Constructional difficulty: Moderate
The suggested panel design for the Filter Core 1U wide module.
The Oakley discrete ladder filter (DLF) is my reworking of the classic 1960's low pass filter module using the circuits from the 904A filter and CP3 mixer and combining them into one excellent sounding module. The module also features a drive control which allows you to heavily overdrive the filter circuit without producing a big change in output volume.
The audio signal pathway is almost all discrete components with a dual IC op-amp only providing the input and output signal processing for the drive control. Most of the transistors will need to be hand matched in pairs for a Vbe of +/-1mV. The frequency control circuitry is based around IC op-amp much like my other filter designs and is temperature stabilised.
Prior to entering the filter circuit, the audio signal passes through a clone of the CP3 mixer. This is true even in the 1U wide version of the module which only has the one input socket. The original CP3 module had two outputs, an inverted output and a non inverted output. Apart from the change in phase the two outputs sounded different when the input signal was particularly loud. The Oakley DLF has a front panel switch to select which of the input stage's outputs go on to the filter circuit. The DLF's input stage will start to clip at around +/-4V, but keeping the signal below this will ensure that the filter receives a clean signal.
The discrete low pass filter circuitry is also liable to distort when driven hard but does so in a less aggressive manner than the mixer. The DLF's drive control alters the input signal level so the filter will operate from clean to heavily overdriven. With variations in input level and drive level it is possible to utilise the overdrive characteristics of only the input stage, only the filter, or both for a really heavy sound.
The filter will self oscillate at high resonance. However, like the original module, the filter won't self oscillate below 100Hz. When the filter's cut-off frequency is swept at high resonance this limited resonance at low frequencies gives the filter a powerful sound.
The suggested panel design for the 2U wide module.
The 1U 'Filter Core' format is our way of handling filter modules. Although the 1U module can be used as a filter module on its own, it is expected that users will make use of external mixers to control CV and audio levels going into the filter. In this way, you will be able to have a collection of space saving 1U filter cores that can be used with any generic mixer module. The popular Oakley Multimix (for CV and audio) and/or the Fourmix (for just the audio) are the perfect choices for such a mixer module.
For the 2U design three audio inputs are provided, all of which have their own attenuator. Three CVs can control the cut-off of the filter. One is fixed at 1V/octave and the other two have an input attenuator, one of which is a reversible attenuator.
The module accommodates either our standard Oakley/MOTM power header or a Synthesizers.com power header. Current consumption is approximately +80mA and -55mA.
The PCB is 89mm (deep) x 143mm (height). As with all Oakley projects the PCB is double sided with through plated holes, has tough solder mask both sides, and has bold component legending for ease of construction.
Sound Samples
Here are two simple repeating sequences. The patch used is the traditional subtractive set up: Two Oakley VCOs, one saw and one square wave. A Fourmix module controls the audio input levels going to the filter. The VCF is being modulated by both KeyCV and an envelope (VRG). The output of the filter goes straight to an ADSR/VCA module. I'm just tweaking the input levels on the fourmix and drive, frequency and resonance on the DLF module. On the first sample a little delay is added to the audio output for a bit of 'Berlin School' bounce and a short reverb is added for a little ambience. The second sample is completely dry.
The issue 2 Oakley Discrete Ladder Filter as a single width MOTM format module in a natural finish Schaeffer panel. Note also the use of the optional Sock4 socket board to help keep the wiring to the sockets neat and tidy.
Prices
Click here for how to order.
Discrete Ladder Filter PCB issue 2.1 ............ 19GBP
Sock 4 issue 2 PCB
.......................................... 5GBP
Discrete Ladder Filter pot bracket kit .............. 0.75GBP
1K +3300ppm/K temp co resistor
................... 1.50GBP
The optional Pot Bracket Kit contains the three 16mm Alpha pot brackets required to complete one module.
All other parts can be purchased from you usual electronic component supplier.
All prices include VAT at UK rates. Shipping and postage is additional to these prices. See also the FAQ page.
Project Downloads
Discrete Ladder Filter issue 2 User Manual
Discrete Ladder Filter issue 2 Builder's Guide
Construction Guide Our handy guide to building Oakley DIY projects
Parts Guide Our handy guide to buying parts for Oakley DIY projects.
Schematics are only available to purchasers of the PCB(s) and will only be sent via e-mail when the board(s) are shipped.
Use 'save as...' button to download and view the files. IE users need to right hand mouse click and then choose 'save as'.
Front Panel database
A Schaeffer front panel can be made for this module. The databases can be found by downloading the following links:
5U format 1U wide (Filter Core) module in traditional black
5U format 1U wide (Filter Core) module in natural silver
5U format 2U wide (Full Version) module in traditional black
To read these files 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.
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