The Fortin N2O Micro Boost is a compact boost and overdrive pedal from Fortin Amplification, a company Fortin describes as "architects of the modern 'pushed' front end." It is a dual-voiced design: one voice is a transparent clean boost, the other a TS-style dirty boost, and it offers up to +17dB of available boost1. The pedal is 100% analog, with a discrete circuit and FET design, and is built in the USA1.
The two voices and the Shape switch
The Shape switch is the heart of the pedal. It selects between two different voices: the classic TS style dirty boost, and a flat boost. Fortin notes the flat boost can serve as a post gain level boost, a pre gain boost, or even a pre gain underdrive that reduces the gain of the amp1.
The two voices behave differently:
- Clean Boost voice: Fortin describes it as "Transparent, high-headroom gain that respects your original tone while adding volume and 'more' of everything1."
- Signature Boost voice: tightens the low end and adds grit and punch, in the manner of a modded Tube Screamer style boost1.
Using it as an underdrive
Fortin lists the pedal as a Clean Boost / Boosted Overdrive / Underdrive. In the flat response mode, the N2O can be used to reduce the hotness of your guitar signal and make your amp underdrive, meaning it cleans up an already pushed amp rather than pushing it further1. That makes it usable in front of a hot amp channel as a gain-reduction tool, not just a volume kick.
Lineage
Fortin places the N2O in a line of boost and overdrive designs: "From their legendary TS mods to the industry-standard 33, Hexdrive, and Fourteen, Fortin has spent decades perfecting" the pushed front end1. Related pedals in the family include the Fortin 33, the Fortin Mini 33, the Fortin 3.33 Dual Channel Boost/Overdrive, and the Fortin Grind BlackOut. For the wider category, see Overdrive Pedals.
Controls, power and specifications
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Level | How much signal is boosted1 |
| Shape | Selects two voices: classic TS style dirty boost, or flat boost (post gain boost, pre gain boost, or pre gain underdrive)1 |
| On footswitch | True bypass, activates the pedal1 |
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Power | 9 to 24V DC center-pin negative, fully regulated, external adapter/power supply only, not included1 |
| Current draw | 5mA @ 9V DC1 |
| Dimensions | 2" x 2" x 1" (49.4mm x 49.4mm x 26.4mm), excluding knobs and switches1 |
| Shipping weight | 0.4kg1 |
The N2O Micro Boost has no battery option: Fortin specifies an external adapter or power supply only. Its wide 9 to 24V acceptance and 5mA draw at 9V DC make it easy to fit into most pedalboard power supplies.
Videos
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Ola Englund
Metalhead Productions
Questions
Is the Fortin N2O Micro Boost true bypass?
Yes. The N2O Micro Boost uses industry standard 3PDT true bypass stomp switching with what Fortin describes as a soft, tactile switch response. The On footswitch is true bypass and activates the pedal, so when it is off your guitar signal passes through without the circuit in the way.
Can the Fortin N2O Micro Boost run on a battery?
No. Fortin specifies an external, fully regulated adapter or power supply only, accepting 9 to 24V DC with a center-pin negative plug, and the adapter is not included. There is no battery option, so plan a power supply output for it. Current draw is low at 5mA at 9V DC.
Can the Fortin N2O Micro Boost be used as an underdrive?
Yes. In the flat response mode, the N2O can be used to reduce the hotness of your guitar signal, which makes your amp underdrive. Instead of adding gain, it cleans up an amp that is already pushed, which is the opposite of what a conventional boost does.
What does the Shape switch do on the Fortin N2O Micro Boost?
The Shape switch selects between two different voices: the classic TS style dirty boost, and a flat boost. Fortin notes the flat boost can be used as a post gain level boost, a pre gain boost, or even a pre gain underdrive that reduces the gain of the amp.
Is the Fortin N2O Micro Boost analog?
Yes. Fortin describes the N2O Micro Boost as a 100% analog pedal with a discrete circuit and FET design. There is no digital processing or conversion in the signal path.
How long is the warranty on the Fortin N2O Micro Boost?
The N2O Micro Boost includes Fortin's limited 1-year warranty, as stated on the Fortin Amps product page.
