There is a calm in letting one careful pass look after both sides of a record.
The Nitty Gritty Mini-Pro 1 is a two-sided automatic vacuum record cleaning machine in a black vinyl finish. It comes from Nitty Gritty Record Care Products, an American maker of record cleaners since 1981, now in Kennesaw, Georgia.
Both sides at once
Nitty Gritty says its Mini-Pro machines are the only vacuum-powered record cleaning machines that can clean both sides of a record at the same time. An upper slot in a pivoting arm works with the lower slot, so fluid is injected onto both faces and the record is wetted, scrubbed and vacuumed on both sides while it turns.
Design and build
The upper arm pivots horizontally so the record can be placed, then lowers onto it. A pump feeds PURE 2 from the reservoir, a three-position switch controls rotation and vacuum, and spent fluid slides out in a tray underneath. The cabinet is the 17.5-inch size.
Nitty Gritty presents the Mini-Pro 1 as part of a hand-built range, and its catalog says the range is made in the USA.
Living with it
Nitty Gritty includes a spare VAC-SWEEP kit and Capstan kit with the Mini-Pro, along with a sixteen-ounce bottle of PURE 2. For bi-directional cleaning, Nitty Gritty suggests flipping the record over and repeating the process.
Choosing your Mini-Pro
The Mini-Pro 1 is the black vinyl Mini-Pro, and the Mini-Pro 2 offers the same two-sided design in solid oak or classic cherry. If one side at a time suits your routine, the Fi models clean with automatic rotation and fluid injection. We're happy to talk it through, and the Nitty Gritty collection shows each model.
Specifications
| Type |
Two-sided automatic vacuum record cleaning machine |
| Cleaning |
Pump-injected fluid on both faces, wet scrub by upper and lower VAC-SWEEP strips while the record turns, then vacuum extraction from both sides |
| Sides per pass |
Both sides in a single pass (upper vacuum arm + lower slot) |
| Rotation |
Automatic (Capstan Record Drive, spring-loaded) |
| Fluid application |
Fluid injection to both sides: hand pump feeds PURE 2 from an onboard reservoir |
| Vacuum |
Industrial-grade flow-through vacuum motor coupled directly to a venturi-shaped vacuum slot lined with VAC-SWEEP fibers |
| Record sizes |
12-inch LPs; 7- and 10-inch with the optional 3-Way Adapter Kit (permanent modification); Not compatible with the 45RPM Disc Adapter |
| Waste fluid |
Slide-out waste fluid tray on the underside |
| Finish |
Black Vinyl |
| Construction |
Wood and plastic cabinet; Lexan suction head |
| Cabinet |
17.5-inch cabinet (fits DC-1L vinyl and DC-2L acrylic covers) |
| Recommended fluids |
PURE 2 (all-purpose, for vinyl LPs and 45s); PURE 1 (alcohol-free, for 78s and lacquers); PUREnzyme+ (enzyme cleaner for heavily soiled records) |
| Session use |
Up to 10 records per session, then 15–20 minutes to cool |
| Warranty |
1-year Nitty Gritty limited warranty (VAC-SWEEP liners and capstan 90 days; commercial use 90 days) |
In the box with the Mini-Pro 1, per Nitty Gritty's owner's manual:
- Nitty Gritty Mini-Pro record cleaning machine
- 1 sixteen-ounce bottle of PURE 2 cleaning fluid
- 1 VAC-SWEEP Replacement Kit
- 1 Capstan Replacement Kit
- 1 waste fluid tray
- 1 small whisk for cleaning the VAC-SWEEP
Questions
How does the Nitty Gritty Mini-Pro 1 clean both sides?
The Mini-Pro 1 has upper and lower suction slots. The upper slot sits in a pivoting arm, so with the record in place, fluid is injected onto both sides and both are scrubbed and vacuumed as the record rotates.
What is the difference between the Mini-Pro 1 and the 1.5Fi?
Both inject fluid and rotate the record automatically. The 1.5Fi cleans one side at a time from underneath, while the Mini-Pro 1 adds an upper vacuum arm to clean both sides in a single pass.
Can the Mini-Pro 1 clean 45s?
Nitty Gritty's 45RPM Disc Adapter is not made for the Mini-Pro. Its 3-Way Adapter Kit, a permanent modification, adds spindle positions for 7- and 10-inch records.
Which spare parts come with the Mini-Pro 1?
Nitty Gritty packs a VAC-SWEEP kit and a Capstan kit with the Mini-Pro 1. These are the two parts its warranty covers for 90 days, with the rest of the machine covered for one year.
What does the Mini-Pro 1 cost at HiFi Boutique?
The Nitty Gritty Mini-Pro 1 is $1,643.99 at HiFi Boutique, with sales tax included and delivery free anywhere in the USA. A sixteen-ounce bottle of PURE 2 and spare VAC-SWEEP and capstan kits are included.
From our boutique to your listening room
HiFi Boutique is an authorized Nitty Gritty dealer. Delivery is free anywhere in the USA, and sales tax is included in the price.
