Audio-Technica AT6013a — Dual-action anti-static vinyl record cleaner

The AT6013a is Audio-Technica's dual-action cleaner for vinyl records: two rows of carbon-fibre brush on either side and a central velvet pad work in a single pass. You rest it on the record, turn the platter and the dust is held before it reaches the stylus.

The carbon fibre does two jobs: it sweeps loose particles off the surface and drains the static charge that has built up, which is what attracts fresh dust and produces the clicks heard in quiet passages. The central velvet collects what the fibres lift, so it is not spread back into the groove.

It is a daily maintenance accessory, used dry and without liquids, meant to be run over each side before playing. Keeping the groove clean lowers surface noise and reduces diamond wear, because dust acts as an abrasive between stylus and vinyl. It is worth pairing with an occasional deep liquid clean.

Technical specifications:

• Reference: AT6013a
• Type: dual-action anti-static record cleaner
• System: two carbon-fibre brushes plus a central velvet pad
• Use: dry, no liquids
• Function: removes dust and drains static in one pass
• Compatibility: 12", 10" and 7" vinyl records
• Benefit: lower surface noise and longer stylus life