We wouldn’t call this a must-have, but it sure is pretty!
A thousand dollars to fix a warped record? That’s exactly what Pro-Ject is betting vinyl collectors will pay for their new “Flatten It” device. This specialized machine uses heated aluminum plates to gently reshape warped vinyl to remove the skips and distortion that can ruin playback.
While the price tag might make casual listeners wince, die-hard collectors faced with irreplaceable warped gems might find it worth every penny.
How the Vinyl Flattener Works
It may look like a pancake maker, but Pro-Ject’s Flatten It has a very different job. This machine fixes warped vinyl by gently applying heat and pressure, helping to get rid of skips, pops, and other playback issues.
To use it, you place a record between two heated aluminum plates. These plates spread heat evenly, reaching temperatures between 56 and 58°C (about 133 to 136°F).
Each flattening session usually takes around 1 to 3 hours. After that, you need to let the record cool down before removing it. Pro-Ject recommends cleaning the record first, so you don’t accidentally seal in dust or dirt.
The Flatten It works with all common record sizes and thicknesses. However, extra-thin “Dynaflex” records may need different settings, and the machine should not be used on old shellac discs like 78s.
It’s a simple process overall—but one designed to treat your records with care.
The Warped Issue
There’s nothing worse for a vinyl lover than finding the perfect record, dropping the needle, and watching it wobble like a dinner plate.
Warped records are a common problem, especially with older or secondhand albums. These can lead to annoying skips, distorted sound, or in worse cases, even damage your gear.
Warping happens for a few reasons.
- Records left in hot places like a car or near a window can soften and lose their shape.
- Stacking them flat or leaning them against each other for long periods doesn’t help either.
- Even with good care, changes in temperature and humidity over time can cause vinyl to bend out of shape.
Besides sounding bad, warped records can also be hard on your turntable.
The stylus and cantilever (the tiny parts that read the grooves) are delicate and expensive to replace. For serious collectors, letting warped records sit around isn’t just frustrating—it’s risky.
That’s where tools like Pro-Ject’s Flatten It come in. Not only does it restore records, but its sleek, all-aluminum build means it won’t look out of place next to your high-end audio setup.
Still, before buying, collectors might want to compare it to lower-cost options, or consider whether a few warped LPs are worth the $999 fix.
It’s a clear sign of warping and can ruin the listening experience.
Market Position and Collector Reactions
At $999, the Flatten It is clearly aimed at serious collectors. It actually costs more than Pro-Ject’s Automat A1 turntable, which puts the price into perspective for anyone on the fence.
But while it’s not cheap, it also isn’t the most expensive flattener out there. In fact, some high-end models can run over $2,000, especially those made by boutique brands.
However, compared to lower-priced options like the Record Pi System, which sells for around $250, Flatten It stands out for its build quality and design.
It uses thick aluminum plates, has precise temperature control, and includes both heating and cooling functions in one unit. It’s also made in Europe and comes from a brand known for making reliable, audiophile-grade gear.
Still, the price has raised eyebrows among collectors.
On forums, some users say they’d rather buy replacement records than spend nearly $1,000 on a flattening machine.
Others point out that there are cheaper and riskier DIY methods, like sandwiching a record between glass sheets and weighing it down with books.
But, while that approach can work, it might take months and could damage the vinyl if not done carefully.
For collectors with just a few warped records, Flatten It may feel like overkill. But for those with larger or rare collections, where replacements are hard to find or expensive, it could be a smart long-term investment.
And even if you don’t use it often, its solid design might just make it a showpiece next to your turntable setup.