The GUP Tech VeJ5 is a high gain preamp pedal, the fifth entry in the company's VeJ Preamp series. Its circuit is built around the Diezel VH4, carrying what GUP Tech describes as "all the controls you would normally found on a Diezel VH4" and the amp's high gain tone, in a stompbox with two output levels1. Where a typical distortion pedal shapes an existing signal, the VeJ5 is a preamp pedal in the fuller sense: it generates its own high gain preamp voice, in the spirit of Diezel's own VH4 Pedal, which Diezel calls "a true preamp" rather than a traditional overdrive stomp box21.
All GUP Tech pedals, the VeJ5 included, are made by the company in Saguenay, Québec, Canada1.
A Diezel VH4-based high gain preamp
The VeJ5 takes the Diezel VH4 as its reference point. GUP Tech's own framing is direct: the pedal carries the VH4's control set and high gain tone1. The VH4's pedal-format voice has drawn press attention too. In Guitar World's roundup of distortion pedals for metal, reviewer Alex Lynham credited the Diezel VH4 2 Pedal with "amp-like EQ" and powerful distortion that functions as a preamp and "shines for modern and high-gain tones"3.
For a player, that means the VeJ5 is aimed at the same job as the amp it references: saturated, modern high gain with a full EQ section, rather than a low-gain boost or a mid-focused overdrive. It sits alongside other VeJ series preamps from GUP Tech, such as the VeJ4 and the VeJ314.
The controls and outputs
The control set mirrors the amp it is based on1:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Gain | GUP Tech lists "a lot of gain" on tap1 |
| 3-band EQ | Full bass, middle and treble controls1 |
| Presence | High-frequency shaping1 |
| Deep | Bass-frequency shaping1 |
The Presence and Deep controls are the VH4-style extended EQ controls, sitting on top of the standard three bands, which gives more shaping range than a simple tone knob14.
There are two outputs, at two different levels: a normal "out" for a regular pedal input, and an FX Loop Return "power amp out" for feeding the loop return or power amp input of an amplifier1. That second output is the one to use when you want the VeJ5 to act as the amp's front end, driving the power section directly.
The Power Amp output jack can be used only with the pedal activated. In bypass, it will mute the output1. If you switch the pedal in and out mid-song, wire your chain with that in mind.
Power: 9V, 31mA
The VeJ5 runs on 9V DC only, center negative, drawing 31mA1. GUP Tech's warning on voltage is blunt: "anything higher will blow some capacitors"1. The pedal has internal voltage regulation, which is how it derives its preamp operation from a 9V feed1.
At 31mA it is an easy load for any isolated supply or even a daisy chain, provided the supply is 9V14.
The Douche Edition
Alongside the standard pedal, GUP Tech has issued a VeJ5 Douche Edition, a limited edition in Gorva Design sparkle enclosures4. It carries the same circuit, controls and power spec: full 3-band EQ, gain, Presence and Deep controls, buffered design, internal voltage regulation, 9V DC only and 31mA4. The Douche Edition in Green is listed as sold out4. GUP Tech markets it with tongue in cheek as a "Limited overpriced edition"4.
The standard VeJ5 comes in Cream and Black color options1.
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Questions
What amp is the GUP Tech VeJ5 based on?
The VeJ5 is based on the Diezel VH4. GUP Tech describes it as carrying all the controls you would normally find on a Diezel VH4, with the amp's high gain tone, in a pedal. It is the fifth pedal in the company's VeJ Preamp series.
Can I run the VeJ5 at a higher voltage than 9V?
No. GUP Tech specifies 9V DC only and warns that anything higher will blow some capacitors. The pedal has internal voltage regulation, so it is designed to run from a standard 9V supply with center negative polarity.
Does the VeJ5 have a buffer?
Yes. GUP Tech lists a buffered design among the pedal's features, along with internal voltage regulation. That means the signal path is buffered rather than true bypass.
What does the Power Amp output do in bypass?
The Power Amp output jack works only with the pedal activated. In bypass, using that jack mutes the output, so plan your wiring accordingly if you switch the pedal in and out during a set.
Where is the GUP Tech VeJ5 made?
All GUP Tech pedals, including the VeJ5, are made by the company itself in Saguenay, Québec, Canada.
What colors does the VeJ5 come in?
The standard VeJ5 is offered in Cream and Black. There is also a Douche Edition in Gorva Design sparkle enclosures, sold as a limited edition, which has sold out in the Green color.
Sources (4)
- VeJ5 - High gain Preamp, GUP Tech (guptech.ca)
- VH4 Pedal, Diezel Amplification, 2017-03-19
- Best distortion pedals for metal: get the ultimate metal tone, Guitar World, 2022-04-26
- VeJ5 - Douche Edition, GUP Tech
