Description
The JHS 424 Gain Stage Pedal captures the elastic, lo-fi tone inspired by plugging straight into a vintage 424 multi-track recorder. It brings the same rubbery cleans, high headroom, and smashed-out fuzz that defined so many iconic home recordings-without needing the original studio hardware. If you're into tones from artists like Steve Lacy, D4vd, and Mac DeMarco, this puts you right in that sonic zone with modern usability and reliability.
The 424 Gain Stage is a historically accurate recreation of the original 424 MKI circuit, built around the same UPC4570 and NJM4565 op-amps. Its control layout mirrors the original unit-Trim (Gain 1), Channel Volume (Gain 2), and Master Volume-plus Low and High EQ for tone shaping. Together, they give you everything from subtle drive and tape-like compression to full-on broken fuzz textures. With both a 1/4" output and a balanced XLR DI output, you can easily use it on your pedalboard, in the studio, or on stage.
Going direct with the 424 Gain Stage delivers that unmistakable gooey, saturated character you'd get from tracking straight into a multi-track recorder. It's perfect on a recording desk or paired with an A/B/Y switcher for seamless routing between your amp and interface. Run it as a DI fuzz, as a tone-shaping gain stage, or push it into overloaded territory for unique distortion textures. Compact, quiet, and built like a tank, it's one of the most versatile tools out there for adding nostalgic, character-rich tone to your setup.
Controls:
- VOLUME (Corresponds to 424 Master) - Controls the output volume. Left is less, right is more. On the 424 MKI, this is the MASTER fader.
- GAIN 1 (TRIM) - Sets how much preamplification will be added to the input signal. On the 424 MKI, this is the TRIM control.
- GAIN 2 (CHANNEL) - Sets the volume level of the second gain stage. On the 424 MKI, this is the CHANNEL fader.
- BASS - Cuts or boosts bass frequencies. Left is less, right is more.
- TREBLE - Cuts or boosts the treble frequencies. Left is less, right is more.
Specifications:
- Input: Top ¼" right jack
- Output: Top ¼" left jack
- XLR Output: Balanced out on left side (can use ¼" and XLR simultaneously)
- Ground Lift: Dip switch on left side
- Power: 9VDC center negative, 50mA
- Dimensions: 2.6" x 4.8" x 1.6"
- Bypass: Buffered, silent soft-touch
Sku: 424GS
