AFI flat.2
Record Flattener / Relaxer
The AFI flat.2
represents the pinnacle of the AFI family and was developed for
demanding vinyl and shellac enthusiasts who expect the highest
precision in the thermal treatment of analog media. It combines the
gentle flattening of warped records with exceptionally precise
tempering and “relaxing,” implementing AFI’s technical principles
more uncompromisingly than any other model in the series.
Beyond its extraordinary technical design, the flat.2 also impresses
visually and haptically: Its iconic glass enclosure gives the device
an appearance that is both elegant and timeless. The transparent
architecture reveals the unique construction and strikingly
emphasizes the precision-oriented character of the flat.2. At the
same time, the massive glass-and-metal construction conveys an
exceptionally high-quality tactile feel, making the uncompromising
nature of the device immediately apparent from the very first touch.
The flat.2 is therefore not only a highly advanced tool for the
thermal treatment of vinyl and shellac, but also an extraordinary
high-end component in its own right.
Float Glass Plates for Maximum Homogeneity
At the heart of the flat.2 are double-layered, tempered float glass
plates which, together with the ultra-precise PID control system,
ensure exceptionally even heat distribution. Thermal energy is
guided extremely homogeneously across the entire surface, reliably
preventing both local overheating (“hotspots”) and undesirable cold
zones. In combination with actively regulated heating foils, this
creates a particularly precise and stable thermal environment that
treats vinyl and shellac records with exceptional uniformity and
care.
Ultra-Precise PID Regulation Without Temperature Fluctuations
The dual-layer thermal architecture of the flat.2 operates with two
separately controlled heating foils located in the base and lid,
monitored by an elaborate PID control system. This system maintains
defined temperature profiles with extraordinary accuracy and
achieves a minimal deviation of only ±0.06 °C during stationary
operation. The result is exceptionally stable and reproducible
process control – regardless of ambient temperature, record
material, or duration of use.
Tempering and “Relaxing” at Reference Level
In addition to classic flattening, the flat.2 enables exceptionally
precise tempering and “relaxing” of vinyl records. The key lies in
the sophisticated thermal architecture of the device: Two
independently regulated heating foils in the lid and base, multiple
measuring points, and the ultra-precise PID control system ensure
highly accurate and stable heat management throughout the entire
process – from gradual heating and the defined holding phase to
actively controlled cooling. Temperature curves can therefore be
maintained with remarkable consistency and repeatability. Depending
on the material and the desired result, this process can take up to
four hours. Through the precise control of every phase, the
molecular structure of the vinyl can realign according to its
natural order while internal stresses are specifically reduced. The
result is audibly calmer, more homogeneous, and more relaxed
playback, featuring a more stable groove structure, reduced surface
noise, and enhanced sonic refinement.
Fanless Construction for Maximum Process Control
The flat.2 operates entirely without a fan. Its exceptional process
stability is achieved primarily through the active and highly
precise control of both heating foils throughout every phase of the
thermal cycle. Multiple measuring points and the sophisticated PID
regulation ensure that temperature profiles are maintained with
extreme precision at all times. This creates exceptionally even and
material-safe heat management, contributing significantly to the
outstanding reproducibility and sonic performance of the flat.2.
Expert Menu for Maximum Control
The flat.2 also features an Expert Menu that gives experienced users
access to key process parameters such as temperature and holding
time. This allows the device to be configured with exceptional
precision and adapted reproducibly to personal preferences or
special types of records. The flat.2 therefore combines maximum
automation with complete control for ambitious analog enthusiasts
and professional users alike.
Handcrafted Precision – Made in Germany
Like all AFI devices, the flat.2 is fully manufactured in Germany.
Its construction combines premium materials, precise manufacturing
processes, and meticulous hand craftsmanship. Every individual unit
is inspected and calibrated to ensure that its thermal performance
precisely meets AFI’s demanding standards.
Technical Specifications
Heating Surfaces: Double-layered, tempered float glass plates
Temperature Control: Ultra-precise PID regulation, deviation ±0.06
°C
Expert Mode: Individually configurable temperature and holding
parameters
Temperature Adjustment: Variable from 48 °C to 60 °C
Power Consumption: Max. 90 VA
Functions: Flattening & Tempering/Relaxing
Capacity: One vinyl or shellac record (7", 10", 12")
Heat Distribution: Extremely homogeneous across the entire surface
Cooling: Actively controlled, precise, and material-safe
Process Stability: Multi-point measurement and precise control of
all heating phases
Safety: High operational reliability through multiple protection
mechanisms
Construction: Glass-and-metal architecture, handcrafted in Germany
Dimensions (W × H × D): 400 × 55 × 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. |
