JA Michell Record Clamp Review & Demonstration 

great! glad to help!

Ah, thanks man! I keep forgetting to make more :)

ha. Me too. I have more than 20, now! 25, maybe? I even mentioned you a couple videos ago

That's fantastic! Thanks!

I appreciate the notes. I've been using this clamp now quite awhile, always with concern for the table and its components. It may seem I'm using more pressure than I actually am. I assure you, all is well.

Hi - thanks for reading and taking the time to reply. To clarify; with a solid shim no thicker than needed only a few ounces of pressure is needed to flatten a normal weight LP. Also, it isn't really necessary for the the entire surface to be clamped tightly to the platter surface. With a dish warp simply removing the worst of it and stabilising the disc so it's not teetering on the label is adequate. Tightly clamping (IOW rigidly coupling) a disc actually changes the sound substantially, and some don't like those changes - possibly cleaner and more accurate but at the same time some of the dynamics and are flattened (sic). I was speaking to Len Gregory ("the Cartridge Man") some years ago and he described the effect of clamping as "squashing the life out of them" (the sound of the discs). One of the early Dual CS505/506 series little conjuring tricks, which makes it so 'bouncy' and fun to listen to, is a result of the mat used - concentric ribs which were net concave. This was presumably to accomodate dish-warps, but it also has the effect of supporting most LP's only at their edges so they act like the sounding-board on a guitar - you can hear the music coming off the surface much more clearly than on other decks (later Duals used a heavier, flat mat with only a label recess). Clamping the disc makes the system more analogous to a solid-body instrument, like an electric guitar. As I say, it's trivially easy and quick to make a selection of nylon washers/shims of varying thicknesses using a sheet of sandpaper on a flat surface (e.g. glass, or just decent kitchen worktop), which I've been doing for years. BTW, nice channel, I'm now subsribed of course. ETA >> www.trans-fi.com/resomat.htm

@@EliteRock Thanks for the information. And I agree, reducing that initial pressure on the bearing the most important consideration if I were to consider a clamp. Even more interesting is the rest of the information you provided about sound differences, and even some of the drawbacks of clamping. Thanks for that too.

thank you!

I'm glad you think so! thanks for commenting

It retails for about $60, but can be found on eBay for a bit less, just make sure to read their feedback first. The result is more dramatic with a warp like the one showed here, but it is useful with any and all records, even if your record is perfectly flat and you don't need a washer, it will keep your record closer to the platter. This is especially helpful with the acrylic platter. It can be a little slippery without a felt mat. Using a clamp definitely increases the platters effect. Mostly it just looks nice :) I also recommend the pro-ject speedbox.

thanks Jonas!

the debut carbon would be the same spindle as my music hall, the standard version works. I use a Canon T3i :)

Apologies for any confusion, the base is derlin, I made note of that in the video with text. Feels like metal though. I'm sorry I don't know how much it weighs, but not much at all.

It won't eliminate every type of warp, but should help most. I'm still quite pleased and sometimes surprised at how well it can work. But sometimes, a warp is just too sharp to calm completely. As long as you're using the felt washer and clamping the way I demonstrated, not sure what else I can advise

Okay sounds good - thanks. There's not a lot of info out there about what's a tolerable warp so it's tough for me to know if I'm overthinking the cartridge/tonearm movement.

Works fine and improves the sound on my SL1200 DD.

Nan Man the turntable in this video is very close in construction to a pro-ject debut. Even has the same tonearm, so, I can say yes. Rega uses a shorter spindle which necessitates a special version, otherwise the standard model is the one to try.

the acryl-it platter is meant to be used without a mat

not in my experience. the 'push' required is not much at all in practice. still using it on every record, still love it.

yes, definitely makes a difference. getting the record as close to the platter as possible, reducing resonance and giving the cartridge a firm, flat surface to track improves reproduction from the groove, often with tighter bass. if a record isn't warped at all, even just placing the clamp over it without the washer underneath is useful.

***** hey Dan, what's up, so I have an AT-LP60 (no USB) turntable. which clamp should I use?

The Michell Clamp should work, it is meant to be used with virtually any table, and there is a special Rega version for their tables because the spindle is shorter.

Gotcha! So for me the first option would do it right? The one for $59?

I thought the Rega version was because the Rega spindle is threaded?

I have a Thorens TD-160 Super, which will will have the same spindle. It works fine with standard vinyl, but the spindle isn't long enough for the clamp to grip on to thicker vinyl, like 180 gram.

Thanks! Without the washer, the record in this video would not flatten over it. You can use the clamp without it anytime, but to accomdate a warp like this, the felt washer plays a vital role. It does become obvious when you use it in that scenario.

+Taylor Hansen My platter is meant to be used without a mat. Having a mat on your platter is typical, and the clamp can be used with the washer or without. Typically the only time I used it without is if the record is actually 180-200 gram and won't quite allow the clamp to stay in place. Otherwise, I use it all the time regardless if the record is warped or not. It just helps tighten everything up, in my experience. The clamp is still useful without it though.

Thank you much for the reply. I feel even more sheepish now. I realized that your platter didn't require a mat about a week later when I ordered a Groovetracer platter for my deck, also, no mat required. So you answered multiple questions for me, much appreciated. I have the clamp on order now, very excited to put it to use. Thank you again, great video, hope to see more!

+Russell Gram Thank you. AT-120e cartridge, there is a video for it on my channel as well.

Thanks a whole lot!

Glad it looks good :) the JAM Clamp, I like that :)

It is less of a concern to have a clamp vs. a weight on most tables, yes. Some tables can do just fine with a weight, some weights are made to be ideal for certain turntables. What is great about a clamp like this is that it is nearly universal in its intended application.

I realized after I uploaded that I did fail to show the mechanics of the clamp underneath. The 'clamp' mechanism is three aluminium pieces that clamp together as a circle as the knob turns. very sturdy. As tight as I've often turned it, I'm not noticing any adverse effect on the spindle itself. I see it lasting a long time. Hope that helps!

It is affixed to the spindle, that's how it clamps the record against the platter, as shown. I don't see why it would affect back cue, but it doesn't seem practical for DJ use, in regards to constantly switching records.

I don't have any experience with that, and I imagine using the clamp might slow you down a bit in changing records, but I'm pretty sure you could cue with it in place

Both

This type of warp is most remedied by the clamp. Sure it would be fine to use it without a washer with bowl facing downward, but the washer can still be helpful in maintaining stability. I would use it anyway. Enjoy!

+Vinyl Fury Sadly the clamp was not compatible with my turntable (Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Esprit SB). It could not get a hold of the spindle. Especially with 180g records there was no chance. Maybe I'll the Pro-Ject's own clamp.

+Vinyl Fury Sadly the clamp was not compatible with my turntable (Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Esprit SB). It could not get a hold of the spindle. Especially with 180g records there was no chance. Maybe I'll the Pro-Ject's own clamp.

+Vinyl Fury Sadly the clamp was not compatible with my turntable (Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Esprit SB). It could not get a hold of the spindle. Especially with 180g records there was no chance. Maybe I'll the Pro-Ject's own clamp.

+Vinyl Fury Sadly the clamp was not compatible with my turntable (Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Esprit SB). It could not get a hold of the spindle. Especially with 180g records there was no chance. Maybe I'll the Pro-Ject's own clamp.

it will work with the felt mat, yes. when you have an acrylic platter, I believe it is best to have a clamp with it.

It helps warps, but can be used on all records.

I'd say using the washer every time would usually be ideal. It's harder sometimes with 180 gram or thicker records though.

I don't have any experience with either of those. The Michell has been good enough that my search ended years ago :)

@@vinylfury and fwiw they invented the record clamp.

right on Chris, Merry Christmas to you!

Thanks! I don't think belt vs direct is a concern for operation.

The Pro-Ject table shown in the video is a belt-drive

If the record isn't warped at all, or if it is too thick to tighten with the washer underneath

***** thanks.

Cool! Hope you enjoy it!

Yeah, definitely! Still use it all the time.

I'll be getting this for sure

there is no special version for a Music Hall, only for a Rega. I have the standard clamp which I use on my MMF 2.2, as seen in the video. All works well.

***** Hi Thanks for your Reply. Can you please clarify how the clamp would fix with the "Spindle" in the Turntable without any thread. I shall proceed to purchase one, once I hear from you.

The part that clamps around the spindle is separated into pieces that tighten with the turn of the knob. You'll see.

Thank you so Much. I have ordered for the clamp. Will keep you posted on my Experience once I receive the same.

No it will not

Doesn't sound like it would be compatible with your situation, as you seem to have gathered. But the 'clamp' portion is in three pieces which tighten around the spindle to make a circle as the knob is turned, and separate when it is removed, eliminated the need for a thread.

thanks! while it's really great for temporarily flattening warps, it's effective and useful on any record

Essentially. The clamp attaches to the spindle, and applies enough pressure over label surface area to hold it against the platter snugly.

great!

I'm sure you could. Yeah, I hardly ever have issues with pre-70s albums that were taken care of over the years.

I’d like to know this as well. It looks like others have asked the same question without a definitive answer...

All, except those that are too thick.

I believe it would

is it because the spindle isn't long enough? they make a version of this clamp marketed for Rega tables since they have shorter spindles and I've seen people mention that they use them on Pro-ject or other tables with short spindles. it's ten dollars more for some reason, but maybe worth a shot.

Definitely not.

by securing it closely to the platter and providing stabilization, yes it can improve sound quality over all and tracking accuracy. same reason many high end turntables utilize clamps or weights.

I’ve used it that way for years, I prefer it and see no harm done.

@@vinylfury great so use BOTH the felt washer and the clamp. I’m gonna order this from music direct

Meaning both at the same time. Felt washer and clamp. Regardless if I’m playing a warped record or not

Yes

+YourLiesAreBullets YourMouthTheGun never used that table myself, but the spindle doesn't look too short. worth a try.

thank you!

links in the description

The pro-ject acryl-it platter is meant to be used without a mat.

I couldn't tell you for sure, I'm not familiar with that table. But, after taking a brief look online, it doesn't seem like that table would support the application of the clamp over time. The clamp costs about half of what that table typically does, so I would save that money for a future upgrade, in my opinion. Thanks for watching!

Alejandro G. Save for a new table or records instead

2.2 LE

yep

the clever clamp is useful for everyday jobs, but overall the JA Michell is the winner for me and well worth the cost