![]() I approach each record cautiously, starting the treatment on the lowest heat setting, only increasing the heat should that not provide satisfactory results. By its very nature, adding heat to a vinyl record can cause lasting damage if not done right. Record flattening is not always effective depending on the severity of the warp, and results are not always guaranteed. This can lead to a record picking up an edge warp, or becoming dished. Despite delivering superior sound, vinyl as a medium has often been lacking in quality control when manufactured, and can suffer long term effects of improper storage, or the vagaries of inconsistent temperatures when shipped. What can you expect from a record flattening treatment?Īs most collectors know, no two records are the same. The “+” model allows for additional types of records to be flattened using Orb’s adapters, including 7″/10″/12″ formats, and records with both Groove guard and those that are flat: image via LondonJazzCollectorįlat records are most common in pre-1960s production and in contemporary heavy weight 180g+ records. If you’ve leveled your turntable and properly set azimuth, VTF, and rake angle, record flattening with the DF-01iA+ helps to ensure that your records will be in closer harmony with those crucial playback variables, aiming for a record that your turntable will more easily track. The pitch and harmonics on warped records get distorted: the tonearm and cartridge are being forced to contend with the constantly moving grooves. Even warps you might consider minor will affect the tracking force and angle of your cartridge. The result attempts to remove warps while preserving the sonic output of the record, and is considered by many to be the gold standard for warp reduction and elimination.Īnalog playback is all about physics. It has a semiconductor film applied in the top and bottom heaters of the unit allowing for a uniform heating process, combined with an even pressure. The most important and delicate part of the record–the groove architecture–remains nearly unaffected by the process. The DF-01iA+ uses a high-tech, automated process whereby heat is applied evenly on contact to only the outer edge (for warping) and inner label of the record (for dishing). Japan-based Orb enjoys a reputation for continually developing and improving its unique treatment process. What are the benefits of using the DF-01iA+? The entire idea of the Orb flattener is to gradually heat, then gradually cool, with the purpose of relaxing the vinyl enough for the warp to be eased back out with as much finesse as possible.”īefore & After Case Study: Matao with Atilla Engin – Turkish Delight Can you get it perfectly flat? Yes, but to do so usually requires more heat than the vinyl can withstand before losing the groove. Many records will come out better, but not perfect. “Without over-bending something in the opposite direction, like straightening a piece of metal with a hydraulic press, some warps can only be made “less bad”. I finally decided to purchase an Orb DF-01iA+, one of the best units available.įor a reasonable expectation of what the DF-01iA+ can do with warped records, Mockingbird Distribution, the US distributor for Orb, has written the most succinct explanation: After receiving a number of inquires in the past, I have been testing out a few different methods of record flattening over the past year. I am excited to introduce a new treatment as part of the Vinyl Archivist’s array of services: Record Flattening.
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