I noticed the audio quality tends to be very noticeably different too from its predecessor. Deep Blue at times I'm struggling to hear the clarity of Louise's beautiful voice, the subtle nuances that (comparing it to Netherworld) get lost in all the many effects that are being used on the vocals.
Regarding the recording I agree, I'd say Deep Blue sounds a tad too compressed too and that hurts the vocals & instruments separation at times. The nuances are indeed lost compared to Netherworld.