Mix Feedback for Punk/Hardcore track

[raytheman2]

Hey guys!

New band, 2 producers in the band both did separate mixes for the same track. Looking for feedback on both and ultimately which one is better. Thanks in advance!

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/ ... s7kogbDNY4

[James Perrett]

If I was given those to master I would ask you to check them both carefully again - especially in mono. Is that how you want to sound? Remember that many casual listeners will be listening in mono on smart speakers or phone speakers.

Also check the peak levels - especially of mix2.

[The Elf]

Both mixes sound harsh to me, mix 2 particularly so.

Not sure what the delivery target will think of the loudness readings!

[Wonks]

Technical issues aside, I prefer mix 1 as it conveys a lot more energy (though I think it does sound a little bit dull overall). Mix 2 is obviously the same song, but I lost interest in it very quickly.

[Drew Stephenson]

Just to be helpful, I'm the opposite to Wonks. I find mix one to be a bit over-reverbed and mix 2 to have a bit more interest as I can hear some of the details better.
I listened to the wav files btw.

FWIW I'm hearing it as a bit top end heavy but I wouldn't have said 'harsh'. But I am recovering from a cold so my ears probably aren't at their best at the moment.

[Wonks]

Neither mix is ideal for the song IMO. Probably the general instrument/vocal balance of the first with more of the clarity of the second. But you'll always get a wide range of often opposing views when asked for any mix critique, though technical issue comments are generally similar.

[Cybernetic Noise Machine]

Cool song. Mix 2 sounds more punk. Mix 1 is not as good. I've been listening to Punk and Metal for a very long time, I can play guitar, bass, drums, have been in the studio before, and if you are going to go with one or the other, mix 2.

In my opinion, there's more to music than perfect cookie cutter sound quality.