PumpTrack - "424" style preamp

PumpTrack isn't a traditional overdrive. It doesn't sound like an amp being pushed harder—it sounds like a recording being pushed further.

Inspired by the legendary TASCAM 424 Portastudio, a recorder that helped shape countless indie, alternative and lo-fi recordings, PumpTrack captures the unique character of its analogue preamp circuitry and places it at your feet. From subtle analogue colouration to gritty, touch-sensitive saturation, PumpTrack brings the character of classic recording equipment to your pedalboard.

Unlike most overdrives, PumpTrack wasn't inspired by a guitar amplifier—it was inspired by the equipment used to record one.

Desk-like gain staging

PumpTrack recreates the gain-staging workflow of a classic TASCAM 424 preamp channel. Use the Input Trim to determine how hard the signal hits the preamp, push the Channel Fader to drive the second gain stage into saturation, then adjust the overall level with the Master control. The result is a uniquely interactive drive character that responds to picking dynamics and guitar volume adjustments in a way few conventional overdrives can match

Studio-style EQ

A powerful two-band equaliser provides up to 10dB of boost or cut at 100Hz and 10kHz, allowing everything from thick, tape-like warmth to bright console-style presence. Unlike many guitar pedal tone controls, PumpTrack's EQ behaves more like the front end of a recording desk than a traditional mid-focused overdrive pedal

Ready for Direct Recording 

PumpTrack includes a balanced XLR output with ground lift, making it equally at home on a pedalboard, in a recording setup or feeding a front-of-house mixing console. Use it as a characterful preamp, a recording front-end or a complete direct-to-desk solution.

Perfect for:

• Players chasing vintage recording-desk character.
• Lo-fi, indie and alternative musicians.
• Guitarists who enjoy dynamic, touch-sensitive drive tones.
• Home recordists looking for more personality in direct recordings.
• Musicians who want overdrive that feels different from a conventional pedal.
• Anyone inspired by the sound of overloaded analogue equipment.

Features:

• Three gain stages, including the all important channel fader 
• Studio style EQ 
• DI / XLR output with optional ground lift capability 
• Original NJM4565, and vintage specification equivalent LM833 dual op amps in through hole packages (no SMT, no TL072, no 4558 chips)
• Soft touch, intelligent microcontroller controlled relay true bypass with bypass memory and momentary mode
• Beautiful metallic pearl grey powdercoat finish, top mounted jacks and standard 9v DC power
• Soldered, wired and assembled completely by hand in Manchester, UK

Note: PumpTrack is made in small batches. Once stock is exhausted, orders will switch to "pre-order" with a lead time of approximately 4 weeks. 

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