AFI FLAT.DUO, plate ironer/relaxer
AFI (Audio Fidelity Improvement) presents the FLAT.DUO, a groundbreaking innovation in the world of record care. As the second product in our line of record irons/relaxers, the FLAT.DUO combines cutting-edge technology with efficient design. Through the revolutionary use of EPP (expanded polypropylene) for the cabinet construction, we achieve previously unimaginable energy efficiency while simultaneously reducing the ecological footprint.
DUO stands for two records and two treatment methods
The name "DUO" in FLAT.DUO stands for its duality of function and efficiency: the simultaneous treatment of two records and two treatment types—ironing and relaxing. This offers significant time savings while also improving sound quality.
Ironing with reduced treatment time
The FLAT.DUO's integrated fan allows two plates to be flattened simultaneously in just about 1.75 hours—a significant time saving compared to the four-hour treatment time of conventional models. The fan can be adjusted to three speeds or deactivated.
Heating-pressing module
The innovative heating and pressing module of the FLAT.DUO record ironer allows you to iron two records simultaneously by stacking them in a piggyback or sandwich configuration. The sophisticated design of this module ensures even heat distribution and pressure, which is crucial for optimal ironing results.
Torque knurled handle
The torque knurled knob plays a crucial role in the FLAT.DUO record ironer's heat-pressing module. It ensures that the individual components of the module and the records are securely held together and pressed with precisely the right pressure. This is essential for the evenness and high quality of the ironing process.
EPP – a material revolutionizing the industry
Expanded polypropylene (EPP) is a material ideal for use in plate irons/relaxers, marking a revolutionary step in equipment design. The EPP we use consists of 92% air and 8% polypropylene. Its high heat resistance and excellent thermal insulation make it ideal for use in temperature-controlled processes.
Passive tempering/relaxing with EPP
For the first time, the use of EPP as a casing material makes passive tempering of vinyl records possible. The tempering process, and thus the resulting sound improvement, works better the slower and more evenly the temperature drops toward the end of the process. Thanks to EPP's excellent insulation properties, simply switching off the heating voltage is sufficient to achieve a perfect, ideally decreasing temperature gradient. Reheating to extend the cooling phase is no longer necessary.
Improved energy efficiency through EPP
The FLAT.DUO only requires a connection value of 30 watts compared to 90 watts for the previous model flat.2.
Complex housing construction with EPP
EPP enables the realization of complex housing designs that would otherwise be difficult to manufacture due to mold-based production. The durability of EPP leads to an extended product lifespan.
Ecological and sustainable
EPP is environmentally friendly and recyclable, ensuring the FLAT.DUO leaves a small ecological footprint. Its use in the FLAT.DUO is an example of responsible innovation.
Made in Germany
With the FLAT.DUO, developed, engineered, and manufactured in Germany, we continue our tradition of innovation. Through continuous improvements and the incorporation of customer feedback, we combine proven technologies with new, innovative, and clever solutions.
Technical data:
Dimensions (WxDxH): 36 x 45.5 x 11 cm
Weight: 2.8 kg
Test reports
Holger Barske writes in his conclusion in LP Magazine 3/24:
"Ironing with the FLAT.DUO works excellently, and the "relaxing" of records is clearly audible in many cases, which clearly makes the device a recommendation."
Marius Dittert writes in Stereoplay 3/2024 about the AFI FLAT.DUO:
"The repeatedly mentioned tempering/relaxing is anything but voodoo. After all, there is also tempered glass, i.e. glass that has undergone a heat treatment and is thus significantly more shock and impact resistant than ordinary flat glass. In the AFI device, records are not only straightened, but tensions are removed from the vinyl – and at the same time, the very surface on which the tiny styli have to perform their almost impossible task is hardened. And this audibly makes their work easier. Because the reviewer initially didn't want to believe it, he asked AFI to give him two identical LPs to take home: Enzo Pietropaoli's Quartet (yatra vol. 2, Jando Music) sounded noticeably more harmonious, looser, and more three-dimensional in the tempered version, listened to directly via the headphone output of the MoFi Ultra-Phono. These weren't worlds apart, but important nuances that couldn't be overlooked and that really came across on a high-resolution, large hi-fi system. After the With the AFI treatment, you simply stay listening longer, which is always a good sign of real sound improvement.
CONCLUSION: AFI has succeeded in making its record iron more affordable, efficient, and environmentally friendly. This is great news for audiophiles, but certainly also for record dealers, who previously had to sell off precious records that had been languishing in disrepair for significantly less than their value. Now there's a "ironer" that, while not cheap, is more than worth its price.
Andreas Wenderoth writes in Image HiFi 3/2024:
"I find myself holding my breath. 'Oh friends,' the tenor intones, and I and the AFI FLAT.DUO have already become that. I've tempered dozens of records with the device, some explicitly ironed, but without a fan (the ironing effect of tempering was always completely sufficient) – all of them, really all of them, have benefited from it, to varying degrees, but each in their own way. The new motto is: From now on, we can make our own audiophile records! Anyone who listens to analog and wants to avoid Russian roulette by sizzling their warped records in the kitchen stove (and unfortunately, not tempering them!) can hardly ignore this arguably unrivaled device. In a variation of a quote by Loriot, who admittedly meant it for his pug, one could say: "A life without tempering is possible, but pointless.""
Bernhard Rietschel writes in Mint Magazine May 2024:
"Although these tensions don't always lead to deformation, they do seem to influence the acoustic quality of the record. Our listening tests – including comparisons with identical, duplicate pressings – reveal a clearer, richer sound with the "relaxed" record. The improvement in sound with versus without the wave can be even more pronounced depending on the degree of relaxation. But there are many more records that can benefit from relaxing – namely, all of them, with the exception of picture discs and, according to the manual, gold vinyl. In any case, once you get used to the fact that you can iron out waves – at least most of them – you won't want to be without the Flat.Duo. Then the only problem arises: Who will pay the €2,000 for the device? The best thing would be for several record fans to pool their resources – and even set up a communal washing machine next to it. We're already seeing private washing and ironing centers for vinyl springing up..."
The idea and technical know-how for the record ironer came from Dr. Ullrich Kathe – a passionate hi-fi fan, analog enthusiast, and long-time customer of the Wittmann HiFi Studio. One day, Ulli Kathe brought his vision of a record ironer to the studio, motivated by the knowledge that wavy records directly influence the essential settings of a high-quality cartridge, such as the horizontal alignment of the turntable, tracking force, VTA, azimuth, and anti-skating. Depending on the wave position, the needle immerses to different depths, which alters the previously carefully adjusted parameters during tracking. 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 to conduct the sonic evaluation of the ironing processes. This was the beginning of the joint project: 'The Record Ironer,' Made in Germany.
The development
During the two years of development, passionate experimentation, tinkering, and ironing were carried out. Countless test records were subjected to processes involving a wide range of temperatures and varying heating, holding, and cooling times. Oliver Wittmann regularly tested the sound of the ironing results on his reference system. It was crucial not only to achieve a perfectly flat record, but also to ensure that the sound quality remained unimpaired. During this research process, the decisive "aha" moment occurred: "Wait a minute, that sounds better than before!" Thus, the innovative idea of tempering vinyl records was born. A further year of development work was devoted to determining the optimal temperature profiles and holding times. The goal: to achieve the best possible tempering of vinyl records and thus maximum sonic improvement.
The start of 2016
In 2016, the time had finally come: the world's first record iron, the AFI flat with a special tempering/relaxation program for improving the sound of vinyl records, was launched on the market.
What is tempering?
Annealing, a form of heat treatment, has long been used in industry. The basic principles of tempering, particularly in the processing of metals, were already known in ancient times. 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, tempering steel was a crucial step in the production of high-quality tools and components. The industrial application of tempering in materials such as glass and plastics began in the 20th century, favored by improved chemical and physical knowledge and new manufacturing methods.
Why should you temper a record?
Records are pressed at approximately 150 degrees Celsius, with the pressing process lasting approximately 30 seconds. After a short cooling phase, during which the dies 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 manufacturing process leads to material tensions that become "frozen" into the material and are audible.
What happens during tempering?
During tempering, the vinyl record is slowly and evenly heated to its plateau temperature, held at this temperature for a while, and then cooled 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 naturally and without stress. This process significantly reduces tension, making the material harder, more robust, and more homogeneous.
company
SOULNOTE, Inc.
5-33-4 Sagamiono, Minami-ku, Sagamihara-shi, Kanagawa, 252-030 Japan
Contact in the EU:
Hideki Kato
SOULNOTE Europe
Bonameser Str. 44
60433 Frankfurt am Main
+49 69 77076127
eu@soulnote.link
Safety instructions
Electronic devices:
1. General Use: • Electronic devices are designed for use in enclosed, dry rooms only. Direct sunlight, moisture, and extreme temperatures may impair function. • Avoid proximity to water sources or other liquids. 2. Electrical Safety: • Use only with the specified power source (e.g., 220-240 V AC). An incorrect power source may damage the device or be hazardous. • Never connect the device to overloaded outlets or extension cords. • If there is any visible damage to the power cord or other components, do not operate the device. 3. Operation and Ventilation: • Place the device on a stable, flat surface. Do not block any ventilation slots to prevent overheating. • Ensure sufficient distance from other devices or walls (at least 10 cm) to ensure optimal ventilation. 4. Children and Pets: • Keep the device away from children and pets, especially small parts that could be swallowed.
Speakers:
1. Setup: • Place speakers on a stable and secure surface or use suitable speaker stands. Tipping over may cause injury or damage. • Position speakers so they are not obstructed and optimal sound dispersion is ensured. 2. Environmental Conditions: • Speakers are intended for use in dry, enclosed spaces. Avoid moisture and direct sunlight, which could damage materials or electronics. 3. Connections: • Use only compatible amplifiers and cables that meet the speaker's technical specifications. • Avoid incorrect polarity connections to prevent damage to the speaker or amplifier. 4. Children and Pets: • Speakers are not toys. Make sure they are placed out of reach of children and pets. 5. Care: • Clean the surface with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use chemical cleaners or water.
Cable:
1. Use: • Cables are for their intended use only. Use them only with devices that meet the cable's technical specifications. • Ensure that all connections are secure and tight for optimum performance. 2. Handling: • Never pull on the cable to remove it from a device. Always hold the plug firmly. • Do not bend, overstretch, or place excessive strain on the cable. Cables should not run under heavy objects. 3. Children and Pets: • Keep cables away from children and pets as they can be a strangulation or injury hazard. 4. Inspection: • Check cables regularly for visible damage such as breaks, cracks, or frayed ends. Damaged cables must be replaced immediately.
Accesories:
1. Use: • Accessories such as adapters, mounts or cleaning utensils must only be used for their intended purpose. Incorrect use can cause damage. 2. Care: • Clean accessories only according to the manufacturer's instructions. Avoid harsh cleaning agents or use in damp environments. 3. Safety: • Ensure accessories are correctly fitted or connected to prevent accidents or malfunctions. 4. Children and pets: • Accessories, especially small parts, pose a choking hazard and should be kept out of reach of children and pets.
Common instructions for all categories: • Operating instructions: Read the operating instructions carefully before using the product. • Repairs: Do not open or repair the product yourself. Contact an authorized service partner or the manufacturer. • Contact us if you have any questions: We are always available to answer any questions you may have about the safe use of our products.
Manufacturer information & EU contact