Frequently Asked Questions
1. What services do you offer at The Tomb Studio?
We pretty much cover all the major audio services you might need. That includes tracking (recording your vocals or instruments in our studio), mixing your tracks to perfection, mastering for that final polish, music production like creating custom beats, and even voiceover recording for our non-musical clients. In short, whether you want to lay down a hip-hop verse, belt out an R&B chorus, record a guitar solo, or narrate a commercial, we got you covered with professional recording, mixing, mastering, and production services – all under one roof.
2. How do I book a session at The Tomb Studio?
Booking a session is easy and hassle-free. The best way is to use our online booking system on our website – just choose your service and available time slot, and you’re set. You can also call or email us if you have questions before booking (we’re pretty quick to respond). All sessions are by appointment only (no walk-ins, since we might be busy making magic with someone else), so definitely secure your slot in advance. Once you’ve booked (and paid the deposit if required), your session is locked in – just show up ready to create!
3. How much does it cost to record at The Tomb Studio?
We keep our pricing affordable and straightforward. For in-studio recording sessions (with an engineer included), it’s about $40-50 per hour – a great deal for professional quality (probably less than your weekly takeout budget, no judgment!). Our other services have flat rates: for example, a full mix & master of a song starts at $60-120, standalone mastering from $25, and custom beat production from $80-120. We’ll be sure to discuss any specifics so you know exactly what your session will cost before we get started. No sticker-shock here – just high-quality work that won’t break the bank.
4. Do I need to pay a deposit or pay upfront to book a session?
Yes, we typically require a payment or deposit to secure your session. When you book online, you’ll be prompted to pay either a deposit or the full amount up front (for shorter sessions, it might be the full fee). This ensures that your time slot is reserved just for you (and that our engineers don’t get stood up – they have feelings too!). We accept major credit/debit cards through our online system, and if you need to make special payment arrangements (like cash in-person), just let us know. Bottom line: a little $$ down guarantees your spot, and then you can focus on making music when you arrive.
5. What’s your cancellation or rescheduling policy?
We totally understand that life happens and you may need to reschedule or cancel. If you do, just give us as much notice as possible – ideally 24 hours or more in advance. If you cancel last-minute (like a few hours before) or no-show on us, there’s a good chance you’ll lose your deposit or be charged a fee. We only do this because our engineers set aside that time for you (and an empty studio makes for a sad, silent tomb). If you need to reschedule, we’ll happily work with you to find a new date, but again, short-notice changes may forfeit a deposit if we can’t fill your original slot. Communication is key – reach out and we’ll do our best to accommodate without anyone losing out.
6. What if I’m running late to my session?
Try your best to be on time, because the clock for your session starts at the scheduled time. If you’re a little late, we’ll still do what we can with the remaining time, but we can’t always extend the session (especially if another client is booked after you). Unfortunately, that means if you show up 30 minutes late to a one-hour session, you’ll likely only get 30 minutes of studio time but still owe for the full hour – so set those alarms! If you’re running really late (or stuck in an Ohio blizzard or something), let us know – we might advise rescheduling. We’re pretty chill, but we also want to be fair to everyone. In short: we’ll never scold you for being late (life happens), but you won’t get free extra time, so plan accordingly and get the most out of your booked slot.
7. What genres of music do you specialize in?
Our bread and butter is Hip-Hop and R&B – that’s the core of our local scene and what we work on every day. We love big 808s, silky R&B vocals, raw rap bars – all of it. That said, we’re not limited to those genres at all. We can record anything from pop to gospel to rock if you bring it to us. (If you’re planning a polka or death metal project, we’re up for the challenge – we might just need to brew an extra pot of coffee!) The key is that we focus on making your unique sound shine. So whatever your style, our team will adapt and make sure the production fits your vibe. And remember, we also do voiceovers, so our expertise isn’t just for music – it’s for quality audio in general.
8. I’m not a musician – can I record voiceovers or a podcast at your studio?
Absolutely! We don’t just serve musicians; we’re fully equipped to handle voiceover recordings, podcasts, audiobooks, you name it. If you’re a voice actor needing to record a commercial or narration, or a podcaster looking for a clean, professional sound, we’ve got you. Our studio is quiet and acoustically treated to capture voice recordings with crystal clarity (no weird echo or background noise). We have top-notch mics that will make your voice sound rich and clear. Our engineers will set you up and can even do a bit of editing or add background music if you need. So yes, whether you’re doing an anime voice, a radio ad, or your true-crime podcast debut, The Tomb Studio is a perfect place to record it professionally.
9. Can I bring my own beat or instrumental to record over?
Definitely! We encourage you to bring your own beats/instrumentals – that’s super common here. Just make sure you have your track in a common audio format (WAV or high-quality MP3 preferred). You can email it to us ahead of time, bring it on a USB drive, or even send a link to a download. We’ll load up your beat in our system so you can rap or sing over it with ease. If the beat’s on your phone, we can work with that too (in a pinch), but emailing the file is usually better for quality. So yes, come prepared with your favorite beat and we’ll help you knock out those vocals on top of it. And if something’s off with your beat’s mix, we can tweak it a bit on the fly to make sure you shine. Bringing your own music is no problem – it’s actually how a lot of our sessions go.
10. What if I don’t have a beat? Can you guys make one for me?
You bet – we have in-house producers who love creating custom beats. Think of it like ordering a custom pizza: you tell us the flavor you want, and we cook it up. Our team can produce a beat from scratch tailored to your style – whether you want a hard-hitting trap beat, a smooth R&B groove, or something totally unique. Custom beats start at $80 for a basic track, and can vary if you want something more elaborate. We’ll consult with you about the vibe, maybe ask for reference tracks or artists you like, and then craft a beat that fits your vision. It’s a fun collaborative process. So don’t worry if you’re lacking instrumentals – we’ve got the skills to create the perfect backdrop for your song.
11. Do you offer mixing and mastering for songs recorded elsewhere?
For sure! You don’t have to record with us to take advantage of our mixing and mastering services. If you’ve recorded vocals at home, or laid down tracks at another studio, we can definitely help you polish them up. All you need to do is send us your individual tracks/stems (each instrument or vocal as a separate file) – we actually have an online service for this where you upload everything in a .zip file and we take it from there. We’ll use our expertise (and our fancy plugins) to mix your song to professional quality, then master it so it’s ready for streaming platforms. We include up to two free revisions on mixes – meaning if you want changes, we’ll tweak it and make it right. Once it’s done, we deliver the final mastered track as a high-quality WAV file (other formats like MP3 are available on request)thetombstudio.com. This is actually one of our most popular offerings for clients who can’t come in person. So yes, whether your tracks were recorded in a big studio or your bedroom closet, we can mix and master them to sound like a hit.
12. What kind of equipment and software do you use? (AKA will you Auto-Tune my vocals?)
We’ve got a state-of-the-art setup here, and we love talking gear. Here’s a quick rundown of some of the key equipment and software we use:
Microphone: We use a Neumann TLM 103 as our main vocal mic – one of the most iconic mics in hip-hop/R&B, known for its crisp, clear sound. In other words, you’re gonna sound good.
Interface/Preamps: All our audio runs through a Universal Audio Apollo x6 interface (paired with an Apollo Twin Duo). This means high-quality preamps and even real-time effects like Antares Auto-Tune before the sound even hits the recording software. It’s like audio voodoo that makes everything silky.
Software (DAWs): We work with all the top digital audio workstations. Our team is fluent in Pro Tools, Logic Pro X, Ableton Live, FL Studio, and more. So whatever you’re comfortable with, we probably have it. (We might even let you choose, but trust us, we’ll pick the best tool for the job.)
Plugins/Effects: We have tons of plugins. Waves Mercury bundle (that’s 200+ plugins right there!), the Universal Audio UAD Ultimate suite, Soundtoys 5 effects, and yes Antares Auto-Tune – so if you want that T-Pain or Travis Scott vibe, we can dial it in. We’ve basically got all the audio toys to make your track sound modern and polished.
To sum it up: will we Auto-Tune you? Only if you want us to! We can keep your voice natural or add as much correction/effect as you request. Our goal is to make you sound like the best version of you. With our gear, even a frog could sound like Frank Ocean (okay, slight exaggeration, but you get the idea).
13. I’ve never recorded in a studio before – how should I prepare for my session?
No worries, we work with beginners and pros alike. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your first session:
Practice your material: Know your lyrics or performance inside-out so you can deliver confidently. The better prepared you are, the smoother things will go. Do a little shower karaoke or mirror rap if it helps!
Have your stuff ready: Bring any instrumentals/beats on a USB drive or email them to us beforehand. Have your lyrics or notes handy (on your phone or printed out) so you’re not fumbling for words. If you’re a voiceover artist, bring your script and maybe a glass of water.
Take care of your voice/body: Try to get a good night’s sleep and stay hydrated. If you’re a singer, avoid super cold drinks or dairy right before the session (old singer tip – dairy can make you phlegmy). Maybe don’t scream at a basketball game the night before, you know?
Arrive on time and ready to vibe: The studio environment is chill and creative. We’ll handle the technical setup; you just bring your passion and energy. If you’re feeling nervous, let us know – we’ll help you relax. And if you have any specific ideas or reference tracks for how you want to sound, feel free to share them with us!
Ultimately, our team will guide you through the process, so you’re not on your own. We’ve got a friendly vibe here – you can ask questions, do a few takes to get comfortable, and even take a break if needed. We’re here to make you feel at home and get the best performance out of you. So come in prepared, but also ready to have fun and make some great music!
14. Can I bring a friend or two with me to the session?
Yes! We know that having a friend, bandmate, or “hype man” around can boost the creative vibes. You’re welcome to bring a friend or two for support (and honest feedback). Our space is cozy but can accommodate a couple of extra folks chilling on the couch. That said, try to keep your entourage reasonable – bringing like 8 people who just want to party might be more distraction than support. One or two close buddies who understand studio etiquette (a.k.a. know when to chill and let you work) is perfect.
We actually enjoy having a positive crew in the studio – it can make the session more fun. Just make sure your guests are respectful of the process (no random yelling into the mic unless that’s part of the plan!). And who knows, your friend might even catch a cool candid video of you in the booth for the ‘Gram. So yes, feel free to bring someone along, just leave the full posse at home for now.
15. Why is it called “The Tomb Studio”? Is it spooky in there?
Despite the name, we promise there’s nothing scary about our studio – except maybe how scary good your tracks will sound when we’re done. The name “The Tomb” is part of our vibe, but it’s not a literal tomb. Think of it more like a creative vault where you can bury yourself in your work and resurrect killer tracks. The only spirits here are the creative kind (and maybe the ghost of an old-school hit or two roaming around for inspiration).
In reality, the studio’s atmosphere is very welcoming and alive. We like dim ambient lighting and a comfortable setting – more cozy than creepy. So no worries, you won’t find mummies in the vocal booth or skeletons running the mixing board. The name just sounds cool and reflects that we’re a place where legendary tracks are laid to rest (on the record) until they’re ready to be released to the world. It’s all part of the brand’s personality. So come on in – the only thing you’ll be dying to do is lay down another take (bad pun, I know).
16. Can I just walk in for a session or do I need to book in advance?
We operate by appointments only, so please book in advance. If you walk in randomly, there’s a good chance we’ll be in the middle of another session or the studio might even be locked up if no session is scheduled. We love spontaneity in music, but for studio time it’s best to schedule ahead.
If you have a sudden burst of inspiration and want a same-day session, shoot us a call or check the online booking – if we have an opening, we’ll try to get you in. Just don’t count on walking in off the street like “Yo, I’m here to record” without touching base first. Think of it like trying to get a haircut without an appointment on a busy day – you might be waiting a long time. So save yourself the hassle and book your slot. We’re pretty responsive and will do our best to accommodate you as soon as possible.
17. What are your hours? Do you offer late-night sessions?
We don’t have strict “9 to 5” hours – our schedule is flexible to fit artists’ needs. Generally, we run sessions by appointment any day of the week. If you’re a night owl and want to book a late-night session, we can often make that happen (we know creativity often strikes at 2 AM for some people). Our team is used to odd hours – part of the job in the music world.
That said, availability depends on our engineers. It’s always best to book ahead and let us know what time you’re aiming for. We’ve done sessions in the morning, afternoon, and pulled the occasional all-nighter. We just ask for a heads-up so we can have an engineer caffeinated and ready. So yes, whether you need an evening session after work or a weekend slot, we’ve got you. As long as you book it, we’ll be there (within reason – we do need sleep occasionally).
18. Will I get a copy of my song/recording after the session?
Of course! It’s your music, and you should walk away with it. Exactly what you get might depend on what stage the project is at, but typically:
If you just did a recording session (laying down vocals/instruments), we can bounce you a rough mix or reference MP3 at the end of the session so you can listen back at home. The fully mixed/mastered version, if we’re doing it, might come a bit later once we’ve had time to polish it.
If we’ve completed a mix and/or master for you, we’ll deliver the final high-quality WAV file (and MP3 if you need). We usually send this via email or a download link.
Need the individual tracks/stems of your session? We got you – just let us know. We actually offer a service for exporting song stems (each instrument/vocal as a separate file) for a small fee (it’s listed on our site). This is handy if you want to do remixes or perform with your backing tracks. If you know upfront you’ll want stems, you can also book that in advance (our “Song Stems” service) so we budget time to prepare them.
We won’t hold your audio hostage in our tomb, don’t worry. Our goal is that you leave happy, with your music in hand (or inbox). Just bring a USB drive or make sure we have your email, and you’ll get your songs/files. We always keep a backup here too, just in case, but we’ll make sure you have everything you need to start sharing or uploading your track as soon as it’s ready.
19. Do I own the rights to my music if I record at The Tomb Studio?
Yes, 100%. Your music is your music – you retain all the rights. We’re just a service provider helping you record and polish it. We don’t take any ownership or royalties for the songs recorded here. Once you’ve paid for the session and the work is done, the recordings are yours to do with as you please.
We’re proud to be part of your creative journey, but we don’t have any claim on your creative product. (Legally speaking, you own the master recordings and the songwriting/composition is yours as well, since you or your collaborators created it – we’re not inserting any sneaky clauses or anything like that.) We’re happy if you credit the studio or give us a shout-out when you drop that fire track, but that’s totally up to you. The only thing we might ask is if we can share the song on our social media or playlist – with your permission, of course – to show off the awesome work you did here. But if you prefer to keep it under wraps until release day, we respect that too. Bottom line: you’re the owner of your music. We’re just here to help you make it sound its best.
20. Do you offer any discounts or promotions?
We sure do – we love hooking up our clients with deals when we can. One thing we do is send out monthly discount codes via email to our subscribers. (You can sign up on our website’s “Monthly Discounts” section to get in on that – we won’t spam you, promise, just cool updates and deals). These codes might be for a percentage off a session, a special rate on a bundle (like “book 2 hours, get 1 free” kind of vibe), or seasonal promotions.
Also, keep an eye on our social media pages. We sometimes announce flash sales or special promotions for followers – like discounts around the holidays, or to celebrate milestones. For example, we’ve been known to do a deal like “Book a 2+ hour session with a specific engineer and get an extra hour free” as a promo. We appreciate our loyal customers (shout out to you if you’re one of them!) and try to give back when we can. If you’re a first-timer, let us know – we might have a new client discount available. And if you’re a regular, definitely join that mailing list for VIP treatment. Basically, we believe in building a community, not just a client list, and hooking up our community with occasional discounts is part of the fun. Stay tuned!