When asking yourself about something to do near me in Portland with a group of friends or family, consider
Jackpot Recording Studio
Why Jackpot Recording Studio is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Jackpot Recording Studio, located in Portland, Oregon, is a premier recording facility celebrated for its exceptional blend of vintage analog and cutting-edge digital technology. Founded in 1997 by Larry Crane, a respected audio engineer and Oregon Music Hall of Fame inductee, Jackpot has earned a stellar 5.0 rating from 22 reviews. The studio is famed for its custom-built Rupert Neve Designs analog console and an impressive collection of instruments and vintage gear, including guitars, amps, effect pedals, Moogs, Rhodes, Wurli, and classic effects like plate and spring reverbs and tape delays. This combination of equipment, expertise, and a welcoming atmosphere makes Jackpot an ideal place for musicians and bands seeking authentic, high-quality sound production. The studio caters to a wide range of artists, from local up-and-coming talents to nationally renowned acts such as Built to Spill, Sleater-Kinney, R.E.M., and Elliott Smith, contributing to its strong reputation. With its inviting live rooms capable of accommodating full band sessions or intricate solo projects, Jackpot offers a creative and collaborative environment perfect for meeting up with friends or bandmates to craft music that truly sounds like a record, not just a recording.
Here's what people think of Jackpot Recording Studio
As of recent, Jackpot Recording Studio holds a 5-star rating based on 22 reviews.
Reviews for Jackpot Recording Studio overwhelmingly highlight the studio's top-notch audio quality, highly skilled engineers, and the unique warmth imparted by its analog equipment. Many positive reviews focus on the expertise of Larry Crane and his team, noting their ability to make artists feel comfortable and confident during sessions, resulting in memorable and polished recordings. Customers also appreciate the studio's array of vintage instruments and gear, which many say adds a distinctive character to their music. On the other hand, a few less enthusiastic reviews mention the studio’s premium pricing and limited availability, with some clients feeling the hourly rates can be high or that scheduling can be competitive due to the studio's popularity. Nonetheless, the general consensus remains highly positive, with many reviewers emphasizing that the exceptional quality and legendary status of Jackpot Recording Studio justify the costs and demand. In conclusion, user experiences affirm Jackpot Recording Studio as a respected and sought-after creative hub in Portland, blending professional dedication with a rich history in music production.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
long legs
thank you for recording Independence Day, it so sonically fantastic.
Garrett Davis
I was the drummer for a band that booked a 20 hour recording session without an engineer. The price was very very good, and the studio is layed out very logically with labels on EVERYTHING. While the price was good to do what we wanted to do, we did not get as much done as we wanted to do because we couldn't figure out how to succesfully route our recordings into the outboard gear, or figure out how to effectively use the Neve board. For this reason I would highly recommend hiring an engineer, in house or not, to help you with your project. The gear was great, Gus was really friendly. The space was great, and doing a recording in a small, concentrated timeframe can be very stressful and potentially comprising. I would recommend this location if you can budget multiple sessions, or plan to do 1/2 of what you thinking you can do with the time that you want to do it in, no fault to the studio. I also loooove that green paint!
Jack Walter
This is the best studio. Larry Crane is the best engineer. Mic drop (don’t actually drop the mics please).
Zach Burke
All the gear and a nice live room with a few iso booths. This studio is ORGANIZED! Great staff that will go the extra mile.
ScatMan 108
If you know how to play your music they will capture more of it than you've ever heard before. Srsly Jackpot is a fantastic studio!
How to reach Jackpot Recording Studio
None
Website: None
Why Jackpot Recording Studio may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Jackpot Recording Studio with your friends? Because this place is much more than a recording studio—it’s a creative sanctuary designed for collaboration, fun, and memorable shared experiences. Whether you and your friends are musicians, audio enthusiasts, or simply looking for a unique spot to gather, Jackpot offers an inspiring environment where creativity flows freely and every session feels special. Its history, equipment, and atmosphere make it ideal for group meetups focused on music and sound exploration. Located in Portland, Oregon, Jackpot Recording Studio boasts a 5.0 rating from 22 reviews, reflecting its stature as a beloved hub in the community. The studio’s design allows friends to engage deeply with the music-making process, whether jamming live together in its spacious rooms or experimenting with high-end gear. The colorful walls designed originally with Elliott Smith, the vast selection of instruments and microphones, and the large, high-ceilinged live room provide a setting that feels both professional and welcoming. By rallying here, your friends experience not just a session but a journey—one that combines great sound with camaraderie and creative energy.
What activities can your group enjoy at Jackpot Recording Studio? Jackpot is perfectly set up for a variety of group-focused musical activities that go far beyond simple recording. First, the studio boasts a large live room with high ceilings, allowing multiple musicians to play simultaneously without sound bleed, which means you and your friends can have a genuine live jam session captured with studio-level acoustics. There are also three isolation booths, meaning different instruments or vocal parts can be recorded separately but seamlessly blended later, perfect for groups wanting to try different arrangements or layering sounds. For those interested in analog techniques, Jackpot offers 16- and 24-track tape decks alongside modern Pro Tools HD and Logic Pro X digital setups, blending vintage warmth with digital precision. Your group can experiment with a vast array of microphones—over 100 options—allowing you to find the perfect sound for every instrument or voice. Additionally, the studio is stocked with numerous guitar amps, stomp boxes, and instruments, inviting your friends to try sounds and effects as part of the creative process. This combination of cutting-edge and classic recording tools truly equips groups for an immersive musical experience.
Why is Jackpot Recording Studio the perfect venue for a group meetup? The studio stands out because it balances top-tier professional capabilities with a relaxed and colorful atmosphere that encourages creativity and connection. The studio’s interior design—featuring uniquely colored walls in the live room inspired by Elliott Smith—creates a distinctive vibe that energizes and inspires. The spaciousness is a major benefit; large enough to accommodate groups comfortably without feeling cramped, promoting interaction throughout the session whether recording, mixing, or just hanging out. Moreover, owner Larry Crane’s philosophy to provide an all-encompassing studio experience means everything your group might need is right there—no hunting for gear or worrying about rentals, letting you focus entirely on the experience with your friends. The studio’s history of hosting renowned artists such as Elliott Smith, The Go-Betweens, and Sleater-Kinney adds to its aura, making it a spot where you feel connected to a rich musical legacy. Whether your group is shooting for a professional recording, a fun jam, or just exploring sounds together, Jackpot creates an environment that naturally builds camaraderie and shared memories.
What is the quality of equipment and technology available for groups at Jackpot? The equipment at Jackpot Recording Studio is industry-leading and exceptionally comprehensive, which is a major draw for groups wanting a professional sound. The centerpiece is the Rupert Neve Designs 5088 console, a coveted mixing desk renowned for its clarity and warmth, providing pristine audio control that benefits producer and musicians alike. The multiple 2-inch analog tape decks (16-track and 24-track) allow groups to record in a classic analog format favored by many artists for its rich sound, while the advanced digital setups including Pro Tools HDX and Logic Pro X ensure modern flexibility and fast editing for digital workflows. Additionally, with over 100 microphones available, your group can capture a wide variety of tones and textures, matched precisely to the instruments or voices being recorded. The studio also features EMT plate reverb and a broad collection of analog outboard gear, allowing friends to experiment with different sonic flavors and effects right in the session. This offers groups a hands-on learning and creative opportunity that makes any meetup feel like a professional yet highly personal production experience.
What makes the atmosphere and vibe so inviting for group events? The welcoming and vibrant atmosphere at Jackpot Recording Studio significantly enhances its appeal as a meetup spot for friends or family with musical interests. The design concept preserves elements from the original Jackpot, including walls painted in different colors in tribute to its history with Elliott Smith, creating a unique and intimate space filled with character. This thoughtful design encourages people to move around, interact, and experiment with different setups, whether standing by the purple wall or trying a new amplifier corner. The studio fosters a relaxed yet focused environment, where everyone—from seasoned musicians to curious novices—feels comfortable to express creativity. The staff, including longtime manager Kendra Lynn and owner Larry Crane, bring not just expertise but also a friendly approach that welcomes groups and ensures sessions run smoothly. With plenty of space to socialize between takes, pump up the volume during jams, or discuss creative ideas, Jackpot naturally becomes a gathering place that strengthens friendships through the joy of making music.
How does Jackpot Recording Studio support group collaborations and creative projects? Collaboration is at the heart of Jackpot’s design and operations, making it ideal for group meetups focused on music creation. The studio’s layout—large live room plus three isolation booths—encourages simultaneous work on various parts, empowering bands or groups to efficiently record together or separately without compromising sound quality. The availability of both analog and digital recording formats means groups can experiment with different production approaches—from live takes on tape to highly edited digital mixes. The extensive inventory of instruments and effects allows participants to discover new sounds and share ideas spontaneously. Furthermore, Larry Crane’s reputation as a producer and engineer means that expert guidance is close at hand if your group needs help shaping a project, mixing tracks, or just improving the overall experience. This combination of physical space, equipment flexibility, and professional support fuels collaboration, creativity, and a sense of accomplishment that makes every group visit uniquely rewarding.
What are some memorable projects recorded here that inspire group creativity? Jackpot Recording Studio has been the site of many celebrated recordings by artists who started as friends and collaborators, highlighting how the space nurtures creativity in group settings. The studio’s involvement in projects by iconic names like Elliott Smith, The Go-Betweens, Sleater-Kinney, and Built to Spill reflects its ability to handle band dynamics and deliver exceptional sound. Stories from clients mention how the studio facilitated live recording sessions with minimal overdubs, capturing the authentic energy and chemistry between musicians playing together, a perfect example being Buttercup’s album mixed by Larry Crane. The maintained vibrant vibe from its early days ensures that groups who come to Jackpot feel connected to that legacy, motivating them to create their own artistry. This history not only adds prestige but also encourages groups to push creative boundaries, experiment freely, and treasure the unique energy that comes from making music as a collective.
How accessible and comfortable is Jackpot for hosting casual or extended group events? Besides its technical merits, Jackpot Recording Studio offers a comfortable and accessible environment perfect for casual group meetups or extended stays. Its location in the hip yet unpretentious SE Portland neighborhood means it is easy to reach and nestled in an area that encourages relaxed exploration before or after studio time. The large studio space accommodates multiple people comfortably, offering places to lounge, socialize, or discuss music away from the recording gear. Friendly and knowledgeable staff handle logistics, allowing groups to focus on their creative time without stress. Whether your gathering is a one-time jam session, a full-day recording project, or a recurring meetup, Jackpot’s ability to combine professional resources with warm hospitality makes it a stress-free choice. The vibe encourages everyone to feel at home, so meetups naturally flow from casual chit-chat to inspiring musical moments.
Why choose Jackpot Recording Studio over other studios for your group meetup? Choosing Jackpot means opting for a studio that values not just sound quality but also the social and creative experience of group music making. The blend of top-tier vintage and modern equipment, combined with a spacious and colorful environment steeped in music history, creates a setting that feels special and authentic. Unlike other studios that might focus solely on commercial production, Jackpot prioritizes flexibility, friendliness, and comprehensive gear access, so your group never feels limited or rushed. Its reputation backed by five-star reviews speaks to consistent satisfaction and memorable visits. Whether you want to capture your band’s live energy, experiment with analog tape, or simply have fun making music together, Jackpot provides all the tools, space, and atmosphere to make your group meetup not just productive but truly enjoyable.
In conclusion, Jackpot Recording Studio stands out as an exceptional choice for anyone looking to rally with friends or family around music and creativity. Its inspiring space, premium equipment, rich history, and accommodating vibe come together to create a uniquely enjoyable group experience. Whether you are musicians, sound enthusiasts, or just seeking a distinctive place to connect through art, Jackpot offers the perfect home for shared musical adventure.