About Kensington Sound

Kensington Sound is part of downtown Toronto's recording underground—an independent, working studio shaped by decades of music and artists. The rooms have seen thousands of sessions, the gear has stories, and the focus has always been the same: capturing great performances.

It's an intimate studio where world-class equipment and veteran engineering come together in an environment that's real, lived-in, and creatively charged. Major-label sonics without the gloss, and a space that keeps the emphasis where it belongs: on the music.

The Kensington Market Connection

Our location at 170 Baldwin Street places us in the soul of Toronto. Kensington Market has always been a grungy, creative crossroads—home to artists, musicians, and independent minds who thrive outside the mainstream. That raw energy and diversity flow straight through our studio walls, shaping the music made here. From vintage shops and street musicians to multicultural kitchens and independent galleries, Kensington Market's character is unpolished, alive, and unmistakably real—and you can feel it in every session.

The Advantage of an Artist-First Studio

Every recording studio has its own rhythm. At Kensington Sound, ours has always been centred on the artist and the music. Rather than operating at a large commercial scale, we've chosen to remain a focused, artist-first studio—allowing us to offer a more personal, attentive recording experience.

Sessions take place in an intimate, comfortable environment designed to support creativity and performance. With world-class equipment and veteran engineering, artists get the sonic quality of Toronto's top-tier facilities, paired with the care, flexibility, and atmosphere that come from working in a studio where relationships and music come first.

This approach has shaped Kensington Sound for over five decades—and continues to define the way we work today.

Vintage Meets Modern

At the heart of the studio is our legendary 1975 MIDAS 05C console, hand-wired with gold contacts. This rare, meticulously maintained piece of equipment has been the centrepiece of many iconic recordings for over 50 years. The console seamlessly integrates with cutting-edge digital technology, including Universal Audio Apollo interfaces and modern DAW systems with premium high-fidelity class A preamps. However, if a strictly retro production is preferred, it can be paired with our 24-track MCI JH-114 2-inch tape machine and 1/4" stereo Revox tape machine for an authentic and professional analogue result.

With included access to our vintage Neumann, Telefunken, and AKG microphones, plus classic UREI and vintage analogue outboard gear, Kensington Sound can give its clients and artists the never-ending possibilities of combining the warmth and character of analogue with the editing flexibility and sonic precision of digital—the very best of both worlds.

Award-Winning Team

Our roster of experienced producers and engineers have contributed to diamond, platinum, and gold records, bringing decades of expertise across virtually every genre. From studio founder Vezi Tayyeb, who's been crafting exceptional recordings since 1972 and is one of the few recipients in Canada to be certified as part of a diamond album, to contemporary producers like Ben Pelchat, Harrison Fine, Will Schollar, and Josh Goldman who've worked with international superstars and Grammy award winning artists, our team combines deep expertise with a genuine passion for music. Our producers have worked with international, Grammy-winning superstars across virtually every genre.

Training the Next Generation

Over the years, Kensington Sound has played a vital role in shaping Canada's audio engineering community. Through our comprehensive co-op program that operated for many years, we've had over 4,000 students take audio engineering programs with us.

While the formal co-op program is no longer in operation, we occasionally accept internships or helping hands for passionate individuals looking to learn the craft of recording in a real-world professional environment. This legacy of education and mentorship remains an important part of our contribution to the Canadian music industry.

Notable Artists We've Worked With

Looking Forward

As we move through our sixth decade, Kensington Sound remains committed to musical excellence and artistic integrity. We continue to embrace new technologies and techniques while staying true to the timeless principles of great recording: exceptional equipment, experienced engineers, and a creative environment where artists can do their best work.