AFI flat.2
Record Flattener / Relaxer
The Audio Fidelity
Improvement flat.2 is a
cutting-edge multifunctional record flattener and relaxer. It flattens vinyl
LPs, Maxis and Singles. Using special flat mats and high-quality
control electronics the flat.2
achieves an utterly even distribution of heat and therefore results
that have been out of reach until now.
Preset programs provide for very simple handling. The Standard
program reliably eliminates most of the warps. In addition to that,
there is an Expert program with flexible settings.
The flat.2 works very precisely
and has several protective mechanisms to ensure very high product
and process safety. Allocation of temperature on the surface as well
as at the top and bottom is homogenous. Deviation of the target
value represents less than 0,25 K.
Another distinctive feature of the flat.2
is the Relaxation program. The vinyl record is heated (and
afterwards cooled) very slowly, evenly and controlled to temper the
record. This thermal
process of tempering is a traditional physical method and causes a considerable sound improvement in most cases.
A slim construction and first-class manufacturing out of special
hard glass emphasize the elegant and timeless design.
Characteristics
• special flat mats for even distribution of temperature on every
spot of the vinyl record
• homogenous heating surfaces in the interior of the machine
• smart and separate control of top and bottom side
• high-quality magnetic switches for safe contact and longevity
• simple handling of standard programs
• special program of thermal relaxation / tempering for sound improvement
• high process safety due to error detection and temperature
restriction mechanisms
• easy-care high-class surfaces made of hard glass
• Made in Germany
Technical
Specifications
• power input: max. 90 VA
• maximum temperature: 59° C (Standard program), 54-60° C (Expert
program)
• deviation of target temperature: less than 0,25 K
• size: 400 x 55 x 500 mm
• weight: 8,7 kg
Audio Fidelity Improvement & HiFi-Studio Wittmann, the
discoverers of the sound improvement of vinyl records by means of
thermal relaxation, also known as tempering.
The record flattener
The idea and the technical know-how for the record flattener came
from Dr. Ullrich Kathe - a passionate hi-fi fan, analog lover and
long-time customer of HiFi Studio Wittmann. One day, Ulli Kathe
brought his vision of a record flattener into the studio, motivated
by the knowledge that wavy records directly influence the essential
settings of a high-quality pickup, such as the horizontal alignment
of the turntable, tracking force, VTA, azimuth and anti-skating.
Depending on the shaft position, the needle dips to different
depths, which changes the previously carefully set parameters during
scanning. Oliver Wittmann, the owner of the studio, was immediately
enthusiastic about the idea. He offered to take care of marketing
and sales as well as the sonic evaluation of the flattening
processes. That was the start of the joint project: 'The record
flattener', Made in Germany.
The development
During the two years of development, we experimented, tinkered and
ironed with passion. Countless test records were put through
processes with different temperatures and varying warm-up, holding
and cooling times. Oliver Wittmann regularly checked the sound of
the ironing results on his reference system. It was of central
importance not only to achieve a perfectly flat record, but also to
ensure that the sound quality remained undiminished. It was during
this research process that the decisive "aha" moment occurred: "Wait
a minute, that sounds better than before!" This is how the
innovative idea of tempering vinyl records was born. Another year of
development work was devoted to determining the optimum temperature
curves and holding times. The goal: to achieve the best possible
tempering of vinyl records and thus maximum sound improvement.
The start in 2016
In 2016, the time had finally come: the world's first record
flattener, the AFI flat, with a special tempering/relaxation program
to improve the sound of vinyl records was launched on the market.
What is tempering?
Tempering, a form of heat treatment, has been used in the industry
for a long time. The basic principles of tempering were already
known in ancient times, particularly in the processing of metals.
However, the systematic application of these techniques in modern
industry only began with the industrial revolution in the late 18th
and early 19th centuries. For example, the tempering of steel was a
decisive step in the production of high-quality tools and
components. The industrial application of tempering to materials
such as glass and plastics started in the 20th century, aided by
improved chemical and physical knowledge and new manufacturing
methods.
Why should you temper a record?
Records are pressed at around 150 degrees Celsius, with the pressing
process taking around 30 seconds. After a short cooling phase,
during which the matrices are cooled with water, the record is
removed and stacked on a spindle, weighted down with metal plates,
for further cooling. Due to the uneven and rapid cooling - much
faster on the outside than on the inside - and the toughness of the
material, the long molecular chains of PVC and polyvinyl acetate
have little chance of aligning themselves in a relaxed manner. This
production method leads to material stresses that are "frozen" in
the material and are audible.
What happens during tempering?
During tempering, the vinyl record is slowly and evenly heated up to
plateau temperature, held at this temperature for a while and then
cooled down very slowly and in a controlled manner - a process that
can take up to four hours. Slow and even cooling is more important
than heating. This allows the molecules to align themselves
naturally and without stress. This process significantly reduces
tension, making the material harder, more robust and more
homogeneous. |
