Pro-Ject Flatten it

A warped record is a familiar curse for vinyl enthusiasts. Distortion caused by the sun, poor storage, or inconsistent pressing: the causes are many, the consequences always frustrating. Homemade methods (books stacked for weeks, a household oven at low temperature) are as much DIY tinkering as they are a gamble. With the Flatten it, Pro-Ject offers a controlled approach to thermal flattening in an accessible format.

A simple principle, precise execution

The Flatten it works like a waffle iron: two heated aluminum plates enclose the record and gradually return it to flatness. The device heats up to 58°C (real-time display, switchable to Fahrenheit) and maintains this temperature with a hysteresis of ±2°C. This thermal stability prevents localized overheating that could damage the vinyl.

The full cycle takes time. Allow about fifteen minutes to reach the target temperature, then around two hours of treatment under pressure. This is followed by a passive cooling phase: you must wait until the temperature drops below 30°C before opening the device, otherwise the still-soft vinyl may warp again. Pro-Ject does not offer active cooling, which lengthens the process but simplifies the mechanics.

All formats, all thicknesses

The Flatten it accepts 7-inch records as well as 12-inch records, at 33 or 45 rpm. Thin vinyl from the 1970s (Dynaflex type) sits alongside 180- or 200-gram audiophile pressings. Each format responds differently to treatment: lightweight records generally require less time than thick pressings. Pro-Ject recommends experimenting with duration rather than following a fixed rule, as vinyl composition varies depending on the era, the plant, and the additives used.

A protective sheet of paper is provided to isolate the record from the heated plates. Pro-Ject advises cleaning the vinyl before treatment: any particle trapped between the record and the plate would create an undesirable pressure point.

Build and ergonomics

The chassis is entirely made of aluminum, weighing 4 kg and measuring 365 × 60 × 420 mm. The whole thing looks more like a high-end kitchen appliance than a hi-fi accessory. The power supply is external (12V/12A DC), and the device adapts to 110-120V or 230-240V, 50/60 Hz power grids. Manufacturing is European.

Operation remains manual: no programming, no automatic cycles. One Heating button to heat, one Cooling button to stop heating, one temperature display. Simplicity has its virtues, but it requires monitoring the process and timing it yourself.

What the device corrects, and what resists it

Classic warps, broad waves caused by poor storage, generally disappear after the first pass. Treated records often sit more steadily on the platter, which reduces tonearm jolts and playback rumble. Some users report more consistent sound reproduction after treatment, probably due to better groove-stylus contact.

Localized deformations, small bumps, or pronounced creases are more stubborn. Very old vinyl records, pressed in the 1950s and 1960s with different formulations, may not respond to treatment. Pro-Ject states this clearly: each record is a special case, and the company declines all responsibility in the event of damage. This candor is worth noting, because the exact composition of a vinyl record remains impossible for the user to verify.

Technical Specifications

Correction and Flattening of Vinyl Records

• Precise correction of warped vinyl records
• Gentle and safe flattening process
• Compatible with all record formats and thicknesses
• Improved playback quality
  • Reduced skipping
  • Reduced surface noise

Heating System

• High-quality aluminum heating plates for even heat distribution
• Precise temperature control
• Reduced thermal hysteresis: ± 2 °C

Power Supply

• Mains power supply: 110–120 V / 230–240 V
• Frequency: 50 / 60 Hz
• Internal power supply: 12 V / 12 A DC

Construction

• Robust aluminum chassis
• European manufacturing
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 365 x 60 x 420 mm
• Weight: 4 kg

Use

• Simple and intuitive operation
• Reliable solution for collectors and high-end hi-fi systems
• No invasive mechanical intervention required