ClearAudio Twister Record Clamp

Clearaudio Twister Record Clamp

Between a vinyl record and the platter supporting it, a thin layer of air often remains, especially around the label where the pressing creates a slight raised area. The record can then vibrate independently, and the stylus picks up these movements along with the groove modulation. This 190 g clamp attaches to the spindle of the turntable and presses the record against the platter with a simple turn of its knob.

Clamping onto the spindle rather than relying on weight alone

There are two ways to hold a record in place. A weight placed on top relies solely on its mass. A record clamp, like this one, grips the central spindle to apply pressure without relying on its weight. The Twister belongs to the second category. Once it is placed on the label, you turn the stainless steel knob on top: an internal locking mechanism tightens around the spindle and pulls the body of the clamp downwards. The pressure increases gradually as you turn, and your hand determines how tightly it clamps. This progressive adjustment accommodates differences in thickness between a thin older pressing, a recent 180 g pressing or a thicker-than-average label. At 190 g, its mass remains moderate and does not load the turntable bearing as a heavy weight would.

Machined POM and stainless steel

The body is machined from POM (polyoxymethylene, a dense engineering polymer also known by the trade name Delrin). This is the material Clearaudio uses for the platters of its Concept turntables. On these models, the record is therefore held between two pieces of the same material, from platter to clamp. POM dampens vibrations well, and Clearaudio describes the locking assembly as absorbing resonances. The stainless steel knob adds mass at the top, provides a firm grip and offers good long-term durability.

At approximately 8 cm in diameter, the clamp stays within the label of an LP, which measures around ten centimetres. It therefore does not extend onto the grooved area or obstruct the stylus in the final grooves. It stands just over 4 cm tall, in matt black topped with brushed steel, and blends in with most turntables.

A record more closely coupled to the platter

When the record lies flat across its entire surface, the energy produced by the stylus rubbing in the groove, or by sound from the speakers causing the vinyl to vibrate, passes into the platter instead of remaining in the record. This is the principle of coupling, and it is the purpose of this clamp: less noise and fewer unwanted vibrations in the signal read by the cartridge. The benefit depends on the surface supporting the record. On a hard platter (POM, acrylic, metal) or a cork or rubber platter mat, direct contact has its full effect. On a thick felt mat, the soft material absorbs some of the pressure and reduces the effect.

A central clamp acts on the label area. It flattens a slightly dish-warped record, but a pronounced warp at the edge, on the outer part of the record, will not disappear. In these cases, only a peripheral ring or a vacuum platter acts across the entire surface.

Compatibility checks before installation

The Twister clamps onto a smooth spindle, as found on the vast majority of turntables. Platters with a threaded spindle use their own specific screw-on clamp. Clearaudio states that it is not suitable for the brand’s TT3 tangential tonearm, whose carriage passes too close to the centre of the platter. On a turntable fitted with another tangential tonearm, the clearance above the spindle must be checked.

On a turntable with a suspended subchassis, the 190 g adds to the load on the springs or dampers. After the first listening sessions with the clamp, check that the platter is level and check the suspension travel, readjusting if the turntable allows it.

In use, place the record on the platter, then the clamp on the spindle, and turn the knob clockwise until you feel firm resistance, without forcing it further. Always loosen the clamp before removing it, and never lift the record while it is clamped.

Technical Specifications

Composition

• Pressing plate
• Stainless steel handle

Specifications

• Weight: 190 g