Audio T Verdict
The Brush it Premium takes the familiar carbon fibre record brush and tackles one of its limitations more directly: static. Rather than relying solely on the conductivity of the fibres and your hand, Pro-Ject provides a dedicated grounding cable so electrostatic charge can be conducted away through a suitable earth point in your hi-fi system.
The brush itself uses fine conductive carbon fibres for lifting loose dust from the playing surface, while the substantial metal handle gives it a more purposeful feel than Pro-Ject's standard Brush it. Connect the supplied 1m earthing lead, give the record a gentle clean before playback and you have a very simple way of dealing with both dust and static as part of the normal vinyl routine.
It still isn't a substitute for wet cleaning when a record is genuinely dirty, but for everyday use, particularly in systems or rooms where static is a persistent nuisance, Brush it Premium is a very worthwhile little accessory.
Pro-Ject Brush it Premium Anti-Static Record Cleaning Brush
The Pro-Ject Brush it Premium is a conductive carbon fibre record cleaning brush with a substantial metal handle and dedicated grounding cable.
Designed for quick use before playback, the fine carbon fibres collect loose dust from the record surface while the supplied earthing lead provides a direct route for electrostatic charge to be conducted away through a suitable grounding point in your hi-fi system.
- Premium manual record cleaning brush
- Conductive carbon fibre bristles
- Removes fine surface dust
- Helps reduce electrostatic charge
- Dedicated grounding connection
- 1m earthing cable supplied
- Metal brush handle
- Designed for cleaning before playback
- No cleaning fluid required
- No electrical power required
- Supports vinyl and stylus longevity
- Gold/Wood finish
- 130 x 50 x 20mm dimensions
- 200g weight
Dust and Static in One Cleaning Routine
Loose dust and static electricity often go hand in hand with vinyl playback.
Static charge can encourage lightweight airborne dust to cling to the record surface, while the physical act of removing a record from an inner sleeve can create further electrostatic charge.
Brush it Premium is designed to tackle both issues at the same time: carbon fibres collect fine particles while the grounding connection provides a path for static charge to leave the record.
Conductive Carbon Fibres
The cleaning surface uses fine conductive carbon fibres rather than ordinary synthetic bristles.
These fibres lightly contact the playing surface, collecting loose particles while providing an electrically conductive path through the brush.
When the supplied grounding cable is connected to a suitable earth point, charge can be conducted away from the record rather than simply remaining around the turntable.
Dedicated Grounding Cable
The major difference between Brush it Premium and Pro-Ject's standard Brush it is the dedicated grounding connection.
A socket on the side of the metal brush accepts the supplied earthing cable, while the opposite end can be attached to a suitable grounding point within the hi-fi system.
Pro-Ject specifies the cable at 1 metre in length, providing useful flexibility when positioning the brush relative to the turntable and phono stage.
Where Should the Grounding Cable Be Connected?
Henley Audio recommends connecting the grounding lead to an available earth point within the system.
A particularly convenient option is the grounding terminal normally provided on a phono preamplifier or the phono input section of an amplifier.
The supplied lead uses a horseshoe-style termination at the system end so that it can be secured beneath a suitable ground terminal.
Use the Phono Ground Terminal
Connect the Brush it Premium lead to a suitable grounding terminal in your hi-fi system, such as the ground post on a phono stage or amplifier. This provides the conductive carbon fibres with a direct route to earth while the record is being brushed.
Do Not Connect the Brush Directly to a Mains Socket
The grounding lead is intended for an appropriate hi-fi system grounding point such as a phono-stage earth terminal. It should never be inserted into or improvised around the connections of a mains power socket.
Why Is Grounding Useful?
A conventional conductive record brush can help reduce electrostatic charge, but Brush it Premium goes further by giving that charge a defined path through the supplied grounding cable.
This is particularly useful in rooms where records regularly build static or where the familiar crackle and attraction of dust become more noticeable during dry weather.
Static Can Attract More Dust
Electrostatically charged vinyl can act as a magnet for very light dust particles.
That means simply removing visible dust without addressing static can sometimes result in the record quickly attracting more airborne material.
Using a grounded conductive brush before playback helps tackle both parts of the problem.
Particularly Useful in Dry Conditions
Static problems often become more obvious when indoor humidity is low.
Central heating during colder months can create particularly dry listening rooms, while some record sleeves and carpets can also contribute to electrostatic build-up.
If records regularly cling to their inner sleeves or attract dust almost immediately after being removed, Brush it Premium is worth considering over a conventional ungrounded brush.
Removes Fine Dust Before Playback
The carbon fibres are designed to remove the fine dust particles that naturally collect on a record between listening sessions.
A quick brush before lowering the stylus prevents much of this loose material from being carried through the groove and gathering around the diamond.
Helps Keep the Stylus Cleaner
Every loose particle removed from a record before playback is one less particle available for the stylus to collect.
Pro-Ject lists increased vinyl and stylus longevity among the intended benefits of Brush it Premium.
The stylus itself should still be inspected and cleaned when required using a suitable stylus brush such as the Pro-Ject Clean it Carbon Fibre Stylus Cleaning Brush.
Substantial Metal Handle
Brush it Premium uses a metal handle rather than the lighter construction of Pro-Ject's standard Brush it.
This provides the structure for the grounding connection and gives the Premium version a more substantial feel in the hand.
The additional mass also helps it sit naturally across the record without encouraging excessive downward pressure.
Gold and Wood Finish
Pro-Ject finishes Brush it Premium in a distinctive combination of gold-coloured metal and wood detailing.
It is a small accessory, but the finish gives it a noticeably more considered appearance than a basic utility brush and allows it to sit comfortably alongside a well-finished turntable.
How to Use Brush it Premium
Once the grounding lead is connected, everyday cleaning is straightforward.
- Connect the supplied grounding lead to the socket on Brush it Premium.
- Attach the other end to a suitable grounding terminal in your hi-fi system.
- Place the record onto the turntable.
- Start the platter rotating.
- Hold the carbon fibres lightly against the playing surface.
- Allow the record to rotate underneath the brush.
- Let loose dust collect against the fibres.
- After a small number of rotations, gently draw the collected dust towards the outside edge.
- Lift the brush clear of the record.
- Lower the stylus and enjoy the record.
Light Pressure Is All You Need
There is no need to press Brush it Premium hard against the vinyl. Allow the fine carbon fibres to contact the surface lightly while the rotating platter moves the record beneath them.
Don't Scrub the Record
Brush it Premium is intended to collect loose dust, not to scrub stubborn contamination from the groove.
Pressing harder does not turn a dry carbon fibre brush into a deep-cleaning system and can simply drag stubborn particles across the playing surface.
If a mark or contaminant does not respond to gentle brushing, move to an appropriate wet-cleaning method instead.
Dry Cleaning Without Fluid
No water or cleaning solution is required for normal Brush it Premium use.
This makes it ideal for the few seconds immediately before playback, when carrying out a complete wet-cleaning cycle would be unnecessary.
What Can Brush it Premium Remove?
It is best suited to everyday loose contamination including:
- Fine airborne dust
- Light particles on the playing surface
- Fibres from record sleeves
- Dust deposited between listening sessions
What Can't a Dry Brush Remove?
Brush it Premium is not intended to remove every type of record contamination.
More persistent problems can require wet cleaning, including:
- Fingerprints
- Greasy deposits
- Old embedded dirt
- Contaminated second-hand records
- Sticky residue
- Persistent groove contamination
Don't Add Cleaning Fluid to the Brush
Brush it Premium is designed as a dry carbon fibre cleaner. Do not soak the fibres with record cleaning fluid. Use a suitable wet record cleaning system when more intensive cleaning is required.
Brush it Premium or Brush it?
Both Pro-Ject brushes use conductive carbon fibres for everyday record cleaning, but Brush it Premium provides a more direct solution to static.
Brush it
- Conductive carbon fibre brush
- Removes fine surface dust
- Helps reduce static
- Lightweight simple design
- No dedicated earth cable
- Ideal everyday entry-level brush
Brush it Premium
- Conductive carbon fibre brush
- Removes fine surface dust
- Dedicated grounding connection
- 1m earthing cable supplied
- Metal handle
- Better suited to persistent static
The Pro-Ject Brush it Carbon Fibre Record Cleaning Brush remains the simpler option where basic everyday dust removal is the priority. Brush it Premium makes more sense where static is also a regular concern.
Brush it Premium or a Wet Record Cleaner?
Dry and wet cleaning should be viewed as complementary rather than competing approaches.
Brush it Premium
- Quick dry cleaning
- Use immediately before playback
- Targets loose surface dust
- Provides dedicated grounding
- No drying required
- Takes only a few seconds
Wet Cleaning
- Periodic deeper cleaning
- Targets persistent contamination
- Useful for second-hand records
- Helps remove grease and fingerprints
- Requires cleaning solution
- Manual or vacuum systems available
Use It After Deep Cleaning Too
A record that has been thoroughly wet cleaned does not remain permanently free from dust.
Airborne particles will eventually settle on the playing surface again, so Brush it Premium remains useful for maintaining freshly cleaned records between deeper cleaning sessions.
Perfect Partner for the VC-E2
The Pro-Ject VC-E2 Vinyl Record Cleaning Machine is designed for more intensive wet cleaning, using Wash it 2 fluid and vacuum extraction to physically remove contamination from the record.
Once a collection has been thoroughly cleaned, Brush it Premium can take over the day-to-day job of dealing with loose surface dust and static before playback.
Suitable for New Records
New vinyl can still pick up dust and fibres from packaging and inner sleeves.
A quick inspection and gentle brush before the first play can remove any loose material without resorting to unnecessary wet cleaning.
Useful for Second-Hand Vinyl
Used records often carry considerably more contamination than new pressings.
Brush it Premium can remove loose dust, but heavily contaminated second-hand vinyl deserves a proper wet clean first. The Premium brush can then be used for normal maintenance afterwards.
Inner Sleeves Can Contribute to Static
Sliding vinyl in and out of some inner sleeves can create electrostatic charge through friction.
Old paper sleeves can also shed fibres onto the record surface.
Replacing worn or heavily contaminated inner sleeves can therefore be a useful addition to a sensible record-care routine.
Handle Records by the Edges
Even the best record brush cannot undo careless handling every time you play an LP.
Hold records by the outer edge and centre label wherever possible, avoiding fingerprints on the playing surface.
Our Audio T guide to looking after your vinyl records covers these everyday habits in more detail.
Recommended Everyday Vinyl-Care Routine
- Remove the record carefully from its inner sleeve.
- Handle it by the outer edge and label area.
- Place the record onto the turntable.
- Connect Brush it Premium to a suitable system ground terminal.
- Start the platter rotating.
- Place the carbon fibres lightly against the playing surface.
- Allow the record to rotate underneath the brush.
- Gently remove the collected dust towards the outside edge.
- Lift Brush it Premium clear of the record.
- Inspect the stylus for visible contamination.
- Clean the stylus with a suitable stylus brush when necessary.
- Play the record.
- Return it to a clean inner sleeve afterwards.
Look After the Brush Too
Keep the carbon fibres themselves clean between listening sessions.
Avoid repeatedly touching the bristles with your fingers, as skin oils and other contamination can transfer onto the fibres.
Store Brush it Premium somewhere clean and dry rather than leaving the carbon fibres exposed to unnecessary household dust.
Compact Enough to Keep Beside the Turntable
Brush it Premium measures:
- Width: 130mm
- Height: 50mm
- Depth: 20mm
- Weight: 200g
- Grounding cable length: 1m
That makes it compact enough to remain close to the turntable so it can become part of the normal listening routine rather than an accessory that disappears into a cupboard.
Key Features
- Pro-Ject Brush it Premium
- Premium record cleaning brush
- Anti-static record brush
- Conductive carbon fibres
- Fine carbon fibre bristles
- Removes fine dust particles
- Helps reduce electrostatic charge
- Dedicated grounding system
- Earthing cable included
- 1m grounding cable
- Metal handle
- Gold/Wood finish
- Designed for use before playback
- Manual record cleaning
- Dry record cleaning
- No cleaning fluid required
- No electricity required
- Helps keep stylus cleaner
- Supports vinyl longevity
- Supports stylus longevity
- Suitable for routine vinyl care
- Useful in dry conditions
- Useful for static-prone records
- Useful after wet cleaning
- Complements VC-E2
- Complements VC-S3
- Complements Clean it stylus brush
- 130mm width
- 50mm height
- 20mm depth
- 200g weight
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Pro-Ject Brush it Premium still current?
Yes. It remains part of Pro-Ject's current Vinyl Cleaning and Care range.
What is Brush it Premium?
It is a conductive carbon fibre record cleaning brush with a metal handle and dedicated grounding cable.
What does Brush it Premium do?
It removes fine loose dust from the playing surface while its conductive construction and grounding cable help reduce electrostatic charge.
What are the bristles made from?
Conductive carbon fibres.
Does it remove static?
It is designed to conduct electrostatic charge away through the supplied grounding connection.
Does it have a grounding cable?
Yes. A dedicated earthing cable is supplied.
How long is the grounding cable?
1 metre.
Where does the grounding cable connect to the brush?
One end connects to the grounding socket on the side of Brush it Premium.
Where does the other end connect?
It can be attached to a suitable grounding point within the hi-fi system, such as the ground terminal on a phono preamplifier or amplifier.
Can I connect it directly to a mains socket?
No. Use a suitable hi-fi system grounding terminal rather than attempting to connect the brush directly to a mains electrical socket.
What kind of connection is used at the system end?
Henley Audio describes the supplied lead as using a horseshoe-style termination suitable for securing to a grounding terminal.
Do I have to use the grounding cable?
The carbon fibres can still physically collect loose dust, but the dedicated grounding connection is one of the principal advantages of Brush it Premium and should be used where a suitable earth terminal is available.
Should I use it before every record?
Pro-Ject designed Brush it Premium for quick cleaning before playback. In practice, use it whenever loose dust or static is present.
Does the record need to rotate while brushing?
A practical method is to allow the platter to rotate beneath the lightly held brush while the fibres collect loose dust.
How hard should I press?
Very lightly. Let the fine carbon fibres make gentle contact with the playing surface rather than pressing firmly into the groove.
Does it need record cleaning fluid?
No. Brush it Premium is designed for dry cleaning.
Can I put Wash it 2 on Brush it Premium?
No. Wash it 2 is intended for appropriate wet record cleaning systems. Brush it Premium should be used as a dry brush.
Can it remove fingerprints?
It is primarily intended for loose fine dust. Fingerprints and grease normally require a suitable wet cleaning process.
Can it deep-clean the grooves?
No. It is an everyday dry-cleaning accessory rather than a substitute for a wet record cleaning machine.
What is the difference between Brush it and Brush it Premium?
Both use conductive carbon fibres. Brush it Premium adds a substantial metal handle and dedicated 1m grounding cable for more direct static control.
Which should I buy if static is a problem?
Brush it Premium is the better choice where electrostatic charge is a persistent concern because it can be connected directly to a suitable system ground point.
Is Brush it Premium the same as Clean it?
No. Brush it Premium cleans the record surface. Pro-Ject Clean it is a much smaller brush designed specifically for the cartridge stylus.
Can I use Brush it Premium on my stylus?
No. Use a dedicated stylus cleaning brush such as Pro-Ject Clean it.
Do I need Brush it Premium if I own a record cleaning machine?
It can still be very useful. A wet or vacuum cleaning machine provides deeper periodic cleaning, while Brush it Premium removes the loose dust and static that can return between plays.
Can it be used with new vinyl?
Yes. New records can still carry loose dust and packaging fibres.
Can it be used with second-hand records?
Yes for loose dust, although heavily contaminated used vinyl should receive a more thorough wet clean first.
Does it help keep the stylus clean?
Removing loose dust before playback reduces the amount of debris available for the stylus to collect.
What is the handle made from?
Pro-Ject specifies a metal handle.
What finish is available?
Gold/Wood.
How big is Brush it Premium?
130mm wide, 50mm high and 20mm deep.
How much does it weigh?
200g.
Does it need batteries?
No.
Does the grounding connection require power?
No. The cable provides a conductive path to a suitable grounding point and does not require a powered connection.
How should I store it?
Keep the brush clean and dry, avoid touching the carbon fibres unnecessarily and store it somewhere the bristles will not become contaminated or damaged.
Related Pro-Ject Products
Why Buy the Pro-Ject Brush it Premium From Audio T?
Static can be one of the more irritating parts of vinyl playback, and Brush it Premium works best when its grounding cable is connected correctly. Audio T can show you where to connect the lead, how lightly the brush needs to contact the record and when a dry carbon fibre brush is enough versus when a deeper wet clean is worthwhile.
We can also help with the rest of your record-care routine, from stylus cleaning and replacement inner sleeves through to Pro-Ject's Spin Clean, VC-E2 and VC-S3 record cleaning systems.
- In-store vinyl-care advice
- Brush it Premium setup guidance
- Grounding-cable advice
- Phono-stage earth connection guidance
- Static-control advice
- Carbon fibre brush guidance
- Everyday record-cleaning advice
- Correct brushing technique
- Stylus cleaning guidance
- Clean it advice
- Wet record-cleaning guidance
- Spin Clean advice
- VC-E2 and VC-S3 advice
- Wash it 2 guidance
- General record-care advice
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store for advice on dealing with record static, keeping your vinyl clean or choosing the most appropriate record-care products for your collection.