The GUP Tech VeJ5 Douche Edition is a limited version of the VeJ5, the fifth pedal in GUP Tech's VeJ Preamp series. It is a high gain preamp pedal built around the controls and high gain tone of the Diezel VH4, with a full 3-band EQ, a lot of gain, and Presence (high) and Deep (bass) controls1. Where a typical overdrive or distortion pedal shapes an existing amp tone, a preamp pedal like this is meant to be the gain stage itself, and the VeJ5 gives you the control set of a VH4 front panel in a stompbox.
The Douche Edition is the same circuit in a limited finish: GUP Tech describes it as a "Limited overpriced edition" and lists it as sold out1. The standard VeJ5 has been offered in Cream and Black color options2.
A Diezel VH4-based preamp pedal
GUP Tech positions the VeJ5 squarely on the Diezel VH4, giving it "all the controls you would normally found on a Diezel VH4"1. The VH4 connection is well worn ground in pedal form: Diezel's own VH4 Pedal, a preamp pedal built in the USA and based on the VH4's third channel, was first released in 201634. Diezel describes that channel, called "Mega," as the basis of its pedal, which unlike a traditional overdrive stompbox is a true preamp4.
The original Diezel pedal also carried two output jacks, one for use as a standard pedal with some attenuation and tone shaping, and one for connecting straight to a power amp3. The VeJ5 follows the same pattern, which is what separates a preamp pedal from an ordinary distortion box: it is designed to drive a power amp directly, not just sit in front of one.
The controls and outputs
The control layout mirrors the VH4's front panel1:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Gain | Sets the amount of high gain distortion |
| Bass, Middle, Treble | Full 3-band EQ |
| Presence | High frequency shaping |
| Deep | Bass frequency shaping |
The pedal has two outputs at different levels: a normal "out" for using it as a standard pedal, and an FX Loop Return output, effectively a power amp out, for connecting straight to a power amp1.
The power amp output jack works only with the pedal activated. In bypass, it mutes the output1. If you plan to switch to a clean sound mid-set, that matters: the power amp out is not a always-on feed.
The Douche Edition hardware itself is a step up from the standard model: it uses Gorva Design sparkle enclosures and a Gorva Design soft clicking footswitch1.
Power: 9V, 31mA, center negative
The VeJ5 runs on 9V DC only, center negative, with a power consumption of 31mA12. The pedal has internal voltage regulation and a buffered design12.
GUP Tech states plainly that anything higher than 9V "will blow some capacitors"2. Do not run this pedal above 9V or from an unregulated adapter.
At 31mA it is comfortable on a typical isolated pedalboard power supply's 9V outputs12.
Where it comes from
All GUP Tech pedals are made by the builder in Saguenay, Québec, Canada12. The VeJ Preamp series the VeJ5 belongs to also includes the VeJ1, and the series has seen several limited Douche Editions over the years, including editions of the Vej2 and the PorCorn, a JFET preamp based on the Orange Rockerverb.
Questions
What is the GUP Tech VeJ5 based on?
The VeJ5 is the fifth pedal in GUP Tech's VeJ Preamp series, a high gain preamp built around the controls and high gain tone of the Diezel VH4. It carries the full control set you would find on a VH4: 3-band EQ, gain, plus Presence and Deep controls. The Douche Edition is a limited version of the same circuit in a different finish.
What power supply does the VeJ5 need?
It runs on 9V DC only, center negative, drawing 31mA. GUP Tech warns that anything higher than 9V will blow some capacitors, so it should not be run at 18V or on an unregulated supply. The pedal has internal voltage regulation and a buffered design.
Does the VeJ5 have a power amp out?
Yes. It has two outputs at different levels: a normal out for using it as a standard pedal, and an output labeled FX Loop Return, meant for connecting straight to a power amp. The power amp output only works with the pedal activated; in bypass it mutes that output.
Is the VeJ5 Douche Edition still available?
No. The Douche Edition was a limited edition and GUP Tech lists it as sold out. The standard VeJ5 remains part of the VeJ Preamp series and has been offered in Cream and Black color options.
Where is GUP Tech made?
GUP Tech builds all of its pedals itself in Saguenay, Québec, Canada. The VeJ5 Douche Edition is one of a series of preamp pedals from the same workshop.
Sources (4)
- VeJ5 - Douche Edition, GUP Tech
- VeJ5 - High gain Preamp, GUP Tech (guptech.ca)
- DZ4 Preamp / Diezel VH-4 Distortion, Aion FX, 2022-06-02
- VH4 Pedal, Diezel Amplification, 2017-03-19
