# Louder or Softer

> One part of a song has been turned up or down. Hear which one, and which way. Loudness-matched, so the mix getting louder is never the giveaway.

Page: https://mixchops.com/balance/louder-or-softer

The exercise runs at [https://mixchops.com/balance/louder-or-softer](https://mixchops.com/balance/louder-or-softer) in any modern browser, with headphones or decent speakers.

## Hear the fader *move.*

One part of a song has been turned up or down. Say which one, and which way. Both versions play at the same loudness, so the whole mix getting louder is never the clue: you have to hear the balance change.

### How it works

1. Press Play and flip between Bypass and Changed.
2. Listen for the part that comes closer, or gets covered up.
3. Press the up or down arrow under that part.

### How it’s scored

Eight questions a level. Pass with six right: the right part, the right way.

### Levels

Three levels, from obvious moves to a dB or two. On level 1 the bass only ever goes up, since a quieter bass barely shows on laptop speakers. Levels 1 and 2 are free.

[Next: Restore the Balance](https://mixchops.com/balance/restore) · [All balance exercises](https://mixchops.com/balance) · [Learn: How to build a static mix](https://mixchops.com/learn/build-a-static-mix)