Yes, most linear phase plugins are CPU hogs.  Some fare better than others, but in general....  they tax the CPU.
 
To answer the question about why you would bother with using one....  it entirely depends on what you are trying to accomplish.  Linear phase processing has a specific "purpose".
 
A regular EQ has some degree of phase shift.  If your trying to EQ out an individual guitar track....  this isnt a problem.  But sometimes that phase shift IS problematic.  There are lots of youtube examples with folks actually measuring the degree of phase shift, and what sort of issues this could cause in certain situations.
 
I'll give you one practical example where I would employ a linear phase EQ.  Say the bass guitar track needs to have some more edge so that it comes forward more in the mix.  The "sub" content is fine.  I dont want to simply turn the bass up.  I just want the attack to come through a little better.
 
What I will often do is duplicate the bass track.  Leave the original "as is" in both volume and whatever general processing i've done.
 
The duplicate track I will send through a guitar amp sim and add a little gain/distortion to it.  I can then blend this in to taste with the original bass track just to get some grit and presence to come out.
 
BUT...  I dont want to stack bass on top of more bass.  Remember I'm only looking for some additional presence and cut with this duped bass track, so with that duplicate track that I intend to distort, I will do a hi pass filter(this is where the eq comes into play) around maybe 150 to 200 Hz to get rid of the sub stuff(the original bass track is carrying that just fine).
 
The act of applying a hi pass filter to that bass track is going to cause some phase shift with a conventional EQ.  Not an issue by itself, but when blended with the original source bass...  this is where the phase shift can cause some issue.  You could experience a degree of phase cancellation at certain frequencies between the two tracks when blended together.
 
A linear phase EQ is going to attempt to avoid any phase shift, and ultimately there is less worry about any out of phase issues in an example like this where your blending two tracks based off of the same waveform.
 
I would use LP EQ in a parallel compression application as well if EQ is necessary
 
The transparent nature of these types of EQ's make them nice for an overall mix EQ also.
 
I avoid the CPU hit by simply freezing the track  after Im done tweaking the EQ
 
 

Anderton

azslow3
I agree, in LP mode these plug-ins are unusable on Sonar/CbB tracks... but work fine on Reaper tracks

Why do you think that is? Different audio engine? Different way of handling delay compensation (I assume Reaper does automatic delay compensation)?

Yes, automatic delay compensation. One from several advantages of anticipative fx processing concept. No PDC button, no "clicks and pops" under heavy load with small ASIO buffers.
Reaper does not switch off anticipative processing  on all places that theoretically make sense, so f.e. real-time EQ graphic is a bit "ahead" of the sound. It can be switched off manually for particular track, or reduced to small value (default 200ms).
I do not have S1, but there are some posts it does that more "invisible" for the user then Reaper, I guess sacrificing the performance benefits.
 
After I have found that Reaper can work with lower buffers and more plug-ins then Sonar on the same system, I was wondering why. Then I have noticed that I get no extra delay when I play my MIDI keyboard, even in case other tracks have delayed plug-ins. So I have started digging for the reason.

promidi
You can also use non linear phase mode in expert settings on both of these plugins as well.

 
I'd forgotten about that useful feature. Thanks for the reminder.

 
Just remember that phase-linear operation is not a panacea. All l-p processing has pre-ringing (a swishing sound) prior to transients, especially at low-frequency/high-gain settings. Nonlinear operation has post-ringing but because it's after the transient, people don't notice it.
 
I wrote about this in Friday's Tip of the Week #126. The audio example is still up on craiganderton.com so you can hear what pre-ringing sounds like. You might be surprised.

Thanks Craig, I did have a listen and also pushed the processes beyond where I would ever use them and yes the squeak is very noticeable. It is all a learning process. I do this for fun and my own use but I am still trying to make things sound the best I can.

I have always just used the LP-EQ and LP-MB in 'Non Linear' precision mode [under 'EXPERT' settings].
 
They work fine as channel or bus inserts that way, without excessive CPU or latency hits.  Nice GUI...

Anderton
 
Just remember that phase-linear operation is not a panacea. All l-p processing has pre-ringing (a swishing sound) prior to transients, especially at low-frequency/high-gain settings. Nonlinear operation has post-ringing but because it's after the transient, people don't notice it.
 
I wrote about this in Friday's Tip of the Week #126. The audio example is still up on craiganderton.com so you can hear what pre-ringing sounds like. You might be surprised.

True, but as you noted.... settings have a big influence here.
 
A linear phase EQ is not the type of EQ I'd reach for in order to perform any surgical EQ, and/or large boosts.
 
Gentle moves with a wide Q greatly reduces the amplitude and duration of the pre ringing.  Boosting causes more issues than cutting, and a "surgical" type of tight Q also exaggerates pre ringing.
 
Or in the case of high or low pass filters....  keep the slope gradual.  AKA 6 DB per octave is better than 18 DB per octave.
 
If your source material is heavy with transients...  its going to be more susceptible to pre ringing also.  So just for example...  a snare for example would show more symptoms of pre ringing vs a rolling bass line
 
Its definitely not a one size fits all, perfect tool.
 
Its just another one of those deals where in the right environment with appropriate settings, it can do a particular job with minimal problems.
 
 

Anderton
 
Just remember that phase-linear operation is not a panacea. All l-p processing has pre-ringing (a swishing sound) prior to transients, especially at low-frequency/high-gain settings. Nonlinear operation has post-ringing but because it's after the transient, people don't notice it.
 
I wrote about this in Friday's Tip of the Week #126. The audio example is still up on craiganderton.com so you can hear what pre-ringing sounds like. You might be surprised.

Is there another way of obtaining your PDF book?


NOTE:  I just looked on Amazon, and it appears you have written many books.  Same Craig Anderton?  Which book is the one you said you were updating with all the Sonar tips on it? The one that was being sold on the Cakewalk site.

Toddskins
Is there another way of obtaining your PDF book?

 
Both Sonar books are available from reverb.com: The Big Book of Sonar Tips, and The Second Big Book of Sonar Tips. Reverb.com also sells my Electronic Ear Candy and AdrenaLinn Guitars loop libraries.

NOTE:  I just looked on Amazon, and it appears you have written many books.  Same Craig Anderton?  Which book is the one you said you were updating with all the Sonar tips on it? The one that was being sold on the Cakewalk site.

 
Yes, same guy. I may end up consolidating the two books into one huge book that covers only what's included with Cakewalk by Bandlab (e.g., no Melodyne tips). Anyone who has the previous books wouldn't need it, but it might be helpful to those getting started with the free download.
 

I love my LP-EQ & LP-MB.
Seriously some of the nicest plugins ever made by Cakewalk.
The GUI is pretty much perfect.
It's a dream to use.
It will be interesting to see how Bandlab will bring them back. Will it be part of a package deal or individual purchase or both?
We'll have to wait to find out.
https://www.cakewalk.com/Products/L-Phase