Something I noticed a while ago is that UK mix engineers seem to focus on vocals and overall clarity of the song but in the US the mix vibe is more important. It made me wonder if these things are culturally influenced. Perhaps in the UK lyricism gains more respect? Not really sure what I'm getting at. But I definitely prefer American mixes. They let the bass BASS

I noticed it when I listened to this song, very clear

This is more vibey, bassy, less clarity

I noticed that people in America have a culture of "subs" in cars or so I've read in the comments. Maybe these things influence mix decisions, maybe even music

it Feels like UK they've perfected the vibe out of nearly everything

 

"subs" are nowhere as common in the US as that was 10, 20, or even 30 years ago. It's not even close. Maybe people realized that if the bass in your car can be heard a mile away, it can and will; literally rattle the car apart.

the second track is mixed a lot better. I would guess it's less to do with the UK/US comparison you are trying to make, than it is the impact of exponentially different amounts of money involved. European hiphop tracks get 0 airplay in the US, and obviously US hiphop is popular all over the world.

I do not hear anything "perfected out" of anything in the first track. It sounds like it was done at someone's home studio.

 

Subs are about culture, I pontificate whether bass influences mix and artistic expression in the US, not figures and car repairs. Meaningless to this discussion

Budget has nothing to do with it, it's all art

I don't think it's perfect, but it's clear that's what the mix is going for hence that word

Here's another UK hip hop. Light bass... Conservative

 

Last edited: Feb 14, 2024