AFI FLAT.DUO
Record Flattener / Relaxer
AFI (Audio Fidelity
Improvement) and HiFi Studio Wittmann present the FLAT.DUO – a
highly precise solution for demanding vinyl enthusiasts, collectors,
and professional users who value accurate record flattening as well
as controlled tempering and “relaxing” processes. The device
combines maximum process reliability with individually adjustable
parameters for temperature and holding time. Like all AFI products,
the FLAT.DUO follows one clear principle: maintaining stable heat,
distributing it evenly, and treating records with maximum care –
ensuring reproducible results at a consistently high level.
EPP Housing for Stable Temperature Control
The highly insulating housing made from expanded polypropylene (EPP)
forms the basis for the exceptionally stable thermal behavior of the
FLAT.DUO. This recyclable material consists of approximately 92% air
and provides significantly better insulation than conventional metal
enclosures. As a result, heat remains precisely within the system,
temperature loss is minimized, and the entire record surface is
heated evenly. At the same time, power consumption is reduced to
only 25 watts. During operation, temperature deviation remains at
just ±0.15 °C – a decisive factor for reproducible results and
maximum protection of the record material.
Processing Two Records Simultaneously
The FLAT.DUO allows two records to be processed simultaneously in a
single operation. This is made possible by the patented “piggyback”
method, in which two vinyl or shellac records are positioned on top
of each other and heated evenly. The specially developed heating and
pressure module distributes both heat and pressure in a controlled
manner across both records. A defined contact pressure via the
torque knurled knob ensures that the records lie perfectly flat
during the process. The result is highly efficient and precise
treatment in one time-saving operation.
Tempering and “Relaxing” for More Intense Musicality
In addition to classic record flattening, the FLAT.DUO offers a
dedicated tempering or relaxing function. During this process, the
vinyl is slowly and carefully heated up to a defined plateau
temperature. This temperature is maintained with exceptional
precision over an extended period before the record is cooled down
evenly and in a controlled manner. The entire process can take up to
four hours. This precisely controlled temperature curve reduces
internal material stress that may occur during the pressing process
of the record. The result is not only a more stable groove
structure, but often also audibly improved sound quality with more
expressive, refined, and emotionally engaging musical reproduction.
Playback frequently becomes calmer and more homogeneous, while
surface noise and groove noise can often be reduced as well.
Precise Regulation Instead of Simple Heating
High-quality tempering results depend not only on the target
temperature, but on the precise control of the entire process. This
is exactly where the FLAT.DUO demonstrates its strengths: housing
construction, heating-pressure module, and intelligent control
electronics work together with great precision to maintain constant
and reproducible temperature distribution across the entire record
surface. Local overheating, hotspots, and cold zones are reliably
avoided – especially in the sensitive outer edge areas of the
record. This homogeneous temperature management forms the foundation
for material-safe processing and permanently reproducible results.
Individually Adjustable for Different Requirements
Temperature, holding time, and cooling behavior can all be flexibly
adapted to the individual record. The integrated fan can be adjusted
in three stages or completely deactivated. This allows the user to
decide whether maximum speed or maximum material protection is the
priority. Even in fanless operation, the highly insulating EPP
housing ensures exceptionally stable and even temperature
management.
Special Program for Shellac Records
The FLAT.DUO features a specially optimized program for the gentle
flattening of shellac records. The precise temperature control takes
into account the unique properties of historical media and enables
safe, controlled treatment of delicate shellac discs. This makes the
FLAT.DUO equally ideal for collectors of historical recordings and
demanding archival applications.
Made in Germany – Developed for Long-Term Precision
Like all AFI devices, the FLAT.DUO is handcrafted in Germany.
High-quality materials, precise workmanship, and clearly defined
process control ensure consistently reliable performance even with
frequent use. Its robust construction and sophisticated regulation
technology make the FLAT.DUO a long-term solution for ambitious
vinyl collectors, archives, and professional users alike.
Technical Specifications
Housing: Highly insulating, recyclable EPP body (92% air content)
Capacity: Two vinyl or shellac records simultaneously (7", 10", 12")
Heating-Pressure Module: AFI special construction for homogeneous
heat distribution
Temperature Control: Profile-guided AFI regulation with ±0.15 °C
deviation
Temperature Adjustment: Variable from 48 °C to 60 °C
Processing Time: Approx. 1.75 h for one or two records with fan
operation
Temper/Relax Function: Up to approx. 4 h controlled process
Pressure Mechanism: Torque knurled knob for defined contact pressure
Fan: Three-stage adjustable or fully deactivatable
Cooling: Controlled and material-safe
Power Consumption: 25 W
Patents: Energy-efficient construction • homogeneous heat
distribution • process-stable temperature control
Dimensions: 36 × 45.5 × 11 cm
Weight: 2.8 kg
Our Recommendation for Audiophile Listeners
For maximum material protection and the best possible sound quality,
we generally recommend using programs and settings without fan
operation. Especially with newer records, the tempering or relaxing
program alone is often sufficient to achieve perfect flattening
results. In more difficult cases, we recommend extending the process
time through longer holding periods instead of using higher
temperatures. This ensures particularly gentle treatment of the
material while preserving the long-term stability of the record in
the best possible way.
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. |
