Business Details
19 Years
experience
Professional Recording Studio in Portland
Black Diamond Recording Studios has been a cornerstone of Portland's music scene since 2007, offering state-of-the-art facilities for artists and producers. Our 26ft x 34ft live room with 24ft vaulted ceilings provides one of the largest recording spaces in the region, complemented by three isolation rooms and a vocal booth with Auralex foam. Our engineers bring decades of combined experience across diverse genres, utilizing an Avid HDX system and premium gear to deliver studio-quality results. We specialize in recording large ensembles and solo artists, with near-field monitoring in a 23ft x 15ft control room designed for precision. Our team's expertise extends to production, mixing, and mastering, with notable clients ranging from local acts to nationally recognized musicians.We maintain cutting-edge technology including Pro Tools 2019 Ultimate, Waves plugins, and a DDA AMR24 console to ensure professional-grade outcomes. Our commitment to excellence is demonstrated through our extensive list of satisfied clients and our investment in top-tier equipment like Neumann microphones and Genelec monitors. We offer flexible booking options with advance scheduling recommended to guarantee availability. Our facility's reputation for quality has attracted artists from various genres, including rock, hip-hop, and classical music. With a focus on client collaboration and technical precision, we continue to serve as Portland's premier destination for professional audio production.
Services
Studio Rentals
Music Production
Mixing & Mastering
Session Drumming
Equipment Access
Details
- Year established: 2007
Highlights and features
- We offer one of Portland's largest recording spaces at 26ft x 34ft with 24ft ceilings
- Our engineers utilize Avid HDX systems and premium audio equipment
- We maintain a diverse client portfolio spanning multiple music genres
- Our facility features custom acoustic treatment with Auralex studio foam
- We provide access to professional-grade Neumann and Shure microphones
What people say
Exceptional facilities
Professional equipment
Experienced engineers
Spacious rooms
High-quality recordings
Services
Studio Rentals
Our main live room offers 26ft x 34ft dimensions with 24ft vaulted ceilings, making it one of Portland's largest recording spaces. Two isolation rooms feature 20ft ceilings and flexible configurations for multi-track recording. The control room provides optimal acoustics for monitoring through Genelec 1032A speakers and a Dangerous Music Monitor ST system.
Music Production
Our engineers offer full production services including beat creation, song arrangement, and composition assistance. Using Pro Tools 2019 Ultimate and Native Instruments Komplete 10, we craft custom music across genres. Production pricing varies by engineer's experience level and project complexity.
Mixing & Mastering
Professional mixing and mastering services utilize our DDA AMR24 console with 36-channel master section and 176-point patchbay. Engineers employ Waves plugins, McDSP tools, and analog gear like the Tube-Tech CL1B compressor to achieve radio-ready sound quality for digital and physical releases.
Session Drumming
Experienced session drummers available for recording using our Ludwig Yellow Vistalite kit. Services include basic rhythm tracks through complex arrangements with multiple percussion elements. Drum recording available as standalone service or bundled with full production packages.
Equipment Access
Access to premium microphones including Neumann U87 and Shure SM7B, along with vintage analog gear like the Manley VOXBOX. Our rack equipment includes Urei 539 EQs and Empirical Labs Distressors. Equipment available with engineer or for self-engineered sessions at additional cost.
People
Alex McDonald
Producer/Engineer
Versatile producer and drummer with expertise in recording across multiple genres. Specializes in helping artists achieve their creative vision through collaborative production and session work.
Matt Jefferson
Senior Engineer
Experienced multi-instrumentalist and Pro Tools specialist with extensive background in modern music production techniques. Focuses on maintaining artistic vision while maximizing studio potential for each project.
Questions
What studio packages include engineer time?
All recording sessions include engineer time in the quoted price. Additional production work or extended hours may incur extra charges.
Can I tour the facility before booking?
Yes, we encourage facility tours before sessions. Contact us to schedule a convenient time to view our studios and equipment.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept PayPal, Venmo, CashApp, Zelle, Apple Pay, credit cards, checks, and cash payments for session deposits and balances.
Do you offer session musicians?
Yes, we have experienced session drummers available. Additional musicians can be arranged upon request with advance notice.
What's your cancellation policy?
Deposits are non-refundable but may be applied to rescheduled sessions. Contact us promptly if you need to change your booking.
Can I bring my own equipment?
Yes, clients may bring personal gear. Our engineers can help integrate your equipment with our studio systems during sessions.
Videos
Reviews (6)
Tom Rochat
Dec 31, 2021
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A quality recording studio with an excellent engineer, definitely worth recording your music here Andy knows his stuff you wouldn't regret using there services
Joel Roberts
Nov 08, 2021
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Epic facility and professional in every aspect, with top of line studios and recording equipment! Andy was exceptional in all forms of the process I highly recommend Black Rock to anyone looking for a professional experience and excellent results
Chris Schaffer
Feb 27, 2021
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I was there to record segments for a voice demo. I can't compare Black Diamond to other studios, but Andy was excellent, it was a fun time working with him as well as an external producer. Really hoping I get to end up back there for more work in the future.
Taylor Dye
Jan 23, 2021
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Legendary Portland OR recording studio. The engineers and staff here run a tight ship. They have an extensive mic locker, beautiful live room, and ample comfortable space for family/crew. This studio provides industry standard gear, space & skillset, yet they somehow manage to provide that little extra TLC that Portland brings out for creatives. Great place to cut a record and they have a portfolio to prove it.
Thefacialsgaragepunk
Sep 24, 2020
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Over the years I have visited many studios, and had so many bad experiences due to the bad attitude and lack of enthusiasm/understanding of the staff. I've literally witnessed engineers tutting and sighing whilst band members do their takes... Then mixing. I know what I want to hear, and I always take examples, but because it isn't to the engineers taste, they fault it and make it sound like something else...
Anyway, Black Diamond Recording Studios changed that completely. The staff were enthusiastic, friendly, and extremely patient. Andy listened to what I wanted to do, and checked the music
Anyway, Black Diamond Recording Studios changed that completely. The staff were enthusiastic, friendly, and extremely patient. Andy listened to what I wanted to do, and checked the music
Bryan Bybee
Jul 11, 2020
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You won't find a better local recording studio for the price. Tons of experience between the available engineers and they take their time with you to make sure you get exactly what you want.
Beginners and those who haven't recorded professionally -- you won't feel out of place, rushed or embarrassed. It's a great experience to finally work with professionals, even if you're only a hobbyist at best!
Beginners and those who haven't recorded professionally -- you won't feel out of place, rushed or embarrassed. It's a great experience to finally work with professionals, even if you're only a hobbyist at best!
