Artist avoids traditional guitar amp, instead utilizing a Tascam 424 for that distinctive, lo-fi sound reminiscent of Mk.gee's music.
JHS Pedals Introduces 424 Gain Stage, Recreating Mk.gee's Unique Tone
In a groundbreaking move, JHS Pedals has unveiled the 424 Gain Stage, a preamp pedal designed to replicate the lo-fi tones of the iconic Tascam Portastudio 424. This pedal has been gaining attention since Mk.gee, a boundary-pushing artist, repurposed the Portastudio 424 not as a recording device but as a tone-shaping accessory.
Mk.gee's unconventional setup involves plugging his guitar directly into a Tascam Portastudio 424, bypassing a traditional guitar amp. He pushes the Portastudio’s preamp section hard, creating a dynamic, elastic, lo-fi fuzz tone with a distinct “gooey” texture that has captivated listeners.
The 424 Gain Stage pedal faithfully reproduces this tone by electronically replicating the Tascam 424 Portastudio’s original circuit. It uses the same types of op-amps (UPC4570 and NJM4565) found in the vintage cassette recorder to mimic its sonic character. The pedal’s controls mirror the Portastudio’s mixer section, featuring knobs for Volume (master fader), Bass, Treble, Gain 1 (input trim), and Gain 2 (channel fader), along with a footswitch for on/off.
This arrangement enables users to get the same lo-fi, fuzzy, and elastic clean tones that Mk.gee achieves without needing the bulky Portastudio hardware. The pedal captures the characteristic saturation and dynamic clipping produced by pushing the Portastudio’s preamp, lending itself well to bedroom pop and direct-in tones favoured by modern indie artists.
The 424 Gain Stage is currently available for purchase at a price of $249. Further information about the 424 Gain Stage can be found on JHS' website.
| Aspect | Mk.gee’s Setup | JHS 424 Gain Stage Pedal | |-----------------------------|-----------------------------------|------------------------------------------------| | Core device | Tascam Portastudio 424 | Pedal replicating Portastudio 424 preamp | | Tone | Lo-fi fuzz, elastic, gooey texture| Same lo-fi fuzz and dynamic clipping | | Controls | Portastudio mixer controls | Volume, Bass, Treble, Gain 1 & Gain 2 knobs | | Circuitry | Original Portastudio op-amps | Same op-amps (UPC4570, NJM4565) for authenticity | | Usage | Guitar straight into Portastudio | Guitar through pedal for ease and portability |
Josh Scott, founder of JHS Pedals, was inspired by Mk.gee's innovative use of the 424 Gain Stage to create classic and newer sounds. The 424 Gain Stage offers a pared-back layout consisting of knobs for Volume, Bass, Treble, Gain 1, and Gain 2, along with a single footswitch, making it a versatile addition to any guitarist's pedalboard.
The JHS 424 Gain Stage pedal, inspired by Mk.gee's unique setup, integrates technology to replicate the lo-fi tone produced by the Tascam Portastudio 424, making it a perfect gadget for musicians seeking a distinctive, gooey texture in their music. This pedal, similar to Mk.gee's setup, offers controls for volume, bass, treble, gain 1, and gain 2, catering to the needs of artists in the realm of entertainment and music.
