Freqently Asked Questions

How does the M2 vinyl flattener actually work?

M2 restores warped records through a precise balance of controlled heat and weight. Each record is placed between two perfectly flat microcrystalline glass plates — the upper plate providing the exact amount of downward pressure needed for the vinyl to return to its original form. As the graphene-based heating system warms the plates, the record gradually softens and relaxes, while medical-grade sensors monitor both internal and ambient temperatures in real time. This combination of consistent heat and carefully engineered pressure ensures the vinyl reshapes evenly, safely, and permanently — preserving the grooves while restoring perfect flatness

Is it safe to use on all types of records?

M2 is designed to safely restore the vast majority of standard vinyl (PVC) records, including LPs, EPs, singles, and 180–200g pressings. Its precisely controlled temperature and calibrated pressure work together to return warped records to perfect flatness without affecting grooves or sound quality.

However, certain materials and record conditions are not suitable for any thermal flattening process. Understanding these limitations ensures the safety of your collection and the best possible results.

​Record Type / Condition

​Reason / Limitation

​⚠️ Non-vinyl materials (e.g. Shellac 78s, early Flexi-discs, or acetate test pressings)

M2 is calibrated for the thermal and physical properties of PVC vinyl. Non-vinyl materials may melt, deform, or suffer irreversible damage when exposed to heat.

⚠️ Cracked, broken, or moisture-bonded records

Records with existing fractures or deep cracks may break under pressure. If moisture has caused adhesion between layers, heat may worsen the condition.

​⚠️ Surface damage or groove wear

​M2 restores overall flatness but cannot repair scratches, groove wear, or other permanent surface damage that causes pops or distortion.

​⚠️ Picture discs or special coatings

​Certain picture discs or color variants use inks or laminated films that may soften, blur, or discolor under heat. Use caution or avoid flattening these types.

​⚠️ Extremely rare or historically valuable records

​Even with precise control, any thermal process carries minor risk. For irreplaceable or museum-grade discs, professional restoration consultation is recommended.

How long does a typical flattening cycle take?

A full flattening cycle on M2 typically takes 3 to 4 hours, depending on the record’s size, weight, and the degree of warping. The process is fully automated — once you select the proper setting, M2 precisely controls each phase of heating, holding, and cooling to ensure the safest and most consistent results.

Throughout the process, M2’s intelligent control system monitors both the internal and ambient temperature in real time, dynamically adjusting the heating curve for optimal performance.

Can I leave the M2 running unattended?

Yes. M2 is fully automated and completely safe to run unattended. Once you place your record and select the setting, it precisely manages the entire cycle — heating, holding, and cooling — with continuous sensor monitoring.

Multiple medical-grade temperature sensors track both internal and ambient conditions in real time, and the system automatically pauses or shuts down if any irregularity is detected. The insulated thermal shield keeps the exterior cool to the touch throughout operation.

M2 also runs in silent mode, allowing you to leave it operating beside your hi-fi setup without interrupting your listening experience.

Can the M2 fix records with severe warps or dishing?

M2 is engineered to correct a wide range of warps — from mild edge lifts to moderate dishing or bowl-shaped deformation. Its combination of precise temperature control, uniform pressure distribution, and microcrystalline glass surfaces allows the vinyl to relax evenly and return to its intended shape.

For severely warped records, M2 can often achieve significant improvement, though complete restoration may require more than one cycle. In such cases, we recommend starting with a lower temperature setting (L or M) to ensure safety, and then repeating the process if necessary.

However, records that are heavily distorted, cracked, delaminated, or melted cannot be safely repaired by any flattening process. These types of damage go beyond material deformation and may worsen under pressure or heat.

Can I use M2 to flatten colored, picture, or special-edition vinyl?

Yes, M2 can safely flatten most colored and special-edition vinyl made from standard PVC materials. The system’s intelligent temperature control ensures gentle, even heating across the surface, allowing decorative pressings to be restored without harming the grooves or label.

However, picture discs, transparent records, and multi-layer or coated designs may use inks, adhesives, or laminate films with lower heat tolerance than regular vinyl. In these cases, we recommend using the Low (L) setting and keeping the cycle shorter to minimize thermal exposure.

If you’re unsure of a record’s construction, a simple rule applies — treat it conservatively. Starting with a lower temperature and shorter duration ensures safe, gradual correction without risking surface changes or discoloration.

Will the process affect the sound quality or grooves of my records?

No — when used correctly, M2 will not affect the grooves, surface texture, or sound quality of your records. The system operates within a carefully calibrated thermal range that softens the vinyl just enough to release internal stress, without ever reaching the temperature where the groove structure could deform.

In short, the only change you’ll notice is an improvement — smoother tracking, reduced distortion, and a quieter, more stable playback experience.

When should I use the adapter that comes with the machine?

The M2 includes a set of precision-made adapters designed to protect records that lack a groove guard (the raised outer rim found on most modern vinyl) or are made from older, more fragile materials.
In most cases, you do not need to use the adapter, as the groove guard naturally creates a safe micro-gap between the record’s grooves and the flattening plates.

The adapter should be used in scenarios below.

Record Type / Condition

Use Adapter?

Reason

Records without groove guard (flat-edge designs or early pressings)

​Yes

​Provides a safety gap to prevent direct groove contact and potential damage.

Older, brittle, or shellac-based records (e.g., 78 RPM discs, early 10”/12” pressings)

​Yes

Provides an extra layer of protection by buffering both pressure and heat transfer — reducing the risk of cracking or surface stress during the cycle.

Standard modern vinyl records (with raised groove guard)

​Not Required

​The raised groove guard forms a slight ridge around the edge and label area, creating a natural gap between the grooves and the flattening plates. This built-in spacing protects the grooves from direct contact during the process.

​7-inch records

​Yes

​Ensures correct positioning and prevents warping due to uneven support.

Can M2 flatten a brand-new, unopened record while it’s still in its sleeve?

Yes. M2 can safely flatten new, unopened records that are still sealed in their outer sleeve — ideal for collectors who prefer to preserve the factory wrap. By removing the center spindle knob, the flattener’s surface becomes completely flat, allowing sleeved records to fit securely between the plates without obstruction.

To ensure safe operation, WhiteBridge provides two specially formulated PE protective sheets designed to be placed above and below the sealed album. These sheets help distribute heat evenly, protect the outer sleeve, and maintain consistent contact throughout the process.

The controlled combination of heat and pressure restores the record inside without affecting the cover, label, or artwork — especially useful for brand-new records that arrive slightly warped from manufacturing or storage.

Can I open the machine during the flattening process to check the progress?

No. The machine should not be opened or interrupted during a flattening cycle. Opening the unit while it’s operating can cause an immediate change in temperature and pressure balance, which may lead to distortion, surface marks, or incomplete flattening of the record.

Can I place extra weight on top of the machine to improve flattening performance?

We do not recommend adding any external weight to the top of the machine. M2’s upper plate has been precisely engineered to deliver the ideal pressure-to-heat ratio for safe and effective flattening. Its mass and balance are carefully matched to the heating system’s capacity, ensuring even pressure distribution and consistent results.

Adding extra weight can disrupt this balance, potentially leading to uneven heating, surface distortion, or stress on the mechanism. The built-in pressure system already provides the optimal downward force — no additional weight is needed.

Is it normal for the surface of the M2 vinyl flattener to feel warm?

Yes — this is completely normal. During operation, the outer surface of M2 may feel slightly warm due to the internal heating process. The exact surface temperature can vary slightly depending on the room’s ambient temperature and ventilation conditions, but it will never exceed a safe level or approach body temperature.

M2’s internal insulation and thermal shield are designed to keep heat contained within the system, ensuring both user safety and efficient thermal performance.

What should I do if the system displays an error code?

If an error code appears, please turn off the machine and allow it to cool completely before restarting. Once the system has fully reset, try running it again to see if the issue persists.

In most cases, the error will clear after a full power cycle and temperature reset. If the same code continues to appear or the issue repeats, please contact your authorized WhiteBridge distributor or service representative for further assistance.

When should I use the ULTRA setting?

The ULTRA mode is designed for extreme cases — when a record remains warped even after completing one or more full cycles using the High (H) setting. If standard modes cannot achieve satisfactory flattening, you may cautiously try the ULTRA setting for additional correction.

Please note that ULTRA mode operates at a temperature approximately two levels higher than H, and therefore carries an increased risk of damaging the record if misused. It should only be used by experienced users, and never for rare, colored, or delicate vinyl.

How does flattening improve sound quality?

Many records with light warps can still play acceptably, and most turntables are designed to tolerate a certain degree of surface variation. However, more noticeable warping can subtly affect tracking accuracy, channel balance, and low-frequency stability, particularly with sensitive cartridges or high-fidelity systems.

When a record’s surface is uneven, the stylus is forced to move vertically beyond its intended range, causing small shifts in tracking force and angle. In some cases, these movements can introduce subsonic frequencies — inaudible low-frequency oscillations that may stress amplifier circuits or speaker drivers over time.

Flattening the record restores a stable surface, ensuring that the stylus follows the groove with uniform pressure and geometry. The result is more consistent playback, cleaner sound, and reduced mechanical stress on both the record and playback system.

Can a warped record damage my stylus or speakers?

For most casual systems, mild warps rarely cause harm. Turntables and cartridges are generally designed with enough tolerance to track through small surface variations safely.

However, on high-fidelity or precision setups, where cartridges track with tighter tolerances and greater sensitivity, significant warps can create more noticeable effects. Excessive vertical stylus movement may increase mechanical wear on the cantilever or slightly misalign the tracking geometry over time.

Severe warps can also produce subsonic low-frequency oscillations — vibrations below the audible range — that travel through amplifiers and may cause woofer over-excursion or activate amplifier protection circuits. These effects are more pronounced in systems with full-range or highly revealing speakers.

Flattening restores geometric stability, ensuring the stylus moves only as intended and reducing unwanted low-frequency motion — a subtle but valuable improvement, particularly for high-end audio systems

Where is the M2 manufactured?

M2 is proudly designed and manufactured in Beijing, China, at WhiteBridge Technology’s own in-house facility. All stages of development — from design, engineering, and prototyping to precision machining, key component production, assembly, and final testing — are handled under one roof.

This complete control over every step of the process ensures consistent quality, tight tolerances, and the exceptional level of craftsmanship that defines every WhiteBridge product.

What makes M2 different from other vinyl flatteners on the market?

M2 redefines the record flattener through a fusion of advanced materials, precision manufacturing, and modern usability — all within a compact, elegant form.

Its microcrystalline glass plates maintain flatness within ≤ 1 µm/m, while the graphene heating layer delivers perfectly even heat with exceptional energy efficiency. A network of medical-grade sensors ensures point-to-point thermal accuracy within ±0.2 °C, guaranteeing consistent, repeatable results every time.

Designed and built entirely in-house at WhiteBridge Technology’s Beijing facility, M2 embodies aerospace-level precision in a footprint small enough to store vertically. Operation is effortless: place your record, select a setting, and let the system manage the process automatically — quiet, reliable, and safe for daily use.

Beyond the hardware, WhiteBridge actively supports its users with dedicated after-sales service and an engaged collector community, fostering shared learning and confidence in long-term ownership.

What kind of durability or lifespan can I expect from M2?

M2 is built to last a lifetime.

The mechanical structure contains no moving parts that degrade with use, and the internal electronics are designed for decades of consistent performance under controlled operating conditions. Each unit undergoes rigorous endurance testing and precision calibration before leaving our facility to ensure lifelong reliability.

Does M2 require any maintenance or calibration?

No. M2 is completely maintenance-free and requires no user calibration.

The solid-state heating system and sealed mechanical design contain no moving or wear-prone parts, ensuring consistent performance over years of use without adjustment. Simply keep the plates clean and store the unit in a dry, dust-free environment when not in use.

How does M2 prevent overheating?

M2 uses a multi-layered safety system to ensure complete protection during every cycle. In addition to its precision digital temperature control, the unit is equipped with a mechanical thermal cut-off switch. If the system ever detects abnormal heat buildup, this safety mechanism will automatically shut off power to prevent overheating.

How energy efficient is the device?

M2 is designed for exceptional energy efficiency. Its graphene-based heating layer provides rapid and uniform heat transfer with minimal electrical resistance, allowing the system to reach its target temperature faster and maintain it with far less power.

The advanced thermal shield and high-density insulation effectively contain and recycle heat within the chamber, preventing unnecessary energy loss while keeping the exterior cool to the touch. Together, these features ensure consistent thermal performance with minimal power consumption — only about 85 W at 110 V and 110 W at 220 V during operation.

What is the recommended ambient temperature range for using the M2 vinyl flattener?

M2 is designed to operate reliably within an ambient temperature range of 0 °C to 40 °C (32 °F – 104 °F). However, for best results, we recommend avoiding environments that are excessively hot or cold, as extreme conditions can affect the efficiency and consistency of the flattening process.

When temperatures are too low, the system’s heating and sensor calibration may be delayed — and below freezing, the machine will not start to ensure safety. In very high ambient temperatures, the cooling cycle may take longer to complete.