Linear Phase EQ by Waves EQ plugin interface

Linear Phase EQ: Phase-Transparent EQ Plugin by Waves

Linear Phase EQ is a phase-transparent equalizer plugin by Waves, built for mastering and mixing tasks where phase shifts from standard EQs are a concern. It is available in VST2, AU and AAX formats.

VST2AUAAXWindowsmacOS

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01Overview

Standard equalizers delay some frequencies, which shifts phase. That can matter during mastering, when mixing multi-miked instruments, or when running parallel processing paths. Waves developed Linear Phase EQ for these situations. The developer describes it as transparent and free of smearing, and it covers a broad range of corrective and creative equalization work. It runs as a plugin on Windows and macOS.

Best for

Mastering EQ
Multi-mic phase correction
Parallel processing EQ
Low-band surgery
Transient-focused EQ

Developer: Waves
Category: EQ
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Linear phase processing that avoids phase smearing from standard EQ
Five parametric stages with ±30 dB boost or cut per stage
Nine response curves for the parametric stages
Three-band low-frequency component for low-band correction
Broadband component covering 22 Hz to 18 kHz
Two special modes for extreme EQ settings
Interface modeled on the Renaissance EQ layout
Available in VST2, AU and AAX formats

03In depth

Phase-Transparent Sound for Mastering and Multi-Mic Mixing

Waves positions Linear Phase EQ as the answer when phase is critical. Phase shifts from ordinary EQ can compound when several microphones capture the same instrument, because boosting or cutting one frequency range can misalign the signal with the other mics. The same issue appears in parallel processing, where equalizing one path can change its phase relative to the untouched path.

The plugin is aimed at mastering engineers and mixers who need predictable results across a full mix. The developer says it handles a wide variety of crucial equalization tasks without smearing the signal.

Controls, Curves and Special Modes

The EQ has five parametric stages with a 3-band, low-frequency component optimized for low-band work, and a broadband component covering 22 Hz to 18 kHz. Each stage offers boost or cut of up to ±30 dB.

There are nine response curves for the parametric stages, and the curves are described as precise and consistent. The processor is also said to handle transients with more focus and clarity than standard EQ. Two special modes are included for extreme EQ settings. The interface follows the layout of Waves' Renaissance EQ, so users familiar with that plugin should find it straightforward.

04Specs

Will it run?

Formats, systems and requirements as listed by Plugin Boutique. Missing details are left out, not guessed.

Developer	Waves
Type	Plugin
Category	EQ
Formats	VST2, AU, AAX
Operating systems	Windows, macOS

05FAQ

Questions, answered

Which formats does Linear Phase EQ support?

Linear Phase EQ is available in VST2, AU and AAX formats.

What operating systems are supported?

Linear Phase EQ runs on Windows and macOS. The listed requirements cover macOS Monterey 12 through Sequoia 15 for VST and AU, and Windows 10 and later for VST and AAX.

Why use a linear phase EQ instead of a standard EQ?

Standard EQs delay some frequencies, which produces phase shifts. Waves designed Linear Phase EQ to be free of phase smearing, which matters for mastering and for mixing multi-miked sources or parallel paths.