Omar Khalid
Turntable plinths are more than just a supporting structure for vinyl enthusiasts. They play a crucial role in isolating the turntable from vibrations and resonances, ultimately improving sound quality. One way to improve sound quality is to dampen the plinth. This can be done by adding weight to the plinth, which changes the frequency of the native vibration of the turntable as a whole, helping to dampen any associated internal or external vibrations. Plasticine is an effective damper in the 300Hz to 3kHz range, and can be easily sandwiched to make a constrained layer. Other materials that can be used to dampen a plinth include rubber, sorbethane, cork, foam, and clay.
Characteristics and Values for Dampening a Plastic Turntable Plinth
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Plasticine, rubber, sorbethane, cork, foam, clay, wood, steel |
| Techniques | Mass loading, adding weight, stabilising |
| Tools | Self-adhesive wheel weights, clamps, sandpaper, wood glue, braces, supports |
| Considerations | Environmental vibrations, resonant frequency, isolation, sound quality |
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What You'll Learn
Adding weight to a plastic turntable plinth
There are a few ways to add weight to a plastic turntable plinth. One method is to use self-adhesive wheel weights, which can be purchased online and stuck to the plinth where there is space. Another approach is to fill any voids within the plinth with a material such as Plasticine or clay, which can help to dampen vibrations and add mass to the structure. It is important to note that adding too much weight to the plinth or platter can put extra strain on the motor, so it is recommended to use lighter materials such as Plasticine or clay, or to use external weights that can be removed if they negatively impact performance.
When adding weight to a plastic turntable plinth, it is important to consider the type of feet or suspension system your turntable has. If your turntable has feet that provide isolation, adding weight to the plinth can be especially effective at reducing vibrations. However, if your turntable does not have isolation feet, adding weight to the plinth may have less of an impact on sound quality.
It is also worth noting that every turntable is different, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution to dampening vibrations. It may be necessary to experiment with different materials and weights to find the best solution for your specific turntable. Some materials to consider for dampening include rubber, sorbethane, cork, foam, and layered wood products.
By carefully considering the weight distribution, materials used, and the isolation properties of your turntable's feet, you can effectively add weight to a plastic turntable plinth to improve sound quality and reduce unwanted vibrations.
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Using plasticine to dampen vibrations
Plasticine is an effective damper in the 300Hz to 3kHz range, especially when sandwiched to make a constrained layer. It is also easily reversible, which is ideal for trial and error testing.
To start, you will need to purchase some plasticine. A Yamaha YP 511 turntable owner bought 3kg of white plasticine for under £10, but the amount you need will depend on your turntable. You will also need to ensure that the plasticine is not placed on top of any switches or other important parts of the turntable.
Once you have the plasticine, simply push it into the nooks and crannies of your turntable plinth. Avoid placing it on top of any switches or other sensitive components. The plasticine will add mass to the turntable, lowering its resonant frequency and reducing the impact of environmental vibrations.
The addition of plasticine has been reported to improve bass precision and overall sound clarity. It is a simple, reversible, and inexpensive method to improve sound quality and protect your turntable from vibrations.
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Creating a plinth from scratch
Measure and Plan:
Decide on the dimensions of your turntable plinth, considering the size of your turntable and any additional components like a motor or tonearm. Sketch out the design and create a detailed blueprint with all the necessary measurements.
Create Openings:
Mark the positions for any openings, such as holes for the motor or tonearm. Carefully cut out these openings using the appropriate tools.
Sand and Smooth:
Use sandpaper to smooth the edges and surfaces of the plinth. Start with coarse-grit sandpaper and gradually move to a finer grit to achieve a smooth finish.
Assemble the Plinth:
Apply wood glue or a suitable adhesive to the edges of the plinth pieces and join them together. Use clamps to hold the pieces firmly in place while the adhesive dries, following your assembly blueprint.
Reinforce the Plinth (Optional):
Consider reinforcing the plinth by adding interior braces or supports. This step can further reduce vibrations and resonance, improving sound quality.
Apply Dampening Material:
Line the interior of the plinth with dampening material. Materials such as foam, rubber, sorbothane, cork, or plasticine can be used. Avoid materials that will crumble over time, such as clay. Ensure that the feet of the plinth are also fairly rubbery to enhance vibration isolation.
Test and Adjust:
Once your plinth is assembled, test the turntable setup by recording the output using a computer and soundcard. Analyse the frequency spectrum to identify any remaining vibrations or resonances. Fine-tune your suspension and isolation systems until you achieve the desired reduction in noise and vibration.
Remember, adding weight to the plinth can be tricky, and it is important to consider the potential impact on the drive motor and platter rotation speed. Always proceed with caution and refer to specific guides or forums for detailed advice on your particular turntable model.
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Using rubber, cork or foam as a dampening material
Rubber, cork, and foam can all be used as plinth materials to dampen vibrations in a turntable. However, it's important to note that these materials have a damping effect within a specific range of frequencies, and may not be effective across all frequencies.
Rubber is a popular choice for dampening vibrations in turntable plinths. Some users prefer rubber mats, while others suggest using rubber O-rings or sheets. Rubber feet for the turntable are also recommended to further reduce vibrations.
Cork is another option for dampening material, although some users are sceptical about its effectiveness. Cork can be found in arts and crafts stores and is available in various colours and patterns.
Foam can be used as a dampening material, particularly in combination with other materials. For example, one user reported positive results using carbon fibre sandwich boards with foam as the sandwich material, which was then placed on another surface with isodamp as the constrained layer damper (CLD).
When choosing a dampening material, it's important to consider the specific frequencies you want to target and select a material that is effective within that range. Additionally, using a combination of materials, such as layering or adding constrained layer dampers, can further enhance the dampening effect.
It's worth mentioning that adding weight to a plastic turntable plinth is another approach to reducing vibrations. This can be done by using self-adhesive wheel weights or stabilizer weights on the spindle. However, it's important to be cautious when adding weight to avoid putting too much strain on the motor.
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Using layered wood products as a damper
Layered wood products can be used as an effective damper for a plastic turntable plinth. While wood is not the best material for soundproofing, it can still be used to reduce noise and vibrations. One way to improve the soundproofing properties of wood is to layer it with other materials.
One option is to use a layered wood product such as Panzerholz, glued plywood layers, densified wood, or bamboo timber. These materials tend to be good dampers, particularly at higher frequencies, although they may not have much effect in the subsonic range. By adding layers of wood, you can increase the mass of the plinth, which can help to reduce vibrations and improve sound quality.
Another option is to use a combination of wood and other materials, such as drywall or insulation. For example, you can install resilient channels, such as drywall, over the existing wood studwork. This creates a "decoupled" assembly that prevents noise from travelling directly through the wood. You can also use dense insulation materials like rockwool or fiberglass wool to fill the voids within the wall stud cavities, which will help to absorb and dampen vibrations.
Additionally, you can experiment with different finishes and stains on the wood to improve its soundproofing properties. By layering dyes, pigments, wiping stains, glazes, and toners, you can create a rich, multi-hued depth that can add acoustic benefits. These layers can be manipulated to create visual textures and variations in colour density, which can help to disrupt the passage of noise and vibrations.
When working with layered wood products, it's important to consider the adhesives used to bond the layers together. Some adhesives, such as urea formaldehyde, are sensitive to moisture and can emit formaldehyde, which is regulated due to health concerns. Other options, like polyurethane or polyvinyl acetate, may be more suitable for your specific application.
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Frequently asked questions
You can dampen a plastic turntable plinth by adding weight to it. This can be done by using self-adhesive wheel weights, or by adding stabiliser weights to the spindle.
Materials such as rubber, sorbethane, cork, foam, plasticine, clay, wood, steel and slate can be used to dampen a plastic turntable plinth.
Dampening a plastic turntable plinth helps to isolate the turntable from vibrations and resonances, ultimately improving sound quality.
