{"product_id":"audio-technica-at-smcr2-cork-and-rubber-slipmat","title":"Audio-Technica AT-SMCR2 Cork and Rubber Slipmat","description":"\u003ch1\u003eAudio-Technica AT-SMCR2 Cork and Rubber Slipmat at Vinyl Sound Toronto Canada\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe AT-SMCR2 is a cork and rubber slipmat from Audio-Technica (Tokyo, Japan), available at Vinyl Sound in Toronto, Canada. Designed as a performance upgrade over standard felt or plain cork mats, it combines natural cork with a rubber compound to address three common sources of playback degradation: vibration, instability, and static. The mat measures \u003cstrong\u003e295 mm (11.6\") in diameter\u003c\/strong\u003e, sits at a \u003cstrong\u003e2 mm profile\u003c\/strong\u003e, and weighs \u003cstrong\u003e96 g\u003c\/strong\u003e, making it a direct drop-in replacement for most 12-inch turntable platters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCork-Rubber Construction and Vibration Absorption\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe defining characteristic of the AT-SMCR2 is its dual-material construction. Cork alone is effective at damping mid-to-high frequency resonances, but the addition of rubber extends that absorption range into the lower frequencies that cork typically passes through. The result is a mat that reduces the amount of platter-borne and airborne vibration that reaches the record surface during playback. For listeners who run their turntable near a subwoofer or in an acoustically live room, this broadened damping response translates directly into a quieter noise floor and improved retrieval of low-level groove detail.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eMass, Tracking Stability, and Antistatic Performance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRubber also contributes meaningful mass to the mat. At 96 g, the AT-SMCR2 is noticeably heavier than a standard felt slipmat, and that added mass creates a more stable, consistent platform beneath the record. Greater contact stability reduces the micro-movement that can cause a cartridge to momentarily lose groove contact, so tracking is more confident and minor skips or jumps are less likely. Beyond mechanical stability, the cork-rubber blend carries inherent antistatic properties. Static buildup on vinyl is a persistent source of audible pops and clicks; the AT-SMCR2 dissipates that charge rather than allowing it to accumulate, resulting in noticeably cleaner playback between tracks and across the full side of a record.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBroadband Vibration Absorption:\u003c\/strong\u003e The cork-rubber blend damps a wider frequency range than cork alone, including lower frequencies that standard cork mats typically transmit to the record.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdded Mass for Tracking Stability:\u003c\/strong\u003e At 96 g, the rubber content increases mat mass, creating a stable record platform that supports improved tracking and reduces the risk of minor skips or jumps.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAntistatic Cork-Rubber Compound:\u003c\/strong\u003e The material blend actively mitigates static charge buildup, reducing the audible pops and clicks caused by electrostatic discharge on vinyl.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDirect-Fit 12-Inch Diameter:\u003c\/strong\u003e At 295 mm (11.6\") in diameter, the AT-SMCR2 fits standard 12-inch turntable platters without modification.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLow-Profile 2 mm Thickness:\u003c\/strong\u003e The 2 mm height ensures VTA (vertical tracking angle) disruption is minimal on most tonearm setups.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eTechnical Specifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n  \u003ctbody\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eModel\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eAT-SMCR2\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eMaterial\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eCork and rubber blend\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eDiameter\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003e295 mm (11.6\")\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eThickness\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003e2 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eWeight\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003e96 g\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eCompatible Platter Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003e12-inch\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eCountry of Brand Origin\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd\u003eJapan\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat is the Audio-Technica AT-SMCR2?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe AT-SMCR2 is a 12-inch turntable slipmat from Audio-Technica, constructed from a cork and rubber blend. It measures 295 mm in diameter, 2 mm thick, and weighs 96 g. The material combination addresses vibration absorption, record stability, and static discharge simultaneously, making it a functional upgrade over standard felt or plain cork slipmats.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow does the AT-SMCR2 compare to a standard cork slipmat or a felt slipmat?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe AT-SMCR2 outperforms both standard cork and felt slipmats in two key areas. Compared to a plain cork mat, the rubber content extends vibration damping into lower frequencies and adds significant mass for better tracking stability. Compared to a felt slipmat such as those bundled with entry-level turntables, the cork-rubber construction adds far superior antistatic performance and resonance control. Alternatives like the Pro-Ject Leather It or Rega felt mat serve different purposes; the AT-SMCR2 is specifically optimised for vibration control and static reduction through its material chemistry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWill the AT-SMCR2 fit my turntable?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe AT-SMCR2 fits any turntable with a standard 12-inch platter, which covers the vast majority of belt-drive and direct-drive decks. It will seat directly on platters from Audio-Technica, Rega, Pro-Ject, Technics, Pioneer, and similar brands. The 2 mm thickness may require a minor VTA (vertical tracking angle) adjustment on tonearms with precise azimuth settings, though the difference is small enough that many users will not need to compensate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat is VTA and does a 2 mm mat affect it?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVTA, or vertical tracking angle, is the angle at which a phono cartridge stylus contacts the record groove. Adding or swapping a slipmat changes the effective height of the record surface, which alters VTA. The AT-SMCR2 is 2 mm thick; if the previous mat was thinner or thicker, the stylus angle will shift slightly. Most modern tonearms offer VTA adjustment at the arm pillar. For users with entry-level or fixed-VTA arms, the 2 mm profile of the AT-SMCR2 is typical enough that playback performance will remain well within acceptable tolerances without adjustment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCan the AT-SMCR2 eliminate all surface noise and static clicks?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe AT-SMCR2 significantly reduces static-related pops and clicks by dissipating electrostatic charge through its cork-rubber compound, but it does not eliminate all surface noise. Pre-existing groove contamination, scratches, or pressing defects are unaffected by the mat. For best results, pair the AT-SMCR2 with a carbon fibre brush and periodic wet cleaning to address surface particulates alongside the static control the mat provides.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIs the AT-SMCR2 compatible with DJ or slip-cueing use?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe AT-SMCR2 is primarily designed as an audiophile listening mat rather than a DJ performance slipmat. Its rubber content creates more grip between the mat and the record than a traditional smooth felt DJ slipmat, which means slip-cueing and back-spinning require more effort. For dedicated DJ use on direct-drive decks, a smooth felt slipmat remains more practical. For home listening and critical playback on any turntable, the AT-SMCR2 is an ideal choice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhere can I buy the Audio-Technica AT-SMCR2 in Toronto or Canada?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Audio-Technica AT-SMCR2 is available at Vinyl Sound, an authorised Audio-Technica dealer located in Toronto, Canada. Vinyl Sound carries the full Audio-Technica turntable accessory range and can assist with questions about compatibility with your specific turntable setup.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Audio Technica","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49139680575740,"sku":null,"price":49.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0116\/1773\/0617\/files\/Audio-TechnicaAT-SMCR2CorkandRubberSlipmat.png?v=1779901799","url":"https:\/\/vinylsound.ca\/products\/audio-technica-at-smcr2-cork-and-rubber-slipmat","provider":"Vinyl Sound Canada Inc.","version":"1.0","type":"link"}