Description
JHS 424 Gain Stage
The JHS 424 Gain Stage is a guitar pedal designed to replicate the unique, elastic, and lo-fi tonal characteristics achieved by plugging a guitar directly into a TASCAM® Portastudio® 424 multitrack recorder. This pedal offers those sought-after rubbery clean tones, high headroom, and "smashed out" fuzz in a convenient stompbox format.
Inspired by the iconic sound of artists like Mk.Gee, D4vd, Steve Lacey, Malcolm Todd, Omar Apollo, Mac Demarco, Spoon, and Radiohead, the 424 Gain Stage allows guitarists to easily integrate these direct-in, bedroom pop-style tones into their setup, whether live or in the studio.
The original Portastudios of the '80s and '90s became famous for enabling home recording and found their way onto numerous hit records, including "Nebraska" by Springsteen, "Enter the Wu-Tang" by the Wu-Tang Clan, and "Gimme Fiction" by Spoon. The fuzzy guitar tracks and vocals on "Gimme Fiction" were notably recorded on a Portastudio, heavily influencing the creation of this pedal.
Historically Accurate Recreation:
JHS has meticulously recreated the original 424 MKI® circuit, utilizing the exact UPC4570 and NJM4565 op-amps found in the vintage units. All original controls are replicated, which is crucial for delivering the unique character of the old Portastudios. The pedal's gain controls (TRIM, CHANNEL, & MASTER) work in tandem, just like on the original 424, to dial in the desired tone. Further tone shaping is possible with the Low and High EQ settings.
Versatile Applications:
As a DI: The 424 Gain Stage functions as a direct box, providing the same "gooey texture" and lo-fi fuzz as plugging directly into a Portastudio, without the need to carry the physical unit. It's ideal for recording desks. For advanced setups, an active A/B/Y switcher can send signal to both an amplifier and the 424 Gain Stage, with its XLR output going directly to a mixer or interface, allowing simultaneous use or easy switching.
With an Amp: The pedal format makes it easy to combine the 424's unique tone with the saturation of your favorite amplifier. This adds a new sonic quality and allows for stacking with other pedals. It can be used as a gain stage, a unique overdrive, or pushed into full-on overloaded and broken fuzz.
Controls:
VOLUME (Corresponds to Portastudio® Master): Controls the overall output volume of the pedal.
GAIN 1 (TRIM): Sets the amount of preamplification added to the input signal.
GAIN 2 (CHANNEL): Sets the volume level of the second gain stage.
BASS: Cuts or boosts bass frequencies.
TREBLE: Cuts or boosts treble frequencies.
Inputs & Outputs:
INPUT: Top 1/4” right jack for guitar signal.
OUTPUT: Top 1/4” left jack for amplifier connection.
XLR OUTPUT: XLR jack on the left side, providing a balanced output for direct connection to a mixer or audio interface. Both 1/4” and XLR outputs can be used simultaneously.
Additional Features:
GROUND LIFT: Dip switch on the left side to eliminate hum/buzz when using the XLR output.
POWER: Requires 9VDC center negative power and consumes 50mA. (Important: Do not use more than 9VDC; doing so may cause damage and void the warranty.)
Switching: Silent, soft-touch switching with a buffered bypass.
Dimensions:
2.6” X 4.8” X 1.6”
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