Dynamics basics
Hearing a compressor
A compressor reduces the gap between loud and quiet passages.
Above a threshold, the compressor reduces the level by a ratio. The result: a more even, denser sound, often more "upfront".
The compressor's attack decides what happens to transients: a slow attack lets the initial crack through (more punch); a fast attack squashes it (softer, flatter). The release decides how fast the sound "breathes" after each hit.
The game compares the sound with and without compression at equal level: essential, because a louder sound always seems better.
Listen for
- Drum hits keeping or losing their crack.
- "Pumping" when the release is too short.
The classic mistake
Judging compression without matching levels: you will almost always prefer the louder version.
Put it into practice
Compressor detective · Discovery
Compressor detectiveThe lesson is complete when the level is passed (35/50).