Business Details
Your Trusted Music Production Partner in Chicago
Headquartered in Chicago, Mystery Street Recording has been a creative and professional studio for recording, mixing, and mastering since its founding. Our studio combines a carefully selected collection of analog and digital recording gear with an experienced engineering staff to deliver high-quality audio solutions. As musicians and performers ourselves, we understand the unique needs of artists and provide a hassle-free environment tailored to each client's specific requirements. Our state-of-the-art Audio Preservation Lab, recommended by the Library of Congress, specializes in audio archiving, format transfers, and restoration.We offer hourly band rehearsal spaces equipped with full backlines and provide live sound engineering services for events. With a commitment to community, we partner with non-profits and support music professionals through equipment rentals, audio lessons, and flexible studio access. Our engineers bring decades of combined experience in music production, ensuring every project receives technical expertise and creative attention. We prioritize client satisfaction through transparent communication, competitive pricing, and a dedication to preserving musical legacies through cutting-edge technology and traditional techniques.
Services
Studio Recording
Audio Preservation
Live Sound Engineering
Gear Rental
Podcast Production
Voice Over Services
Audiobook Recording
Remote Recording
Ultrasonic Cleaning
Audio Mastering
Highlights and features
- Over 15 years of experience in professional audio preservation recommended by the Library of Congress
- State-of-the-art studio with 32-channel Amek Console and Pro Tools HD systems
- Expert engineers with specialized knowledge in analog/digital recording techniques
- Community-focused approach supporting local musicians and non-profit organizations
- Comprehensive service offerings from recording to audio restoration in one location
What people say
Perfect album quality
Expert audio restoration
Supportive community environment
Reliable equipment available
Professional engineers attentive
Services
Studio Recording
Our Chicago studio offers professional recording with a 32-channel Amek Console and Pro Tools HD system. We combine API, Universal Audio, and vintage equipment to capture your artistic vision. Engineers provide expert guidance for optimal sound quality in our acoustically treated rooms with four tracking spaces for instrument isolation.
Audio Preservation
Recommended by the Library of Congress, we specialize in converting legacy formats to digital. Services include open reel tapes, DATs, cassettes, and vinyl preservation using archival storage and error-free transfers. Our engineers perform noise reduction, metadata embedding, and restoration for historical audio collections.
Live Sound Engineering
We provide PA systems and engineering expertise for live events. Our services include front-of-house mixing, monitor setup, and multi-stage configurations. Mobile recording capabilities allow simultaneous live performance capture with professional-grade equipment for concerts and corporate events.
Hourly Rehearsal Spaces
Fully equipped rehearsal rooms feature drums, amps, and PA systems with engineer support. Clients earn free recording time through our Mystery Minutes program. Rooms include cymbal/guitar rentals and retail access to musical accessories with monthly storage options available for regular users.
Voice Over Recording
Three isolation rooms with premium microphones deliver broadcast-quality voice recordings. Engineers assist with remote connections and post-production editing for audiobooks, podcasts, and commercials. Our acoustically treated spaces ensure pristine audio capture for both individual sessions and multi-track productions.
People
Joe Tessone
Company President Lead Engineer
With over 20 years in professional audio engineering, Joe leads Mystery Street's recording and preservation services. He specializes in analog equipment maintenance and historical audio restoration while managing studio operations and community partnerships.
Mickey Cushing
Senior Staff Engineer
As Studio Systems Manager, Mickey oversees technical operations with expertise in hip-hop production and acoustic recording. He contributes to community projects and maintains the studio's extensive microphone collection and control room equipment.
Nick Novak
Live and Studio Engineer
Nick handles both recording sessions and live sound reinforcement with experience in remote recording setups. He manages complex multi-track projects and supports artists across various genres from rock to electronic music production.
Rylan Martins
Live and Studio Engineer
Specializing in live-to-master recordings and mobile engineering, Rylan brings expertise in capturing dynamic performances. He works with artists across multiple formats from intimate sessions to full band productions in studio and live environments.
Kristen Tessone
Audio Preservation Engineer
Kristen focuses on audio archiving and restoration projects with attention to historical accuracy. She manages the preservation lab's cataloging system and implements best practices for long-term digital storage of converted audio materials.
Questions
What music production services do you offer?
We provide full-service recording, mixing, and mastering with analog/digital equipment. Our engineers work with artists across genres using our 32-channel Amek Console and Pro Tools HD system for professional-grade productions.
Can I rent rehearsal space by the hour?
Yes, our hourly rehearsal rooms include full backlines with drums, amps, and PA systems. Engineers assist with setup, and clients earn free recording time through our Mystery Minutes program for frequent users.
Do you handle audio preservation projects?
As Library of Congress-recommended specialists, we convert tapes, vinyl, and other formats to digital. Our preservation services include metadata embedding, noise reduction, and archival storage solutions for historical audio collections.
What live sound services are available?
We offer PA system rentals, front-of-house engineering, and multi-stage setups for events. Our mobile recording system captures live performances with studio-quality sound for concerts and corporate functions.
Are voice over recording services available?
Yes, our three isolation rooms with premium microphones deliver broadcast-quality voice recordings. Engineers support remote connections and post-production editing for audiobooks, podcasts, and commercial projects.
How do I schedule studio time?
Contact us via phone or website to book sessions. Deposits are required for reservations - $100 for 1-6 hour sessions and $200 for longer bookings. We recommend discussing project needs with engineers before scheduling.
Reviews (4)
StRose LaFerrari
Feb 01, 2022
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Ive rehearsed & recorded here everyones nice and the space is chill. Ive also had some things mixed & mastered here. Joe was great about communicating and delivering what I want.
Emma Tyrrell
Nov 06, 2021
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Mystery Street Recording is very reliable and always delivers excellent audio quality. Their team is also lovely to work with and they are one of "Freakonomics Radio's" go-to studios.
David Hitztaler
Jul 31, 2021
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I want to thank Mystery Street Recording Co. for the fantastic job they did transferring my old cassettes and restoring my old reel to reel tapes. They did a very professional undertaking and I'm very happy with them. I am looking forward to future projects. Thanks to Joe & Staff
Sincerely
David J. Hitztaler
Sincerely
David J. Hitztaler
Maura Jasper
Mar 06, 2021
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I was incredibly happy with the work that Joe did. We needed audio from my to be transferred for use in a film- the audio tapes dated back to 1981 and they were fragile, and it was unclear what condition they were in. Joe did a great job transferring them, documenting his work, creating preservation files, and providing us with high quality transfers. I highly recommend Mystery Street.
