# Compressed or Dry

> Compression ear training: two level-matched versions of one part of a song, one compressed and one dry. Hear which. Six levels, the first two free.

Page: https://mixchops.com/compression/dry

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

## Hear compression *without the level change.*

Most people "hear" compression because the compressed version is louder. Here both versions are matched for loudness, so the only thing left is what compression actually does: the peaks come down and the quiet parts sit closer to them. It starts with 12 dB of gain reduction and ends with 4.

### How it works

1. Press Start. A part of the track plays: the drums on the first level of each tier, more parts after that.
2. Flip between A and B as often as you like (key B). One is dry, one is compressed.
3. Pick the compressed one (keys 1 and 2).

### How it’s scored

Eight questions a level. Get six right to pass and unlock the next.

### Levels

Six levels: Beginner (12 dB of gain reduction at 8:1), Intermediate (6 dB at 4:1) and Advanced (4 dB at 3:1). Each tier starts on the drums, where compression is easiest to hear; vocals come in at Advanced. Levels 1 and 2 are free. Levels 3 and up are part of [Mix Chops Pro](https://mixchops.com/pro), and every level is open while Mix Chops is in early access.

[Compressed or Dry](https://mixchops.com/compression/dry) · [How Much](https://mixchops.com/compression/amount) · [Attack](https://mixchops.com/compression/attack) · [Ratio](https://mixchops.com/compression/ratio) · [All compression drills](https://mixchops.com/compression)