The Fortin KALI Preamp/Distortion is a two-channel high-gain pedal from Fortin Amplification, released in August 2025 as the third entry in the company's preamp pedal series, following the NATAS and MESHUGGAH models1. It is inspired by Fortin's CALI amplifier and is designed to carry that amp's character, from vintage Plexi-style brightness to aggressive modern metal distortion, in a pedalboard format12.
Where it came from
Fortin describes the pedal as inspired by its iconic CALI amplifier2. Delicious Audio's coverage says the KALI "channels decades of amp modding heritage, including influences from Jose Arredondo's pioneering work," referring to the California amp modder whose modified Marshalls defined a sound in the 1980s1. Although inspired by the CALI amp, the pedal was named KALI to avoid confusion with Origin Effects' existing Cali product line1.
"Made in the U.S., the KALI pedal is built for players who demand precision, power, and tonal flexibility."
The controls
The KALI's control set is extensive for a compact pedal, with a three-band active EQ and two separate gain controls3:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Gain 1 | Bright / high-end frequencies distortion |
| Gain 2 | Low-end frequencies distortion |
| Gain Structure | Saturation and compression, Lo / Hi |
| Active Bass | Active low-band EQ |
| Active Mids | Active mid-band EQ |
| Active Treble | Active high-band EQ |
| MVC Master Volume | Overall output level |
| Zuul | Built-in noise gate |
Beyond the knobs, the pedal offers three switchable gain modes, VINT, SAT and RAW, and each gain mode has a dedicated three-position bright switch1. An additional stomp switch provides extra gain, giving players a foot-controlled boost on top of the two channels1.
The KALI is a two-channel pedal with two gain structure modes and a built-in Zuul Noise Gate, so it can replace both a distortion pedal and a separate noise gate on a board3.
What reviewers said
Guitar Pedal X included the KALI in its 2025 roundup of compact high-gain and heavy metal pedals, listing it at $300 and describing its built-in Zuul gate, two channels and two gain structure modes3. Stefan Karlsson's verdict there: "the Kali is a worthy high gain metal pedal too - with plenty of gain in reserve"3.
How it sits in Fortin's pedal range
The KALI follows the NATAS and the Fortin Meshuggah Preamp/Distortion, each a pedal version of one of the company's amplifiers1. Players comparing the series are choosing between amp voicings: the KALI carries the CALI amp's lineage, while the Meshuggah pedal carries that of the Meshuggah signature head12. For a wider view of where a preamp pedal fits on a board, see Distortion Pedals and Noise Gate Pedals.
Videos
R.J. Ronquillo
Mike Hermans
FortinAmps
Sources (3)
- New Pedal: Fortin Kali Preamp Distortion, Delicious Audio, 2025-08-09
- KALI® - Versatile Modded Plexi | Modern Hi-Gain | Pre-Amp - Fortin Amps, Fortin Amps
- Guitar Pedal X, Guitar Pedal X, 2025-11-27
