What is the primary function of the Fortin Fourteen Overdrive?

It is a dual-channel analogue overdrive and boost pedal designed to provide three distinct drive voicings for modern metal and rock applications. It is used to tighten high-gain tones or provide independent boost settings for different amplifier channels.

Does the Fortin Fourteen use digital modelling?

No, the Fourteen utilizes a completely analogue signal path. Each of its three voicings (HexDrive, F9, and F808) is based on dedicated analogue circuit designs rather than digital emulations.

What are the three voicings available on the pedal?

The three modes are HexDrive, F9, and F808. Each mode is based on a different Mike Fortin modification of classic overdrive platforms, providing varying levels of gain and tonal character.

Are the two channels on the Fourteen independent?

Yes, the pedal features two completely independent channels. This allows the player to set different modes and gain levels for each channel and switch between them as needed.

Can the Fourteen be used as a clean boost?

Yes, one or both channels can be configured for clean channel boosting. This is particularly effective for adding articulation and 'tightness' to an already overdriven amplifier signal.

What is the F808 mode based on?

The F808 mode is based on Mike Fortin's specific modifications to the classic 808-style overdrive circuit. It provides a familiar mid-hump drive but with refined characteristics for modern playing styles.

What does the HexDrive mode offer?

HexDrive is a modern voicing designed for ultra-tight response and high-gain saturation. It is specifically tailored for modern metal players who need maximum clarity in their rhythm tones.

Does the pedal support remote switching?

Yes, the Fourteen includes remote amplifier switching integration. This allows the pedal to be integrated into larger, professional touring rigs where external controllers manage signal paths.

What is the typical price for the Fortin Fourteen?

The pedal typically retails for approximately £279 in the UK market. It is considered a premium, professional-grade boutique effects pedal.

Who is the ideal user for this pedal?

The Fourteen is designed for guitarists chasing ultra-tight modern metal tones and articulate amp boosting. It is best suited for professional players who require flexible gain structures across multiple channels.

How does the Fourteen differ from a standard overdrive?

Unlike standard single-circuit overdrives, the Fourteen offers two independent channels and three switchable analogue voicings. It is also specifically designed to integrate with high-gain amplifiers rather than just adding gain to a clean signal.

Can both channels be active at the same time?

The pedal is designed for switching between two independent gain structures. This allows the user to have a dedicated rhythm setting and a separate lead or boost setting available at a single tap.

Gear article

Fortin Fourteen Overdrive

The Fortin Fourteen Overdrive is a professional-grade dual-channel guitar effect pedal designed by Mike Fortin to deliver high-gain saturation and precision boosting. It features three distinct analogue drive voicings—HexDrive, F9, and F808—across two independent channels for complex gain staging and modern metal tones.

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Overview

The Fortin Fourteen Overdrive is a versatile signal-shaping tool designed for the modern guitarist. It consolidates several of Mike Fortin's most acclaimed circuit modifications into a single chassis. Unlike pedals that rely on digital signal processing, the Fourteen utilizes dedicated analogue circuit paths to reproduce the characteristics of classic overdrive platforms with contemporary enhancements. Its primary application is providing ultra-tight response for low-tuned instruments and high-gain amplifiers.

Circuit Architecture and Modes

The pedal is structured around two completely independent channels, each capable of being configured into one of three distinct voicings:

HexDrive: Provides a modern, aggressive drive character designed for clarity and punch.
F9: A voicing tailored for specific mid-forward characteristics and high-gain saturation.
F808: Based on Fortin's specific modifications of the classic 808-style overdrive, offering a refined take on a standard gain platform.

Each channel allows the player to build specific gain structures, such as using one side as a clean boost to tighten a rhythm tone and the other as a saturated lead drive.

Sound Character

The sonic signature of the Fourteen is defined by its 'tightness' and articulation. It is engineered to prevent the low-end 'muddiness' often associated with high-gain signal chains. The analogue circuitry ensures a responsive feel that reacts to the player's pick attack. While it is capable of providing classic rock saturation, its core identity lies in the high-gain metal genre, where note definition across complex chords is essential.

Connectivity and Control

Beyond standard input and output jacks, the Fourteen includes integration for remote amplifier switching. This professional feature allows the pedal to interface with more complex rig setups, ensuring that channel switching can be synchronised or controlled externally. Each of the two channels features dedicated controls, allowing for precise matching of levels and gain intensities between the two voices.

Market Position

Sitting at a premium price point of approximately £279, the Fourteen is positioned as a professional-grade boutique tool. It competes with other high-end utility pedals such as the Boss NS-2 for signal control or the Digitech Whammy Ricochet for pitch manipulation, though it remains a dedicated drive unit. It is particularly suited for players who require the specific 'Fortin sound'—a tone often associated with precision-engineered amp modifications—without needing to modify their actual amplifier hardware.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary function of the Fortin Fourteen Overdrive?: It is a dual-channel analogue overdrive and boost pedal designed to provide three distinct drive voicings for modern metal and rock applications. It is used to tighten high-gain tones or provide independent boost settings for different amplifier channels.
Does the Fortin Fourteen use digital modelling?: No, the Fourteen utilizes a completely analogue signal path. Each of its three voicings (HexDrive, F9, and F808) is based on dedicated analogue circuit designs rather than digital emulations.
What are the three voicings available on the pedal?: The three modes are HexDrive, F9, and F808. Each mode is based on a different Mike Fortin modification of classic overdrive platforms, providing varying levels of gain and tonal character.
Are the two channels on the Fourteen independent?: Yes, the pedal features two completely independent channels. This allows the player to set different modes and gain levels for each channel and switch between them as needed.
Can the Fourteen be used as a clean boost?: Yes, one or both channels can be configured for clean channel boosting. This is particularly effective for adding articulation and 'tightness' to an already overdriven amplifier signal.
What is the F808 mode based on?: The F808 mode is based on Mike Fortin's specific modifications to the classic 808-style overdrive circuit. It provides a familiar mid-hump drive but with refined characteristics for modern playing styles.
What does the HexDrive mode offer?: HexDrive is a modern voicing designed for ultra-tight response and high-gain saturation. It is specifically tailored for modern metal players who need maximum clarity in their rhythm tones.
Does the pedal support remote switching?: Yes, the Fourteen includes remote amplifier switching integration. This allows the pedal to be integrated into larger, professional touring rigs where external controllers manage signal paths.
What is the typical price for the Fortin Fourteen?: The pedal typically retails for approximately £279 in the UK market. It is considered a premium, professional-grade boutique effects pedal.
Who is the ideal user for this pedal?: The Fourteen is designed for guitarists chasing ultra-tight modern metal tones and articulate amp boosting. It is best suited for professional players who require flexible gain structures across multiple channels.
How does the Fourteen differ from a standard overdrive?: Unlike standard single-circuit overdrives, the Fourteen offers two independent channels and three switchable analogue voicings. It is also specifically designed to integrate with high-gain amplifiers rather than just adding gain to a clean signal.
Can both channels be active at the same time?: The pedal is designed for switching between two independent gain structures. This allows the user to have a dedicated rhythm setting and a separate lead or boost setting available at a single tap.