The Solid State Logic C200HD mixing desk is the nerve centre of the new recording facility in the former Radio New Zealand Albany St studio.
The $1 million desk, built by English musician Peter Gabriel's Oxford-based company, is the only one in New Zealand.
"It's the benchmark console in the industry. It's almost hard to believe it's here," technician Stephen Stedman said.
"It's certainly a far cry from the old Tascam 512," veteran Dunedin sound engineer Stephen Kilroy noted.
The New Zealand Music Industry Centre is a collaboration between the University of Otago music department and dunedinmusic.com, a city-based promotions company.
The initiative would establish Dunedin as a music industry hub and encourage national and international collaborations, senior music lecturer and Verlaines band frontman Dr Graeme Downes said.
The Verlaines and Cult Disney entertained a gathering of more than 60 people at the launch.
The Verlaines are due to begin recording their new album in the studio this weekend.
