An apparatus for processing adaptive codebook pitch lag from one CELP based standard to another CELP based standard. The apparatus has various modules that perform at least the functionality described herein. The apparatus includes a time-base subframe checker inspection module, which is adapted to associate one or more incoming subframes with an outgoing subframes of a destination codec. The apparatus also has a decision module coupled to the time-base subframe inspection module. The decision module is adapted to determine a desired pitch lag parameter from a plurality of pitch lag parameters among respective two or more incoming subframes. The apparatus has a pitch lag selection module coupled to the decision module. The pitch lag selection module is adapted to select the desired pitch lag parameter.