Dynamic Range ABX — Compression
Can you truly hear compression and crest-factor loss? Double-blind ABX trials compare open and limited masters with strict scoring. Free in your browser.
Protect your hearing. Start at a low volume. Never raise the volume to make a tone audible. Levels are shown in dBFS, relative to full scale — not SPL.
How it works
Double-blind ABX compression test comparing high crest-factor transients against soft-clipped dynamic limiting.
The Dynamics of Sound
Dynamic range is the contrast between the loudest transient peak and the softest detail in a musical recording.
When dynamic compression or peak limiting is applied:
- Transients are truncated or rounded off, decreasing the peak-to-RMS crest factor.
- Harmonic saturation adds subtle coloration to high-energy peaks.
- Macro-dynamics are leveled, bringing low-level details forward while sacrificing punch.
This test generates identical dynamic musical pulses and applies varying degrees of soft clipping and limiting to Signal B. Test your ability to identify the compressed stream.
Frequently asked questions
What is crest factor in audio engineering?
Crest factor is the ratio between the peak amplitude of an audio signal and its RMS (Root Mean Square) average level, expressed in decibels. Uncompressed acoustic drums often have crest factors of 14–20 dB, while heavily limited pop masters drop to 6–8 dB.
What sonic cues reveal compression?
Look for transient softening (dulled initial stick impact on drums), ambient swell in tails, pumping, and subtle saturation harmonics in dense mix sections.
Can high-end limiters be transparent?
Modern lookahead limiters with oversampling can shave 1–2 dB of transient peaks with minimal audible distortion, which is why double-blind ABX testing is essential to prove whether limiting is truly transparent.