The Fortin Kali Pre-Amp Distortion Pedal is the latest evolution in high-performance guitar tone, designed to bring the legendary Fortin amp sound directly to your pedalboard. Building on the success of the NATAS® and MESHUGGAH pedals, Kali offers unmatched versatility and sonic depth inspired by the iconic Fortin CALI® Amp. Whether you crave vintage Plexi sparkle or full-throttle modern metal aggression, Kali delivers a rich palette of tones with impressive clarity and dynamic response.
Featuring switchable gain modes (VINT, SAT, RAW), dual gain stages, and an active 3-band EQ, the Kali pedal provides unparalleled control over your sound. Its three-position bright switches further tailor your tone for exquisite articulation and presence at every gain level. An additional stomp switch adds even more gain, making Kali a powerhouse that outclasses typical M-style preamps. With true bypass and relay-based switching, your signal remains pristine, while the pedal powers up in the same state it was turned off for seamless live performance.
Hand-built in the U.S.A. using the highest-grade materials, Kali is engineered for superior sound, reliability, and responsiveness. Whether you perform in a studio or on stage, this pedal empowers you to craft tones ranging from vintage warmth to aggressive modern saturation with ease and authenticity.
Key Features
- Switchable Gain Modes – Choose between VINT, SAT, and RAW modes to shape your distortion character, from vintage-inspired chime and compression to raw, natural tone and classic Fortin saturation.
- Dual Gain Stages with Bright Switches – Two gain controls with individual 3-way bright switches allow precise adjustment of gain and brightness, offering a wide range of tonal textures from sparkling cleans to searing leads.
- Active 3-Band EQ – Customise your bass, midrange, and treble frequencies actively, giving you full control to sculpt your sound exactly how you want it in any playing situation.
- True Bypass with Relay Switching – Ensures your signal remains clear and unaffected when the pedal is off, with soft footswitch activation and memory of the last on/off state for ease of use during performances.
Vintage to Modern Tone
The Kali pedal honours decades of amp design heritage with its VINT mode, delivering vintage sparkle and compression reminiscent of a pushed Plexi amp. Alternatively, the SAT mode recreates the feeling of a tube amp driven to saturation, while RAW mode offers a pure, uncoloured preamp sound. This flexibility allows players to explore a vast tonal spectrum from classic blues-rock to aggressive metal.
Precision Gain and Tone Control
With two gain channels and dedicated bright switches, Kali lets you dial in the perfect amount of gain and articulation for your style. The active EQ lets you fine-tune your low, mid, and high frequencies, ensuring your guitar tone sits perfectly in any mix or live setting.
Robust and Reliable Design
Handcrafted in the U.S.A. with premium components, the Kali is built to perform reliably gig after gig. Its relay-based true bypass switching minimizes signal loss, and the pedal’s compact dimensions make it an easy addition to any pedalboard.
Specifications
General
- Hand-built in U.S.A.
- Power Supply: 9vDC centre-pin negative (regulated), external adapter only (not included)
- Power Draw: 115mA @ 9vDC
- True Bypass Switching: DPDT relay-based
- Dimensions (W/D/H): 122mm x 67mm x 39.5mm (excluding knobs and switches)
- Weight: 0.4kg
- Warranty: Fortin limited 1-year warranty
Controls
- On/Off: True bypass with relay soft footswitch, powers up in previous state
- CH 1/2 Switch: Adds an extra gain stage (channel 2)
- Gain 1: Gain boost amount for channel 2 with 3-way bright switch
- Gain 2: Main gain control with 3-way bright switch
- Bass: Active bass frequency control
- Mid: Active midrange frequency control
- Treble: Active treble frequency control
- Master Mode Switch: Select between VINT, SAT, and RAW gain modes
