Fortin releases Kali preamp distortion pedal derived from Cali amp
August 5, 2025 · 2 sources
Fortin released the KALI Preamp/Distortion pedal, a two-channel preamp and distortion unit derived from its 2019 Cali amp, Guitar Pedal X reported on August 5, 20251. Delicious Audio reported the release on August 9, 2025, describing it as the third in Fortin's preamp series following the NATAS and MESHUGGAH models2.
Guitar Pedal X describes the Kali as capturing Jose Arredondo's modifications to Plexi and JCM800 Marshall amps1. Delicious Audio says the pedal channels Arredondo's work and offers a range from "vintage Plexi-style brightness to aggressive modern metal distortion"2.
The controls, as listed by Guitar Pedal X1:
| Control | Function |
|---|---|
| Bass, Mid, Treble, Master | Tone and output |
| Vintage / Raw / Saturated | Three-way switch |
| Gain 2 | 1 / 0 / 2 (Bright) three-way switch |
| Gain 1 | 1 / 0 / 2 (Bright) three-way switch |
| Channel 1/2 | Footswitch |
| On/Bypass | Footswitch |
Delicious Audio reports three switchable gain modes (VINT, SAT, RAW), each with a dedicated three-position bright switch, a three-band active EQ that can cut and boost frequencies, and an additional stomp switch that provides extra gain2. It reports the pedal is made in the U.S.2.
Guitar Pedal X reports the Kali is available from the Fortin Webstore for $299, with European distribution expected later1. It attributes the price in part to the absence of a signature artist: "Since there is no specific artist involved here and no need to pay royalties - this one is at the same time price as the Natas"1.
"Although inspired by the CALI amp, the pedal was named KALI to avoid confusion with Origin Effects' existing Cali product line."
Delicious Audio reports that Fortin received permission to use the Cali name for the amp but chose a distinct name for the pedal, and that, according to Fortin, the Kali closely replicates the tone and feel of the Cali amp, especially when paired with its power section or the Neural DSP Cali suite2. Guitar Pedal X notes Ola Englund "seems to love the Kali"1.