Vinyl collectors know this frustration: discovering a rare record in a record store, excitedly taking it home, only to find it has distortions that ruin the listening experience. Crackling, stylus pops, distortions… these are all problems that often relegate these musical treasures to the back of a shelf.
Pro-Ject has just democratized vinyl restoration with its Flatten It, the first accessible vinyl flattener that democratizes the professional restoration of warped records.
Precision technology for the audiophile
The Flatten It It stands out for its rigorous European design. Equipped with heated aluminum plates, it guarantees even heat distribution across the entire surface of the record. This technology allows for consistent processing, eliminating the risk of occasional overheating that could damage the vinyl.
Pro-Ject Flatten It technical specifications
| Characteristic | Pro-Ject Flatten It |
| Temperature accuracy | ±2°C |
| Plate material | Aluminium premium |
| Format compatibility | All formats available |
| Heat distribution | Uniform |
| Fabrication | Europe |
| Ease of use | Interface intuitive |
Causes and consequences of vinyl deformations
Vinyl warping results from several environmental and handling factors:
- Thermal exposure: temperature above 25°C, direct sunlight, storage in a vehicle
- Improper storage: prolonged horizontal position, excessive pressure from other discs, unstable support
- Manufacturing defects: uneven cooling during pressing, raw material of variable quality
- Manipulation: transport without protection, repeated thermal shocks
Impact of distortions on reading
| Type of deformation | Impact |
| His mind is léger | Volume variations |
| Ripple | Audible distortions |
| Edge deformation | Jumps at the start/end of the face |
| Central veil | Tracking instable global |
Tangible results on listening quality
Flatten It restores the record’s original flatness, allowing the stylus to faithfully follow groove modulations. The result is the elimination of skips, the drastic reduction of crackles, and the disappearance of distortions related to playback speed variations.
Comparison of available flattening solutions
| Solution | Price | Benefits | Disadvantages |
| Pro-Ject Flatten It | 800-1000€ | Precision, simplicity, security | Initial investment |
| Furutech DF-2 | 2500-3000€ | Very high professional precision | Prohibitive price, complexity |
Safety of use is a crucial point that clearly differentiates Flatten It from dangerous homemade methods. The precise temperature control technology (±2°C) and the high-quality aluminum plates significantly minimize the risk of damage. Unlike attempts with a domestic oven or iron, often discussed on forums but particularly risky, the process remains perfectly controlled and reproducible.
This professional approach allows it to handle all formats available on the market. Whether you have standard LPs, 45 RPM EPs, or thick 200-gram audiophile vinyl, the device adapts without any adjustments. This universality represents a considerable advantage over makeshift solutions that are only suitable for certain types of records.
The entire process typically takes between 2 and 4 hours, depending on the degree of initial deformation. This time, which includes the gradual heating, actual processing, and controlled cooling phases, may seem long, but it guarantees optimal results without damaging precipitation.
How to use Flatten It?
Phase 1: Cleaning
A successful flattening process begins with cleaning the disc and Flatten It. Improper cleaning of the heating plates and vinyl invariably results in hot spots that compromise processing uniformity.
This step is of paramount importance, as even the smallest particle stuck to a plate can create a localized overheating zone. This localized overheating could further deform the vinyl instead of correcting it, transforming a slight ripple into a permanent deformation.
For optimal results, use an ultrasonic cleaning machine like the HumminGuru Nova. This technology deeply removes particles embedded in the grooves, ensuring a perfectly clean surface before heat treatment.
Phase 2: Monitoring and management of the thermal process
Checkpoints during processing
- First half hour: verification of uniform temperature rise
- Mid-term: check for the absence of smoke or suspicious odors
- Phase finale: resist the temptation to open prematurely
- End of cycle: wait for the automatic processing end signal
During processing, resist the temptation to open the unit to check progress. Each opening causes heat loss that disrupts the controlled softening process of the PVC.
Phase 3: Controlled cooling and finalization
The cooling phase is the most delicate step in the entire process. This critical step determines the long-term stability of the correction made.
Secure Cooling Protocol
- In-situ cooling: keeping the disc in the closed device
- Temperature monitoring: wait for 25°C on the digital display
- Test tactile: manual check of the temperature of the plates
- Phased withdrawal: delicate handling to avoid constraints
- Immediate inspection: visual inspection under lighting for validation
Premature removal, even if the device appears cool on the surface, can cause immediate deformation of the still-warm and flexible disc. This handling deformation would be particularly frustrating after several hours of patient treatment.
Prevention and maintenance of your collection
Beyond restoration, Flatten It is part of a process to preserve your collection. Vinyl stored vertically, in an environment with a stable temperature (ideally between 18 and 22°C) and a controlled humidity level (45-55%), presents a lower risk of warping.
Using high-quality anti-static inner sleeves is crucial to preserving the benefits of Flatten It treatment. Nagaoka RS-LP2 sleeves (available at maplatine.com) represent the absolute standard in this field. Their high-density polyethylene design offers exceptional protection against:
- Accumulation of electrostatic charges: drastic reduction of dust attraction
- Micro-scratches from handling: ultra-smooth surface that glides without friction
- Residual moisture: waterproof material that preserves the surface condition
- Chemical residues: neutral composition without degrading agents
These premium sleeves significantly extend the life of your restored vinyl records, preventing re-warping due to particle buildup in the grooves. The investment in these protective accessories quickly pays for itself by avoiding repeated restoration cycles.
An accessible revolution
Pro-Ject’s Flatten It Redefines Access to Vinyl Restoration. Until now reserved for professionals with expensive equipment, this technology becomes accessible to passionate individuals thanks toan unprecedented price positioning on this market.
Manufactured in Europe to Pro-Ject’s high-quality standards, Flatten It offers a reliable and durable solution for restoring your warped records to their original sound. Each restored vinyl regains its original sonic potential, transforming a frustrating listening experience into a musical rediscovery.
For discerning collectors and music lovers alike, the Flatten It is the best value for money tool that has been missing from the home vinyl ecosystem.