Benson Amps Portable Distortion 424 MK II

The Benson Amps Portable Distortion 424 MK II is a versatile distortion and preamp pedal inspired by the raw, compressed character of the preamp section found in classic cassette four track recorders. Its broad EQ response and distinctive gain structure recreate the gritty, lo fi character of those recording devices while expanding the original concept into a more flexible guitar pedal format.

A bypassable input buffer gives the 424 MK II two distinct operating characteristics. With the buffer engaged, the pedal responds more effectively to high impedance guitar signals and offers a broader range of tones, from subtle clean boost and treble boost sounds through to warmer, darker textures and heavily saturated distortion. Bypassing the buffer recreates the behaviour of plugging a guitar directly into the original four track style preamp, producing a more raw and immediate response.

The combination of flexible gain and wide ranging EQ makes the 424 MK II useful as both a conventional drive pedal and a more unconventional sound shaping tool, with the ability to move from relatively clean signal enhancement to aggressive, chaotic grind.

Key features

• Inspired by classic cassette four track preamp circuits

• Raw and gritty distortion character

• Broad EQ response

• Bypassable input buffer

• Buffer engaged for greater versatility with high impedance signals

• Buffer bypassed for a more direct vintage four track response

• Sounds ranging from clean boost to heavy distortion

• Suitable for treble boost, warm textures, and lo fi effects

Benson Amps pedals are built in Portland, Oregon, combining distinctive analogue circuits with the practical versatility expected from a modern pedalboard.