Is my EQ linear phase?

[LunarKitten]

Hello,

I have read, that it is important to use linear phase EQ, when you are working on layers of the same sound.

I looked at my selection of EQs and consulted the manuals on linear phase, but did not find anything. How can I tell that my EQ is linear phase or not?

Sorry if this too much of a newbie question.

[plexuss]

Typically the phase used by an EQ is part of it's feature set. It's usually listed as part of the EQ description. If there is no info then you are best to assume its either mixed or analogue phase unless its meant for mastering in which case you can assume its linear phase. However this would just be guessing. You can use a tool like Plugin Doctor, open the EQ in it, create some curves in the EQ and then look at the phase graph - if its a flat line its a linear phase EQ.

[jtsterays]

Latency is a big giveaway.

[LunarKitten]

Thanks for the response.

Typically the phase used by an EQ is part of it's feature set. It's usually listed as part of the EQ description. If there is no info then you are best to assume its either mixed or analogue phase unless its meant for mastering in which case you can assume its linear phase. However this would just be guessing. You can use a tool like Plugin Doctor, open the EQ in it, create some curves in the EQ and then look at the phase graph - if its a flat line its a linear phase EQ.

I see. Mastering Plugins like the izotope ozone 11 should be linear phase then. The TDR Nova for example I would assume is linear phase. Searching the manual nothing comes up for 'linear phase'
https://www.tokyodawn.net/labs/Nova/Manual.pdf

It does mention mastering so it's save to assume that it is linaer phase then.

Same goes for the Mequalizer
https://www.meldaproduction.com/downloa ... alizer.pdf

Latency is a big giveaway.

No latency, no linear phase?

Can I test an EQ with a sound source and easily tell if it is linear?

[jtsterays]

Yea, minimum phase eqs are zero latency with some exception (Pro Q's natural phase adds 7ms of latency). Its impossible to have a zero latency linear phase eq. A way to test is to do a highpass at a very low freq (<20hz) on a mastered track, with linear phase the waveform should be the same without peaks overshoot on the level meter, with zero latency there will be. Nova is minimum phase, Ozone has 2 mode, analog is minimum (0ms) and digital is linear (~65ms).

[LunarKitten]

Yea, minimum phase eqs are zero latency with some exception (Pro Q's natural phase adds 7ms of latency). Its impossible to have a zero latency linear phase eq. A way to test is to do a highpass at a very low freq (<20hz) on a mastered track, with linear phase the waveform should be the same without peaks overshoot on the level meter, with zero latency there will be. Nova is minimum phase, Ozone has 2 mode, analog is minimum (0ms) and digital is linear (~65ms).

That is very good to know. Thank you very much. Now I know when I certainly have no linear phase EQ at hand. I have this function in cubase that lets me look at the latency:

[legendCNCD]

Ozone EQ can slide freely from minimal phase to linear phase if I remember right. Yes, I just opened 9 advanced's EQ and in digital mode you have this > arrow icon next to the controls of the clicked band, click on it and you have phase slider.

[LunarKitten]

Ozone EQ can slide freely from minimal phase to linear phase if I remember right. Yes, I just opened 9 advanced's EQ and in digital mode you have this > arrow icon next to the controls of the clicked band, click on it and you have phase slider.

Thanks for your effort.

100% being linear phase then?

The Nova as a minimal phase EQ doesn't have it. I don't see it on the Mequalizer. It has a nonlinear gain slider, not sure what it means.

[jtsterays]

idk about 9 but in Ozone 11 0% means LP, nonlinear probably mean saturation/distortion, theres a linear phase version of Mequalizer (MequalizerLP).

[LunarKitten]

idk about 9 but in Ozone 11 0% means LP, nonlinear probably mean saturation/distortion, theres a linear phase version of Mequalizer (MequalizerLP).

Thanks, that is good to know. Ozone 11 digital mode with bands at 0% is linear phase. Will have to write this down. Nice I didn't know about MequalizerLP.

[plexuss]

This may be of use:

https://cravedsp.com/blog/linear-phase-eq-explained

It begins:

Linear Phase EQ Explained
30 May 2017
Linear phase EQ is the most transparent sounding type of equalization, however, it can create some very undesirable side effects, namely increased latency and pre-ringing. In this article we'll take an in-depth look at linear phase EQ and provide some valuable tips on how to minimize pre-ringing.

Linear Phase EQ is Transparent
Linear phase EQ is perfectly transparent because, as the name implies, there are no differences in the phase of the audio across the frequency spectrum. Phase changes introduce coloration which is usually not a problem, but if phase coloration is unwelcome in your audio then linear phase EQ will provide the transparency you need.

Linear phase EQ Introduces Latency
Linear phase EQ can introduce noticeable latency which means it is not suitable for scenarios where latency is an issue such as live performances.

Linear Phase EQ Produces Pre-Ringing
The biggest drawback to linear phase EQ is pre-ringing which is highly undesirable in audio. The amount of pre-ringing is governed by the shape of the EQ curve (in fact there is a precise mathematical relationship between the EQ curve and the amount of pre-ringing for linear phase EQ). This means pre-ringing can be controlled by changing the EQ curve. Some plugins attempt to suppress pre-ringing for you, but as a result you're not getting the curve (or phase) you think you are.

In the rest of this article we'll give you some crucial information about the relationship between EQ curves and pre-ringing so you can apply linear phase EQ like a seasoned pro.

[Kappa_Beta_Hi-Phi]

OP you don't need to be using linear phase! Jeez guys help OP out here.

Linear phase, smhinear phase! Don't worry about it. Just get on with eqing. That's enough to be learning about, training your ears and know why you would even eq something. Walk before you run OP. Linear phase is something for a mastering engineer to worry about. Forget it for now OP.

[kmonkey]

Linear phase is not mandatory. You use it perhaps in final processes such as Mastering and or postproduction.
You most definitely don't want to use the linear phase right from the start. No one from your fav. artist is doing it.

It seems to me that you are caught up in the classic interweb of miscommunication. Because you want the best possible quality for your music (understandable), you read somewhere that "linear phase" is essential or the message was carried out badly. It is not. But it's ok to ask.

[LunarKitten]

This may be of use:

https://cravedsp.com/blog/linear-phase-eq-explained

That is an awesome artilce. The cheat sheet is very nice as well. Thank you!

OP you don't need to be using linear phase! Jeez guys help OP out here.

Linear phase, smhinear phase! Don't worry about it. Just get on with eqing. That's enough to be learning about, training your ears and know why you would even eq something. Walk before you run OP. Linear phase is something for a mastering engineer to worry about. Forget it for now OP.

Okay, that is good to hear. In a particular case I think it is important, because I want to enhance the lowend of a bassline by adding a lowpassed copy that is differently edited. If I use non linear phase I am afraid I am destroying the lowend with phasing.

Linear phase is not mandatory. You use it perhaps in final processes such as Mastering and or postproduction.
You most definitely don't want to use the linear phase right from the start. No one from your fav. artist is doing it.

It seems to me that you are caught up in the classic interweb of miscommunication. Because you want the best possible quality for your music (understandable), you read somewhere that "linear phase" is essential or the message was carried out badly. It is not. But it's ok to ask.

You are right. I got the idea from this video:

[Kappa_Beta_Hi-Phi]

Sounds like a job for Mixing with Mike OP:



Also since everyone is telling you to get the TDR stuff let me introduce you to our friend Dan Worrall:




And before anyone says anything MwM is great for beginners - I don't care if you think he's shit, and also I don't care if you don't like Dan Worralls voice or whatever, in Worrall we trust!