The Benson Portable Distortion 424 MkII is a masterclass in nostalgic tone design, distilling the famously imperfect sound of a 424 cassette 4-track recorder into a portable, pedalboard-friendly format. More than a simple distortion, it functions as a full preamp and tonal management system, offering a remarkably versatile gain range that spans from a clean, characterful boost to sizzling overdrive and full-blown, lo-fi saturated fuzz.
Faithfulness to the source material is paramount. The pedal meticulously replicates the original unit’s low-impedance input stage, delivering the darkened, compressed sonic signature that defines the ‘direct-to-tape’ sound. A key innovation is a switchable input buffer; disengaged, it provides that classic, darkened lo-fi character perfect for the front of your chain, while engaged, it opens up the frequency response for a more transparent, yet still distinctly coloured, saturation that can be placed anywhere in a signal path.
Control is both intuitive and deep. Gain and Trim knobs manage the preamp’s saturation and output level, while dedicated Treble and Bass controls offer far more precise EQ sculpting than the original hardware. Released as an exceptionally limited run, the 424 MKII is a boutique homage that transcends gimmickry, offering a uniquely musical and textured gain source for crafting everything from bedroom-pop intimacy to stadium-sized, degraded roar.
