestax - they are actually J arms not S arms (S arm has two bends, J arm has one, like on the 1200)

[@josht1370]

Do you know if those Dr Suzuki Red Bull mats are printed on a tablecloth mat or the mix version of their mats? Thanks for the tut!

[@hellavisionsmellavision]

I want to hangout with Skratch Bastid

[@p2dz86]

I use frosted butter rugs on my technics 1200's and they dont feel as slippery as I want them how can I make them more slick for better back cueing

[@bendavid8856]

I'm new at spinning wax, I did it a while back for a bit , not on a stage by any means but I played around and now I'm kinda going hard at learning. I'm trying to do my research for every element and qberts collab with butter rug keeps popping up , have you had any experience with that also that red bull one that you pulled out, I think that company was mentioned to me as well while I was doing some selecting. Thanks for the vid

[@AveMcree]

NEVER THROW AWAY THE RUBBER MAT. It has a purpose for when you have warped records and grounds static... Most of the slipmats you will buy will have static that will effect the play quality of the vinyl. IDK why dude would say that.

[@djpacoelfuerte9531]

Ave Mcree Can you explain? How does the rubber mat fix warped records??

[@turfoidgaming9684]

What do you recommend for actual mixing? (Beat mixing)

[@allstar930]

Really like my Suzuki Table Cloth mats

[@christopherhamilton7299]

@skratchschool what do you do ab static? My Dr Suzuki slip sheets and my control vinyl have mad static built up .. the sheets are sticking to the platter. What do you do for static? Thanks for the info.

[@djm3sh]

I thought Butter Rug slipmats were used in the opposite side, with the "Butter Rug" logo faced to the platter, and the dark side in contact with the record... I use a pair of these on that way and it's perfect to me!

[@Ninja_Gaijin]

they aren't as slippy that way. The slick/smooth side is slippy, the textured side is grippy. I use the grippy side to grip to a Suzuki Mix Edition

[@cjsocool3307]

I have two Technics SL-1200 MKII DJ turntables & I spin at home. I have the original Technics slipmats. Under those I have Dr. Suzuki slipsheets, is this good?. Seems to work fine.

[@cancel990]

Is it easy to damage a TT motor if you stop it when scratching? Or is it made to take that? I have an Audio Tech LP 120. Worried I damaged it. I have a butter rug on the way.

[@Padbangers]

Butterrugs + thin felt slipmats is the perfect combination for me

[@estupedude21]

Hmm 🤔

[@djkoz78]

I have a pair of Butter Rugs, but they still grabbed the record too well at least on my tables. I wasn't able to back spin the record really it would only spin about halfway before starting forward again. So I purchased Tablecloths Mats and they are super slippery.

[@Ninja_Gaijin]

I want to try them all xD

[@cori5635]

sometimes I put wax paper under them..

[@yomommastupid]

i had the opposite problem with Tablecloths they are magnets to my records but not 45s...i get shit load of static every time i play an LP it just sticks to it

[@weirdcan]

How about a butter rug or sth similar underneath a normal (thin) slipmat?

[@Gozu]

Perú !

[@vdoscanr]

The slip Mats I have are made of cotton I think. They are not butter rugs, but since 97, I have had the same PC of plastic under the mat, and they slide without any resistance. By the way I cut the plastic out of a plastic bag that you get from the swap meet or liquor store

[@sunderjirahim]

I use a combination of butter rugs and wax paper under the rugs. Super slippery!

[@droneflightentertainmentn6246]

I am starting with scratching... i have buyed an old turntable with direct drive but the slip mat needs to be replaced they told me that when i buyed it second hand...the slipmat whats in use now,i don't know which brand it is or what sort...now my question is what brand and what sort of slipmat do i need can you help plz?

[@Ninja_Gaijin]

DO NOT throw out your rubber mat. DO NOT treat it like a piece of crap. If you are PLAYING, RIPPING/ARCHIVING/NEEDLE DROPPING records, 'THROW OUT' your slipmats. Use the rubber mat. It has its purpose. It also plays records FLATTER on the platter since it has spacing/grooves on the mat for label and different sized records' raised edges. Keep it stored somewhere handy and clean it before you use it also. There are two technics rubber mats (not sure if there is another different one with the GAE) and the first one was thicker/better (hard to find I would think, since a lot of people think like/listen to people like you and do throw them out..). There are plenty of other 'playback' (read, non-mixing/scratching) mats that can 'do things' to the sound or isolation of your record playback - I personally really want to try the Reso-mat myself. Also the new maglev/anti gravity platter turntable should be good with something like a resomat (since the only source of vibration left apart from speakers / external sources would be between the record, platter and stylus) - thevinylfactory.com/news/levitating-turntable-mag-lev-audio/

[@allstar930]

Big up for this. I couldn't understand why my 1200 needle drop rips had so much background noise in them. I'm an idiot.

[@AveMcree]

damn I just wrote this... I'm glad I'm not the only one who new this

[@trustever15]

Og stuff that comes with the original is always pricey stuff, never throw away nothing!!

[@edgarayala945]

I never realized the plastic magic carpets might be adding noise! I'm currently using 4 magic carpets on each deck with Akrilyk brand slipmats. have you ever noticed that the same slipmat might be more or less slippery on different turntables, like Stantons vs Technics?

[@Ninja_Gaijin]

have you ever compared Flying Carpets (I presume you mean them) to Frosted Plates, Slip Bladez or similar slick mats?

[@edgarayala945]

I have not, sorry. But I'm curious if there's a difference. As of now I'm using butter rugs, a flying carpet, and my akrylik slipmats layered in that order on Stanton ST 150s. When I use technics I only need the akryliks because technics have less grip for some reason.

[@yomommastupid]

i got madddd static on the Dr Suzuki mats they also starting to curl...and no dont throw away the standard Technics rubber slipmat they might not be for scratching but definitely has a purpose when playing a record

[@roguca31]

does cork slipmats work?

[@Bigmace-zn4ly]

Butter Rugs 💯

[@djcarbon6995]

😂 😂 😂 Threw the thing 😂😂

[@djjandellx9959]

where can i get this slipmat bro? im trying to get it for my rane 12

[@ryanharrison1472]

what mixer are you using?

[@maxwells6394]

I just got a pair of ortofon vinyl preservation academy slip mats in the mail. i tested them against the butter rugs with a pair of traktor control records. one slip mat on either side. everything was pretty close but i have to say the ortofon slip mats feel better. they are more gooey. the ortofon slipmats also have a different material on either side. ortofon advertises that the bottom is "glazed" and that the slipmats are "the finest slipmats available on the market."

[@maxwells6394]

I have bin spinning on the ortofon slipmats for a while. from what that guy said in his video I can say they are a perfect balance of noise and slip.

[@Wheel333]

Butter Rugs with thick butter spread on the platter side and pb and j on the other. YuM YuM.

[@user-rx3xg6xc1p]

Can you use the dimples on the platter for beat matching mixes??

[@richarddixon5657]

david ortiz no!!

[@dougstyles5091]

Wax paper underneath son!

[@saulgood2548]

Too young to experience that era.

[@everettwhiteside266]

"Immediately throw it out!" :D

[@WRytmieBluesa]

Ortofon Vinyl Preservation slipmats are perefctly balanced.

[@Wheel333]

Where those dr suzuki scratch or mix ?

[@ozgunsen4354]

Some of my scratch vinyls couldnt catch the table instantly after i releasing from scrathing. It slides back for a half of sec. then catches. Is it caused becouse of bowled/bended vinyl or another problem. (usually happens on one side) ( I use only Slipsheets)

[@SLIMKUTT]

Yes, it is...

[@scupakus]

I like slipmats by ortophone.they do have felt on top and spme white poliester or else on the bottom.not to thick not to bendy,andnvery slippy

[@xxxTHROATBANGERxxx]

How bout using coconut oil over butter i heard its lower in cholesterol.

[@kevinl6231]

If I ever have a big party, I’d want him for my DJ.

[@OgDj2024]

👍🏾

[@jeffreysantner3717]

Hey Tiesto, it's RPM('singular').

[@mollymurphy999]

I think mine are made from neoprene like wet suits, served me well since 1998

[@RhythmGrizz]

cork? leather?

[@djaramriley264]

Butter rugs all day!

[@joris201]

Does stopping your motor damage it??

[@CrimeDawg-uq5dd]

Yes

[@rashodlewis2918]

Where can I buy the plastic that goes underneath the slip mats?

[@fredbissnette3104]

Go to the dolla bin and buy a record from the 80s they have a plastic clear sleeve you can get two out of it

[@andrespates6654]

Can you bless me with those turntables? 😃😃😃

[@MrTheAcoustic]

*5:48** - you guys just pick wrong material and get that noises =) Try to place new clear A4 paper list on platter and cut it round. Result is gonna be interesting for every DJ iam absolutely sure)*

[@kiwi5351]

Random question but what was the vinyl in the video

[@seanbeaver5635]

Kiwi Serato 12" Control Vinyl Japan (Clear / Country Series)

[@Dannypizano209]

what if I use slip mats on top of butter rugs ?

[@Bronxio]

That's what I do and I feel good with this

[@delbisluciano893]

That's what I do also and don't feel bad.

[@Ninja_Gaijin]

same, Mix Edition Suzuki or Def Jam 25th anniversary mats on top of butter rugs.. thinking of adding some slip n slides, frosted plates and/or trying a slip bladez, also want to try a reso-mat for ripping/playback

[@365expressions5]

anybody know what equipment he's using? tables and mixer?

[@atrain421]

Reloop RP8000 and DJM-S9

[@elliel2k2]

recently got some butter rugs, still didn't help and I've concluded that i need to upgrade my million year old belt drive turntables for some direct drives with a farely decent motor.

[@DjSmokeMixtapes]

Bruh!! Not tryin to go in on you but belt drive turntables? Really in 2017? You cant scratch wit those. I can't trip tho I started with one way back when and had to learn the hard way too!! Get you sum Tech's, pioneers, or audio-technica tables for the low!

[@elliel2k2]

Basically I know what I Need, But at this stage of the game i'm not trying to invest a whole lotta dough into dj equipment, kinda working with a very tight budget right now. (lol)!!!!! Now should that change I would go all out ie; 2 Pioneer PLX1000's & a DJM S9. But for now just trying to do a little sumthin', sumthin' with the mess I've accumulated over the years.

[@benlopez4788]

DJ Ellie-El Its all good man, I started with some gemini belt drive turntables xlbd10 i think and they were wobbly and motor was weak. I got to be pretty good on those. All it means is if you can scratch n mix with your belt drives then you will kick ass when u upgrade to some good direct drives.

[@easternskys]

What turntables are in use here?

[@daft9097]

Reloop

[@yomommastupid]

i got the tablecloth dr suzuki and they causes static !

[@DocHalliday]

Butter Rugs can get static too. It's just something you gotta live with because there will be a little bit of friction.

[@tonyfractal]

@@DocHalliday hey tomorrow i have big gig and the butter rugs are gettin a lot of friction and noise coming from the needle, happen before but near loud speaker or fans is crazy the sound. Do have any tip?

[@DocHalliday]

@@tonyfractal The only thing I can suggest is to use felt slipmats if you have any. They're pretty quiet on backspins.

[@tonyfractal]

@@DocHalliday don't have i live in a small town in mexico and no fucking slipmats here, but i have felt i am testing one home made felt before the rubber mats and it cancel a lil bit

[@helthuismartin]

How many records are there in the background????3000 pieces???

[@vjez1427]

which turntable cases are those??????

[@DjFreeman870707]

Reloop rp 8000

[@vjez1427]

CASE not turntable!!!!

[@fredbissnette3104]

Clydesdale or odyssey

[@fredbissnette3104]

Listen to the wind kids

[@daienhaque5041]

how do you like the reloops vs technics?

[@Ninja_Gaijin]

are you talking turntable or mat?

[@fredbissnette3104]

The reloops have a lot more torque

[@DJMandM]

do yall remember the very thick stanton slipmats? wow

[@richarddixon5657]

Marco Marrero looked cool but were crap, had a pair of blue ones with white logo

[@fredbissnette3104]

They are the best mats for house music and the worst for hip hop

[@koolstup]

Peace to the radio jock who came up with the idea for the slip mat 🌑

[@Shakeabreaka]

It wasn’t a radio DJ it was Grandmaster Flash

[@fredbissnette3104]

Them dimples tho

[@dj2dope820]

Blake Griffin the ultimate mvp deejay!

[@magneticproductions7066]

bro why are you wearing a winter hat and a tshirt Inside the crib lulz

[@beatnick1157]

“Shouts out” he says lol

[@rbiznezz2]

DR SUZUKI = GOAT

[@TheToykiller1]

Butter are the best one ! But seriously, how the fuck they get the good idea "oh yeah ! we gonna make it thinner than a Chanel Model, on a diet, while the Fashion Week".... come on !

[@saulgood2548]

Piece of plastic. In my day we called it wax paper you buy at the grocery store. At least I did.

[@dc-si1mv]

It's not a strobe light, the appearance of the dots on the platter is an optical illusion.

[@kaleidoscopejukebox]

This video could have been 3 seconds long and a lot less awkward Hello folks, buy a butter rug. Thats all foks .

[@paweldun]

they put an entire wall with vinyl records in the back, but put a guy with a laptop in the front.

[@brandoncruz3123]

That's Skratch Bastid's home studio. How dare you call him "a guy". Do some research before you speak rook

[@adambernhardt4983]

If you are watching this then please dont bother taking up djing...go back to building lego