The JHS 424 Gain Stage pedal delivers the unmistakable lo-fi character of the good ole’ TASCAM Portastudio 424 in a compact, modern format. Designed to replicate the elastic clean tones, high headroom, and gritty fuzz that defined countless bedroom recordings, the pedal captures the sonic essence of direct-in guitar rigs made famous by artists like Mk.Gee, D4vd, Steve Lacy, and Mac DeMarco.
Rooted in the legacy of the original Portastudios, used on landmark albums like Springsteen’s Nebraska and Spoon’s Gimme Fiction, the 424 Gain Stage faithfully recreates the MKI circuit using original UPC4570 and NJM4565 op-amps. It features authentic gain controls (Trim, Channel Volume, Master Volume) and EQ settings, allowing users to dial in tones ranging from subtle saturation to full-blown fuzz.
The pedal offers both ¼” and balanced XLR outputs, making it a versatile tool for studio and live setups. As a DI, it replicates the gooey, textured sound of plugging directly into a Portastudio, without the bulk. When paired with an amp, it adds a new layer of tonal depth, functioning as a boost, overdrive, or fuzz unit.
Controls include Volume, Gain 1 (Trim), Gain 2 (Channel), Bass, Treble, and a Ground Lift switch for noise management.
Powered by 9VDC, it features silent soft-touch switching and buffered bypass.
With its blend of historical fidelity and modern flexibility, the 424 Gain Stage is a tribute to the lo-fi aesthetic that continues to shape contemporary indie rock and pop music.
