The VFE Triumvirate is a multi-band distortion from VFE Pedals: instead of distorting the whole signal at once, it splits the guitar signal into three pathways (lows, mids and highs), runs each through its own distortion engine, and mixes the three bands back together at the end12. Guitar FX Layouts, which published a DIY layout for the pedal, called it "a great and unique distortion pedal by VFE" and noted it "works great for guitar, bass, synths, even cellos"2.
How it works
The signal is split into three pathways, and each is fed through a series of filter networks. The cutoff points of those networks are set by internal trimpots, two per filter type, each independent1. Each pathway then goes through its own distortion engine with full control over gain and level, and the bands are mixed together at the output2. Stefan Karlsson, writing at Guitar Pedal X, described the Triumvirate as "the first device I encountered that split the incoming signal into 3 different frequency band gain stages" that you adjust and combine in parallel3.
Band frequencies
The filter trimpots set where each band starts and stops. The manual gives minimum and stock settings for each pair12:
| Band | Filter type | Trimmer | Min | Stock | Upper limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bass | Low pass | LOW | 145Hz | 290Hz | no upper limit |
| Mid | Low pass | HIGH MID | 800Hz | 1.6kHz | no upper limit |
| Treble | High pass | HIGH | 680Hz | 1.35kHz | no upper limit |
Frequencies per the maker's build document1.
Controls
The pedal uses a six-knob control topology, three large and three small3, plus ten internal trimmers2.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Gain (500kA) | Gain control for the individual bands1 |
| Bass, Treble, Mid (100kA) | Individual volume controls for each distortion band1 |
| Pre (10k trimmer) | Increases input gain before the signal is split into the three bands; turning it down decreases distortion across all three and takes it more into overdrive territory1 |
| Cut (10k trimmer) | Cuts high end from the resulting mix of Bass, Treble and Mid distortion1 |
| High (5k, 50k trimmers) | Sets the low/mid cutoff frequency of the treble band; use it to add more depth, or to really isolate the treble frequencies1 |
Guitar FX Layouts summed up the two most useful trimmers this way:
"The PRE trimpot sets the gain of the clean boost before the gain stages. Crank it for insane levels of distortion, or back it off to make the Triumvirate more of a multiband overdrive."
"The CUT control affects a master treble cut filter that smooths out any distortion artifacts."
Versions and mods
Earlier versions of the Triumvirate had fixed frequency bands; the final version added a 10uF bipolar cap in series with R4 to prevent DC offset on the TLE2074 being amplified through the bass section. According to Peter of VFE, this cap was added to prevent an infrequent issue with DC offset being amplified through that stage1. An owner on Guitar FX Layouts referenced both a 1st-Gen and a Final-Run Triumvirate2.
The build uses two TLE2074 quad amp ICs, a hi-fi and relatively expensive part used in many VFE pedals. A TL074 or LM324 can be substituted, though the TL074 sounds slightly different12.
For DIY builders working from the schematic, Guitar FX Layouts lists two mods2:
- Bass Mod: double the value of the LOW, LO MID and HIGH trimpots; HI MID trimpots are 5K and 50K; PRE trimpot is 5K.
- Boost Mod: remove all clipping components and change the GAIN trimpots to A100K.
The schematic also documents two mods for players who want to take the circuit further. The BASS MOD doubles the value of the LOW, LO MID, and HIGH trimpots, with HI MID trimpots at 5K and 50K and the PRE trimpot at 5K. The BOOST MOD removes all clipping components and changes the GAIN trimpots to A100K12.
Where it sits
The Triumvirate's parallel-band approach sets it apart from conventional distortion pedals, which process the full signal through one gain stage. Because each band has its own gain and level, a player can push the lows hard while keeping the treble cleaner, or isolate the treble frequencies for a sharper edge. VFE's wider range includes the VFE Alpha Dog, VFE Dragon Hound, VFE Distortion3, VFE Dark Horse, VFE Killer Rabbit and VFE RUP mkII321.
Videos
ProGuitarShopDemos
The Tone King
Victor Hugo Targino
Questions
What are the three bands in the VFE Triumvirate?
The Triumvirate splits the guitar signal into three pathways: lows, mids and highs. Each pathway runs through its own filter networks, its own gain stage and its own volume control, and the three are mixed back together at the end. The cutoff points of the filters are set by internal trimpots, two per filter type, each independent.
What does the Pre trimmer do on the Triumvirate?
The Pre trimmer increases the input gain of a clean boost before the signal is split into the three bands. Turning it down decreases distortion across all three bands and takes the pedal more into overdrive territory. Cranked, it drives the gain stages hard; backed off, the Triumvirate behaves as a multi-band overdrive.
What is the Triumvirate Bass Mod?
The Bass Mod, taken from the schematic, doubles the value of the LOW, LO MID and HIGH trimpots, uses 5K and 50K values for the HI MID trimpots, and sets the PRE trimpot to 5K. It shifts the filter ranges to suit bass-heavy instruments. There is also a Boost Mod: remove all clipping components and change the GAIN trimpots to A100K.
Sources (3)
- Microsoft Word, Madbean Pedals, 2019
- Guitar FX Layouts: VFE Pedals Triumvirate, Guitar FX Layouts (tagboardeffects.blogspot.com), 2016-08-29
- Guitar Pedal X, Guitar Pedal X, 2025-09-23
