Quote:
What do other forum members CPU readings show?

Something sounds off.
I loaded a seq file with 23 audio tracks and literally dozens of plugins on this system just now, while online.
RB CPU reads between 16-20% during playback.
Tri-core processor (2.5 gHz) and 4 gig RAM. W7-64 prof. OS.

Maybe try Process Monitor or Process Explorer (free from MS) to track down the cause.
https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/processexplorer.aspx

I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!