exercise 02
Compressor attack
Distinguish fast and slow attack times under transients.
setup
D01What this trains
Compressor attack ear training
Train the difference between fast and slow attack by listening to transients in musical context. The goal is to hear when compression grabs the front of a sound and when it lets the hit through.
Training focus
- Compressor attack recognition
- Transient shape
- Punch versus control
Listen for
- How much initial hit remains on drums or percussive parts
- Whether the front edge feels tucked back or more open
- How attack time changes perceived punch without changing the song
Exercise FAQ
What does compressor attack sound like?
Fast attack usually reduces the initial transient more aggressively, while slower attack lets more of the hit through before compression clamps down.
Why train attack separately from release?
Attack and release create different cues. Separating them makes it easier to hear whether the compressor changed the front edge or the recovery after gain reduction.
Can I practice this without a compressor plugin?
Yes. Reverie Mix renders the comparison in the browser so you can focus on the listening judgment.