Constructional difficulty: Very Easy
This is a very simple but useful little module to introduce 'smoothness' to CVs and waveforms. It doesn't just have the usual 'lag time' pot that some simple lag generators possess, but two separate UP and DOWN controls. The UP control will affect the speed at which the output of the module rises. The DOWN control affects the speed at which it falls.
Drive the unit with a gate signal and the module becomes an effective AR envelope generator.
Use it to process those lumpy CVs you get from your midi-CV convertor. Remove that zippering to create smooth changes over time.
Use it also to process the output of an envelope follower to create more controlled filter sweeps when used with a VCF. A panel design for the Oakley EFG has incorporated the Little-Lag to create the EFG-deluxe module.
You have a choice of linear or 'logarithmic' output slopes, controlled by a simple switch.
The logarithmic output allows for longish times of lag to be set up easily, roughly 8 seconds maximum lag time. The output moves quickly at first then slows to reach the final value. You get a more natural effect when using this mode. However, the disadvantage is that the unit is not sufficiently accurate to use for portamento applications in 'log' mode.
In linear mode, the output rises or falls in a straight line. It is classified in volts per second, as opposed to just time. The amount of time it takes depends on the front panel pots' positions AND the voltage change on the input. Generally, for small changes in voltage the linear output will appear to move quicker than its 'log' equivalent. The linear mode is very accurate and can be used to create linear portamento.
The PCB
The new issue 3 PCB has been designed to fit either across a 2U panel or vertically on a 1U panel. Three Little Lag boards can be fitted horizontally into a 2U panel. Or two can be fitted in a 1U panel. The size of a single board is 6.5cm wide and 4.6cm deep. (See, I told you it was little!)
Alternatively, you can mix and match the 'Little' boards. You could, for example, have a 2U panel with one Little-LFO, one Little-Lag and one Little-EG. Or, one 1U panel with one Little-Lag and one Little-LFO.
It has two PCB mounted pots for UP and DOWN. The pots are spaced at 1.625". The pots are essential since these provide, along with the pot brackets, the only method of securing the PCB to the panel.
The PCB is double sided, has through plated holes, solder mask both sides and has full component legending. Power is admitted to the board via a single 4-way 0.156" connector, just like my other modules. This is compatible to the MOTM system.
The 16mm pots I use on this module are from either Alpha or ALPS. They use specially made pot mounting brackets to ensure a firm connection to the front panel and PCB. They are strong enough to hold the PCB in place without any further support. The PCB has been designed so that it matches the MOTM format.
Project Downloads
Use 'save as...' button to download and view the files. IE users need to right hand mouse click and then choose 'save as'. Links to schematics are available to purchasers of the PCB or module and will be sent via e-mail when the board(s) are shipped.
Front Panel database
A Schaeffer front panel can be made for a 1U wide, 5U high panel. This features one Little-Lag PCB mounted vertically with a switch to control the mode. The database can be found here Lag.fpd
To read this file you will need a copy of 'Frontplatten designer' from Schaeffer. The program also features on-line ordering, so its now even easier to buy your panels from Scheaffer.
The company are based in Berlin in Germany and will send out panels to anywhere in the world. Delivery to the UK normally takes around ten days. For North American users you can also order your Schaeffer panels from Front Panel Express.
Prices
Little Lag pcb iss. 3
...................................................... 9GBP
Little Lag bracket kit......................................................
0.40GBP
The Little Lag pot kit contains the two pot brackets to mount the Alpha/ALPS pots safely to the board. The bracket kit does not contain the pots or the knobs.
All other parts can be purchased from you usual electronic component supplier.
Click here for full price list, ordering details, and payment methods.
All prices include VAT at UK rates. Shipping/postage is additional to these prices. See also the FAQ page.
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