Perhaps the most hidden musical Jewel in the Bay Area is not some great band but a great recording studio nestled just off the 101 Freeway in San Rafael CA: Laughing Tiger Studios owned and operated by Engineer, composer and musician Ari Rios. With the advent of home studios, you ask yourself "why go to a studio when I can do it all at home?" Well that's a simple question with a complex answer: Most of you out there don't have a great room to record drums, vocals or live music, you don't have a great collection of microphones to record in that room,you don't have the proper hardware to get great tone, don't have the ability to master or track at any time of the day. And most of you out there don't have an SSL console or 25 years plus of recording Engineer experience. Laughing Tiger Studios is the perfect place for the Independent musician/producer: Great room, great equipment and accessibility. You're within 20 minutes of San Francisco. You're within 45 minutes of great beaches and scenic country side the best this state has to offer. And if you need to catch a plane you're within 25 minutes of 2 Airports: Oakland International and SF INTERNATIONAL Airport. Ari Rios is not only highly qualified as an engineer, his skill as a musician is a bonus while tracking/mixing and mastering. When he's not doing one or the other he's quite the person to hang with and talk about politics, musicians, restaurants or the weather. I recommend Laughing Tiger Studios to anyone looking to take their music project to the next level. His client list speaks for itself. And I for one am happy that I got to be one of those Clients. Edo Castro read more

Just finished recording our album "On The Rocks" with Rick Vargas. The studio is very chill and Rick definately does his best to make you feel like your recording with a good friend or someone you have always known. He's a very encouraging person and the sound quality man comes out amazing. Our mastered final sounds second to none and we are in negotiations right now with 2 major labels. We look forward to recording an acoustic album hopefully starting in August or September with Rick again. I would recommend this studio to anyone who wants and needs the following formula: 1. A great final product 2. Work with people who give a S#!% about your music and final success. 3. Creating space and a sound that you will be proud to share...professional musicians or an amateur making professional sounds! I honestly can't wait to get back in the studio to do more and our international label is fronting the bill because they heard the quality that these guys put into our release. If you like reggae/rock/hip hop check our album "Clear Conscience-On The Rocks" in May on itunes or cdbaby.com you will agree that the quality of this studio is off the top. Much love to you guys and thanks again and look forward to the next Peace read more

Let's see... I've worked on about 4 jobs at Laughing Tiger now and for what its worth, its one of my top 3 favorite recording studios in the bay area. Sessions start when they say they are going to start, time is not wasted on human mistakes ever, and the whole gang there knows what they are doing. Rick Vargas has engineered everything I've done there - from hip hop to psychadelic rock music and it always comes out sounding as we want it to. During a session for a Canibus record, the producer decided at the 13th hour that he wanted to re-record live drums. Rick had the kit set up within minutes and the process of tuning, recording and mixing the drums was swift and thorough. We got what we needed. The ambiance is awesome. There is plenty of room in A for outboard gear and your band, the tracking rooms are great, soundproofing is impeccable and there is a nice lounge with wireless internet, a big television and plenty of coffees and teas available. For both the people who work at the facility as well as the facility itself, I have repeatedly recommended LAUGHING TIGER STUDIOS to friends who are looking to record in the area. And it doesn't hurt that Sol Food is right around the corner. read more

The studio itself is very inviting, very professional, well staffed. Parking, no problem. I read some of the negative comments above and chuckled. Ari Rios, the owner of the studio, brings incredible artistry to the mundane tasks of tracking, mixing and mastering. He is inspired both about his work and your work. He speaks not technical jargon but music. He embodies it. That made me very comfortable. He was available to me at all hours throughout the project and I know he really felt it was his baby too. I recommend Ari and the studio to those who understand that true talent and passion come with an edge. Ari's got it and it translated into my CD. I'm pretty ecstatic about finding someone so knowledgeable and really into music. When the Gator Beat Band embarked on the recording project at Laughing Tiger Studios, my estimates of how long it would take were way off, so it cost more than I projected. The great thing is that I learned from my mistakes and I knowing what I know now, I got the job done in a reasonable time. read more

I've been recording an album here for almost a year now and its become like a second home. The studio is as good as any you can find anywhere, complete with anything your little heart could dream of. And if your heart comes up with something they don't have, I'd be willing to bet Ari will go out and find it for you. Ari is absolutely fantastic! If there were an option for six stars he'd get it. He's been in the business for years and has an unimaginable amount of talented musicians at his disposal. Plus, he's hilarious! He's very light hearted and playful which makes going to the studio a pleasure. Beyond being a A+ human being, he's also extremely gifted as a producer. His ideas for everything from bass to keys to percussion have made my music sound like I never dreamed possible. More than just a producer/engineer, he's become a mentor to me as a vocal coach as well. Honestly, I could not possibly say enough good things about this studio and Ari, its owner. read more

As a local producer & artist, it means a lot to have a comfortable place to make killer recordings in the Bay Area without breaking budgets or pockets. The studio has improved greatly over the last 5-6 years and the fact that they're still standing in lieu of the studio & artist exodus from the Bay Area is a testament to the Laughing Tiger brand. You don't always get the "Best Buy/Retail shopper" experience when you're making music, regardless of the studio you go to, so don't expect it. Ari has an open mind to all creative people that come through, but it's surprising when others can't reflect the same positivity back towards him. If you want a posh, LA studio experience there are a ton of great places all over the bay area. But if you're looking for a comfortable place to get to the same end goal, have a great time doing it & have the ability to have Sol Food delivered to your session, LT is the place. Cheers to many more years! read more

This is one of my favorite places to play and create music. If you are serious about your project this is the place to be. My first session was back in 2002 and I immediately felt comfortable at Ari's Laughing Tiger Studios. Ari's roster of top notch engineers and crew create a professional atmosphere where musicians can create, explore and do what they best. The studio has plenty of room to relax on comfy couches when you are between takes or need to give your ears a break. The high ceilings in the main room and conveniently located iso-booths make the studio a versatile setting for any project whether it's a live recording or a highly produced layered sound. All of my recording experiences at Laughing Tiger have led to compositions and tracks that I have used on my albums. - Aram Danesh www.AramDanesh.com read more

I'm an upcoming singer/songwriter and I haven't had much studio experience but working in Laughing Tiger is amazing! I love everyone that works there, Everyone is so professional and sweet, caring and they really show interest in making your music the best it can be. Ari Rios is my engineer and I can honestly say he's one of the best in the Bay Area, It's hard to find someone who's really passionate about what they do for a living, And Ari definitely knows what he's doing and it makes him happy doing it. I know now that if I ever have a future project in the bay area that I won't be using any other studio. read more

I am a starting artist (singer) launching my career within the Latin Music Industry. I have just finished recordding my first demo at Laughing Tiger Studios in San Rafael. Ari was tremendously instrumental as a director and engineer with the completion of my demo. The director was professional, clear and patient with my entire demo project. I highly recommend this terrific studio. Wether you are into music as a professional or as a hobby, I'm absolutely positive you will experience the same terrific and personalized recording sessions as I did at Laughing Tiger Studios!!!! read more

I recorded my latest CD at Laughing Tiger, just about a year ago. Ari Rios, the owner, is a great musician and songwriter himself, and he became a terrific collaborator in the project, even coaching my Spanish on a Lecuona song. He really cared about us and about the work and did a very fine job. We loved the studio, the easy parking, the casual and comfortable atmosphere. My music director loved the grand piano; an excellent instrument. Now we are getting rave reviews on the CD from all over the country and abroad as well. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!! Lua Hadar with Twist read more

Had the distinct pleasure of doing an extended session at Laughing Tiger recently. Was impressed with the facility, but even more so with our engineer Erin. His technical expertise mixed with his calm approach to recording made the session go very smoothly and productively. And despite his encyclopedic knowledge of equipment and techniques, he had none of that condescending attitude I've encountered so often in New York, L.A. and even sometimes in Nashville. Thank you Erin and Laughing Tiger...hope to see you again soon. read more

Recorded my EP here. Very nice studio space and helpful staff. The engineers are helpful in that they offer their opinions, but let you mix the sound as you envision it (some places will be pushy about having their engineers do the mix, or will over polish your sound). Ari also brings his years of experience to the table which is nice (notices quickly if something sounds off, or if there's buzz or noise problems). A little pricier, but you get what you pay for. Mastered our EP here too, and our fans say it sounds great. read more

I did some voice-over at another Marin studio but was 't satisfied with the results. Then I discovered Laughing Tiger! The sound quality for our iPhone apps was extraordinary. Ari was a pleasure to work with, more like a collaborator than a sound tech, and he made even the grueling experience of recording four straight hours of narration (on three separate occasions) enjoyable. Highly recommended. read more

Have worked with Ari and Laughing Tiger for a few years now and this studio continues to amaze - Ari has put passion and the necessary solution's in place that we have found so lacking in many studios- as a independent album company we are so happy with the staff, experiences and assistance. Here's to more sessions and continued work at Laughing Tiger. read more

I just recorded my demo here and the sound is off the hook! Rick Vargas is nothing short of a genius and has amazing ideas about all aspects of the music and the industry. I am extremely happy with the quality of the sound and knowledge of staff. I recommend this studio to everyong who needs to record professionally. read more

My colleague and I recorded a teleseminar series at Laughing TIger and we loved everything about the experience. Jared was fantastic and everyone there did an excellent job. I recomend them highly. They are professional, friendly, supportive, and experienced and took excellent care of us. Lynne T. read more

I've done a few projects at Laughing Tiger and I couldn't be happier. The equipment works. The space is comfortable. The rooms sound great. Ari is a first rate engineer. This place has got to be on the short list for anyone in the Bay Area needing to book a studio. read more

Recording at Laughing Tiger is real pleasure. This studio has a great vibe and Rick Vargas is a great engineer! He is easy to work with made me feel very comfortable. This review would also be incomplete if I did not say that I LOVE that piano!! read more

Hey Dela*Nique here - we love it at Laughing Tiger! They definitely treat you like family plus, the final product is amazing!! We will definitely be back. Thanks Rick for allllllll your help! read more