// The studio
A recording studio you can actually afford to book.
A fully-kitted podcast and video studio in our Wicker Park space, built for people who know what they're doing and would rather not pay for a crew to watch them do it.
// Everything you need. Bring your own know-how.
Most studios in Chicago sell you a room and an engineer, and charge $150 to $400 an hour for the pair. The cheap alternative is a bare loft where you bring everything yourself.
We built the middle. Three broadcast cameras, a proper mixer, good mics, treated room, set up and ready when you walk in. You run the session. No producer hovering, no hourly meter on a crew you didn't need.
If you've recorded before, this will be the easiest booking you make all year. If you haven't, book the operator, that's what he's for.
// What's in the room
- 3 broadcast PTZ cameras — one included with video, extra cameras $25 each; two or more needs an operator
- RØDECaster Pro II four XLR channels, multitrack recording
- 4 Shure MV7 microphones with boom arms
- Blackmagic ATEM Mini Pro ISO live switching, isolated recording of every camera
- Headphones for everyone on mic
- RØDE Wireless GO lavalier kit, optional add-on for one or two people who want to stand or move
- Green screen chroma backdrop, rigged before you arrive, $25 per session on any booking with a camera
- Seating for four on camera
- Files delivered as separate camera and audio tracks edit however you like
// Rates
Members get the better rate. That's a membership benefit, not a promotion.
Podcast block (2 hr)
Half day (4 hr)
Full day (8 hr)
Every booking includes the room set up and ready, up to four mics, headphones, your files at the end, and coffee. Video prices include one camera, framed on your seats. Additional cameras are $25 each, up to three.
Additional camera
$25 each, max 3
The first camera is included in the video prices above, which covers framing and setup. Two or more require an operator
Green screen
$25 per session
Video sessions only. We set it up before you arrive, so tell us when you book
Wireless mic kit
$25 per session
Up to 2 transmitters. 1–2 person sessions only
Operator
$50/hr, 2 hr minimum
48 hours notice required
Large group session
$250 + room rate
Up to 6 on camera. Operator required. 72 hours notice
File upload / delivery
$35
Otherwise bring your own drive
Overtime
$50 per half hour
Only if the room is free; ask before you run over
Recording with five or six people? We'll move the session into one of our meeting rooms, evenings or weekends, with one of our team running it. $250 plus the room rate, and we need 72 hours notice. Four microphones is our maximum in any room, so a group that size shares, standard for a panel, and it sounds good.
Recording alone or with one other person? Add the wireless mic kit for $25 and record standing, moving, or walking. Not something most studios will let you do.
Need a background you can drop out? Add the green screen for $25 and we'll have it up before you get there. It goes with any session that has a camera on it, so just say the word when you book.
// How it works
- Tell us what you're recording. Your details, when you want the room, and whether it's a podcast or a music session. A few optional questions if you already know what you need.
- We confirm within 24 hours. We check the room and the operator's calendar, then send confirmation and the house rules.
- Show up and record. First time? A free 15-minute orientation before your session, so you're not learning the mixer on your guest's time.
- Take your files with you. Bring a drive, or add delivery for $35. We hold files for 7 days.
// Is this the right room for you?
A good fit if you:
- Have recorded before, or you're happy to learn
- Want broadcast-quality audio and video without a production budget
- Record regularly and need somewhere reliable
- Are shooting a video podcast, an interview, voiceover, or social content
- Want to keep your raw files and edit them yourself
Probably not for you if you:
- Need a full crew, a director, or a producer (book the operator, or we'll happily point you somewhere else)
- Are recording a live band, we're a podcast and voice room, and music sessions are evenings and weekends only
- Need same-day edited deliverables
- Want a full lighting grid or a built set
- Need more than four people each on their own microphone, four is our ceiling in every room
// House rules
- Audio only, or one camera, self-serve, go for it. You run the room.
- Two or more cameras needs an operator. Switching live is a job, not a button.
- Four microphones, maximum. That's the console, not a policy. Groups of five or six share mics.
- Livestreaming needs an operator. Same reason, plus there's no undo.
- Music sessions: Monday to Thursday after 6pm, or anytime at the weekend. We share a floor with people who are working.
- First time in the room? You get a free 15-minute orientation before your first self-serve session. Non-negotiable, and it takes less time than troubleshooting does.
- Your files are yours. Bring a drive, or add file delivery for $35. We hold files for 7 days, then they're deleted. Back them up.
- The gear stays where it is. Cameras, mixer, and mics don't get repositioned or unplugged. Mic arms and chairs, move freely.
- Your block is your block. Late arrival doesn't extend it. Running over is $50 per half hour if the room is free.
- Bigger group? We'll move you. Five or six people record in one of our meeting rooms, evenings and weekends, with an operator. 72 hours notice.
- Wireless mics are available for one or two people. Count them back in before you leave.
Change of plans? Cancel or reschedule at least 48 hours before your session for a full refund. Between 48 and 24 hours, we'll refund half, or move you to another date at no charge. Inside 24 hours, the session is charged in full, but if it's your first time doing it to us, we'll move you once. No-shows are charged in full.
Operator bookings need 48 hours notice to cancel the operator, regardless of the session.
Ready when you are.
Requests are confirmed within 24 hours. First time in the room, we'll walk you through it.
Questions first? Call or text 312.242.3336.