The Benson Portable Distortion 424 MkII is a distortion and preamp pedal from Benson Amps that models the preamp of a classic cassette 4-track recorder. Benson says the 424 MKII Preamp takes its inspiration from the raw and grimy distortion texture and broad EQ control of that machine, and Delicious Audio's review describes it as distilling the famously imperfect sound of a 424 cassette 4-track recorder into a portable, pedalboard-friendly format12. It sits in the wider field of distortion pedals and preamp pedals.
What it does to your sound
The pedal replicates the original unit's low-impedance input stage, which Delicious Audio says delivers the darkened, compressed sonic signature that defines the "direct-to-tape" sound2. The maker points to the same character in its description of the circuit1.
Delicious Audio's reviewer, Paolo De Gregorio, describes a wide gain range:
"offering a remarkably versatile gain range that spans from a clean, characterful boost to sizzling overdrive and full-blown, lo-fi saturated fuzz"
That range reaches from territory players might otherwise find in a boost pedal or overdrive pedal up to fuzz-style saturation2.
The input buffer switch
The MkII's most distinctive control is a bypassable input buffer. Benson says it added the buffer to expand the versatility of the circuit, because it drastically changes the gain and character of the pedal, and that with the buffer engaged it helps the pedal play well with high-impedance guitar signal1. With the buffer bypassed, Benson describes a faithful recreation of the sound of plugging an electric guitar directly into the original recorder1.
Delicious Audio frames the same switch as the pedal's key innovation: disengaged, it provides the classic, darkened lo-fi character suited to the front of a chain; engaged, it opens up the frequency response for more transparent saturation that can be placed anywhere in a signal path2. Players who use a separate buffer pedal will recognize the trade-off this switch puts under their foot.
Controls
Delicious Audio's review also describes Treble and Bass controls among the pedal's features2.
Price and availability
Benson Amps lists the Portable Distortion 424 MKII at $199.00 USD on both its product page and its pedal index, as of October 202613. Delicious Audio notes the pedal was released as an exceptionally limited run2.
What reviewers said
Delicious Audio's verdict, from Paolo De Gregorio's June 2026 review:
"The Benson Portable Distortion 424 MkII is a masterclass in nostalgic tone design"
The same review calls it a boutique homage that transcends gimmickry, offering a uniquely musical and textured gain source overall2.
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Questions
What is the Benson Portable Distortion 424 MkII based on?
Benson Amps says the 424 MKII Preamp takes its inspiration from the raw and grimy distortion texture and broad EQ control of a classic cassette 4-track recorder. Delicious Audio's review describes it as distilling the famously imperfect sound of a 424 cassette 4-track recorder into a portable, pedalboard-friendly format.
What does the input buffer switch do?
Benson Amps says the bypassable buffer drastically changes the gain and character of the pedal and helps it play well with high-impedance guitar signal when engaged. With the buffer bypassed, the maker describes a faithful recreation of plugging an electric guitar directly into the original unit. Delicious Audio notes that disengaged it gives a darkened lo-fi character, while engaged it opens up the frequency response for more transparent saturation anywhere in a signal path.
How much does the Benson Portable Distortion 424 MkII cost?
Benson Amps lists the Portable Distortion 424 MKII at $199.00 USD on its product page as of October 2026.
Can it work as a preamp?
Yes. Delicious Audio's review says that more than a simple distortion, it functions as a full preamp and tonal management system, with Gain and Trim knobs managing the preamp's saturation and output level.
Sources (3)
- Portable Distortion 424 MKII, Benson Amps
- Benson Portable Distortion 424 MkII, Delicious Audio, 2026-06-04
- Guitar Pedals, BENSON AMPS
