UNLOCK THE LAYERS IN YOUR MUSIC
Strata Platter Mat
The Strata is a multi-layered platter mat expertly developed to minimise vibrations across all frequency bands. Fitted between your vinyl and your turntable platter, the Strata reduces interference with your cartridge, unlocking superior clarity, depth, and dynamics for any turntable.
£325
One for All
Even if your turntable features excellent bearings, motor drive, plinth isolation, and other high-quality components, the interface between the platter and your vinyl record is often far from optimal. Most standard mats and platter materials simply shift vibrations into other frequency bands rather than reducing them effectively.
The Strata is a universal platter mat crafted from multiple layers, engineered to minimize vibrations across all frequency bands. This leads to a dramatic improvement in the performance of any turntable.
Sonically, the result is a cleaner sound with greater definition—especially in the textural qualities of each musical element. Improved transient performance enhances separation, imaging, and the overall sense of presence.
The Strata’s design emerged from rigorous development, involving hundreds of prototypes. Experiments with every conceivable material combination, along with variations in profile, diameter, thickness, heat treatment, and finishing, shaped the final product.
Our thanks to Tony Sharman, who made a considerable input during the process.
Left: A fraction of the prototype layers involved in the development of the Strata.
One for All
The new Universal “Strata Mat” from Origin Live is a multi-layer platter mat designed to dramatically improve the performance of all turntables. You may have a turntable with a good bearing, motor drive, plinth isolation and so on but the all important interface with the Vinyl record has never been optimised. The Strata Mat will solve this issue.
Here’s the Problem
After testing many platter mats in our R&D, we’ve discovered a common issue: most mats only perform well in a specific frequency range. This means they do little to absorb vibrations in other important ranges.
It’s clear that different mat materials affect your records’ sound in unique ways. For example:
- Some enhance detail but sacrifice richness in the mid-band.
- Others create an impressively transparent sound, yet they weaken deep bass.
- The opposite can also happen, with strong bass but reduced clarity and murky treble.
The Solution
Reduce bad vibrations, improve good vibrations
It’s a common maxim from audiophile manufacturers. Let’s go a bit deeper:
As a rule, the parts of a turntable closest to the cartridge have a much greater influence on performance than those farther away (due to energy dissipation). A truly great platter mat needs to handle vibrations travelling through your vinyl record from your turntable’s platter and spindle, from your bearing, motor drive, equipment platform, and ultimately the ground. This, as well as the vibration produced by your cartridge stylus on the vinyl during playback. To dissipate energy quickly and effectively near the cartridge demands fast energy transmission and absorption. The Strata achieves in two ways:
- Through destructive interference caused by a phase difference between multiple layers of thin, carefully tuned materials that are semi-bonded.
- Each layer’s profile and material properties absorb and dissipate vibration in different frequency ranges.
When this is carried out successfully, there is a huge improvement in clarity and timing and texture in your music. Smearing and artefacts in your replay are significantly reduced, allowing you to hear deeper into the musical mix and notice aspects of the music you previously missed.
Not all applications of destructive interference are beneficial, which is why exhaustive testing and listening have ensured that the Strata is a finely tuned product that hundreds of audiophiles enjoy.
Will It Work On My Deck?
The Strata can be used with almost any turntable. The only exceptions are Origin Live turntables that use the multi-layer platter as they will not benefit from using the Strata.
No-Risk Money Back Guarantee
The asking price of £325 may seem a lot to invest for a mat, but in the context of the improvement it brings, you could spend far more on a cartridge and still not achieve anything like the same level of benefit. Cartridges are also short-lived in comparison to a platter mat. If you are in doubt about these claims, we invite you to hear the “Strata” for yourself. The mat is offered with a 1-month guarantee. If you are not immediately impressed, simply return it for a full refund. With nothing to lose, why not try it for yourself?
No-Risk Money Back Guarantee
The mat comes with a money-back guarantee if ordered directly from Origin Live. Should you be in any way dissatisfied, just return the mat for a full refund (excluding carriage). Origin Live dealers may also offer a guarantee but this is at their discretion.