About Depot Sound
Part of Depot’s unique, inclusive creative ecosystem, Depot Sound offers friendly, professional, and affordable studios for musicians, authors and artists of all genres. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned touring musician or band, an author or a podcaster our talented team of experienced producers can take your project to the next level.
Our two studio spaces are set up for high quality multi-track recording, ideal for producing broadcast quality band recordings, podcasts, audiobooks, and mixing audio for video. The control rooms are spacious and comfortable with enough room for bands or production companies who want to be part of the recording or mix session.
Depot Sound has supported the careers of many well-known New Zealand bands and musicians over the years and continues to foster emerging talent through collaborative production and quality engineering.
From our earliest days as a rehearsal room built out of hay bales in the mid ‘90s, Depot Sound has evolved to become a one stop shop for music recording and audio postproduction. Situated in laid back Devonport near to the waterfront, we’re easily accessible by car or ferry from central Auckland.
Noah Page
With roots in guitar grunge and burgeoning pop tendencies, Noah has applied his insatiable musical obsessions to become one of the most in-demand producer/engineers on the Auckland scene.
A master of technical research, Noah’s practical experience was honed through 10 years of recording experimentation in his home studio. Noah then went public with the release of his band Universal Authors’ EP Error 404. From there he was selected by the NZ Music Commission for an internship alongside industry legend Neil Baldock at Depot Sound, an experience that changed everything. He’s been working at Depot Sound for over 18 months now, and has stepped up to a senior role in 2022.
Noah has a passion for drums, as well as playing keys, guitar and bass, and he moonlights as a studio supervisor at SAE Auckland when he’s not at Depot Sound. He brings genuine excitement and focussed energy to his recording, a process that puts the musician at the centre. Drop him an email to book your session.
Alex Twidle
Alex serves as the Depot Sound Programme Lead, where he engages in enabling music community events and workshops, alongside his Audio Engineering and Music Production. With his extensive experience in the Audio and Music Industries, he is committed to nurturing the studio and fostering the growth and success of creative individuals within the community.
Alex has collaborated and engineered alongside some of the industry’s foremost professionals. Having garnered experience in esteemed recording studios and recently delving into TV Audio and Music, Alex has now returned to Depot Sound to elevate its projects and support its thriving community. Alex also dives into photography, enjoys going to music gigs (even if it occasionally takes a toll on his ears), fails to drink less than 5 coffees a day, and loves producing Alt/Indie & Folk music.
Studio One
Open and luxurious, Studio One is the perfect space for multitrack recording, with a large window into the live room and seating up to 8. Featuring 24 channels of Apogee conversion, Studio One can comfortably record full bands, live drum kits, and other assorted musical ensembles in the adjacent live room. Studio One also has access (upon request) to the vocal booth, where you might like to isolate acoustic instruments and/or loud guitar amps, and record the upright piano in Studio Two.
Equipment
- 2017 iMac 27” i7 4.2Ghz, 32GB Ram
- Samsung 27” TV
- Apogee Symphony I/O MkII
- Pro Tools 2022 + Logic Pro X
- Waves, Auto-tune, Avid Complete, Melodyne
- Dynaudio BM15a monitors
- Yamaha NS10s
- Hearback Personal Monitoring System
- Allen and Heath GSR-24m console
- Phoenix Audio DRS-8 preamp
- Focusrite ISA 428 preamp
- Warm Audio WA-73EQ Neve-Style Preamp/EQ
- DBX 166 2ch dynamics
- Black Lion Audio Seventeen (1176 style compressor)
- 2x Lindell Audio 7x-500 FET compressors
- Vox AC30C2
Instruments
- 1969 Hayman Vibrasonic Drum Kit (12×8, 13×9, 14×14, 20×13)
- Zildjian K Sweet Cymbals (14″ Hi-Hats, 16″ Crash, 18″ Crash, 21″ Ride)
- Martin 000-10E Acoustic Guitar
- Fender 60s Stratocaster Made in Japan
- Fender Hybrid P-Bass Made in Japan
Studio Two
Studio Two is a much more intimate, focused experience, targeted more towards songwriting, production, and overdub work. With direct access to the vocal booth, Studio Two is the perfect space for recording vocals, acoustic guitars, and adding production elements. However, Studio Two’s patchbay also has 20 channels through to the live room, so is fully capable of recording a full drum kit.
Equipment
- 2020 Mac Mini M1
- Apple Thunderbolt Display
- Antelope Audio Orion 32
- Pro Tools 2022 + Logic Pro X
- Waves, Auto-tune, Avid Complete, Melodyne
- Eve Audio SC08 Monitors
- Yamaha NS10s
- Behringer P16 Personal Monitoring System
- Vintage Ramsa WR-T820b console
- Drawmer 1968 2ch tube preamp + compressor
- Tascam 34b Tape Machine
- Arturia Keylab 88 Essential
- Vintage Cremona upright piano
Microphones
- Vanguard V13 Valve Condenser Microphone
- Stereo Matched pair of Beesneez Lulu FET Condenser Microphone (KM84 Style)
- Warm Audio WA-47Jr FET Condenser Microphone
- Rode NT2000
- 2x Audio Technica AT2020
- AKG D112
- 2x Audix i5 Cardioid Condenser Microphone
- 3x Sennheiser e605
- Shure SM57
- Shure SM58
- Shure Beta 58
- Shure Beta 56
- Subkick
Our Programmes
Toi Toi Manawa
Toi Toi Manawa is a collaborative industry development program that aims to empower emerging musicians in New Zealand. It is a six-week initiative delivered by Awhi Creative in partnership with DEPOT Sound, supported by New Zealand Music Commission led and facilitated by Taisha Tari. The programme provides hands-on workshops, mentoring, and networking opportunities. The program focuses on developing participants’ skills, confidence, and business acumen while infusing Te Ao Maori cultural elements. Its ultimate goal is to equip the next generation of musicians with practical abilities and a sustainable career path in the music industry.
Depot Live
This project aims to create a safe and welcoming environment for emerging artists to perform live in an intimate studio setting, connecting with their audience and showcasing their talent. The performances can be recorded and filmed at DEPOT Sound, allowing for wider outreach while engaging local and broader communities through live studio sessions with an audience. Accessibility of artistic content is a priority, ensuring it reaches diverse audiences through various channels, promoting inclusivity and diversity. The goal is to inspire, engage, and entertain the community with the best of our communities expression.
North Shore Schools Songwriting Competition
The Depot Sound North Shore Schools Songwriting Competition, presented in association with NZ Music Month has become an invaluable opportunity for young musicians and songwriters in the local community. Divided into two divisions for intermediate and high-school age participants, the competition offers a chance to win recording time at Depot Sound recording studio. Renowned industry legends serve as judges and mentors, providing valuable feedback and expertise. The competition’s focus is on creating opportunities for emerging musicians to develop skills, industry knowledge, and confidence in a professional music production environment, addressing the cost barrier often faced by young creatives. The competition also fosters networking and relationship-building opportunities for entrants through events and interactions with the Depot Sound staff.
Book Your Session
For any queries about Depot Sound Recording Studio, you can email Studio Manager Noah Page or call him on (021) 685 070 – Please note: email is preferred as we are often in session.
