Hugo Hartley

Vocal Engineer

Hugo Hartley on SoundBetter

Trained at Abbey Road as a Mixing Engineer. Specialise in Vocal Production and Mixing

I'm Hugo, a mixing engineer specializing in vocal production, trained at the legendary Abbey Road Studios. I focus on delivering high-quality mixes that make vocals shine, particularly in pop and heavily processed styles, though I’m open to working across various genres.

As a vocal coach and singer, I have a deep understanding of what makes a great vocal production. Whether you're sending me your vocal tracks remotely or working with me in person, I know how to mix them to sound polished, professional, and full of life. My goal is to help you get that radio-ready sound, no matter where you're based.

For those working with me in the studio, I also have full filming facilities available—perfect for recording YouTube covers, podcasts, or other creative content while we work.

I also work with actors on voice reels, so if you're looking to create a standout voice reel, I’m here to help with that as well.

Let’s collaborate and bring your vision to life, wherever you are

I'd love to hear about your project. Click the 'Contact' button above to get in touch.

Languages

  • English
  • Spanish

Interview with Hugo Hartley

  1. Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?

  2. A: I recorded a gospel choir that I had been coaching. They had a very limited budget but we did the best we could and ended up with a great result. Had a great day recording everyone too

  3. Q: What are you working on at the moment?

  4. A: Currently rebranding my studio and working on a pop/r&b album for a client

  5. Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?

  6. A: I'm very new to SoundBetter but I'm sure this answer will change soon

  7. Q: Analog or digital and why?

  8. A: Analog is inaccessible due to cost, upkeep, scarcity and knowhow for lots of people while digital allows everyone to make music. Plus emulation is only getting better and better.

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

  10. A: I'm only happy when you're happy. My job is to serve the song and my clients.

  11. Q: What do you like most about your job?

  12. A: Getting to work with likeminded people. Working on something I'm good at and incredibly passionate about.

  13. Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

  14. A: Do you want to just do the backing vocals yourself? This is something I have done many times and I'm more than happy to. Can I have more reverb in my headphones? Sure!

  15. Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?

  16. A: That mixing is simply level balancing. People also don't tend to know the difference between a mixing engineer and a producer.

  17. Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

  18. A: How do you take your coffee? Do you have a demo? Any Mix References?

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

  20. A: Prepare to drink lots of coffee. Have a clear vision for your music while still being open to new ideas.

  21. Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?

  22. A: Vintage Neumann U87, Neve 1073, 1176, LA2A, Pultec

  23. Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?

  24. A: Started in science but decided to sing and perform more. Then realised I preferred my time in the studio and people started asking for my help recording and mixing and I have been doing that for the last 8 years.

  25. Q: How would you describe your style?

  26. A: Polished

  27. Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?

  28. A: Taylor Swift for the money Jonah Nilsson because he's the best singer ever

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

  30. A: Don't rely on processing. Get a good recording

  31. Q: What type of music do you usually work on?

  32. A: Vocal heavy pop

  33. Q: What's your strongest skill?

  34. A: Attention to detail

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

  36. A: Punchy, complex vocals!

  37. Q: What's your typical work process?

  38. A: I am methodical so I always start a mix by labelling, colour coding, routing and then a quick level balance and filtering. With regards to a recording session, I always start with a coffee and a chat and then have a fun day of recording.

  39. Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

  40. A: I have a large dedicated home studio geared towards vocal recordings. I have a Neumann U87ai, Avantone CV-12 among other mics. There is a vocal booth for singers as well as video recording equipment and audio is all run through my Apollo x8p.

  41. Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?

  42. A: Zac Cervini's vocal production on 'Just Pretend' by Bad Omens

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

  44. A: I am either mixing entire tracks for clients, mixing vocals for clients or working with vocalist in my studio.

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Goes Around

I was the Vocal Producer/Mixer and backing vocals in this production

GenresSounds Like
  • Charlie Puth
  • Dirty Loops
  • Ariana Grande
Gear Highlights
  • Neumann U87ai
  • Vocal Booth
  • Universal Audio
  • Nikon Z30
  • Nikon 5600
More Photos