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Audio ear training

Compression ear training.
Hear the squeeze.

One of the two versions is the compressed one, and they are matched in loudness so you cannot cheat with volume. Start with on versus off, then amount, attack and release.

  • Free, no signup
  • Four focused drills
  • Real loops, not beeps
  • Score saved in this browser

Compression trainer

Drill
Source
Round

Compressed vs dry

Both versions are loudness-matched.

Which version is compressed?

Gain reductionHidden until answered

Press Play loop, compare A and B, then answer.

Score 0 / 0 Best –

Space play   A/B versions   1/2 answer   N next

What to listen for

Four things compression changes

  • On versus off. The compressed loop is denser. Room and sustain come up, and the loudest hits stop jumping out.
  • Amount. Heavy compression (higher ratio, deeper gain reduction) sounds flatter and closer. Gentle compression still breathes.
  • Attack. Fast attack eats the stick. Slow attack keeps the click and controls what follows.
  • Release. Fast release brings the room back between hits and can pump. Slow release holds the level down smoothly.

The compressor is the browser's DynamicsCompressorNode, with makeup gain so the comparison is about tone and movement. Read the measurement notes on the methodology page.

StudioEars app icon
StudioEarsEar training for iPhone & iPad

Four drills here. A full dynamics gym in the app.

StudioEars adds threshold, ratio and release into a daily session, with new audio every time you come back.

Download on theApp Store

Free to start. 5 free training units every day plus built-in studio tools.

  • EQ & compressionDaily drills on drums, bass, guitars and full mixes.
  • Intervals & chordsPiano training that uses the same note names as these pages.
  • Studio toolsMetronome, tone generator and tap tempo live in the app too.

Explore the cluster

Frequency ear training The companion drill: find the boosted or cut band. Train frequencies → Kick drum EQ The bands that matter on a kick, with audio. Open the kick page → Audio training hub Every engineering drill and reference in one place. Browse the hub →

FAQ

Compression training questions

Why are the two versions the same loudness?

Louder almost always sounds better. Makeup gain removes that shortcut so you have to hear sustain, room, transient snap and pumping.

The gain-reduction meter is hidden. Is that a bug?

It stays hidden until you answer, so the picture cannot give away the round. After you answer, toggle A and B and watch the meter while you listen.

What should I listen for on the attack drill?

A fast attack (about 1 ms) softens the stick hit. A slow attack (about 35 ms) lets the transient through and clamps the body. The prompt asks for the fast one.