Quick answer
Place the Death Waltz Slip Mat directly on the platter with the printed side facing up, then set your record on top. Clean the mat regularly with a soft brush or damp cloth to prevent dust from reaching your vinyl.
Why the Death Waltz Slip Mat earns a spot on your platter
The Death Waltz Slip Mat is a screen-printed mat from Death Waltz Recording Co., available in two looks: a classic logo on black or a white glow-in-the-dark version. Beyond the artwork, a slip mat sits between your platter and record to help reduce vibration and provide a stable surface. The glow-in-the-dark option adds a visual cue in dim listening rooms, while the black version keeps a low-profile look. Neither option changes the fundamental job of the mat, so choose based on the aesthetic you want on your turntable.
Slip mat vs. platter mat: what actually matters for playback
People often use the terms interchangeably, but a slip mat is designed to let the record slip slightly during mixing or scratching, while a platter mat focuses on damping resonance. The Death Waltz Slip Mat is a felt-style slip mat, so it prioritizes a clean interface between record and platter rather than heavy vibration control. If your turntable already has a rubber platter mat, you can use the Death Waltz mat on top for a different look and feel, but avoid stacking multiple thick mats, which can raise the record height and affect tonearm alignment.
Step-by-step: install, use, and care for your Death Waltz slip mat
- Remove the existing mat and clean the platter: Take off any old mat and wipe the platter with a dry, lint-free cloth to remove dust or grit. Common mistake: skipping this step leaves debris trapped under the new mat, which can cause uneven rotation or scratches. A clean platter is the foundation for a flat, quiet mat.
- Center the Death Waltz Slip Mat on the platter: Align the mat’s center hole with the spindle and press it down evenly from the center outward. Checkpoint: the mat should sit flat with no raised edges or wrinkles; if it doesn’t, lift it and try again. A centered mat prevents wobble and keeps the record level.
- Place your record and check for slip: Set the record on the mat and give it a gentle spin by hand. The record should move smoothly but not slide excessively when you start or stop the platter. Common mistake: using a mat on a platter that already has a thick rubber surface can make the record sit too high, so test with one mat at a time. If the record slips too easily during normal play, the mat may be too slick for your needs.
- Clean the mat weekly with a soft brush: Use a dry carbon-fiber brush or a soft clothes brush to sweep dust from the mat’s surface. Work from the center outward and avoid pressing hard on the printed area. Checkpoint: visible dust should lift away; if it doesn’t, move to the damp-cloth step. Regular dry brushing stops dust from migrating onto your records.
- Spot-clean stains with a barely damp cloth: Dampen a microfiber cloth with water and wring it out thoroughly. Gently wipe the affected area and let the mat air-dry completely before putting it back on the turntable. Common mistake: soaking the mat can warp the felt and damage the screen print. Never use alcohol or harsh cleaners on the printed surface.
- Store the mat flat when not in use: If you swap mats, keep the Death Waltz Slip Mat flat in a clean, dry place—not folded or stacked under heavy objects. Checkpoint: before reinstalling, inspect for creases or stiffness that could affect flatness. Proper storage preserves the mat’s shape and print quality.
Product facts
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Death Waltz Slip Mat: Screen-printed slip mat with a choice of classic black logo or white glow-in-the-dark design. The color option lets you match your turntable setup or add a visible cue in low light without changing playback function.
Death Waltz Slip Mat