Originally used in the 70's by dub sound systems in London and Jamaica a dub plate is the name given to a special recording of a vinyl record that has had the vocals removed so that only the backing track remains. These versions would be used by the sound systems to mix with special effects and to allow the amplification of the bass and treble through separate amplifiers in order to create a new, heavier sound.

Dub plates these days are often used in reference to special mixes of dance music records, sometimes with the vocals or without and sometimes using special manufacturing methods to ensure better play of sound in clubs and when used to scratch.