Leo Areola

Mixing & Mastering engineer

Leo Areola on SoundBetter

Hi, I'm Leo, a sound engineering student at the French school ESRA. I offer remote mixing and mastering services for your music. With over 3 years of experience, I specialize in mixing and producing RnB songs and vocals, as well as working with Pop, Jazz, and Afro genres.

Outside of school, I'm a passionate musician and play a variety of instruments, including drums, piano, guitar, and bass, which I practice every Sunday. I also take care of setting up audio systems, gaining hands-on experience with sound equipment. This has given me a well-rounded understanding of both the technical and creative aspects of music production.

Through my time at ESRA, I've been fortunate to collaborate with artists, mixing their vocals, producing instrumentals, recording, and mastering their tracks. My goal is to provide high-quality, industry-standard sound that meets the vision of each artist, and I strive to ensure every project I work on sounds its best, whether it’s a single track or a full album.

I’m passionate about music and sound, and I’m excited to keep growing in this field, working with artists, and creating something truly special together!

Send me a note through the contact button above.

Interview with Leo Areola

  1. Q: Analog or digital and why?

  2. A: As of now, I really appreciate the warmth and character that analog gear can bring to a track, as it adds a unique texture that's hard to replicate digitally. However, today, digital technology is continuously improving and offers better sound quality and depth than ever before. If digital tools had never been created, I wouldn’t be able to do the work I do today. Digital allows for incredible precision, flexibility, and accessibility, making it possible to achieve professional results with ease. Both analog and digital have their own strengths, and I value using both, depending on the needs of the project.

  3. Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?

  4. A: My promise to my clients is that I will always be honest and transparent throughout the process, providing constructive feedback and guidance when needed. I am committed to making sure your track sounds professional and meets the highest standards, paying attention to every detail to ensure the final result is polished and true to your vision. Your satisfaction is my priority, and I’ll work closely with you to make sure the sound you envision comes to life.

  5. Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

  6. A: My advice for anyone looking to hire a provider like me is to really think about how your instruments and vocals will sit in the mix. A lot of the work and magic actually happens during the recording phase, so focus on getting a clean, well-recorded performance. The better the recordings, the easier it is to achieve a professional mix. Make sure your vocals are clear, and your instruments are balanced before sending them over. The more attention you give to the initial recording, the better the final result will be in the mix!

  7. Q: How would you describe your style?

  8. A: My style is focused on achieving a clean and transparent sound while adding texture and depth to the vocals. I believe in creating a mix that allows every element to breathe, with the lead vocals sitting perfectly in the forefront while maintaining a sense of space and clarity. At the same time, I aim to bring richness to the vocals, giving them warmth and presence without overcrowding the mix.

  9. Q: Can you share one music production tip?

  10. A: One of the most important tips I can share is to always leave some space in your mix for each element. It’s easy to get carried away and fill every frequency range with sound, but sometimes less is more. Instead of adding more layers, focus on carving out space for each instrument or vocal. Use EQ to remove unnecessary frequencies, especially in the low end, and create space for the lead vocal or key elements to shine. This will make your track sound more polished and allow everything to breathe, leading to a more balanced, professional-sounding mix.

  11. Q: What's your strongest skill?

  12. A: My strongest skill is my ability to give precise attention to the lead vocals while ensuring they blend seamlessly with the instrumental. I focus on making the lead vocals clear, powerful, and emotionally impactful, while also balancing them with the rest of the track so that everything sounds cohesive. Whether it’s adjusting levels, adding effects, or fine-tuning the mix, I always ensure that the vocals remain the focal point of the song without overpowering the instrumental.

  13. Q: What do you bring to a song?

  14. A: What I bring to a song is a combination of technical skill and creative vision. As a sound engineer and musician, I approach each track with a focus on both the emotional and sonic elements. I ensure that the vocals and instrumentals are balanced, clear, and cohesive, while also adding depth and texture where needed. My experience with multiple genres, including RnB, Pop, Jazz, and Afro, allows me to adapt and bring out the best qualities of each track. Whether it's enhancing the energy of a song, creating space in the mix, or adding subtle effects, I make sure the final product is polished, dynamic, and ready for release. Ultimately, I strive to capture and amplify the artist's unique vision, ensuring their sound stands out and resonates with listeners.

  15. Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

  16. A: As a student, I may not have access to all the high-end gear just yet, but I firmly believe that professional-level mixing and mastering doesn’t necessarily require top-tier equipment. My setup includes reliable gear such as Yamaha HS5 monitors and Beyerdynamic DT770 headphones, both of which provide accurate sound representation for mixing. With my trained ears and attention to detail, I’m able to ensure every track sounds polished and industry-ready. I believe in the power of good technique and experience, and while I’m continuing to build my gear collection, my current setup allows me to deliver a professional level of sound. Over time, I plan to invest in even more high-end equipment, but for now, I’m focused on bringing out the best in your music with the tools I have.

  17. Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.

  18. A: The most common type of work I do for my clients includes mixing and mastering their music. I typically focus on vocals, ensuring that lead vocals, backing vocals, and harmonies are perfectly balanced and clear. I also work on instrumental blending, making sure every element of the track is cohesive and polished. Many of my clients come to me for full production services, where I assist with composing and producing the instrumental, recording vocals, and fine-tuning the final mix. I also provide mastering to ensure the track is industry-ready, delivering a clean, balanced sound suitable for release. I work mainly in genres such as RnB, Pop, Jazz, and Afro, but I’m always open to new challenges and love collaborating with artists to bring their vision to life.

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Mhike Xtensen - Tout est bon

I was the Mixing Engineer, and Mastering Engineer in this production

Terms Of Service

For every mix and master, I offer up to 6 revisions to ensure you are fully satisfied with the final result.
All stems must be provided in .wav format, properly labeled, and organized.
No refund.

GenresSounds Like
  • Tayc
  • Monsieur Nov
  • Brent Faiyaz
Gear Highlights
  • Yamaha HS5
  • Beyerdynamic DT770
  • Rode NT1A
  • Mac mini
  • Premium ears
More Photos
SoundBetter Deal

As a student, i can offer free mixing for a good review !