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!

Gravity Studios is incredible…read more From start to finish, the whole experience was smooth and easy. Ramsey, the studio manager, was on top of everything -- super clear communication, super organized, and genuinely cared about making the session great. Nothing felt stressful or rushed at any point. Danny, our engineer, absolutely crushed it. He was fast, dialed in, and knew exactly how to get the best out of the session without overthinking anything. The vibe stayed relaxed, the takes came together quickly, and it just felt like working with someone who really knows what they're doing. The files came back insanely fast and were perfectly organized -- which honestly matters more than people realize. No chasing, no confusion, just solid work delivered quickly. One of the best studio experiences we've had. Can't wait to go back.

Great staff, unbelievable setup. Would recommend to any musician serious about recording!read more

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.

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!

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 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

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.

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

Yo, to "Jay Dilla D" down below (that aint ya name), why dont you post some links to your music?…read moreyou talk trash about other peoples talent, show your talent. I dont represent, run, have a room or anything to do with this facility, but I've met plenty of talented musicians that passed through this place. Let me hear your music. You talk trash about other people, I bet your music is just like the bs you speak about. Fake username... seriously, put up your music so people can hear it and judge you and the talent you imply is superior.

If you want a cheap place that floods often, smells like cat urine and has feces smeared on the…read morebathroom stalls, this is the place for you! This was the worst rental experience I have ever had. Trent and Steve are both completely unprofessional. It is impossible to get a hold of anyone when you need to. I was asked to leave a $350 deposit and was never explained the move out policy. I paid my last months rent and expected my $350 deposit in return, which I believe is a common rental policy. When I called Steve to clear up the confusion, instead of explaining the policy calmly, he yells and insults me. I have never had a landlord call me a stupid bitch but in this case I was completely disrespected without reason. This is by far the worst place to ever rent at. Oh and the free wifi that is supposed to be a part of the package is constantly turned off, could it be that that very responsible manager is always too busy to pay it?

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!