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RE: What does dynamic compression sound like

It sounds like most modern pop recordings haha

With being able to compare to a “without” version, it is more problematic. The main object in compression is to raise the average loudness.

This began during the early TV era when the FCC and the electronics limited the depth of modulation that was possible so the people who made commercials compressed the signals so that “their” product could be broadcast with a higher average level, making them seem louder than the less compressed programs.
This is a process of making the quietest sounds much louder while not raising the loud ones over a given level, thus the difference between the loudest and softest is much less.
Now days, it seems to be the record promoters (not recording engineers) who are behind it, the goal being "having the loudest CD".

Your easiest path would be to use audacity (free) or other editing program and examine the intensity vs time display, a highly compressed signal is obvious. Do a google search for “loudness wars” and examine some of the results.
Best,
Tom Danley
Danley Sound Labs

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