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.

I booked an appointment and came here just needing a few voiceovers to sound crisp. Jon was awesome…read moreand the experience exceeded my expectations. Got to record, was completely helped the entire way and he made the clips sound perfect and even added affects to some. So welcoming. Loved the place. I highly recommend this place and I'll definitely be back!

Fire af clean space that cultivates creativity seamlessly I've had two sessions one at each of…read morethere locations and both are pristine I worked with Matt Audio both times and he dope asf - RVMOS

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.

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!

Collin is all the things you want in a mastering engineer: easy going, has an articulate ear for…read moredetail, and also tons and tons of experience. Also, his room is meticulously crafted, designed by the same personal that blueprinted Electric Ladyland. At the end of the day, I couldn't believe how rich his master sounded. Also the rates are completely reasonable and he works quick (about half-hour per song on this project.) A true diamond in the rough.

Just finished working with Collin on my album and it was such a great experience. Collin is easy to…read morework with and he made my tracks shine! Great experience and great rates. I will definitely use Collin and again and I highly recommend Boiler Room Mastering.

I recently looked Strobe up on Yelp out of curiosity, and was pretty shocked to see the only…read morestanding review, so I felt the need to give my opinion. And my opinion is pretty much the exact opposite. I think the previous reviewer's stance has nothing to do with the studio itself and everything to do with the one engineer she worked with. I have to say, I did not work with that engineer in my time there. But everyone else I worked with did their best to make sure my experience was great. Here's what you definitely *won't* get with Strobe: - BS attitudes - LA glam - Crap gear Here's what you probably *will* get: - Staff who are musicians themselves and care about the artist. With the possible exception of whoever previous reviewer worked with. And I don't even know if that engineer is/was staffed by Strobe, to be honest. - A simply amazing-sounding "A" room full of character--very important, IMHO - A Yamaha grand piano (yeah, these days the sad fact is that there are only about 3 other rock studios in Chicago that have a decent grand) - The ability to record to tape rather than digital - A plethora of other amazing gear, including some great vintage amps, keyboards, and organs. - A truly affordable experience. Okay, so I may sound like a salesman at this point, but I promise I'm not. I had no real connection to Strobe until a friend of mine recommended it for a serious full-band recording a couple years ago, and I remembered I had rehearsed there once or twice. To this day that album holds up. The difference between my experience and the previous reviewer's experience may solely be that we had our own producer utilize the space. In fact--and pardon the pun--that may be key.

From the owner: Audio mixing and tracking to Pro Tools, rehearsals, pre-post production, live events.read more

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.

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!