The Fortin Mini GRIND is an EQ exciter pedal with a boost built in, made by Fortin. Fortin describes the Grind concept as an EQ exciter that brings out harmonics and hidden parts of a player's tone, and says the pedal's overall level control gives up to +20dB of boost that "tightens up and adds aggression to any tube or solid-state" amplifier, with a low noise floor and high input impedance that let playing nuance come through unaltered1. It sits in the wider family of boost pedals, but its EQ shaping and amp channel switching set it apart from a straight clean boost.
Controls and what they do
The pedal keeps its face simple: one knob for tone shaping and one for level, plus a slide switch and remote jack on the side for amp control1.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| EQ shaper knob | Moves from a mid pushed feel (with the gain under control) to a more scooped sweep, so the player dials in the tone1 |
| Overall level control | Up to +20dB of boost1 |
| Mini slide switch | Selects which amp channel receives the Grind treatment1 |
| Side remote 1/4" jack | Sends channel switching commands to the amp1 |
| Stomp switch | Industry Standard 3DPT true bypass mechanical switching1 |
The channel switching is the feature that separates the Mini GRIND from most boosts. Because the remote jack and slide switch change what channel on the amp receives the Grind treatment, the pedal can be set so its EQ shaping and boost always land on the amp's lead channel, for example, while the rhythm channel stays clean1.
Power and specifications
The Mini GRIND runs from a 9vDC center pin negative, fully regulated external adapter or power supply, and Fortin states that the supply is not included. Power draw is 25mA1.
There is no battery option: Fortin specifies an external adapter or power supply only. A standard isolated 9V output on a pedalboard supply covers the 25mA draw1.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Input impedance | ~4.7M1 |
| Output impedance | ~1.5K1 |
| Dimensions (W/D/H) | 4.4" x 2.38" x 1.06" (112mm x 60mm x 27mm), excluding knobs and switches1 |
| Shipping weight | 360g1 |
| Availability | Ships globally, all published prices are USD1 |
How it compares in the Fortin range
Fortin also makes the Fortin Grind BlackOut, a related Grind-series pedal. The two share a good deal: both run on 9vDC center pin negative regulated external power (not included), both use an Industry Standard 3DPT true bypass mechanical stomp, both are built in the U.S.A., and both carry Fortin's limited 1-year warranty1. Both also have a side remote 1/4" jack for channel switching with a mini slide switch2. The BlackOut's slide switch is described as changing polarity, while the Mini GRIND's selects which amp channel receives the Grind treatment12.
Elsewhere in the lineup, Fortin's boost designs run from the Fortin Mini 33 and the Fortin 33 to the newer Fortin 3.33 Dual Channel Boost/Overdrive. The Mini GRIND differs from those in being an EQ exciter with boost and amp channel switching rather than a boost or overdrive, and it is the smaller footprint of the family at 4.4" x 2.38" x 1.06" (112mm x 60mm x 27mm) excluding knobs and switches, with a shipping weight of 360g1.
Videos
Metalhead Productions
Delicious Backbone
Questions
Does the Fortin Mini GRIND come with a power supply?
No. Fortin specifies a 9vDC center pin negative, fully regulated external adapter or power supply, and states that it is not included. Players need to supply their own 9V DC adapter or use a pedalboard power supply output that meets that specification.
Can the Fortin Mini GRIND run on a battery?
No. Fortin's product page specifies an external adapter or power supply only, so there is no battery option. A standard 9vDC center pin negative supply is what the pedal is designed around.
Is the Fortin Mini GRIND true bypass?
Yes. Fortin describes the switching as an industry standard 3DPT true bypass mechanical stomp switch, so the pedal is removed from the signal path when it is off.
How does the Mini GRIND switch amp channels?
A side-mounted remote 1/4 inch jack handles channel switching, and a mini slide switch selects which amp channel receives the Grind treatment. That lets the pedal apply its EQ shaping and boost to one channel of a two-channel amp while switching between them.
Where is the Fortin Mini GRIND built?
Fortin states that the Mini GRIND is built in the U.S.A.
What is the warranty on the Fortin Mini GRIND?
The pedal includes Fortin's limited 1-year warranty, according to the maker's product page.
Sources (2)
- Mini GRIND®, Fortin Amps
- GRIND® - BlackOut - Fortin Amps, Fortin Amps
