We sat down with Steve, the founder of Port Melbourne's Sabre Sound Studio, to talk about the studio's origins and what it means to build a space that puts the artist first.
Sabre Sound Studio opened its doors in 2025, and from the outset, it’s been built around the idea that the environment shapes the music. Located in Port Melbourne and anchored by a world-class control room, a spacious live room and four acoustically designed booths, the studio blends state-of-the-art technology with carefully curated vintage gear.
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What inspired you to start your own studio?
Being a musician in a band and a DJ, my goal when I was 18 years old was to study audio engineering and then ultimately open a recording studio. The opportunity came forty years later when I met Ern Rose, and he provided the inspiration and encouragement to pursue my dream. Ern is known for running Metropolis and AAV Studios in South Melbourne. He is best described as one of Australia’s legends of music production, spanning over 50 years on albums such as Whispering Jack, Sons of Beaches and many Little River Band albums, just to name a few. I decided to retire from my retail career to embark upon a new journey in the music industry and enrolled at SAE University in Melbourne to study audio engineering. I felt a strong desire to create a space that truly prioritises the artist experience. I wanted to build a unique and distinct environment where technical excellence supports – not dictates – the creative process. Ultimately, Ern’s mentorship and partnership inspired me to take on this venture.
Can you give us a brief history of Sabre Sound Studio – how did it go from an idea to a fully operational recording space?
The idea really began after a serendipitous meeting with Ern Rose. It was evident almost immediately that we shared a common goal of creating a world-class studio where artist access and development were our main purpose. Ern was able to inspire designer Peter Brown and builder Warren Tassle to regroup, 30 years after the building of Metropolis Studios, to take on the Sabre Sound Studio project. Ern, together with lead engineer Dave Kerven, was instrumental in the configuration and installation of the control room with the seamless integration of analog and digital equipment. Working alongside an exceptional design and build team, we carefully considered every element, from room proportions and sightlines through to materials and acoustic treatment. The project evolved from concept to completion in just over 12 months with a clear guiding principle: every decision had to serve the music. The result is a purpose-built facility that feels both technically refined and creatively alive.
Port Melbourne isn’t the most obvious location for a recording studio. What drew you to that part of the city?
Port Melbourne offers a unique balance. It’s close to the inner city while remaining easily accessible via major north – south and western freeway links, which is crucial for artists, engineers, and crew moving between sessions. Being in a warehouse enables the ease of bumping in and out of the space with clear access. The studio also benefits from ample free parking — something that’s increasingly rare — and is surrounded by cafés, restaurants, and a wide range of accommodation options for out-of-town clients. It allows us to offer a professional yet relaxed experience that supports longer, more productive creative sessions.
Is there a particular business ethos or philosophy that has driven you through this venture?
At the core of Sabre Sound Studio is the belief that great performances come from a comfortable, inspiring environment. We’ve designed the space to encourage musicians to play together, interact, and respond to each other in real time. That sense of collaboration is where the magic happens. We were also very conscious of making the facility accessible to emerging artists, giving them the opportunity to explore their creativity. Every design choice – natural light, adaptable lighting, adjustable acoustics, and clear sightlines between spaces – was made to support that creative flow. Combined with a carefully curated blend of vintage equipment and modern technology, the studio is built to capture performances that feel alive and authentic.
Sabre Sound Studio draws inspiration from Metropolis’ culture of openness and collaboration – what does that look like in practice for you?
From the outset, the goal was to create a studio that combined world-class acoustics with a strong sense of openness and collaboration. In practice, it means removing barriers – both physical and creative. The layout allows artists to see and communicate with each other easily, whether they’re in the live room or isolation booths, so sessions feel connected rather than fragmented. It also shapes how we work with clients. We aim to create an environment where ideas can be explored freely, where artists feel supported, and where collaboration between musicians, producers, and engineers happens naturally.
How important is the environment to the creative process in your view?
It’s absolutely fundamental. The environment shapes how people feel, and that directly impacts their performance. Natural light helps maintain energy and focus during long sessions, while carefully designed lighting can shift the mood to suit the music. Acoustics are equally important – not just for accuracy, but for comfort. When a room sounds right, musicians play differently – they relax, take risks, and that’s when you capture something truly special. The flexibility of the space is also important as it allows the artist and engineer to tailor and tune the spaces according to their creative needs. We have a philosophy of “One size fits one”.
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What kind of artists or projects is Sabre Sound Studio best suited to?
The studio was designed with collaboration at its core, so it particularly suits projects where musicians are performing together in real time. That said, it’s a versatile space that works across all genres. Whether it’s a full band tracking live, a singer-songwriter session, or a more detailed production process, the environment supports it. We also designed the space to be visually accommodating for video production, which has become an increasingly important part of modern recording projects.
You’ve brought together state-of-the-art technology and vintage gear under one roof – how did you approach curating that collection?
The guiding principle was simple: it has to sound exceptional. We’ve combined our personal collections of microphones, outboard gear, consoles, and recorders to create a palette that offers both character and precision. A Pro Tools HDX setup provides a robust, industry-standard backbone, paired with 48 channels of Apogee Symphony MkII Special Edition conversion, delivering remarkable clarity and depth. For those who want to explore a fully analogue path, the Otari MTR-90 allows us to capture the unique sonic character of tape. Our microphone collection spans vintage Neumann models through to boutique modern designs, and we offer a wide palette of preamp colours – from the character of the Auditronics console pre’s and EQ, Telefunken V76/V72, and Neve tone of the Vintech’s through to the precision of GML and DiGiCo preamps.
Is there a particular piece of gear in the studio that you’re especially proud of or excited about?
It’s less about a single piece and more about how everything integrates. Having said that, the Yamaha 9-foot Concert Grand Piano is something we’re particularly proud of. It allows us to capture performances with incredible detail while retaining the warmth and depth that only an instrument of that calibre can provide. It also has a unique history, having come from Metropolis and featured on many recordings over its life, which adds another layer of character to the studio.
What does a typical session at Sabre Sound Studio look like? What can artists expect when they walk through the door?
Artists can expect a welcoming, relaxed environment that immediately feels conducive to creativity. Sessions are structured but flexible – we adapt to the needs of the project. Whether it’s a full band recording live or a focused overdub session, the emphasis is always on capturing the best possible performance. We aim to remove distractions, keep the technical side seamless, and allow artists to focus entirely on the music.
What’s your vision for the studio over the next few years?
Our vision is to establish Sabre Sound Studio as a destination for both local and international artists – a place known for its sound, its atmosphere, and its collaborative spirit. We’ll continue refining the space, expanding our capabilities where it adds value, and building long-term relationships with artists and producers who see the studio as an integral part of their creative process. Long term, we plan to expand our service offering across all aspects of artist development, creating pathways to enable new and emerging voices to navigate the music industry.
The focus remains on creating great records and supporting artists in bringing their ideas to life. We are currently working on two album projects with local singer-songwriters. There’s a lot of exciting work ahead, and we’re just getting started. Sabre Sound Studio is also working on some other projects with the objective of shining the light on some amazing homegrown talent.
Visit Sabre Sound Studio to learn more.
