Absolutely amazing. One of the best distortion pedals I have ever used
The absolute best noise gate I have ever used.
FOrtin Amps
Meshuggah x Fortin Amplification: The Engineering of Modern Metal Tone
The Architects of the "Djent" Sound
When people search for the Meshuggah guitar tone, they are looking for a specific holy grail: clarity amidst chaos. Since 1987, Swedish metal pioneers Meshuggah have utilized 8-string guitars to create a polyrhythmic, industrial landscape. However, the secret weapon behind their modern live and studio precision is their long-standing collaboration with Mike Fortin of Fortin Amplification.
Why Fortin Amplification?
In the world of high-gain guitar amplifiers, Fortin is known for "surgical" engineering. For guitarists like Fredrik Thordendal and Mårten Hagström, standard tube amps often struggle with the low-frequency output of an 8-string guitar (often tuned to low F).
Fortin solved this by designing circuits that:
- Tighten Low-End Response: Eliminating the "mud" associated with low tunings.
- Increase Transients: Ensuring every staccato note "tracks" instantly. Transparent
- Gain: Providing massive distortion without losing the natural character of the instrument.
Iconic Meshuggah and Fortin Signature Gear
The Meshuggah Preamp (New for 2025)
To meet the demand of the modern "in-the-box" and pedalboard player, Fortin released the Meshuggah Preamp. It shrinks the circuit of the legendary 50W head into a portable format, featuring:
- Dual-Channel Versatility: From crushing rhythm to searing lead tones.
- Integrated Noise Gate: Featuring the tech from the Fortin Zuul for dead-silent stops between riffs.
The Fortin Meshuggah Signature 50W Amplifier
Originally a limited run of only 50 hand-wired units, this amplifier has become a legend in the gear community.
- Engineering: Built with custom transformers and a unique gain structure designed specifically for 8-string (ERG) articulation.
- Demand: Due to its rarity, it is one of the most sought-after pieces of boutique metal gear, often reselling for significantly higher than its original price.
The Fortin 33 (Fredrik Thordendal Signature Pedal)
The Fortin 33 is perhaps the most famous "clean boost" in modern metal. It isn't just a volume boost; it is a frequency-shaping tool.
- The Function: A 22dB boost that shifts the guitar's signal to hit the front end of an amp harder.
- The Result: It creates the percussive, "chugging" sound that defines the Meshuggah aesthetic.
Meshuggah's and Fortin's Impact on the Metal Community
The collaboration between Meshuggah and Fortin has influenced more than just the band’s own records. It has set the industry standard for:
- Progressive Metal Production: Influencing how engineers EQ low tuned guitars.
- Pedalboard Integration: Popularizing the use of "pre-gain" boosting to achieve tightness.
- Digital Modeling: Fortin’s designs (like the Fortin Nameless Suite) are among the most popular plugins for home studio producers.