7 Best Recording Studios in Winnipeg
Professional recording studios are essential for musicians, songwriters, and artists. Although many musicians have their home studios nowadays, recording in a professional studio still has a lot of benefits.
Professional recording studios have standard equipment and experienced staff who can help you from pre to post-production.
Here’s a rundown of the best recording studios in Winnipeg that you can book. These recording studios are among the top options in the metro.
But before we delve into our list, let’s take a look at things to consider in finding an excellent recording studio and the average cost of this service.
Average Cost of Recording Studios in Winnipeg
Generally, the average cost of a recording studio varies according to different factors such as the prominence of the studio, duration, project requirements, and facilities available.
Many studios don’t display their rates online, so requesting a quotation is better. Nevertheless, here are the average costs of recording studios in Winnipeg.
Top Recording Studios in Winnipeg
We have rated our top picks before rounding up this list to give you the most accurate guide in finding the best recording studios in Winnipeg. Here are the factors we considered:
So, with that in mind, here’s a list of top recording studios in Winnipeg.
1. Private Ear Recording
| Facilities | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Cost | ★★★★☆(4/5) |
| Staff | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Accreditation or Certification | ★★★★★(5/5) |
A multi-room recording studio and mixing facility in downtown Winnipeg, Private Ear Recording is one of the premier recording studios in the metro — and has been since 1994.
Private Ear is home to producer-engineer John Paul Peters and his wife, Vanessa, who manage the studio. Over the years, it has won numerous awards, such as three nominations for Studio of the Year at the Western Canada Music Awards.
On top of that, it has recorded numerous Juno-winning and nominated albums and over a dozen WCMA-winning and nominated albums. It has also won three Engineer of the Year nominations.
Private Ear is accredited by the Manitoba Film and Music, which grants it access to successful grant writers to assist with MFM and Factor grant applications.
We are very impressed at the recognition it has garnered, which is evidence of its excellence in the field.
Aside from its numerous accolades, Private Ear is known for handling a wide range of clients and projects for all music genres.
It also offers film audio post-production, including foley and remote ADR, podcasts, and audiobooks, and is the perfect location to film a live concert or music video.
We like that Private Ear has two separate studios that feature different equipment and environments. Studio A is ideal for customers who have their own engineer/producer and for bands who film their sessions.
On the other hand, Studio B is ideal for voice-over, mixing, post-production, overdubbing, and smaller recording sessions.
This studio is available for longer-term rental at a reduced rate, ideal for producers handling a more extended project duration.
Pros
- Caters to a wide range of clients and services
- State-of-the-art facilities
- Accreditation from Manitoba Film and Music
- Offers a location for recording any project
- Assistance with customized project plans
Cons
- Unavailable on weekends
- Minimum session time (2 hours) is required
- Requires deposit before booking
Customer Reviews
Excellent environment for artists
“ The best recording experience Winnipeg has to offer, hands down. JP is a true music lover that has honed his craft and takes the artist’s vision into consolidation over all else.
The atmosphere is excellent and inviting. Great sound, great people, great times. Rock N roll baby. “ – Cj Loane ⭐⭐⭐⭐, Google Reviews
Hands-on staff
“Great studio! JP and Vanessa are great people to work with. JP treated my project as if it was his own. “ – Whitebeard ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, Google Reviews
Professional service
“ Awesome hospitality and professional service. Loved it. We will be back for sure. We recommend you to everyone. “ – Virginia Spence ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, Google Reviews
2. Studio 11
| Facilities | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Cost | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Staff | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Accreditation or Certification | ★★★★☆(4/5) |
Studio 11 is one of Manitoba’s oldest recording studios located in downtown Winnipeg. It has won the Juno and Prairie Awards, with a hundred of its songs being played on the radio.
This entertainment and recording studio has been offering services for recording, mixing, mastering, and artist development needs since 1988.
It has its in-house artist development and music training facility, allowing them to help artists take their music careers to another level.
We like that the studio provides a wide range of services from songwriting, arrangement, production, recording, mixing, mastering, and management.
Some say Studio 11 is where the stars record, while others call it their second home. Prior clients we spoke to tell us that this studio is a go-to place for artists in Winnipeg to record because of its efficient workflow and creativity.
Moreover, Studio 11 is equipped with high-end recording gear facilitated by seasoned veteran producers or engineers who can work in all genres. Customers attest that Studio 11’s producers have helped them create innovative arrangements for rock, rap, pop, and other genres.
We love how Studio 11 also operates daily and works for extended hours. Unfortunately, its website is down, so customers cannot book online.
Studio 11 also isn’t accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB), which is essential in ensuring that businesses respond to customer complaints appropriately.
We would have liked to see an updated website that provides online booking and necessary information such as pricing plans and customer feedback.
Pros
- Wide range of services
- Facilitated by veteran producers and engineers
- In-house artist development and music training facility
- Opens everyday
Cons
- The website is currently unavailable
- Not BBB accredited
Customer Reviews
Go-to place for recording
“ Jason’s Studio 11 has been and is still one of the go-to places for recording artists in our city. Efficient workflow, open to create with you or to man the boards and get the sound and feel you’re looking for.
Reasonably priced and available. He’s had mega stars and local musicians from all over the world working with him and me and my fellow collaborators consider him trusted and top tier alumni here.
Every time I’ve gone it’s been a decent experience. Highly recommend. “ – T Forsberg ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, Google Reviews
Professional service
“ My experience with studio 11 was fantastic. Jason was easy to work and communicate with. His skill on the boards is tremendous.
He is fast but does not sacrifice quality. He has a great artistic ear.
I am so happy with the finished product and overall experience. I highly recommend his services. “ – Arcaine Music ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, Google Reviews
3. No Fun Club
| Facilities | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Cost | ★★★★☆(4.5/5) |
| Staff | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Accreditation or Certification | ★★★★☆(4.5/5) |
If you’re looking for the best of both worlds, this place is your best bet. No Fun Club is a world-class recording studio in Winnipeg that offers the best analog and digital recording.
It has a vast collection of exceptional vintage gear maintained by its creative staff to ensure an excellent recording experience. It supports high-quality tape recording and combines it with the precision and convenience of the digital process.
No Fun Club has two studios that feature unique acoustic environments that offer artists endless creative options from recording to the production process. Its owner, Rob, wants No Fun Club to be a destination for out-of-town artists, producers, and recording engineers.
Studios A and B feature a control room filled with recording and mixing equipment, a live room with instruments, and membrane absorbers. We love how the studios allow engineers to have a conducive environment to experiment and be creative.
We also really liked how the studio maintains its vintage vibe with its interior and vintage furniture while being refitted into a modern studio. And we think No Fun Club is a perfect creative space for artists to have fun while recording.
On top of that, the acoustics at the studios are well-loved by artists, especially with the plethora of vintage gears that they can freely use.
Unfortunately, hiring its service is by appointment only. Customers who wish to book an appointment at No Fun Club should do so online and pay a 50% downpayment to secure their slot.
Pros
- Offers analog and digital recording
- Fusion of vintage and modern vibes
- Excellent room acoustics
- Offers hourly rates
Cons
- By appointment only
- Requires 50% downpayment
Customer Reviews
Excellent creative space
“Amazing creative space with great people and gear! Rehearsed in Studio B and recorded tracks in Studio A.
Super easy-going, friendly and flexible staff. Kitchen’s great (especially if you’re gonna be there for a few days) and there’s even bunk beds for bands who want to crash in for a few nights of creation! Will definitely go back. “ – SoulBear Official ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, Google Reviews
Convenient service
“ I recorded a full album here between June 2021 and January 2022 and the experience was one of the best I’ve had. The studio is beautiful and had everything we needed, I was able to prepare meals for the musicians while we tracked in the proper kitchen space and the schedule was catered to my needs.
4. Precursor Productions
| Facilities | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Cost | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Staff | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Accreditation or Certification | ★★★★☆(4.5/5) |
If you’re looking for a place to record narration, voice acting, and more, then Precursor Production is the studio for you. It is an industry-leading recording studio and audio post-production facility that offers various services.
It creates audio for music, film/TV, video games, and online learning industries. On top of that, it also offers to teach audio production in a series of short, affordable courses.
Its ADR sessions or automated dialog replacement helps artists fix location audio issues; also available remotely via Source Connect. You can also record your next podcast episode or host your remote interview through this platform.
Moreover, Precursor Production also helps artists who wish to create dialog, sound effects, and game music with implementation in mind. With acoustically tuned environments, artists can smoothly record everything from vocals and drums to string quartets.
On top of these, it also offers training for beginners and professionals alike. Precursor Production specializes in vocal production techniques specific to any voice and genre.
We must commend it for providing courses to its clients, which shows us that it genuinely cares about their music careers and gives its clients a lot of value.
And from what we’ve seen, its offers are excellent for students who wish to learn mixing, sound editing, and production, among other skills. Its facilities are also conducive for artists who have personal projects to master their craft.
Unfortunately, Precursor Production is unavailable during weekends, which we think is very inconvenient. Aside from that minor drawback, we also noticed that its website doesn’t offer calendar booking, so customers who want to book an appointment should submit a request.
Pros
- Wide range of services
- Offers audio production courses
- Specializes in vocal production techniques
- Offers remote ADR sessions
Cons
- Unavailable on weekends
- No calendar booking
Customer Reviews
Excellent communication skills
“ Andrew has a very calm and professional demeanor while teaching, and has great communication skills. I feel as though I’ve learnt more in the few months under his tutelage than in my previous 4 years learning the art of mixing.
Very highly recommend! “ – Ben Chudy ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, Google Reviews
Professional staff
“ Andrew and his team are simply the cream of the crop. I think its safe to say that Andrew is a master of his craft.
His work is top notch and he is incredibly professional. For his courses, his teaching is well rounded and sound and really does teach the way professionals work.
All in all, 5 stars and 100% recommend Precursor Productions. “ – Joshua W ⭐⭐⭐⭐, Google Reviews
5. Derek Benjamin Music
| Facilities | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Cost | ★★★★☆(4.5/5) |
| Staff | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Accreditation or Certification | ★★★★☆(4.5/5) |
Derek Benjamin Music offers a full spectrum of production services ranging from writing assistance to mastering and distributing. Its owner, Derek Benjamin, is a masterful engineer, musician, songwriter, and vocalist.
Derek Benjamin is a modern-day entrepreneur-producer who caters to any artist, project, or concept. We love how Derek is actively working with other artists in Winnipeg.
Derek partnered with Private Ear Recording in 2020 until he developed his offers into a more comprehensive set of multimedia services. His recording studio’s multimedia services include mobile recording, video work, live streaming, and a new record label.
If you’re searching for a recording studio that offers a wide variety of production styles, Derek Benjamin Music provides a lot. Aside from a wide range of production services, it also includes studio musician hiring and organizing.
Moreover, this studio has an in-house instrumental production that artists can access. If your project requires beat-makers, this studio also works with numerous freelancers to assist you.
We think the booking process is convenient and we appreciate that the studio also provides revision guidelines upon sending the first mix versions. On top of that, it’s open 24 hours every day and accepts booking by the hour or day.
However, there’s no calendar booking available on its website, so you have to check your email for updates regularly. Upon booking, customers are also expected to deposit 50% of the total fee to secure a spot.
Pros
- Opens 24 hours
- Refundable deposits
- Flexible payment methods
- Online booking available
- Hourly booking available
Cons
- 50% deposit required for all bookings
- No calendar booking
Customer Reviews
Professional staff
“This was our bands first time recording and Derek was awesome! He was patient with us and he worked his butt off.
He put in so many hours and we highly recommend getting Derek for all your recording needs! “ – Devon Miazga ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, Google Reviews
Excellent service
“Every session, no matter the level of input, always gets more “TLC” than an artist can ask for. His focus is always on what sounds good for you.
That is the only thing that matters. It is to the point where I cannot be bothered on how my finished product is assembled, because Derek’s stamp of approval on any project will always exceed your expectations.
He wants you to be part of every new idea, and that level of inclusiveness is hard to come by. I’m super lucky to have such a pillar of production in my city! “ – Qway-C ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, Google Reviews
6. House of Wonders
| Facilities | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Cost | N/A |
| Staff | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Accreditation or Certification | ★★★★☆(4.5/5) |
The magic of music making often defends on the studio you choose for your recordings. House of Wonders Recording Studio is one of Winnipeg’s most venerable institutions, offering a unique and professional experience to musicians from all walks of life.
It was established because the founders believed that a big studio isn’t necessary to produce a magnificent record. Instead, they wanted to create a place where musicians could record their music in an intimate and comfortable environment.
With top-of-the-line equipment and a commitment to excellence, artists can rest assured that their recordings will sound amazing every time. Whether you are a budding artist, an established musician, or just looking for some quality recording time, this studio is definitely one to check out!
It’s also worth noting that House of Wonders is a must-visit because of their commitment to creating a supportive atmosphere for their clients and providing an environment conducive to creativity. Their passion for what they do is evident in the work that they produce, and their commitment to the craft brings out the very best in every artist.
All these factors make it the perfect choice for any musician looking to record an album or single track. So if you’re looking for an amazing studio experience, look no further than House of Wonders Recording Studio!
Pros
- Accommodates studio rentals and producing requests
- Caters to artists from all walks of life
- Studio features top-of-the-line equipment
- Cozy and intimate space perfect for making music
Cons
- No information regarding rates on website
7. L.A. Studio Productions
| Facilities | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Cost | ★★★★☆(4/5) |
| Staff | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Accreditation or Certification | ★★★★☆(4/5) |
The production of audio and music requires a great deal of skill and technical know-how. In addition, you also need the necessary equipment in order to get the best results.
L.A. Studios in Winnipeg offers music production and broadcast-quality recording to help you create music and audio with professional sound. Their staff of experienced engineers has the expertise to ensure that your music is produced and recorded with the highest quality possible.
With top-of-the-line equipment and a range of recording options, L.A. Studios can provide you with an amazing music production experience tailored to your specific needs.
So if you’re looking for a studio experience that provides excellent sound quality, be sure to check out L.A. Studios in Winnipeg! You won’t be disappointed!
Pros
- Extensive career in Radio/Video/Music/Graphic Production
- Wide range of services
- Various packages available
Cons
- May be fully booked and unavailable