DESIGNED FOR DRUMS FROM THE GROUND UP, LITERALLY

DRUM RECORDING

Great recordings start with a great drum sound, so let’s go!

THE ROOMS

Great records from Indie to Metal all start with a great drum sound. Nothing beats a well-tuned kit in a great-sounding room, with the best microphone and hardware choices. It all adds up to create a strong foundation for your next record.

At The Armoury, we'd like to think we know what it takes to get that 'killer' recording drum sound. So let’s go.

We have two very different sounding Live Rooms, giving you utmost flexibility.

THE OG: GROUND FLOOR - TIGHT / FOCUSED

Our ground floor recording space was designed and built right from the floor slab up. Just like our control room, it utilises a ‘room within a room’ construction. The recording space is completely isolated from any outside noise, perfect for capturing acoustic performances in extreme detail.

Sonically, the room is extremely tight. This has huge benefits for recording tight low tuned drum sounds like Steely Dan or QOSTA.

Built with a completely diffused ceiling, there are NO reflections from the ceiling so your overhead microphones sound incredible, and, near perfect. Mid Slat Diffusors sit alongside brick walls controlling acoustics, ideal for string instruments through to drum kits.

This room is 45m2 and can accommodate a full band, or twelve people, and is fully air conditioned.

Watch the video demos below.

STEP UP TO THE NEXT LEVEL

THE NEXT LEVEL

NEW: LEVEL ONE - LIVE / CLASSIC

Our new space is now open.

Our Live Room has been designed and built for drums, and recording with a drummer live. From the acoustic treatment, through to the layout and finishing, it’s all about drums.

The brief for this room was to create a space where drums sound huge and organic, with room reinforcement in the low end and natural reverb. Designed and then extensively tested for drums during construction, it turned out better than expected. It’s loud, raw and fun but controlled as the entire ceiling combines absorption and diffusion.

Inspired by classic albums from the 90’s, where drums are prominent and recorded in the non-conventional studio spaces like Sound City, mansions, and big rooms this room captures that vibe with clarity in the close mics.

With a 4m ceiling height and a floor size of 80m2, this room sounds huge.

Level One is fully integrated into the studio below with microphone lines, video feed, and headphones. Natural brick, vintage wooden floors, and wood panelling give this room its vibe. With three large windows, the room is filled with natural light, making it a beautiful space for being creative, or shooting video and capturing that perfect photo.

Video demos coming soon….

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PICK YOUR WEAPON

CHOOSE FROM ONE OF THE BEST DRUM COLLECTIONS AVAILABLE IN A RECORDING STUDIO IN NEW ZEALAND.

Record your drum session at The Armoury and choose from a selection of industry-standard snares and hand-selected kits from our in-house kits.

We have quite possibly one of the best selection of drums available in a New Zealand commercial recording studio. Our drums are tuned, ready to record, and sound incredible. We can manipulate the kits and tone from modern, to dirty vintage fatness. Just tell us what direction, and we'll make it happen.

Using our in-house kit will dramatically speed up your session. You are also welcome to bring your own drums.

OUR IN-HOUSE KITS:

1. Modern Kit
DW 2007 Collectors Maple in Gold Sparkle. Sizes: 10, 12, 14, 16 & 22

2. Modern Kit
Pearl Masters Maple Custom Extra. 9.5mm Sizes: 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 & 2x 22

3. Vintage Indie Kit
Pearl 1970 Phenolic with Chrome Wrap. Sizes: 13, 14, 16, 18 & 24

4. Vintage Kit
Ludwig 1969 Maple in Silver Sparkle. Sizes: 13, 16 & 20

SNARES:

Ludwig

  • 1965 ‘Keystone’ Suphraphonic 14x5

  • 1966 ‘Keystone’ Suphraphonic 14x6.5

  • 2001 Black Beauty 14x5

  • 2004 Black Beauty 14x8

Pearl

Brass Free Floating:

  • 14 x 3.5

  • 14x5

  • 14x6.5

  • 14x8

  • Reference Maple14x5 (22ply)

  • Ian Paice Signature Steel 14x6.5

  • UltraCast Steel 14x16.5

  • 1978 World Series Maple w/Chrome wrap 14x8

DW

  • 14x6.5 Black-Nickle over brass

Tama

  • 1994 ‘Classic’ Power Metal Brass Picollo 14x3 1/4

( Yes, one of the most used brass snares of the 90s in all Metal )

  • Mid 2000’s 14x6.5 Brass

Dialtune

  • 14 x 6.5 Black-Nickle over Brass