Studio Tour - Kensington Sound

As with time, all things must change—sometimes for better, sometimes for worse. In this case, like a fine scotch whisky, Kensington Sound has aged beautifully.

In a city like Toronto, with its fast-paced lifestyle and ever-changing skyline, neighbourhoods are constantly being reshaped by gentrification and rising costs. Yet somehow, Kensington Sound has held strong, with over 50 years of history nestled in the heart of Kensington Market.

I first heard about this studio a few years ago from a producer who used to work out of the space. More recently, I connected with another resident producer, Dio. He invited me down to soak in the vibe and see what this boutique studio is all about.

The first thing you notice when stepping into Kensington Sound is the ultra-cool waiting area, complete with one of the finest grand pianos I’ve ever seen. There’s also a small performance space available for private events—and it’s a gem.

If you’re an emerging artist, what a perfect, convenient spot to showcase your latest work. The location is unbeatable: whether you're entertaining fans or hoping to impress A&R reps, there’s plenty to do before or after the show. The room holds around 20–30 people—just enough to feel full and intimate, like a proper party.

Contact Kensington Sound for details about the event space here: https://kensingtonsound.studio/#contact

So who is Kensington Sound? It’s safe to say that the man behind the curtain is Vezi Tayyeb—founder and current operator of the studio. Over the decades, Kensington Sound has welcomed artists like Ron Sexsmith, David Wilcox, Snoop Dogg, Tower of Power, Joe Bonamassa, Teenage Head, Paul Shaffer, and even a recent session with Method Man. Their artist list is long—and seriously impressive.

It's a Vintage Thang...

Now, if you want to talk vintage gear, this studio’s been running non-stop since 1972 and has some seriously sweet offerings. Let’s start with microphones:

Neumann mics are front and center here. We’re talking a vintage U47 FET, U89, two U87s, and a vintage Telefunken U47 Tube. You’ll also find a collection of AKG, Kel, and other share-worthy mics to choose from.

As for outboard processing, they’ve got a UREI 1176, a matched pair of Neve 2254a’s, two DBX 160, UA LA610, Eventide H3000, and more.

Staying in line with the vintage vibe, the console is a 1975 MIDAS Custom – 26 Track Analog, gold-tipped. DAWs are handled by a UA Apollo X16 and Apollo 8 (black), all managed through a Slate Raven MTi 27” touch screen control surface.

And that’s not all. There are some real vintage studio treasures here: a Wurlitzer 220A (1970s), Hammond B3 (1953), and guitars like a 1962 Gretsch Country Gentleman and a 1972 Gibson Hummingbird. When I visited, there were a few other vintage axes in the mix—possibly session-specific—so be sure to ask Vezi about what instruments are currently available.

But here’s what I really want people to know: it’s not just the gear—it’s how good it feels to be at Kensington Sound. The space is warm and welcoming. Yes, most professional studios in Toronto (or in any major city) have great equipment—that’s expected. But what makes a studio great is the vibe. It’s how much you want to stay, create, and explore your sound.

This place has that in spades.

The vibe is accessible. Right away, it feels like everything is okay to touch, to experiment with. And when you need a break between takes, just step out the front door into what can only be described as a daily culture festival. Kensington Market offers cafes, bars, vintage shops, incredible Mexican food, burger joints—you name it. All right there. Not a few blocks away. Right outside. Got a flat on the way to the session? Get it patched up around the corner at the bike shop. Explore inspirational moments in one of many dive bars or weird artsy collectible shops. It’s all here.

Location, location, location.

As summer 2025 enters its second month and Kensington Sound approaches its mid-50s, let’s take a moment to appreciate the rare things that truly stand the test of time—and still offer something fresh and hot.

Check this place out, people.

— Pat Wright, LM Pro