VPI MW-1 Cyclone – Bi-Directional Record Cleaning Machine

Serious vinyl deserves more than a surface clean.

The VPI MW-1 Cyclone is a heavy-duty vacuum record cleaning machine engineered to remove cleaning fluid, dust, and contamination from deep within a record's grooves. Its defining feature is true bi-directional operation, allowing the platter to rotate and vacuum in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions.

A high-torque 18 RPM reversible motor lets you scrub the groove from both directions before the powerful vacuum system extracts the loosened contamination and fluid. VPI rates the vacuum at an impressive 120 inches of mercury lift and states that a record can be cleaned in under 30 seconds.

Unlike lightweight consumer record cleaners, the MW-1 Cyclone is constructed for years of regular use. Its water-resistant aluminum chassis houses a welded stainless-steel collection tank, while industrial-grade toggle switches are rated for 100,000 cycles.

For serious record collectors, analog enthusiasts, and anyone investing in a high-performance turntable and cartridge, properly cleaned vinyl is one of the simplest ways to protect the collection and get more from the playback system.

Key Features

• Bi-Directional Cleaning: Scrubs and vacuums in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions.
• 18 RPM High-Torque Motor: Reversible platter motor provides controlled rotation during cleaning.
• Powerful Vacuum Extraction: Rated by VPI at 120 inches of mercury lift.
• Fast Cleaning: VPI states records can be cleaned in under 30 seconds.
• Aluminum Chassis: Durable, water-resistant construction built for frequent use.
• Stainless-Steel Collection Tank: Welded internal tank collects extracted cleaning fluid.
• Rear Drain: Makes removal of used cleaning solution straightforward.
• 2-Inch Delrin Record Clamp: Holds the record securely during cleaning.
• Industrial Toggle Switches: Rated for 100,000 operating cycles.
• Quieter Operation: Designed to operate more quietly than VPI's long-running HW-16.5.
• Made for Long-Term Ownership: Heavy-duty components and a robust platter motor are designed for extensive use.

Clean Both Sides of the Groove

A record groove isn't a flat surface. Its modulated walls contain the information your stylus tracks, making effective groove cleaning considerably more important than simply removing visible dust.

The MW-1 Cyclone's reversible motor allows the record to be scrubbed in one direction and then the other. Vacuum extraction can also be performed in both directions.

That bi-directional approach helps remove contaminated cleaning fluid rather than allowing loosened debris to remain behind in the groove.

Powerful Vacuum Extraction

Applying record-cleaning fluid is only part of the process. Once contaminants have been loosened, the dirty fluid needs to be removed effectively.

The MW-1 uses a powerful vacuum system rated by VPI to lift 120 inches of mercury. The vacuum pickup removes fluid and suspended contamination from across the record surface, leaving the LP clean and dry for playback.

VPI also designed the Cyclone to operate more quietly than the HW-16.5 despite its substantial vacuum capability.

Built for Serious Record Collections

The Cyclone's construction separates it from basic record-cleaning accessories.

Its aluminum enclosure is designed to withstand exposure to the fluids inherent to wet record cleaning. Extracted solution is collected inside a welded stainless-steel tank and drained through the rear of the machine.

A 2-inch Delrin clamp secures the record, while professional-grade toggle switches rated for 100,000 cycles reinforce the Cyclone's heavy-duty design.

The result is a record cleaning machine intended for collectors who expect to clean hundreds or thousands of records rather than use it occasionally.

Protect the Record. Protect the Stylus.

Record cleaning isn't only about reducing audible pops and surface noise.

Dust and contaminants accumulated in the groove are encountered directly by the stylus during playback. Keeping records properly cleaned helps maintain the condition of the vinyl while reducing the debris a high-performance cartridge has to track.

VPI itself recommends cleaning records—even new ones—as part of proper vinyl maintenance.

For anyone investing in a serious turntable, tonearm, and cartridge, a dedicated record cleaning machine should be considered part of the analog playback system.

Technical Specifications

VPI's manual specifies 115V/60Hz operation for North American machines and also notes that versions are produced for 230V/50Hz markets.

VPI Vinyl Playback at The Grid HiFi

A great analog system starts long before the stylus reaches the groove.

The VPI MW-1 Cyclone gives serious vinyl collectors a robust way to maintain their records, reduce groove contamination, and prepare LPs for high-performance playback.

The Grid HiFi can help you build the complete analog system—from VPI turntables and record care to cartridges, phono stages, amplification, and loudspeakers.

Contact The Grid HiFi in Houston at (713) 218-8120 for availability and analog system recommendations.