FIX Dish Warped Records! Michell Record Clamp Review
Vložit
- čas přidán 10. 05. 2023
- Follow me on Instagram! - / realpiecesofvinyl
Music for your Videos - share.epidemicsound.com/89bji9
Contact me - roccorichardson.com
Discogs @jazzmsngr
If you have bought a vinyl record in the last 20 years - you have most likely opened a WARPED record - or more specifically a DISH WARPED record. This is when you go to put the record on the platter and it doesnt even touch - and maybe side 1 is like this but side 2 seems to play fine - but your stylus is now tracking uphill which could lead to damage! Luckily there is a solution for this and it's called the Michell Record Clamp - watch this video to find out why you need one for your vinyl record collection!
Buy the clamp here: (affiliate links thanks!)
Silver Knob Clamp - amzn.to/3BiKCXK
Black Knob Clamp - amzn.to/3LZ75xV
Silver Knob R version - amzn.to/41rcofi
Black Knob R version - amzn.to/3BgwmOX
Michell Audio website - www.michellaudio.com
Check out Vinyl Fury's video on the clamp and follow his channel!
@vinylfury
Like the music? Find my playlist with the music I've used here @epidemicsound :
share.epidemicsound.com/89bji...
And, if you sign up to Epidemic Sound through the playlist link, you'll get 1 month for free!
MUSIC FOR I USE FOR VINYL FOR VIDEO (and you should too!)
share.epidemicsound.com/89bji9
#vinylcollection #vinylcollector #vinylrecords #vinyl #michellaudio #vinylcommunity
@michellaudio @vinylfury
🔊🔊🔊My home audio equipment🤘🏻 (affiliate links THANKS!) 🙏🏻
Clean your Vinyl! - amzn.to/3osAdSO
Best Phono Stage - amzn.to/3Bb5qS9
My Turntable - amzn.to/3b6mg9V
My Speakers - amzn.to/3zwrGom
My Cartridge - amzn.to/3MjszHd
My Headshell - amzn.to/3MiopiN
Stands - amzn.to/3zurx4J
My Sub - amzn.to/3BcD1uK
My Amp - amzn.to/3b4nwKW
Headphone amp - amzn.to/3PifQ5T
Headphones - amzn.to/3bOa3aB
Crystal Clear - Outer Sleeves for Vinyl LPs - amzn.to/42t0uTq
Record sleeves for 7inch 45s - amzn.to/3BiBEcN
Inner Sleeves - pack of 500 - amzn.to/3nMvqz1
Inner Sleeves for 7inch 45s - 50 pack - amzn.to/3pvUV89
🎬What I use to Film with:
My Camera - amzn.to/3F1DeTC
my lens - amzn.to/3Oy4LNF
my light - amzn.to/3b3aVaN
my modifier - amzn.to/3zEbmC5
my mic (great as a pair for live audio as well) - amzn.to/3PA3tCU - Hudba
Thanks for this video! I have the Pro-Ject clamp and find that it does help but only with certain types of warps. The foam ring that comes with Michell appears to make all the difference. Warp seems to be an unavoidable part of this hobby, so I really appreciate you sharing something that actually helps.
I agree, this is a great tool to have. I actually use a small rubber washer from the hardware store-
(3/4" washer, 5/16" hole, 1/16" thick)...works great on my Technics SL-100C, I have the Michell 'R' clamp which is designed for slightly shorter spindles.
I do have this problem from time to time. I just ordered the "R" version to use with my Rega Planar 8. Thanks!
Wow! Do I Need This! Thanks For The Review!
I live in Australia 🇦🇺& I will definitely enquire about this at my usual record shop in Sydney, a definite must to have!
Hello in Australia!
Been using mine for 15 years now on my gyrodec. It's a great product.
Just discovered your channel. Great content. Subscribed.
Great video! I’m going to check this out!
good on you for naming the source video. Like your editing too. That foam ring is the ground breaker really. Clamp alone will only do what all other clamps on the market do,
Right …the foam ring is unique to this form what I have seen. And @vinylfury has had this for years!
Essential equipment. Agreed. My 25 year old turntable came with one. The record spindle is threaded, place the acrylic label camp, screw the bolt down , it flattens the record. This years RSD had many warped records, I can attest personally. One was so bad it tossed the tonearm up in the air, 2 gm tracking force.
Never had a problem with weighted record clamps for use on flat records (they sit on the record, no threaded down force). Improves the spin mass and accuracy on light acrylic platters and diminishes micro vibrations. Usually expensive, found a good deal from an outfit in Canada for a stainless steel. Another turntable hack, the tone arm counterweight. I replaced mine with a dual weight low lying counter weight. Improves bass response and overall tonality probably by better stabilization (out of necessity, I invested in a second cartridge that weighed more than the original tonearm counter weight could offset)
Good video and very relevant subject for vinyl enthusiasts.
I purchased a Nagaoka record champ in the 1980’s that is similar but better than the Mitchell which I also have. So clamps are much better than weights I agree.
The other point you made is that record quality has dropped off since vinyl records hay days and until this generation of record/vinyl manufactures get up to speed there will and is a lot of badly made records being produced today. Thankfully they are still being made for us whom appreciate the sound nuance of vinyl as well as the ritual of spinning a disc. It just seems to be a lucky dip as to wether or not you get a good or bad record.
Looks like a nice product for tables that don’t come with a clamp system of some sort. Since the 80’s several companies have had clamps and vacuum platers systems to deal with record warpage. VPI among others have record clamps as a standard feature, and have done so for years. Record warping is nothing new of corse, but it does seem to be more of a problem these days.
I'm just going to be real, I don't really know anything about vinyl or this clamp, but I was totally engaged the whole time. Killer presentation of info, fantastic looking set up, and great edit...
New sub here looking forward to learning more about this subject or whatever you want to make a video on!!
Awesome! Thanks for the kind words and the SUB! Just an FYI - the newest video (Philly Soul 45) is shot with the A7C II and most of the B-Roll of the records is done with the Samyang 45 1.8 - with the beta firmware - which seems to be working very well in both video and photos.
@@PiecesofVinyl awesome, I'm checking that out now...
I just ordered a record online and it arrived warped. This is very helpful.
Good luck!
I'm going to have to look this up online and order one for myself I'm a vinyl collector also 👍💯🥁 great album display of Black Sabbath paranoid oh yeah I have that album myself lol love that album
Very good device. Go to half way if you don’t want to listen at him complain. Good video information, thanks
A warped (wavy) record is different then a dished or bowled record.
Be VERY careful about applying to much pressure, it can have negative consequences on the bearing and or direct drive motor.
If using a clamp that does not have the felt pad then applying to much pressure can actually cause the record to dish up on outer perimeter.
What is you're using a belt drive turntable?
I'm pretty sure those VMP warped Lps are caused by the booklets putting pressure against the vinyl while it's sealed. This is very common with ANY vinyl that is shipped with booklets/thick inserts that are not full size.
I think those books get a bad rep. I love them - but I do wish they would just ship them outside jacket - I have actually gotten a bunch of warps from records without the books - like the exclusives.
The felt pad is just for use on Michelle turntables as there is a small recess on the platter
It’s on the directions of the clamp when you get it. The felt pad gives you a raised center to allow it to do its thing.
Hi I've had this clamp for a few years now. I got a warped record the other day and had forgotten this clamp rectified the problem. Then used it again and great problem solved. I lost the felt washer thingy and the clamp still works without it. Enjoy your records
good to know it works without the washer
This clamp helps the sound in general, improves distortions and separation.
New subscriber here. Been debating about weights or clamps for a while. Recently got a vintage Thorens TD160 TT. Wondering if this will work on older tables as well ? Anyway thanks for the info.
I know people have used this on older TT's so you should be good - I would measure the spindle length and choose between the two sizes they offer. thanks for watching!
I spoke to Michell here in the UK, I actually have that Spyro SE turntable. They advised me that using the clamp at all times on records that were perfectly flat as well gives you an uplift in same quality. I can confirm that this is very true. No surprise though for me as this turntable of theirs is absolutely stunning.
Good to know. Wish I had one of these tables!
The only thing it does for a flat Lp is hold it tight to the platter. If you can hear a difference I'd be very surprised, doesn't really matter what they claim.
Just ordered mine. I also have the RT85 and Im a VMP member. They put out such great stuff but my only complaint is that some have that warp that drives me nuts.
This will not disappoint!
Reflex clamps that use something to lift the center of the record are nothing new, but most use a threaded spindle and are made by the manufacturer of a specific turntable. VPI, SME, Brinkmann, and many others use this arrangement. I believe Oracle was the first, with the Delphi turntable in the late 1970s.
The Michell clamp is unusual, in that it is designed as a universal design which will work on any turntable.
My Music Hall mmf 5.3 has a screw on record clamp. Gonna look for the felt pad to see if it works better on the warps.
Also considering getting the Record Pi.
I want to try the record pi - I tried the vinyl flat and it didnt work well - in either case - you gotta be careful!
Thanks dude 👍 still using mine every time. Cue the 'you're pressing too hard' comments!
Nice! I feel like I have to with mine for the vinyl to touch. And thank you for your recommendation! Glad you’re posting more!
Great product, used it for a few years! However, I have recently noticed that the platter has started to wobble on my Technics 1200 mk2. Could it be the disc clamp that caused it from the pressure when pressing the disc down?
I have never had a Technics but I hear they are like tanks. I can’t imagine this little thing doing them wrong.
I don't have an issue with the convex (where the center is raised) side of a dished record, because the edges are flat. The issue is the concave side with the raised edges - clamps don't work on that side, since the center is already flat, so the clamp does nothing to flatten the raised outside edge.
So any right size felt washer and locking clamp would work?
I can’t speak to that. Most of the other clamps I have seen are metal so I’m not sure if that would be an issue.
Will it not destroy the motor due to constant pushing down?
The pushing down only happens once to get the clamp on. I don’t think there is any excessive weight happening to the motor. This thing is very light. Also it’s made for a turntable(s) that cost way more than the fluance so it I think it’s fine.
I purchased a JA Michelle turntable many decades ago (Where does the time go?), and it came with a clamp, but it is metal. Looks just like this one, but metal. I did not use it with a felt washer, perhaps I should?
Would love to have one of those tables! I’m not sure if the new ones being rubber has anything to do with it but you should def check it out.
@@PiecesofVinyl I thought the clamp just helped keep your record - lp - more steady on the platter, I did not realize it helped flatten your record on the platter. My record player is currently in storage. I purchased it from a well known audio store in New York City, that sells high end used equipment. This was in 1990. It was expensive at the time, but I think they just took the price of the turntable, tonearm, cartridge and sold it for 30 % of that price, original msrp price. I never had a problem with the turntable, although I did not use it that much. When I purchased it (Gyro dek) it did not come with a ac/dc power supply. They said it was in the shop somewhere. I had to wait a long time for it. I think they ordered me a new one, and I think that helped the sales person loose his job. When I went back to the store to inquire about my power supply I asked for the sales person and was informed he no longer worked there. Which I thought was very strange. Although this is all just speculation on my part. I didn't appreciate having a turntable that was not working, since when I bought it, it was missing the ac power block. Eventually they had one for me and I was able to enjoy my turntable. I currently purchased 3 turntables, that I will have refurbished for relatives and my self - a Preston/Bogan @1960 one speed turntable, a rek-o-kut 12gbh, and a gray research one speed turntable. I also purchased a turntable with no plinth - a rek-o-kut varible speed turntable. These are my projects to get restored and up and running in the next year. The rek-o-kuts and gray platters are very heavy and I hope should play nicely, as they all have what appear to be very strong electrical motors on them. I have both old and new tonearms to go with them. I also have, I'm not sure of the brand, a 1930's 33 1/3 and 78 rpm transcription record player, that I have to take the top off to see what is under the platter, and a 1950's transcription rca portable turntable. I'm not sure how portable it is, you can carry it, but it is very heavy and large. This is a I think mono turntable, but should not be hard to convert over to stereo. I have perhaps 185 transcription lps - these are the 16 inch vinyl lps. I'm sure the new Michell clamp would work wonders on all of these turntables.
Hi, i have an RT85 with the acrylic platter too. Im using a Tonar nostatic mat on the platter. Will this work with the mat in place as i noticed you are clamping direct to the acrylic platter.
Not sure. It probably would there seems to be a good bit of clearance on the spindle for the fluance.
@@PiecesofVinyl Thanks, i think i will purchase one
Hello there, would the standard work with a technics 1200 or will the “R” be a better fit?
Thank you
I think the standard should be ok for the technics but measure it. The standard is for 6.5mm and the r is for 5mm
Thank you. I assume standard would be fine but I am using a 5mm mat on my technics, which is why I considered the “R” version.
Warped records = bad. This video = good. Real good. Keep it up Rocco 👏🏻👏🏻
And lemme know if you have any interest in a chat for the pod. Would be fun to hear about your YT + record journey to date 🤔
Yes! Definitely. Hit me up through my website email in the description and we can set something up.
I put my warped records on a clean glass outdoor table in the sun with a big jar of water on the label for half an hour on a warm day does the trick mighty fine
Super risky. But if it worked then I guess right on!
Been rocking one for almost 10 years 😎 I'm pretty sure mine's made of machined aluminum though, not a hard plastic or rubber material.
Nice! Hey thanks for recommend on all-town as well …when the next cash flow comes I’m start picking them up. I love getting into labels early!
I think they're made of delrin
Mine is metal too !
Does oz work on an AT120?
I think it would.
The confusing thing about this clamp is there are 2 different types, one for a shorter spindle, some spindles are long but taper off at the end so it's hard to know which one to buy
They list the standard as useable for 6.5mm spindles. They list the R version for rega tables at 5mm so you could measure your spindle and see which works. I think the standard is good for most people.
@@PiecesofVinyl
The taper at the end of my spindle is the tricky part, it might measure a certain length but the top few mm aren't tapered
Does it damage the spindle? Like does it mar it up?
I have not noticed any damage to the spindle on either a fluance RT85 or the AT-LP7.
@@PiecesofVinyl how come you switched from the fluance to the lp7?
VPI turntables comes with a rubber washer for lifting the center for their clamp. If your records are cupped, takes it right out!
That is convenient.
Does this really FIX the record or just flatten it while it plays?
it flattens them while they are playing - its not heating the vinyl to re mold it - buy while they are playing they are great!
@@PiecesofVinyl might need to check this out
That wouldn't work on my Dual 1214 because the spindle stays in place and the platter turns around it. It might even fry the motor.
oh- that would be bad!
Will this work on a Rega TT? Specifically a Rega Planar 6?
I am pretty sure the R version will. It says it’s designed for Rega TT. Link is in the description of the video.
I do not see the R version. Just the one. Can you please provide a link to the R version?
I found it! Ordered it!!
Michell Record Clamp Currently unavailable.
We don't know when or if this item will be back in stock.
If that is on Amazon check their site directly. That said they have gone and come back in stock since I bought about this about two months ago.
@Pieces of Vinyl thank you. Great video. I just discovered the concept of clamps a few weeks ago.
Does this work for LP12 as well
You mean a 12” Lp? Yes it works for full size LPs. I have not tried this with a 45 7inch.
@@PiecesofVinyl Hi I meant to say LP12 Linn Sondek as it has a suspended platter.
Wheres that Black Sabbath video you said you were going to make?
FINALLY! Someone calling me out in the comments for a future video reference - I have started and stopped that video like 10 times - I will now make it a point to finish! Thanks!
Wait until you discover weight-rings... :) Sometimes not even the Michell with felt pad works, then the weight-ring comes into place. Also, you do not need to put that much force onto the record with the Michell Clamp, The clamp should increase force while you turn the screw, unless you have a very weird center tab.
I found those and was very mystified. You say they work well?
What about records where the hole isn't in the middle?
I have never run across that yet.
@@PiecesofVinyl Well I have quite few times. The pick up swings and causes WOW which is very annoying with classical music. Thankfully I now use a CD player.
Kuzma supply the same type of clamp with some of their turntables. Its not Michell exclusive
Good to know!
The Michell one is nice but you can get one that is the same for a lot less money.
Warped Records is due to postage. Not been packed correctly, too lose so when the courier picks it up incorrectly the process begins. Add the heat while being transported, then being thrown around. That's how you end up with warped records.
Its all in the packaging.
Hass to be densely packed.
I always thought it happened before getting to the record store/dealer - coming off the assembly line - the record is still warm and then placed into the jacket while the PVC is still kinda moldable - I bet its a combination of all of these and each one might be different.
Even better would be a periphery or outer edge weight, just need to make sure that it is heavy enough to flatten the worst warped albums in your collection.
I have done research on this clamp. It is a very well built and heavy clamp. I am told DO NOT use this on Rega turntables. It throws off the balance of the platter and bearing
How would it throw off the balance? I hadn’t heard that.
@@PiecesofVinyl All I can think of is that it would throw extra weight on to one of the rubber support feet and that would cause the platter to list towards that microscopically compressed foot. I'll check that with my Rega and Pro-ject puck.
If it's a well made puck or clamp, it shouldn't affect the center of balance for the record platter at all.
Do you know that the 45 adapter in your intro is spinning in the wrong direction... 😜
this was designed in Australia - so it spins the opposite way - but NO! I didn't realize - oh well - there is an easter egg in this video did you find that???
Argument: a record weight without a clamp DOES help. It has to be pretty heavy. I use a 1.7 pound Pro-ject record puck with a Rega P3 turntable/TT PSU power supply and I found that it tightened up the sound, especially the bass, considerably. I'm a big fan.
I'll agree totally that it's not MEANT to be a warped record flattener - a clamp will work better for that but if the warp is near the edge even that will be useless. If the warp is bowl shaped, you're SOL on one of the sides even with a clamp.
I've wanted to get a clamp to compare with my heavy puck, but have been putting it off because the Rega spindle has a bit of a taper towards the top and I believe that will cause issues with the clamp wanting to slip upward.
If you have a Dual or any other suspended turntable, go with a lightweight clamp because the heavy puck will bottom out your turntable against the base. It's not pretty. Hopefully your spindle will have enough friction holding it in place so that it won't lift up from the force of the clamp (not sure if this is an issue for Duals that didn't have a stacking spindle option).
Of course, there's always the ages old option of putting a nickel on the cartridge head...
I have a 700gram weight from Fluance and I actually started to think it was affecting the rotation - they claim that it 100% doesn't - so maybe I was hearing something different.
I fix my warped and dished vinyl using a Vinyl Flat. Follow the directions exactly and you will have nothing but perfectly flat records.
I have tried it numerous times and I have only had one record actually fix - all the others nothing happened.
@@PiecesofVinyl I use my new LG electric oven with an external thermometer and probe, not their heated pouch. I have yet to NOT have success.
Man if it was 30 bones
. I like it
Sold out 😂
Try the michell site directly. But it will come back. They have been selling these for years.
i would not feel comfortable about apply pressure which may lead to damage bearings over time
Yeah, can't be good for the bearing.
The Michell clamp is just that a clamp, it’s not a weight, you turn the knob on top to lock it in place, it doesn’t add any significant weight to the bearing.
Bearings? You mean the motor? This wouldn’t affect the bearings at all.
Get a record pie. It works and it’s permanent.
I have been testing out the vinyl flat and want to try the record pi. Def keep checking back for updates on that!
If you don't know how to pronounce a company's name, it is best to find a video on CZcams that the company posted and listen to see if they pronounce the company's name in the video.
I actually DID that - I looked up how @Vinyl Fury Pronounced it when he made his video about it - that said - I am NOT being paid by the company - I paid for the item - so really I can call them whatever I want! But you are correct - I think I did get it right Michell - Pronounced - MiSHELL....thanks for watching!
A Vinyl Flat brand device and its warming pouch has been a great way to flatten many of these warped records. I also have the Michelle clamp. But if you're going to use the warming pouch, DO NOT use any setting above LOW. Trust me on this. I've ruined a few records during the learning curve time with this system. I have had very good results but it does take a bit of experimentation to get your methods established. Not all records will respond, but it's been my experience that most will. Oh, and don't leave the record in the warming pouch more than three hours. For the first hour leave it be. After that turn the record 180 degrees every half hour to evenly distribute the heat applied as it can be somewhat uneven due to the arrangement of the heating elements in the warming pouch. Good luck everybody!!
Good info. I have been testing out the vinyl flat very cautiously for a few months now and I have had very mixed results and have been reluctant to share them. Mine doesn’t seem to get up to a high enough temp on low. Or even high. I had mine set to high and used the provided thermometer and it was still well below 130 degrees and it seems to heat very unevenly. I have only had one successful record so far.
I had an audiophile Beach Boys record flattened that was warped. It ruined the record. Even at LOW heat I wouldn't, who knows what it does to the grooves at a microscopic level. If the record is still playable I just live with the warp. You pay 30 to 50 for one record and its warped, totally unacceptable. Its greed, they rush production in the record plants. In the golden era 1960s / 1970s...rarely had this problem and records were 8 bucks.
I’d much rather just correct the vinyl. 🤷♂️
It's not perfect but better
Seems like your luck sucks with that number of warped records coming your way…
My luck sucks even more. After getting this I have significantly less warped records!
The Paranoid record is still warped, the clamp just reduces the effect of the warp. This state of affairs is absolutely insufferable. I will never by a new record again after 7 of 10 new purchases this fall were warped. It's an industry wide plague that could be remedied if we weren't so apathetic. The market drives change. Simply flat out refuse brand new vinyl that's warped. Period.
It’s still a little warped but much better and actually playable now. That said it’s more of an edge warp which this isn’t the best at handling. I agree with the plague of warps it’s an issue for sure.
Its not michell , its Michell
Really makes you wonder how anybody could of possibly played vinyl records 50 years ago 🤔
It’s kinda like weed. It’s just better now!
*could have
@@PiecesofVinyl The point is that none of this audiophile garbage is needed ...
@@624radicalham I don’t think this is audiophile garbage. Maybe a record weight could be considered that but with this - There is a clear result…the record played wavey and warped and now it’s flat. At the very least it’s def. Saving wear on your stylus.
@@PiecesofVinyl Ok I can appreciate that. Most of your comments are akin to what they call "fence sitting" meaning you don't want to rock the boat or upset anyone, but with this hobby having an edge shows character and having strong opinions like you just wrote are awesome. Great video quality by the way!
Why the hell did people start calling records "vinyls" this was never a thing in the past
I call it vinyl or vinyl records. I dont use the term vinyls. But I do use pieces of vinyl😎
@@PiecesofVinyl They are just simply, records
Terrible clickbait. It "fixes" nothing. It masks it. Buy a record flattener and it will pay for itself in dividends. These weights and clamps are scams imo. Actually FIX the record instead of working around the problem. Also, clamps don't do so great to "fix" other warp issues. Literally, 6/10 new records I buy have some some of warp (including dish warped). I always have a record in my flattener. Please look into a proper solution and not hacks.
wow - thanks for watching - its def. not clickbait - it is a temporary fix - but if it lasts the entire time the record is spinning - what difference does it make? it actually does work on dish warps - edge warps not so much - and if you are getting 6/10 records warped - you gotta get some better vinyl. I bought 12 records in the past 30 days - and four of them were double albums - one was a triple - so way more then 12 actual records and 2 of them were slightly warped - and I returned them and got a better copy. I have used the Vinyl Flat - it costs $300 and I tried it for three months on 6 different records and only one had one slight result - record weights - I cant speak to their effectiveness - they also don't claim to flatten records usually - but this clamp - worked better then the $300 Vinyl Flat solution - for when I am actually spinning the record on the table - which is all I really care about. Every dish warped record I have tried this on - it works - and in the video there is proof of that - so def. not clickbait.
Useless
I return new warped records and I don't buy second hand records that are warped. Problem solved.
Sometimes you can’t always return them or (in some cases) it’s a true limited edited and only 500 or so pressed.
This thing cost $90.00 on Amazon. There are others starting at about $18.00. What's the difference and should I buy this expensive one? I'm not against spending the 90 dollars but it would be nice to get a cheaper one that does the same thing. Thanks, I've never heard of such a contraption, it's great! Thanks. I liked your video and even did something I rarely do, I subscribed. 😊
Thanks for subscribing! I think the main difference from this to cheaper ones - might be the material used - on the Michell its listed as Delrin - and from my own - its a softer rubber and can mold to the vinyl more - in combo with the felt pad - it pops out the dish warp - the others listed didnt have a felt (not that you couldn't easily add one) but - they look like hard plastic, and wouldn't conform to the Dish warp - at least that is my guess - maybe I will get one of these cheaper ones and check it out - this thing is a god send - but if its $70 cheaper - that is a HUGE win.
That's not fixing a warped record...clickbait 🫤
If the dish warped record plays flat when you go listen to it using this tool - then it works - right? The end goal of fixing a record that is dish warped is to to get it to play flat- right? If you watched this video to fix a dish warped record and bought this device - when you use this device - it would have fixed your problem on the turntable - when listening to your records - Where it matters.