JHS Pedals 424 Gain Stage puts the iconic Tascam Portastudio 424 multitrack recorder Lo-Fi sound into a guitar stompbox/pedal.
Nowadays, we have access to the highest resolution and highest quality audio recorders for music production. However, many people mourn the times when audio recordings were still dirty and lo-fi.
This has led to massive demand for vintage recorders in recent years, especially the Tascam 424 from 1979. Good news for all hunters: JHS Pedals has unveiled the 424 Gain Stage, a pedal that recreates the elastic, lo-fi tone of the original hardware.
JHS Pedals 424 Gain Stage
The new JHS Pedals 424 Gain Stage puts the Tascam Portastudio 424 sound into a pedal the one you’ve been chasing for so long. Well, it’s not an integral recorder replica, but of the sound character.
New to me is that Portastudio 424 is not just a hot topic in the electronic music world, but also in the guitar sphere. I learned something new again.
For this pedal, JHS Pedals has replicated the original 424 MKI circuit using the original UPC4570 and NJM4565 op-amps and all the original controls, which is crucial for recreating the unique character.
From left to right, you have the volume control (master fader on the Portastudio 424) that controls the output volume. Then, Gain 2 (channel fader on P424) sets the volume level of the second gain stage.
Gain 1 (trim control on the P424) sets how much pre-amplification will be added to the input signal. Bass cuts or boosts bass frequencies while treble cuts or boosts treble frequencies, which are low and high EQ settings.
On the connection side, it offers a ¼” input and ¼” output alongside a new balanced XLR output (DI out) on the side, giving you ultimate flexibility. This is a balanced output which can be used as a direct-out straight into a mixer or interface.
Neat, the 1/4” output and XLR output can be used simultaneously. Another excellent addition is that you can use the JHS Pedals 424 Gain Stage as a DI box.
According to JHS Pedals, it gives you the exact same unparalleled gooey texture and lo-fi fuzz you get when plugging directly into a 424® without the hassle of dragging around your beloved Portastudio.
Lastly, it hosts a ground lift dip switch on he left side of the pedal, for removing hum/buzz while using the XLR output.
First Impression
Now, prices for the Portastudio 424 are starting to drop on the used market. No, I don’t think so, but it’s a nice idea to pack the sound into a pedal. I’m surprised more companies haven’t done this yet.
JHS Pedals 424 Gain Stage is available now for $249/289€. It requires 9VDC center negative power and consumes 50mA.
More information here: JHS Pedals
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