JHS Pedals 424 Gain Stage: Lo-Fi Portastudio Preamp
Tascam Portastudio 424 MKI based preamp pedal
4,5 / 5,0 | 
The 424 Gain Stage from JHS Pedals is a preamp based on the Tascam Portastudio 424 MKI multi-track tape recorder, offering a lo-fi experience for guitarists.
424 Gain Stage
The 424 Gain Stage, according to JHS Pedals, is a historically accurate recreation of the original Portastudio 424 MKI circuit. To achieve this, the pedal circuit incorporates the original UPC4570 and NJM4565 op-amps, along with all the original controls of the Portastudio.
JHS describes the tones on offer as ranging from “rubbery clean tones, high headroom, and smashed out fuzz”.
Portastudio Controls
This meticulous attention to detail by JHS is crucial for capturing the distinct Portastudio sound that has captivated Lo-Fi-loving musicians for decades. The pedal’s control layout will be instantly familiar to anyone who has used the classic Portastudio.
The gain controls, including Gain 1/ trim, Gain 2/channel, and master volume, work together to help players dial in their desired tone. The Low and High EQ settings allow for a wide range of tones. Perfect for anyone who wants that lo-fi, gritty tone associated with old Japanese tape-driven multi-tracks.
Live & Studio
Beyond its authentic tone, the 424 Gain Stage offers modern flexibility for both live performance and studio use. In addition to the standard 1/4″ output, the pedal features a balanced XLR output (DI out) with a ground lift switch, making it a versatile tool for any situation. It also uses a buffered bypass in the circuit design and runs from an external 9 V DC power supply (no batteries).
Lo-Fi
This pedal is all about recreating these now ‘vintage tones’ and it follows the popularity of artists, including Mk.gee and Tame Impala, who both use old Portastudios to achieve the desired effect in their music.
Price & Availability
The JHS Pedals 424 Gain Stage costs $282/£252/€289, and so it isn’t exactly cheap, but I think if you want these types of preamp tones, then you’ll be the target audience. Primarily, as old Tascam Portastudios are becoming increasingly difficult to find in working order, and old units are vastly overpriced on the used market.
At least this pedal’s modern-day recreation should be reliable and not fail on you mid-session.
They are available at Thomann.
More Information
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