Comparisons
Audio tool names overlap confusingly, and marketing has blurred them further. These comparisons set out what each one actually does to the signal, so you can pick the right one instead of the loudest-sounding one.
Why these names are so confusing
Booster, amplifier, enhancer, equalizer, optimizer. In marketing these are used almost interchangeably, which is why so many people install three tools that all do the same thing and none of which fixes their problem. Underneath the labels there are only a few distinct operations: multiplying the signal, changing the balance between frequencies, and reducing the distance between loud and quiet parts.
Every comparison below is written in those terms. Once you know which of the three operations you actually need, choosing a tool stops being guesswork — and you can usually tell from the symptom alone, without trying anything.
The three operations, and what each fixes
| Operation | What it does to the signal | Fixes |
|---|---|---|
| Gain | Multiplies every sample by the same amount | Audio that is quiet from start to finish |
| Filtering | Raises or lowers specific frequency ranges | Audio that is muffled, boomy, harsh or unclear |
| Dynamics | Reduces the gap between loud and quiet moments | Audio where some parts are inaudible and others are overwhelming |
All comparisons
- Booster vs equalizerOne raises everything, the other changes the balance.
- Booster vs enhancerLoudness versus tone — two different problems.
- Booster vs amplifierInterchangeable in software, quite different in hardware.
- Enhancer vs equalizerPrecision versus convenience.
- Bass booster vs EQA bass booster is one band of an equalizer, made simpler.
- Software vs hardwareA simple test to tell which category your problem is in.
Related pages
- Audio ToolsAudio ToolsNine focused tools, each running a different processing chain in your browser.
- LearnLearnHow audio loudness actually works, explained plainly.
- Volume BoosterVolume BoosterRaise the level of any local audio or video file, with a headroom meter that shows the cost.
- GuidesGuidesTask-first walkthroughs for common audio jobs.
- TroubleshootingTroubleshootingSymptom-first diagnostics for volume and sound problems.
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