I recently revisited this build, and played around with different voltage regulators. Here are the results in case anyone might be interested.
Pedal at 12v with a 9v regulator: Brian mentions in the build docs that this configuration can be used but, hasn't been tested. I've now tested it and I can say... it doesn't work. It ticks, more accurately, thumps like crazy.
Pedal at 12v with a 6v regulator:
Works, doesn't tick, but results are not desirable. There is a significant increase in volume when engaged. This is to be expected since the op amps are getting more voltage but, the bbd is not receiving a voltage benefit in terms of headroom. It's still being regulated to only 6 volts. The extra volt also changes the clock speed quite dramatically. Stock voltages gives me speeds of 40kHz to 530kHz with a sweep of the manual knob. The extra volt causes the speed to jump up to 830mHz with the manual knob maxed. At that speed, it sounds really warbly and off putting to my ears. It's no longer a flanger and more of a seasick chorus sound.
Pedal 9v with a 6v regulator:
Very similar to being run at 12v but, without the volume boost. Again, not very desirable to me. That boost in clock speed just doesn't work for this circuit. There's probably a resistor in the clock network that could be changed out to bring the speed down to a more suitable range but, I don't see the point. That extra volt doesn't really help the bbd in terms of headroom from what I can tell so why bother. 9v with a 5v regulator seems to be the sweet spot for this circuit.
Pedal at 12v with a 9v regulator: Brian mentions in the build docs that this configuration can be used but, hasn't been tested. I've now tested it and I can say... it doesn't work. It ticks, more accurately, thumps like crazy.
Pedal at 12v with a 6v regulator:
Works, doesn't tick, but results are not desirable. There is a significant increase in volume when engaged. This is to be expected since the op amps are getting more voltage but, the bbd is not receiving a voltage benefit in terms of headroom. It's still being regulated to only 6 volts. The extra volt also changes the clock speed quite dramatically. Stock voltages gives me speeds of 40kHz to 530kHz with a sweep of the manual knob. The extra volt causes the speed to jump up to 830mHz with the manual knob maxed. At that speed, it sounds really warbly and off putting to my ears. It's no longer a flanger and more of a seasick chorus sound.
Pedal 9v with a 6v regulator:
Very similar to being run at 12v but, without the volume boost. Again, not very desirable to me. That boost in clock speed just doesn't work for this circuit. There's probably a resistor in the clock network that could be changed out to bring the speed down to a more suitable range but, I don't see the point. That extra volt doesn't really help the bbd in terms of headroom from what I can tell so why bother. 9v with a 5v regulator seems to be the sweet spot for this circuit.