What is the primary function of the Fortin Meshuggah Signature pedal?

It is a high-gain preamp and distortion pedal designed to provide the specific, articulate guitar tones used by the metal band Meshuggah. It serves as both a distortion source and a tone-shaping preamplifier for guitar rigs.

Does this pedal include a noise gate?

Yes, it features an integrated version of the Fortin Zuul noise gate. This ensures that even at extreme gain levels, the signal remains quiet and precise during pauses in playing.

Can I use this pedal with an 8-string guitar?

The pedal is specifically designed to handle the demands of extended-range guitars, including 8-string models. It maintains clarity in the low-end frequencies that typical distortion pedals might struggle to process.

Is the EQ on the pedal active or passive?

The pedal utilizes active EQ controls. This allows for more dramatic boosting or cutting of specific frequency bands compared to traditional passive tone stacks.

How many channels does the Meshuggah Pre-Amp have?

It features dual channels, allowing the user to switch between different gain stages or tonal settings. This adds versatility for live performances where different levels of saturation are needed.

Is this pedal based on a specific amplifier?

Yes, it is designed to recreate the tonal character of the Fortin Meshuggah signature amplifier. It mimics that amplifier's focused attack and harmonic saturation in a smaller format.

What kind of power does this unit require?

While specific voltage may vary by regional power supply, it is standard for Fortin pedals of this type to require a DC power supply. Always check the official documentation for the exact voltage and milliamp requirements to avoid damage.

Can it produce sounds other than extreme metal distortion?

Yes, the pedal has selectable gain structures. While designed for high-gain, it can be adjusted to produce tighter, 'classic rock' style crunch tones.

How does it compare to the Boss BP-1W?

The Fortin Meshuggah pedal is a high-gain, modern preamp designed for saturation, whereas the Boss BP-1W is a vintage-style booster/preamp focused on more subtle tonal enhancement. They serve very different musical genres.

Is this suitable for a studio recording setup?

Absolutely, as a preamp distortion, it can be used to provide a consistent tonal foundation when tracking guitars. Its articulate nature is highly beneficial for achieving clear recordings of complex parts.

What is the typical price for this pedal?

The typical retail price is approximately £379. This places it in the boutique professional equipment category of guitar pedals.

Who was this pedal developed with?

It was developed as a signature product in collaboration with the band Meshuggah. The design process focused on meeting their specific requirements for polyrhythmic heavy metal music.

Gear article

Fortin Meshuggah Signature Pre-Amp Distortion

The Fortin Meshuggah Signature Pre-Amp Distortion is a high-gain floor-based preamplifier designed in collaboration with the Swedish extreme metal band Meshuggah. It aims to replicate the precise, articulate, and heavily saturated tones of the original Fortin Meshuggah amplifier in a compact pedal format.

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Overview

The Fortin Meshuggah Signature Pre-Amp Distortion is a specialised piece of guitar equipment engineered to provide the signature tone associated with the band Meshuggah. It occupies a space between a traditional distortion pedal and a full preamplifier, intended to handle the extreme low-end frequencies of eight-string and down-tuned guitars without losing clarity. The unit is designed to replicate the character of the Fortin Meshuggah amplifier, a high-gain head known for its focused attack and massive harmonic saturation.

Technical Features

The pedal features a dual-channel architecture and a flexible gain structure that allows users to move from classic rock crunch to extreme modern saturation. Significant control over the frequency response is provided via an active EQ section, which is essential for managing the complex harmonics and low-frequency energy of down-tuned instruments. A critical technical inclusion is the integrated Fortin Zuul noise gate circuit, which ensures that high-gain performances remain tight and free of unwanted feedback or hum between staccato riffs.

Sound Character

The tonal profile of the Meshuggah Signature Pre-Amp is defined by its razor-sharp definition and tight low-end control. Unlike many high-gain pedals that can become muddy when used with lower tunings, this unit emphasises articulate note separation. This makes it particularly suited for polyrhythmic playing styles where transient response and rhythmic precision are paramount. The distortion is described as 'crushing' yet 'precise,' offering the necessary grit for metal while maintaining the transparency required for complex chord voicings.

Target Audience

This preamp is specifically designed for guitarists playing extended-range instruments (7, 8, or 9-string guitars) or those utilizing significantly dropped tunings. It serves musicians who require a portable solution to achieve a consistent, high-gain 'amp-in-a-box' sound that will not falter under the demands of modern extreme metal. Because of its articulate nature, it is also preferred by players who value dynamic response even at high saturation levels.

Alternative Comparisons

While the market for preamps is broad, the Meshuggah Signature pedal is distinct from studio-focused units like the Warm Audio WA273-EQ or the Behringer 1273, which are intended for microphone amplification. Within the guitar-specific realm, it offers a more aggressive and modern high-gain palette compared to the vintage-style Vox Valvenergy Tone Sculptor or the Boss BP-1W Waza Craft Booster. Unlike budget utility preamps like the Behringer PP400, this Fortin unit is a specialised performance tool with high-end active circuitry and a built-in noise gate.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary function of the Fortin Meshuggah Signature pedal?: It is a high-gain preamp and distortion pedal designed to provide the specific, articulate guitar tones used by the metal band Meshuggah. It serves as both a distortion source and a tone-shaping preamplifier for guitar rigs.
Does this pedal include a noise gate?: Yes, it features an integrated version of the Fortin Zuul noise gate. This ensures that even at extreme gain levels, the signal remains quiet and precise during pauses in playing.
Can I use this pedal with an 8-string guitar?: The pedal is specifically designed to handle the demands of extended-range guitars, including 8-string models. It maintains clarity in the low-end frequencies that typical distortion pedals might struggle to process.
Is the EQ on the pedal active or passive?: The pedal utilizes active EQ controls. This allows for more dramatic boosting or cutting of specific frequency bands compared to traditional passive tone stacks.
How many channels does the Meshuggah Pre-Amp have?: It features dual channels, allowing the user to switch between different gain stages or tonal settings. This adds versatility for live performances where different levels of saturation are needed.
Is this pedal based on a specific amplifier?: Yes, it is designed to recreate the tonal character of the Fortin Meshuggah signature amplifier. It mimics that amplifier's focused attack and harmonic saturation in a smaller format.
What kind of power does this unit require?: While specific voltage may vary by regional power supply, it is standard for Fortin pedals of this type to require a DC power supply. Always check the official documentation for the exact voltage and milliamp requirements to avoid damage.
Can it produce sounds other than extreme metal distortion?: Yes, the pedal has selectable gain structures. While designed for high-gain, it can be adjusted to produce tighter, 'classic rock' style crunch tones.
How does it compare to the Boss BP-1W?: The Fortin Meshuggah pedal is a high-gain, modern preamp designed for saturation, whereas the Boss BP-1W is a vintage-style booster/preamp focused on more subtle tonal enhancement. They serve very different musical genres.
Is this suitable for a studio recording setup?: Absolutely, as a preamp distortion, it can be used to provide a consistent tonal foundation when tracking guitars. Its articulate nature is highly beneficial for achieving clear recordings of complex parts.
What is the typical price for this pedal?: The typical retail price is approximately £379. This places it in the boutique professional equipment category of guitar pedals.
Who was this pedal developed with?: It was developed as a signature product in collaboration with the band Meshuggah. The design process focused on meeting their specific requirements for polyrhythmic heavy metal music.