FORTIN AMPS

Why Fortin Pre-Amps Rule

Fortin Pre Amp pedals (like the NATAS, Kali, and Meshuggah) are widely considered the gold standard for modern metal because they prioritize attack speed and surgical frequency control over generic distortion.

While many high-gain pedals can sound "fizzy" or "muddy," Fortin designs are engineered to behave like high-voltage tube circuits. Here is the breakdown of why they sound so distinct:

1. Active "Muscle" EQ

Most guitar pedals use passive EQs that only "cut" frequencies. Fortin preamps use active 3-band EQs with massive amounts of boost and cut capability.

The Benefit: You can aggressively scoop mids or boost treble without losing the core body of your tone.
Precision: The Treble control on pedals like the Meshuggah is so potent it acts more like a "presence" knob on a $4,000 amplifier, allowing for that "glassy" pick attack common in Djent.

2. Built-in "Tightness" (The Grind/Girth Logic)

A signature of Mike Fortin’s design is the pre-gain voicing. Some Fortin preamps (like the NATAS) include "Grind" and "Girth" controls or fixed internal voicing inspired by the Fortin 33/Grind boost pedals.

Low-End Tightness: They cut the "flubby" low-end frequencies before they hit the gain stage. This ensures that even with the gain at 100%, your palm mutes remain percussive and "thump" rather than "mush."
Harmonic Saturation: By boosting specific high-mids before the distortion, the pedal produces harmonically rich "growl" that feels alive under your fingers.

3. Integrated Zuul Noise Gate

The Meshuggah pedal features a built-in version of the Fortin Zuul circuit.

The Impact: This isn't just a convenience; it fundamentally changes how the preamp "sounds." Because the gate is tied directly into the gain stages, you can achieve "nuclear" levels of distortion that remain dead silent the millisecond you stop playing. This creates the "stop-start" rhythmic precision that defines modern metal.

4. Audio Transformers & Power Management

Inside pedals like the NATAS, you’ll often find high-quality components rarely seen in standard stomp-boxes, such as audio transformers.

The "Feel": These components help mimic the "sag" and dynamic response of a real tube power amp. It makes the pedal feel less like a "box of bees" and more like an instrument that responds to how hard you hit the strings.

5. Interaction Over Simplicity

Unlike "set-and-forget" pedals, Fortin controls are highly interactive. Changing the Gain 1 control often shifts the frequency response of Gain 2. This allows you to "tune" the pedal to your specific guitar and pickups, ensuring clarity even on 8 or 9-string instruments tuned to sub-bass registers.