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!

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.

I've rented spaces all over the West Town area and Sound Space is by far the highest ranking option…read morein my experience. Spaces: Although my room is on the smaller side it's fairly priced. But the best part is the sound isolation. The rooms are very well insulated to reduce the bleed from neighboring bands. I record in my space all the time and rarely have issues. It's also eerily quiet much of the time. Security: It's the most secure place I've rented from. Both perimeter doors and individual space doors seem very secure (with a special type of key). Also camera coverage throughout the building adds another layer of security. At the last place I rented we found our door kicked in - you can't kick in the doors at Sound Space, they're fortified. Neighbors: The other Sound Space renters are generally cool, friendly, and best of all respectful of the building. The bathrooms are never trashed like other spaces I've rented. I never understood why someone would rip a sink off the wall or kick a hole in the door at the other spots that they were paying to rent... animals. Neighborhood: Plenty of free street parking and relatively easy load-in/out (though I'm on the first floor). There's a 24hr Mexican spot a 4 min walk away. Management: Sam is responsive and makes payment effortless with an online portal linked to your bank account. Temp control of the rooms is reasonably handled - at least in my experience/room. bottom line: If you're looking for a spot - and this location is convenient for you - I'm confident you'll be happy here.

This is the PERFECT space for musicians to practice! Easy to enter, well-insulated, safe!read more

This is a cool spot downtown if you have band rehearsal and don't want to deal with lugging the…read moredrums around. They have a ton of amps and stands and a kit in every room. They are sound proof and mic'd with a board and speakers. You can't really hear other rooms when you're in your room. It's a little louder in the hall but not bad at all. The staff is badass and they try to help you as much as they can. If you need a different amp or have any issues, they will try to fix it. It's not super expensive if you can split the cost amongst members.

I Was just there and got my car broken into, as well as my friend that same night, I had to find…read moreout after the fact that apparently that's been an ongoing thing. A warning would have went a long way to prevent something like that from happening, especially if it's an actual thing!! Do not go there unless you're parked in the parking lot!

I've recorded 3 albums with one of the engineers that runs Soapbox. When he told me that he was…read moreworking to open a new studio/practice space in Chicago, I knew the quality that would emerge from that project. Soapbox, and their engineers, have been my reliable, go-to sources for my recording needs for going on the better part of 7 years, and I don't see that changing anytime soon. Kind folks, great expertise, and acoustically wonderful; they've got it all.

I went to the opening of this sound & music rehearsal studio and recording space with my friends a…read morecouple months back. It was very chill. The best thing is the fact that you can book your practice times through their website, so you don't have to play phone tag with voicemail messages. Also, the location is close to where I live in Logan Square, so that's a plus for me. I like that they have a drum kit there, so I don't have to lug my own over every time. The space is small but discreet, and good for bands looking for affordable practice space in Chicago... only 15-35$ an hour! Some places charge per person or you have to commit to a whole month, so this is a good compromise for me, since I'm in a few different groups and I need a flexible space to meet up with other musicians.

One of Chicago's best recording studios. Great staff and engineers. Open availability, clean and…read moresafe environment. The vibe of the studios is amazing i love it here.

From the owner: We are your premier recording studio located in Chicago's South Loop. We provide quality mixing,…read morerecording and production services. Explore our website for more information we look forward to seeing you soon! Our mission is to bring the community together with culture and music while allowing clients from all walks of life to be able to get quality studio time from some of Chicago's most talented engineers and producers!

Love these guys!! This place is awesome - A TRUE Chicago recording studio. It's like entering…read moreanother universe!

From the owner: Studio 11 is Chicago's premiere destination for recording, mixing, and mastering all types of urban…read moremusic including rap, hip hop, R&B, pop, rock, jazz, and Latin music styles. In over 20 years in business we have recorded some of Chicago's most renown musical talents. Utilizing the latest technologies we can furnish you with the most professional sounding results for your music at prices you can afford. Please give us a call for a consultation regarding your project so that we can assist you with your musical goals. Also, visit us on the web for more detailed information about the studio. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

I've known Matt since I was young. Around 8 years ago he gave me my first production lessons. Now…read moreI'm a billboard charting artist! Sonic Palace is top notch!

I recorded a few songs here with another band a few years ago, and I will not go anywhere else…read more Matt is a PRO, and is such a great engineer! He gave great suggestions and direction for each song. I loved working with him and am telling you to look no further. This is the place you want to record your music.

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!!!