It used to be that when I inserted a VST effect in the effects bin of a channel, it worked as an in-line insert.  For example, if I put an eq in line, and I turned down the output of the VST, it would lover the volume for the whole track.

Now, it seems to simply modify a "layer" if you will.

lets say I want to notch out an entire frequency (as in when looking for a problem frequency or creating an effect)  I could sweep, find the frequency easily, and then apply it simply to the particular clip on the channel/track and then use the pro-channel eq for the "musical" eq for the whole channel without having the notching affect all the clips.

Now when I sweep, it is like it only does it partially, much like the concept of parallel compression.  The original source signal stays but it only pulls out or adds to the original source so lets say I run a true high pass, I still have much of the bass signal bleeding through and anytime I insert any effect, I get a "Phasey" change in the sound of the track.  If i want to do a telephone or AM radio sound with eq, it no longer works, the full range signal is still there.

Is there a routing trick with the effects bin I do not know about in Platinum Producer to make VSTs truly in-line?  I have searched the help files and such but 99% of stuff you search for returns info about X2.

What EQ are you using? Also did you enable lanes? Do you have Pro Channel on? Is it pre FX bin or post FX bin?

Q10, used for years.  Don't think I have lanes on, hate the way it works so I usually disable but Platinum seems to often have a mind of it's own, will check that if it makes a difference.  Tried it with pro channel on, off, pre, post.  Did everything I could think of, that is why I posted this.

Verified, take lanes off.

lets say I want to notch out an entire frequency (as in when looking for a problem frequency or creating an effect)  I could sweep, find the frequency easily, and then apply it simply to the particular clip on the channel/track and then use the pro-channel eq for the "musical" eq for the whole channel without having the notching affect all the clips.
 
Select the individual clip you want to put the notch in, then right click on it to get a dropdown menu to insert effect, EQ or multiband comp in this case. You can then go to Process/Apply effects to that clip only "while only it is selected" if you want to, or leave the clip effect active for further tweaking if needed. You can then use the Pro Channel for overall channel/track processing. The other problems you are having I'm not sure about.

Same thing when I try to do it to a clip, still get bleed and phasey sounding artifacts.  Craziest thing I have ever seen.  Yes, as you said.  I was going to simply apply the effect to the clip, remove from bin when finished and use the prochannel for the overall track.  It is hard to decide what you have done when you can not audition it as it needs to be. This is perplexing.
 

Is it a synth track with echo button on? Are you putting the Q10 in the track effects bin or putting it on an individual clip (part of the whole track) within the track?

Well, it must be something I have done in the project I am working on.  I just tried it in another project and it is working like it always has.  Too many switches and alternate routing...

Thanks for all the help guys.  i guess I just need to compare the settings of the two projects to see what I did.  I will post the "fix" when (if) I find it.

I know what you mean about too many of this and that at times, I've had "Duh" moments where the fix is right in front of my face. You'll figure it out.

I think take lanes and the fact that most plug-ins default to making a stereo split track once applied unless you "throw the switch" are my two biggest pet peeves.

I've been comping the old fashioned way since the late 90's, I don't need an "easier" way that mutes crap and makes it where i cant just drag and drop.  Thankfully you can turn them off and set up templates the way you want them.