JHS Pedals introduces a pedal modeled after the Tascam 424 Portastudio to assist in generating Mk.gee's unique, flexible, and lo-fi sound profiles.
In the ever-evolving world of guitar pedals, JHS Pedals has unveiled a unique addition to their lineup - the 424 Gain Stage. This pedal emulates the internal gain circuitry of the classic Tascam Portastudio 424 MKI, capturing its vintage lo-fi tape saturation and distortion.
The 424 Gain Stage offers a pared-back layout, with knobs for Volume, Bass, Treble, Gain 1, Gain 2, and a single footswitch. This simplicity belies its power, as it provides dual gain stages plus bass and treble EQ, allowing users to shape the tone closely resembling that classic tape saturation and coloration.
One artist who has been known to push the boundaries with this pedal is Mk.gee. In 2024, he released a record called Two Star and the Dream Police, and the guitar world was captivated by his unique sound. Scott, another artist, expresses interest in both the classic and the newer sounds that Mk.gee's method produces, stating that it is a "really new and fresh and different" way of creating guitar parts that are "not the classic thing."
The 424 Gain Stage features buffered bypass and balanced XLR output for clean signal routing, enabling a direct connection to mixers or interfaces, simulating the direct output qualities of the original Portastudio device’s electronics. The soft-touch footswitch and durable metal housing ensure professional usability.
For those who appreciate the nostalgic lo-fi aesthetic tones, the 424 Gain Stage provides a practical, pedal-format re-creation of the Portastudio's signature sonic character without needing the original bulky hardware. The Tascam 424 was used by DIY artists and bedroom musicians throughout the '80s and '90s, and can also be heard on hit records such as Bruce Springsteen's Nebraska and Wu-Tang Clan's Enter the Wu-Tang.
The 424 Gain Stage claims to deliver the same "unparalleled gooey texture and lo-fi fuzz" produced by Mk.gee's unconventional set-up, without the fuss of incorporating a Portastudio into your rig. It is available for purchase for $249.
More information about the 424 Gain Stage can be found on JHS' website. If you're a tone-chaser looking to add some vintage warmth and grit to your sound, the 424 Gain Stage is definitely worth a look.
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