Pro-Ject Flatten it – Professional Vinyl Record Flattener

A controlled solution for warped vinyl records

A warped record is one of the most frustrating problems a vinyl enthusiast can encounter. Poor storage, exposure to heat, transport or even an imperfect pressing can leave a record unable to sit properly flat on the turntable platter. The Pro-Ject Flatten it provides a controlled, purpose-built solution.

Instead of relying on risky DIY methods involving stacks of books, sheets of glass or a domestic oven, the Flatten it uses two precisely heated aluminium plates to gradually correct warping under controlled heat and pressure.

It is an especially interesting tool for serious record collectors, record shops and anyone with valuable or difficult-to-replace vinyl.

Available at Bennies Fifties and online at the Fifties Store.

Why choose the Pro-Ject Flatten it?
Designed specifically for correcting warped vinyl records
Two high-quality aluminium heating plates
Even and controlled heat distribution
Precise operating temperature of approximately 58°C
Limited thermal hysteresis of ±2°C
Digital real-time temperature display
Suitable for different record sizes and thicknesses
Can reduce skipping and playback problems caused by warping
No invasive mechanical repair
Robust aluminium construction
Manufactured in Europe
Professional solution for serious vinyl collections
Controlled flattening instead of risky DIY methods

There are countless homemade methods for flattening records. Leaving a warped LP underneath heavy books for weeks or placing it between glass sheets and applying heat are common examples.

The problem is that vinyl is highly sensitive to temperature. Excessive or uneven heat can make the problem worse and may permanently damage the record.

The Pro-Ject Flatten it has been engineered specifically for this job. The record is enclosed between two large aluminium heating surfaces, allowing heat and pressure to be distributed far more evenly.

The principle may be straightforward, but the controlled execution is what makes the difference.

Precise temperature control

During operation, the aluminium plates are heated to approximately 58°C. The actual temperature can be monitored using the integrated digital display, with the temperature indication switchable between Celsius and Fahrenheit.

Temperature hysteresis is limited to approximately ±2°C, helping prevent large temperature fluctuations and reducing the risk of localised overheating.

Reaching the target temperature takes approximately 15 minutes, after which the main flattening treatment can begin.

Heat, treat and allow the record to cool

Vinyl flattening is intentionally a gradual process. Once the target temperature has been reached, the record remains under controlled heat and pressure for an extended period.

A treatment period of around two hours can be used as a guideline, although the ideal duration varies from record to record. Vinyl thickness, composition, age and the type of warp can all influence the required treatment.

After heating, the Flatten it should remain closed while the record cools down naturally. Pro-Ject recommends waiting until the temperature has fallen below approximately 30°C before opening the unit.

Removing a record while the vinyl is still warm and flexible could allow it to deform again.

Suitable for different record sizes and weights

The Flatten it is designed to accommodate common record sizes and different vinyl thicknesses, from thinner vintage pressings to substantial 180g and 200g audiophile records.

Not all records respond identically to treatment. Vinyl formulations vary between manufacturers, pressing plants and different eras. A lightweight 1970s pressing may therefore require a different treatment time from a modern heavyweight audiophile LP.

A cautious, gradual approach is recommended rather than assuming that one treatment time will be ideal for every record.

Clean your record before treatment

For the safest possible treatment, the record should be properly cleaned before it is placed in the Flatten it.

Dust, grit or other particles trapped between the vinyl and the flattening surfaces could create unwanted pressure points. Thorough cleaning is therefore particularly important when working with valuable records.

A protective sheet is supplied to help isolate the vinyl from the heated surfaces during treatment.

What can the Flatten it correct?

The Pro-Ject Flatten it is particularly useful for broad warps and gradual waves caused by heat or poor storage.

A flatter record sits more securely on the turntable platter, reducing excessive vertical tonearm movement and allowing the cartridge to track the groove under more favourable conditions. Skipping and unwanted noise caused specifically by the warp may therefore be reduced.

The Flatten it cannot, of course, repair scratches, worn grooves or other physical damage to the recorded surface.

Not every warped record can be completely restored

It is important to understand that not every record can be returned to perfect condition.

Severe localised deformation, sharp creases or damage that has permanently altered the vinyl structure may be difficult or impossible to correct. Older records made from different vinyl formulations can also respond differently to heat treatment.

Extra care should therefore be taken with rare or valuable records. When possible, gaining experience with a less valuable record of a similar thickness before treating an irreplaceable pressing is a sensible approach.

Solid aluminium construction

The Flatten it is built as a serious piece of vinyl maintenance equipment. Its aluminium chassis gives it a substantial, professional appearance, while the large aluminium heating plates help provide even heat distribution.

Measuring 365 × 60 × 420 mm and weighing approximately 4 kg, it is a solid unit while remaining compact enough for a listening room, record shop or dedicated vinyl workspace.

For collectors who take vinyl seriously

For a casual collection, a professional record flattener may seem like a luxury. For owners of large collections, rare pressings, audiophile releases or substantial quantities of second-hand vinyl, the equation can be very different.

The Pro-Ject Flatten it provides a purpose-built and controlled way to give warped records another chance.

Instead of experimenting with household appliances, you get a dedicated vinyl solution combining controlled temperature, even pressure and robust European construction.

The Pro-Ject Flatten it is available at Bennies Fifties and online at the Fifties Store.

Technical Specifications
Product type    Vinyl record flattener
Principle    Thermal flattening under pressure
Heating plates    Aluminium
Operating temperature    Approx. 58°C
Temperature stability    ±2°C
Temperature display    Digital
Temperature units    °C / °F
Warm-up time    Approx. 15 minutes
Typical treatment guideline    Approx. 2 hours, depending on record
Recommended opening    After cooling below approx. 30°C
Compatibility    Various record sizes and thicknesses
Mains voltage    110–120 V / 230–240 V
Frequency    50 / 60 Hz
Power supply    12 V / 12 A DC
Chassis    Aluminium
Dimensions (W × H × D)    365 × 60 × 420 mm
Weight    4 kg
Manufacture    Europe