how can i boost things without changing the volume???

for example boost the eq highs (without changing overall volume)

 

Some EQs like DMG EQuilibrium, FF Pro-Q, or Redline EQ, have an AutoGain function..
Not Perfect, but it can be worth a try.

Other than that, you could match it yourself by ear,
or by reading the track Meter, be it Peak or RMS/LUFS based..

For metering there's no right/perfect method tho,
you decide what's the best method based on what you're doing/workflow

 

Boosting a freq (range) just means to raise its level relative to the rest of the sound. This change can basically also be achieved by lowering the rest (all the other freqs).
So instead of a high shelf boost you can use a low shelf attenuation. This first would raise the level (RMS, LUFS), the second would lower it.
And you can of course use a combination of these. Instead of a high shelf boost of +4, a boost of +2 and a low shelf attenuation of -2.
But keep in mind a low shelf boost will highly probably raise the peak.

Or use Ŧยχøя's method (which is common).

 

Sonnox Inflator?

 

there's this plugin! i think it works

https://www.tbproaudio.de/products/ablm

disadvantage when using free
Demo version versus Registered version:
In demo mode (without registering) the plugin mutes audio every 90 seconds for a short period. This could be circumvented by clicking on the "TBProAudio" logo within 90 seconds


i think i'll be searching for another free without the disadvantage

 

LoudMax is a look-ahead brickwall loudness maximizer with a clean transparent sound.
It is designed to retain the original character of the music as much as possible even at high compression levels.
https://plugins4free.com/plugin/2060/

 

Boosting is so 2000's...
My mastering is aimed now at -40 LUFS, I want to win The “Quieteness War”

 

What are you asking? Higher percieved loudness with maintained peak? Define what you mean with "volume".
Edit: Are you looking for an easy maximizer?

 

Last edited: Nov 19, 2021

Why need a plugin when you can just tweak the output knob of the EQ and match the gain by ear

 

Enable autogain in the eq

 

Sadly, this mostly doesn't work because you could gainmatch the peak, the RMS, the VU or LUFS.

 

...if you're in the lab doing not music.

If you do music, you only need to match perceived loudness, which most of auto functions do. If the peak is too high, then compress. Then, you know, mix ) Instead of "mostly doesn't work" just use the stregth of the autogain and work further, to achive the desired effect, instead of not using it at all because it doesnt work in all situations

 

So far I haven't come across a single EQ where autogain really worked under all circumstances, not even TDR. That's why I'm doing it manually.

 

Last edited: Nov 19, 2021

I have saved an Ableton rack with Letimix Gainmatch, if i want to add compressor for character i just drop the compressor on this rack.

 

For non-surgical tone shaping you could try something like the Audified RZ602A/B using a one-to-one setting for input & output.
If you do have an up-to-date powerful system, use sparingly (only tracks where it is needed, busses).

As mentioned by @No Avenger, lowering/narrowing adjacent frequencies is a very efficient way of gaining clarity.