You have instant coffee, messages, and music in a world of immediate gratification. In an era where convenience supersedes quality, streaming music with ease from your phone or computer virtually anywhere you want has all but replaced any physical format for the majority of people. A dream come true? Perhaps. However, ask any real music lover, and they will tell you nothing can replace the intangibility of owning a physical piece of music.
Whether it be a cassette, CD, or vinyl record, there is something special about holding a copy of the music you love in your hands. It is about appreciating the art form by reviewing the liner notes and becoming wholly consumed. Especially in the case of collectors, one thing that is always an issue is maintaining the condition of your music. If it is a cassette, it is about ensuring the pressure pads are in place, a CD to ensure there are no smudges or scratches on the data side of the disc, and if it is vinyl, it is the problem of warping.
An issue for vinyl listeners that occurs either due to improper storage or direct contact with heat, it can be a complete bummer when it happens. So, what do you do? Dispose of the record? Of course not, because several methods exist to repair your warped vinyl, such as the Record Pi System.
Based in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, Record Pi began in 2022 with the inspiration to develop a device that would flatten vinyl records using technological precision. Created by tech developers who also happened to be passionate vinyl collectors, they knew that others suffered with the same frustrations, so obviously, their heart was in it to make the best product possible.
With all of this in mind, they developed an intelligent device that combines innovative technologies with high-quality components, all at a very reasonable price. A system with a patent-pending technology that allows you to connect an intelligent temperature control with your Bluetooth-connected phone, you can safely and accurately monitor the heating process to ensure your vinyl is reshaped properly while lessening the risk of damage. There are also heavy-duty alloy steel plates (of almost sixteen pounds) to use as the weight to evenly distribute the heat across your record and flatten it properly.
As mentioned, this is a flawless unity of technology, heat, and weight to give you the best possible results. Beyond this, the whole package has a heating case that allows you to safely bake your records, plus store the device when not in use.
So, how does it all work? Well, to some, the setup might be a little overwhelming at first, but trust us, it is well worth it once you get everything going. To explain this further, if you are not entirely tech-savvy or always have to fight with your phone to connect Bluetooth devices, the initial setup might discourage you, but please stick with it. Once you get the Bluetooth technology set up, it is pretty much smooth sailing as far as working the device, especially with well-written instructions included, demo videos via the Record Pi website, and responsive customer service if you need it.
Once everything is set up, the process is seamless and straightforward, but it does take time. What this means is you cannot expect to flatten a vinyl record in ten minutes, because you need to allow the system to heat up to the proper temperature, you need to let the record bake for a while, before allowing it all to cool down too. In all, you are looking at around two hours to flatten one of your records, but again, if you have someone who loves your vinyl, it is well worth it.
It is probably best to set aside time on a Saturday or Sunday when you are home, working around the house, so that you can flatten a few albums. Making it even better, you can schedule bake time from your phone, which makes it super convenient should you be around the house but busy doing another task in another room.
It is also important to mention that the effectiveness of the Record Pi System depends on how you use it and the condition of your records. Honest and open, the company instructs you that a more warped record might not be repaired after one baking and could need more time. They also consciously warn you of what not to do, so you do not ruin the record.
Altogether, the Record Pi System is fantastic and a valuable tool for vinyl collectors. Originally selling for $350, it is currently selling for $274.99, making it an excellent investment that could save you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars on records in your collection.
Perfect to repair a record that you had shipped to you that a delivery driver carelessly left out in the sun, an album you found at a garage sale in rough shape, or a record in your current collection that has aged poorly, the Record Pi System is highly recommended. That is why Cryptic Rock praises this ingenious device that should get more attention among vinyl collectors, giving it 5 out of 5 stars.







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