Back in the day when I lived in Logan Square I was in a band and we practiced at a space in…read moreHumboldt Park. The space was pretty convenient and you always knew when the Chicago Puerto Rico parade is taking place. I actually had someone tag my backpack while I was waiting for the bus...while the backpack was still on my back. And I really didn't think I was that buzzed at the time but I completely didn't notice the handiwork. I have moved from Logan Square to Lincoln Square and have started practicing once again with the drummer from my previous band. The most convenient space is the Music Lab. I had seen their ads forever in the Chicago Reader and had passed by the space thousands of times but never really noticed the place. It really doesn't stand out, mainly because the first floor houses a doggie daycare. Evidently that ain't too rock and roll. The spaces are fairly small but that seemed to work out just fine. The sound bounced off the walls and worked out pretty well. The spaces also smelled of dog urine but overall it isn't a bad practice space. The location, the price and the acoustics all fall in the positive column, while the doggie daycare is a minor distraction. So in short the Music Lab is a hidden, urine scented gem.

This place is great for the sole purpose that it allows me to play music (especially drums!!) at…read morewhatever volume without anyone leaving me nasty anonymous notes on my door. So that's a plus. Additionally, the neighborhood is great. Super, super close to the brown line, plenty of street parking in the evenings and on weekends. And it's within walking distance to great bars and restaurants on Lincoln Ave. The guy who runs it is also a very nice guy. However, for what it is, the price is a bit much. The rooms are small and not nearly soundproofed enough. If the guys next door are playing, their bass causes me to have to play louder than I'd like. Additionally, since it's above a doggy day care place, every now and then the hallway reeks of dog urine. Oh, and you can't flush toilet paper down the toilet, not that you'd want to risk sitting on it anyway. Also unfortunate is the complete lack of temperature control--my space easily breaks 100 degrees in the summer months. It's not pleasant to have three sweaty dudes with a bunch of equipment in a 100+ degree glorified closet. Unfortunately this place seems to have a monopoly on music practice space in my neighborhood. It could definitely use some work, but for what it is it definitely gets the job done. My irritable neighbors and I greatly appreciate the service!

Awesome place!! Extremely knowledgeable engineers. Top notch…read moreequipment. Friendly staff. They really make you feel the place is yours for the duration of the project. Been going there since 2001....and will certainly be back for all my audio needs. Highly recommend

Back again! I had the pleasure of working with Tightrope Recording for my new podcast series, I…read morecouldn't be happier with the results. From start to finish, Jessi, Colin and Max went above and beyond to ensure that every aspect of the recording process was seamless and professional. First and foremost, the studio itself was top-notch. They have an amazing amount of options of microphones to choose from, I went with a Sennheiser 416. Additionally, the studio's acoustics were excellent, providing a clean and crisp sound without any unwanted background noise, we used studio A mostly. The entire recording process was enjoyable and stress-free, I was there a lot so that's saying something- Overall I can't recomend them enough. If you're looking for a recording studio that will deliver then make sure you work with them.

Tightrope Recording, and their owner Max, did not live up to their promises. They promised a great…read morerecording and finished mixes for one price of $1500. They did a great job recording, but sent us home with only the rough cut, and no finished mixes. They claimed that it took a lot of effort to set up for a multi-instrument band and they had to bring in extra help, thus extra cost. They had no more money or time to finish the mixes. Max had the audacity to say that each song would be at least another $350 to finish, even though he promised us finished mixes when we spoke on the phone. I feel that this was unscrupulous practice. Make sure you get your promises in writing from Max, or he may just try to swindle you.

Recently used Mystery Street Recording Company, and Joe Tessone provided excellent service…read more Specifically, Mystery Street was able to transfer audio files from 40-year-old cassette tapes to digital. Joe cleaned up the files and "restored" the audio quality. He provided both MP3 files and higher quality audio files. Getting the files was easy- Joe provided us with a download link for quick access. Pricing was reasonable for the quality of work and turnaround time. For a fee of $100/tape in addition to the hourly rate, we received expedited service.

They lost our files multiple times, and then spent way to long to re-record things because they…read morewere constantly distracted and talking about unrelated things. There are many more professional studios in the area.

I caught wind of this great holiday gift giving idea and wanted to share with Chicago Yelpers…read morelooking for that extra something special this Christmas. Tricycle Sound, a recording studio located in the Andersonville Chicago recently posted a purchasable gift certificate for recording time on their website! You can buy discounted studio hours using paypal and print out the gift certificate to give! I bought it as a gift for all my brothers! Now I can finally push them into the studio and out of mom's basement! I think it's an awesome holiday/Christmas gift idea for anyone who has always been itching to record that special song, finally lay down those tracks, or work on that voice over demo. What's even more great! about the studio is: no instrumental talent, no problem! Really! Dave Johnson, the owner of the studio, can play any and all instruments and will accompany you while you croon! (Though he has tons of equipment in the studio if you do play and really awesome mics/amps (though I don't know much - my brother said they were sweet).) The hourly rate has been discounted for this gift certificate special and is totally affordable amongst the competition. Believe me, with four brothers to give gifts to, I have done my research. Anyway, just wanted to share and suggest this as a great holiday gift this season. KC

Dave is super professional and easy to get along with. He even emailed me the songs I had recorded…read morewhen I misplaced the demo cd (oops.) He has a very laid back, easygoing approach that is sure to make most clients feel at ease in his studio. I would totally work with him again. And he can play a wide variety of instruments if you need him to play with you. He also makes great coffee.

I'm over 50 and have been hustling in this business a long time. I have to say that, with all…read morehonestly, Rick was the most professional recording human I've worked with. I was coming in for a session after a 15 year hiatus. I was terrified. The whole experience was so fun, welcoming and masterful that I had totally forgotten to be nervous! Rick is incredibly talented and patient and gives excellent and helpful notes/suggestions to make your piece as best as it can be. I will be back for sure and I've already recommended Handwritten Recording to everyone on my Friends List. LOL. If you've got it in ya - Rick can get it outta ya. LOL

He genuinely gives a shit…read more In all seriousness, this was one of the best recording experiences I've had in this city. Rick is interested, more than capable, friendly, professional, and has mastered the ability of constructive criticism -- and yet will be the first to admit that he can be wrong in his suggestions. His rates are reasonable, his space is warm and comfortable, his gear is top notch. Ive enjoyed every moment of recording, mixing, chatting about beer (even though he trends towards the obnoxiously hoppy), and simply sharing space with him. Go make a record with him! What are you waiting for?

The space feels intimate and inviting, with cozy corners set up for relaxation and thoughtful decor…read morethat reflects a deep appreciation for music and creativity. The energy of this recording studio, where the ambient lighting and modern equipment create an environment conducive to focused work and collaboration. The studio shapes team were very welcoming, accommodating for any needs that we were looking for including fresh water and tea!! Overall, this location seems ideal for anyone looking to immerse themselves in a creative process, whether for music production, brainstorming sessions, or simply enjoying a relaxed, artistic setting.

From the owner: At studioSHAPES you are big on artist development and seeing the at home artist become the on the…read morestage artist . With state of the art equipment- we have created an intimate studio space to make you feel right at home. We thrive authenticity and passion so each engineer and producer works closely with artist to bring the best possible product

Over the years I have recorded at many studios in the Chicago area. I have to say that since my…read moreband has been working at Transient Sound with Steve's team I can't express how excited and extremely pleased I am. Our engineer Patrick is top notch and actually cares about our music. You don't see that much anywhere. So far our experience here has been top notch. If you're looking to record and get the attention your music deserves then Transient Sound is the place to go!

My band, The Locals have recorded our last 4 releases at Transient Sound and are currently back at…read moreTS recording our new album. Steve (owner) is an amazing producer. He is insanely talented in all areas of recording- from song arrangements to mixing. He has huge passion for music and throws himself fully into every project. Steve is truly like a member of the band. He's also just a super nice guy. Vijay (owner) is a killer synth/keys guy. He's done so many sick parts for our songs, we are not worthy for sure! These guys are great!

What more can be said about this recording studio known more for its owner's name than the quality…read moreof its recordings? Quite a bit. The interns are very helpful, engineers know their shit, all areas are kept clean, and there's a friendly cat by the name of Pip who seems to keep tabs on everything going on at all times. Despite it being a former meat locker / factory, there studio has a very homely feeling. That makes long sessions much easier to get through.

All analog all the time. Steve is a living legend and pro coffee maker. Need to make a record?…read more Book time and thank me later. The best there is!!!