Record Clamp

Mk3

At the core of Döhmann Audio’s philosophy is the study of resonance energy in analog playback systems. In 2020, our R&D Lab acquired a new piece of test equipment that enabled us to measure resonance propagation and behaviour with a significantly higher accuracy and resolution than ever before. The period of research that followed resulted in some discoveries and insights that led to the development of the Mk3 technologies.

The Mk3 Record Clamp is the result of extensive research, data analysis and resonance profile modelling. It represents a significant step forward in analog system design, incorporating new technologies that have never been used in audio applications before. It is difficult to imagine the difference a record clamp can make to the sonic presentation and performance of a turntable, however, the proof is in the listening. Without being aware of it, most of our sound quality reference moments have been experienced in the presence of record & spindle resonances. Remove them, and the paradigm shifts again.

The Mk3 Record Clamp has been designed with three principles in mind:

1st Principle – Record Resonance

We have been aware that vibrations are present in the vinyl medium itself, both originating externally from sound waves in the air and from the mechanical systems in the record player. They also originate ‘internally’ from the interaction between the stylus and the record grooves. However, utilising the latest technology, we were able to not only measure this resonance, but also observe how it travels within the vinyl medium. This led to a critical thought process on how to attenuate these “self-chatter” resonances using a properly executed clamp design. To address the challenge of record-originating resonances, the new Dohmann Audio Mk3 Record Clamp has the following features:

• Large mating (damping) contact surface area for the new clamp design to work as opposed to using high force contact points like a spike or ball bearing.
• Metallurgy was specifically chosen for transmission purposes with internal chambers used for the critical damping materials. One material cannot provide the broad frequency spectrum needed – it needs to be a carefully selected group of materials.
• Compact design to lower the profile and impact on bearing precession.

2nd Principle – Spindle Resonance

We measured resonances through the spindle (stem) which originate in the bearing. These frequencies need to be addressed by different tuned materials and the upper section of the clamp has its own purpose-designed chambers to allow addition of specialised polymers.

3rd Principle – Isolation of the Record from the Spindle Resonance

We realised that mitigating spindle resonance helped, but in order to achieve the best sonic results, we had to keep those resonances completely away from the record. To achieve this, a third constrained layer ring system is used to separate the upper and lower chambers which under clamping pressure creates a dissipation plate (Finite Element Method) that is shaped carefully to provide an optimum boundary interface.

The cumulative outcome from addressing these challenges is a discernible improvement in clarity, resolution, focus, dynamic contrasts and tonality within the sonic presentation of a turntable. Although this record clamp was designed as part of the Döhmann Audio Mk3 project, it has been consistently demonstrated that this product will improve the sound quality of any turntable that it is used in conjunction with.

This clamp design is a result of close collaboration within the team working at Döhmann Audio and our tight relationships with engineering and materials science leaders in our university and defence/industrial sectors. Without advanced knowledge of new materials and customisation capabilities, such breakthroughs would not be possible.

We hope that the new Mk3 record clamp assists you to enjoy your vinyl music collection with greater emotional connection – The Döhmann Audio Team.