Pro-Ject simplifies record cleaning with VC-E Mini

The company has spent some years refining vinyl care, with a range that now spans entry-level to enthusiast use. For reference, the VC-S3 (£499), which StereoNET reviewed in 2023, sits at the top as a heavy-duty, high-capacity machine, while the VC-S2 ALU at £399 and VC-E (£299) offer similar vacuum cleaning in a smaller, more accessible format.

The VC-E Mini further reduces size (and price) and aims to simplify the cleaning process.

The new device eliminates the need for a traditional suction arm. Instead, suction from beneath pulls cleaning fluid out of the grooves rather than sweeping across them. Pro-Ject says this reduces mechanical complexity, lowers noise, and leaves records dry and residue-free, suggesting that this is a meaningful design change rather than a compact redesign of its larger siblings.

The rest of the design continues with an obvious simplicity. A brushless DC motor generates the vacuum to ensure longer service life and consistent performance. A magnetic clamp secures the record and seals the label, while an internal tank collects waste liquid, keeping the operation tidy.

It operates at a gentle 30 RPM, drawing up to just 60W of current, and includes Pro-Ject’s non-alcoholic Wash it 2 cleaning fluid, which the company says helps reduce static build-up on the record surface. The cabinet body is constructed from 4 mm aluminium composite, aiming to provide decent rigidity without adding bulk. That's certainly confirmed by its footprint at just 2.1 kg and measuring 230 x 155 x 185 mm, the VC-E Mini is the smallest cleaner in Pro-Ject’s range.

Pro-Ject suggests this is an ideal solution for listeners with smaller collections who want effective vacuum cleaning without committing to a larger, more involved machine. It doesn’t compete directly with the VC-S3 or VC-E; instead, it turns record cleaning into an occasional, low-effort task.

The trade-off is that users sacrifice scale and throughput in return for simplicity, compact size, and easier storage. While the effectiveness of the bottom-mounted suction system remains unproven until real-world testing, the engineering logic is sound, and Pro-Ject’s track record carries weight.

The VC-E Mini is available now, priced at €279 in Europe. Australian pricing has not yet been confirmed, although the original VC-E sold locally for around AU$499, suggesting a similar range, which will be confirmed shortly.

For more information, visit Pro-Ject