Got the talent, the lyrics, and the vision? Now you just need the right studio to bring your music to life! Whether you’re a solo artist, band, or producer, Auckland has plenty of top-tier recording studios ready to help you lay down your next hit.
To make your search easier, Find New Zealand has done the legwork—researching and visiting some of the best studios in the city to see what makes them stand out.
So, if you’re looking for a place to perfect your sound, keep reading. You might just find the ideal studio for your next big project!
How Much Does It Cost to Record in Auckland?
Recording studio rates in Auckland range from NZD 84 to NZD 225 per hour, depending on the studio, equipment, and services included.
How We Chose Auckland’s Best Recording Studios
- Equipment: We focused on studios with high-quality professional gear for top-tier sound production.
- Acoustics & Space: We looked for well-designed spaces with proper acoustic treatment for optimal recording conditions.
- Engineers & Producers: A great studio isn’t just about the gear—it’s also about the people. We chose studios with experienced sound engineers and producers to help fine-tune your recordings.
- Pricing: We selected studios that balance affordability and quality, ensuring you get the best value for your budget.
1. Wilde Records Recording Studio
| Website: | wilde records |
| Address: | 38 Airedale Street, Auckland CBD |
| Contact: | +64 210 341 997 |
| Business Hours: | Monday to Sunday: 11 AM – 12 AM |
We recently visited Wilde Records and were seriously impressed. The studio boasts a sleek, modern setup with high-end gear and a soundproof booth that delivers crystal-clear recordings.
Jesse Wilde, the brains behind the operation, isn’t just an audio engineer—he’s also a musician. That means he gets what artists need, and it shows. We sat in on a recording session, and Jesse was fully hands-on, offering guidance and making sure everything flowed smoothly.
One thing that really stood out was the studio’s welcoming, community-driven vibe. They even host events and sessions where musicians can connect and collaborate, which we think adds a great touch.
The only catch? Pricing is on the higher side, which might be a stretch for independent artists. But if you’re after top-tier quality and a personalised experience, it’s worth every cent.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High-end recording setup Experienced engineer with a musician’s touch Personalised, hands-on approach Strong community focus | Higher pricing |
2. Roundhead Studios
| Website: | roundhead studios |
| Address: | 151 Newton Road, Eden Terrace |
| Contact: | +64 9 377 7600 |
| Business Hours: | Contact for more information |
Roundhead Studios has a unique charm that makes it feel more like a creative retreat than just another recording space. The relaxed, home-like atmosphere is a huge plus for artists looking to get in the zone.
During our visit, we saw their team in action, and they’re absolute pros. The engineers and producers have a knack for capturing the raw energy of live performances while offering valuable guidance throughout the process.
The studio features two standout recording spaces. Studio A is a dream for serious artists, with pristine acoustics, a flexible layout, and top-tier equipment. Natural light floods in through the large windows, creating a bright and inspiring space.
Then there’s The Brick Room, which has a more intimate, club-like vibe—ideal for songwriting, smaller sessions, or even live recordings.
Another thing we loved? The cozy kitchen and dining area. It’s the perfect spot to unwind, brainstorm, or just grab a coffee between takes.
The only downside? Booking can be a bit tricky, and some artists have mentioned difficulty securing a session. Hopefully, they can streamline this process to make things even smoother.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Comfortable, creative atmosphere Experienced engineers and producers High-end recording spaces Relaxing kitchen and lounge area | Booking availability can be a challenge |
3. The Lab Recording Studio
| Website: | labstudio.co.nz |
| Address: | 537 Mount Eden Road, Mount Eden |
| Contact: | +64 21 933 999 |
| Business Hours: | Monday to Friday: 10 AM – 7 PM | Saturday & Sunday: Closed |
Stepping into The Lab Recording Studio feels like walking into a space filled with musical history and creative energy. Located in the basement of the historic Crystal Palace Theatre, this studio has deep roots in Auckland’s music scene, dating back to its rock ‘n’ roll dance hall days in the 1950s and 60s.
The studio is packed with high-end compressors, preamps, and effects units, making it a versatile space for recording across different genres. We even got to test out some of their unique microphone selections, which can really help refine an artist’s sound.
One of the standout features is the isolation booth, which is spacious enough to fit a full drum kit comfortably. Plus, the main recording area has original hardwood flooring that enhances acoustics and helps control reverb.
That said, some artists we spoke to noted that some of the vintage gear could use better maintenance. Also, keep in mind that there are quite a few stairs in the building, which might be something to consider if you’re hauling in heavy equipment.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Inspiring creative atmosphere Rich musical history High-quality equipment Unique microphone selection Spacious facilities with well-designed acoustics | Some reports of vintage gear needing maintenance Accessibility could be an issue due to stairs |
4. Parachute Studios
| Website: | parachutemusic.com/studios |
| Address: | 399 New North Road, Kingsland |
| Contact: | +64 9 815 0370 |
| Business Hours: | Contact for more information |
Parachute Studios blends top-tier facilities with a strong community focus, making it a standout choice for musicians in Auckland. When we heard about their commitment to supporting local artists, we knew we had to check it out.
One thing that stood out? Their affordable rates. It’s no surprise they’re constantly booked, but the musicians we spoke with were incredibly grateful for the budget-friendly pricing—a rare find in the recording industry.
Another major highlight is their artist development program. They handpick emerging musicians, offering mentorship and career guidance to help them navigate the industry. We even had the chance to meet a few of these up-and-coming artists during our visit.
And of course, let’s talk about Studio A—their flagship recording space. It’s a massive, high-end setup featuring a Pro Tools HDX system, an API 1608 console, and a collection of vintage instruments. Whether you’re recording a full band session or a live performance, this space can handle it all.
That said, because of their popularity, booking can be a bit tricky—so if you’re keen to record here, make sure to plan ahead!
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong community focus Affordable rates Artist development program Versatile recording spaces High-end recording gear | Booking challenges due to high demand |
5. Crescendo Studio
| Website: | crescendo.org.nz |
| Address: | 1975 Great North Road, Avondale |
| Contact: | +64 210 902 7816 |
| Business Hours: | Monday to Sunday: 9 AM – 8 PM |
Crescendo Studio isn’t just about recording music—it’s a creative hub that welcomes podcasters, voice-over artists, and musicians alike. When we dropped by, we saw a client recording a podcast, which was a great reminder that this studio caters to more than just music.
Their producers and engineers stood out for being friendly, helpful, and hands-on throughout the session. The atmosphere was relaxed and welcoming, making it a great place to bring your ideas to life.
That said, we did come across some feedback about sound quality concerns, particularly in podcast production. Some clients mentioned that the final recordings weren’t as crisp as they had hoped.
But what really makes Crescendo special is their commitment to mentoring young creatives. Every dollar they make from studio bookings goes straight into youth development programs, providing aspiring artists with opportunities to learn about songwriting, production, and event management through initiatives like Te Urunga.
If you’re looking for a studio with heart, this is the place to be!
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Supports a variety of audio projects Friendly, hands-on team Strong community focus Youth mentoring programs | Some reports of inconsistent sound quality |
Find Your Sound with Auckland’s Best Recording Studios
Auckland is packed with top-tier recording studios, each offering something unique—whether it’s high-end gear, a creative community, or an inspiring atmosphere. No matter where you are in your music journey, there’s a studio ready to help you bring your sound to life.
At Find New Zealand, we’re all about connecting you with the best local businesses, and these recording studios are no exception. Whether you’re laying down your first track or perfecting your next big hit, you’ve got plenty of great options to choose from. Now, all that’s left to do is book a session and start making music!
