When asking yourself about something to do near me in Portland with a group of friends or family, consider
Anjuna Recording Studio
Why Anjuna Recording Studio is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Anjuna Recording Studio, located in Portland, Oregon, offers a world-class recording environment that attracts musicians, engineers, and producers seeking top-tier sound quality and creative space. Owned, operated, and designed by the celebrated engineer Slater Swan and renowned studio designer Wes Lachot, this boutique studio is meticulously designed to deliver exceptional audio fidelity. The studio features a state-of-the-art control room centered around the precision ATC 100 loudspeakers, ensuring accurate monitoring and mixing capabilities. Accompanying the control room are a naturally-lit live room filled with vintage and modern instruments such as a 1959 Hammond B3 organ, Fender Rhodes MkI, Wurlitzer 140b, an upright piano, a three-piece Kirsch birch drum kit, and Istanbul cymbals, plus two isolation booths tailored for vocals and amps. The studio embraces a balance of controlled acoustics and liveliness, thanks to advanced diffusion and absorption techniques, making it ideal for a range of recording projects. The vibrant, plant-filled space offers an inviting atmosphere that inspires creativity and collaboration among friends and artists. Anjuna’s flexible and affordable booking options—including hourly, daily, weekly, and discounted monthly rates—cater to independent and freelance engineers as well as musicians aiming to craft their sound with world-class gear and expert support. Whether you seek to self-mix or work with Anjuna’s head engineer, this studio provides the perfect setting to bring musical visions to life.
Here's what people think of Anjuna Recording Studio
As of recent, Anjuna Recording Studio holds a 4.9-star rating based on 33 reviews.
Reviews consistently reflect Anjuna Recording Studio's exceptional reputation for sound quality and ambiance, as evidenced by its impressive 4.9-star rating from over 30 reviews. Many users praise the studio’s meticulously designed acoustic environment, noting how the control room and live room promote clear, precise recording and mixing experiences. Positive feedback highlights the quality and range of vintage and modern instruments available, the professionalism and expertise of the owner and engineer Slater Swan, and the welcoming, inspiring atmosphere conducive to creativity. Clients appreciate the efficient booking process, fair pricing, and the flexible session options that accommodate various needs. On the other hand, some less frequent criticisms touch on the studio’s cancellation policy requiring deposits and limited reschedules, which some found restrictive, though this is counterbalanced by the professional terms ensuring smooth operation. Overall, the reviews strongly endorse Anjuna Recording Studio as a top choice for artists and engineers seeking an affordable yet world-class project space, lauded for its sound excellence and collaborative vibe that fosters productive music production environments.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Steve Watkins
My personal fave studio in PDX! Anjuna is a warm and welcoming recording environment with top notch gear and a great workflow. Owner/operator Slater has put a tremendous amount of love and detailed attention into the construction and maintenance of these facilities and it shows. I’ve brought 6 or 7 projects of various sizes and genres to Anjuna and we’ve left every time thrilled with the results. Can’t recommend this place highly enough. 5 stars
Mark Reaksecker
My wife and I went to Anjuna Recording Studio yesterday to record a song I had written. I am new to this process of recording music and was extremely pleased with how Slater helped make the recording happen easily, with a caring, supporting demeanor. The atmosphere was awesome and the total experience enlightening and joyful. If you are new to recording, or a lifelong musician, Slater and Anjuna Recording Studio is the place to make your music happen. I would give him ten stars.
Single Malt Music
What an incredible experience recording at Anjuna studios! First off, Slater is a wonderful engineer. He's knowledgeable, easy to work with and so accommodating. He is the consummate professional. The studio itself is gorgeous and sounds absolutely fantastic. He's got the best mic collection i've seen in the city and he knows exactly how to work his magic with them. I can't speak highly enough about the wonderful experience i had tracking at Anjuna! 5 stars all the way!
Michael Elson
I’ve been fortunate enough to work on numerous sessions at Anjuna. Great instruments, great recording gear, immaculate listening conditions in the control room, all in a really beautiful space with actually daylight in the room (I know, right?). Slater who runs the spot is knowledgeable, gets great sounds, is easy to work with, and is VERY QUICK at trouble shooting and setting up stuff on the fly as ideas come.
Arsonists Get all the girls
Anjuna recording studios is the nicest studio I have ever stepped foot in. Working with Slater and and his pup Kilo was definitely a highlight in my musical career. I went in and tracked 6 songs on drums. The process was very enjoyable and the drums sound HUGE! Thank you so much for the incredible work you do Mr. Swan.
How to reach Anjuna Recording Studio
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Why Anjuna Recording Studio may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at this place with your friends?
Gathering at Anjuna Recording Studio with your friends offers an exceptional opportunity to create not just music, but memories. This space is much more than a recording venue; it's a creative sanctuary that invites collaboration, inspiration, and fun in equal measure. Whether your group shares a passion for music, sound production, or just enjoys unique experiences, Anjuna provides a welcoming environment designed to spark creativity and camaraderie. The studio’s atmosphere is vibrant yet comfortable, with natural light, lush plants, and an inviting vibe that makes every participant feel at ease. This is the kind of place where friends can escape routine, support each other’s talents, and connect through the shared joy of making music together. Its combination of top-tier equipment and a cozy, energetic setting makes it an ideal spot to rally your group for a day or an extended session that nurtures both artistic growth and social bonding.
What activities are available at Anjuna Recording Studio that make it perfect for group meetups?
Anjuna Recording Studio offers a wide array of activities perfectly suited to groups seeking both creativity and interaction. The centerpiece is the recording process itself: groups can book the live room outfitted with vintage and modern instruments such as a 1959 Hammond B3 organ, Fender Rhodes keyboard, and Wurlitzer piano, all of which invite hands-on playing and experimentation. The studio's two isolation booths and high-end control room equipped with ATC 100s speakers facilitate capturing vocals, instruments, or even podcasts with studio-quality precision. Besides recording, groups can collaborate on mixing and producing their tracks in real time or simply explore the array of analog gear and classic microphones available. These activities foster teamwork and a shared sense of accomplishment. The studio’s acoustically optimized spaces also allow for private jam sessions or live recordings of group performances, providing a dynamic environment where every friend can contribute creatively. This blend of professional-grade technology and inviting physical space makes Anjuna a unique destination for meetups that blend fun, learning, and artistic expression.
How does the studio’s professional design enhance your group’s experience?
Anjuna Recording Studio was thoughtfully designed by the renowned Wes Lachot, whose expertise in studio architecture is reflected in every detail. The control room is built around the ATC 100s speakers with specific geometry and acoustic treatments to create a precise and immersive listening environment. This allows groups to experience exactly how their sound comes across with remarkable clarity and minimal distortion. The live room balances natural light and sound treatment to offer both a comfortable atmosphere and an acoustically versatile space, perfect whether you’re doing an intimate recording or a full-on jam session. Two isolation booths provide intimate, sound-isolated environments for capturing vocals or instruments without bleed, invaluable for groups that want clean, multi-track recordings. This professional design ensures that no matter what the group wants to do—record, mix, rehearse, or experiment—the acoustic environment supports high-quality results while maintaining a relaxing and creative atmosphere. The combination of smart design and quality gear fosters an inspiring space well-suited for groups aiming to produce professional-sounding work while enjoying their time together.
What makes Anjuna Recording Studio’s equipment and instruments stand out for group sessions?
Anjuna’s inventory of both vintage and contemporary instruments and recording gear offers groups a rich palette of sounds and options to explore. The studio boasts legendary instruments like a 1959 Hammond B3 organ, 1973 Fender Rhodes MkI, and a Wurlitzer 140b – all prized for their distinctive tonal qualities that add warmth and character to recordings. Whether your group is a band, a vocal ensemble, or a collective of solo artists, having access to these classic instruments encourages creative experimentation and shared discovery. Moreover, the studio’s selection of premium analog outboard gear and microphones from industry leaders such as Neve, API, Neumann, Shadow Hills, Highland Dynamics, and AEA means your recordings will have professional depth and clarity. This equipment is rare to find fully integrated in a single location, and its availability helps groups achieve a studio sound that is both authentic and polished. For friends wanting to engage deeply in the production process or just enjoy playing iconic instruments together, Anjuna offers access to gear that elevates every musical moment into a professional-grade session.
Why are Anjuna Recording Studio’s rates and booking options ideal for groups?
Anjuna Recording Studio’s pricing is both affordable and flexible, designed to accommodate a range of group needs and time commitments. Hourly rates begin at $60 with a three-hour minimum, making it feasible for smaller groups to dip their toes into recording or rehearsal without a huge upfront investment. Daily rentals at $360 provide full access to the studio from 9 am to 10 pm, enabling longer, immersive sessions that are perfect for groups wanting to spend an entire day creating together. For those planning frequent meetups or ongoing projects, weekly rates reduce the daily cost to about $325 when booking six or more days in a calendar month, a budget-friendly option for bands, producers, or collectives with tight schedules. Anjuna also offers lockout sessions for an additional fee, ensuring exclusive privacy for your group during your booking. This combination of accessible pricing structures and straightforward booking processes means your group can focus on enjoying the creative experience rather than worrying about logistics or cost barriers. This makes it an inviting venue for both casual fun and serious creative work among friends and collaborators.
How does the studio’s atmosphere contribute to making group meetups memorable?
The ambiance at Anjuna Recording Studio is deliberately crafted to inspire and relax. Bright natural lighting fills the live room, complemented by abundant greenery that adds a refreshing, calming vibe often missing in conventional studios. This welcoming environment helps groups feel at ease and stay energized throughout their session. Unlike sterile or overly clinical studios, Anjuna embraces a vibrant and comfortable aesthetic that nurtures creativity and connection. The spacious layout with comfortable areas for breaks and socializing encourages group interaction beyond just the technical aspects of recording. This balance between professionalism and warmth makes it easier for friends to stay motivated and engaged, creating lasting memories as they experiment, laugh, and collaborate. Whether you’re celebrating milestones, making music for fun, or producing a serious project, the studio’s atmosphere supports meaningful group experiences that extend well beyond the sessions themselves.
What unique benefits does Anjuna Recording Studio offer to groups of musicians or creatives?
Besides world-class technical facilities and gear, Anjuna Recording Studio offers a rare combination of a supportive community vibe and a staff experienced in helping groups achieve their creative goals. Owned and operated by Slater Swan, a skilled engineer who understands the needs of musicians, the studio provides expert assistance when required, including initial help with engineering at no extra cost for freelance engineers’ first sessions. This expertise benefits groups that may not have a dedicated producer or technical person, enabling smooth sessions that maximize your time and creativity. The studio’s multiple rooms allow different group members to work simultaneously—some might record vocals in an isolation booth while others jam in the live room or tweak mixes in the control room—making it efficient and dynamic. In addition to the technical advantages, regular tours and open communication make the studio an accessible and inclusive place, encouraging groups of varying experience levels to dive in. For any creative collective, this combination of high-quality resources, flexibility, and knowledgeable support significantly enhances the group meetup experience at Anjuna Recording Studio.
How accessible is Anjuna Recording Studio’s location and booking process for groups?
Located at 8029 SE Henry St, Portland, OR 97206, Anjuna Recording Studio is conveniently situated within the city, making it easy for groups to travel in from different neighborhoods. Its accessibility encourages more consistent meetups and makes spontaneous group gatherings more feasible. The studio operates daily from 9 am to 10 pm, offering ample windows for scheduling sessions that fit your group’s unique timetable. Booking is streamlined through their user-friendly website or direct contact, allowing you to reserve hourly, daily, or weekly blocks with ease and clarity. The availability of discounts for prepaid monthly bookings further incentivizes groups who plan multiple sessions or long-term projects. Anjuna’s transparent rates and flexible booking policies reduce the hurdles often associated with studio rental and allow your group to focus on what matters most: creating and enjoying your time together. Whether you’re a local Portland group or visiting creatives, the studio’s location and straightforward setup make it shockingly simple to rally your friends and dive into meaningful music-making sessions.
What makes Anjuna Recording Studio a standout choice compared to other studios?
Anjuna Recording Studio distinguishes itself through a unique combination of affordability, world-class design, and a rich inventory of vintage and modern gear curated for high-quality sound production. The thoughtful architectural design by Wes Lachot ensures an exceptional acoustic environment not commonly found even in premium studios. Coupled with top-of-the-line instruments and microphones, this places Anjuna in a league that allows smaller or independent groups to access professional sound quality without prohibitive costs. Its welcoming atmosphere and commitment to fostering creativity also set it apart, as many recording studios can be intimidating or impersonal. The studio’s owner, Slater Swan, brings hands-on expertise and a community-oriented approach, further elevating the experience. For groups seeking a versatile space that balances technical excellence and creative comfort—whether for impromptu jams, serious recording projects, or social events centered around music—Anjuna Recording Studio stands out as an ideal venue that meets both artistic and social needs.
How can groups maximize their experience when visiting Anjuna Recording Studio?
To get the most out of your group session at Anjuna Recording Studio, it’s wise to plan ahead by discussing your creative goals, preferred instruments, and session length. Booking the studio during less busy hours or opting for longer daily or weekly sessions can help reduce pressure, allowing everyone to relax and engage fully. Take advantage of the variety of instruments and the isolation booths to experiment with different sounds and recording techniques that might be new to your group. Consider dividing roles during the session to keep things organized: someone could lead vocals, another could manage mixing with staff assistance, and others focus on instrumentals. Utilizing the natural ambiance and social areas can foster breaks for rest and collaboration on ideas. Don’t hesitate to communicate your needs with the staff, who are experienced in supporting groups of all skill levels. With thoughtful planning and an open mindset, your group will create not only high-quality recordings but also shared experiences that strengthen friendships and enhance your collective musical journey.