Question for the DJ's

[Paul77]

I know there are a few dj's here. Anyone have any suggestions on slipmats? I keep hearing about how great butter rugs are, but are they really? Anyone use them before? One concern I have is that I hear they are great for scratching, but they are a little to slippery for mixing. One guy I talked to said that he constantly threw the track in off beat because the mats were to slick. I'm tempted to believe that this is more a function of the dj and not the slip mats, but I thought I'd seek some advice here.

[JimH5]

I worked as a nightclub DJ from 1982 through 1988. I used Technics 1200s then, and have pieced together a DJ kit in my basement recently, also using 1200s. In both phases of life, I used Stanton 680s, with a pretty heavy setup.

 

Both then, and now, I use the Technics standard issue pressed felt slipmats. I find them perfectly balanced between slippery and grabby. I never lose a groove, and if my mixes are sucky, it's all my fault.

 

I suppose it's like a guitar or a game controller or anything where you develop a touch or comfort level with one piece of equipment. Others are probably more comfortable using other stuff, but I learned how to mix with these, so I stuck with them.

 

Most of my recent gear purchases have been with Pro Sound & Stage Lighting. . . Here's the mats that I use, though mine have a different graphic on them. . .

 

http://www.pssl.com/Technics-Slipmat-Swirl-Pair

[Paul77]

I think your right about the comfort level thing. I'm using the standard felt mats as well, though I've tried the wax paper trick in the past. I'll probably stick with the mats I have unless I find a pair of the specialty mats cheap.

[lodiness]

In my opinion it's a feel thing. I scratch, so I like a little more slip. Is there a place near you that you can try them out? In Madison Audio Depot usually has some stuff set up so you can check it out.