This circuit can push the tubes hard. You’ ll get more pure tube saturation, but also added harmonics, depth, and sustain. I found the Hexdrive perfect for rhythm, adding some mid presence and chime. It has a lovely crunch as you turn up the Drive. It’ s also ideal for lines that need to cut through the mix and still be semiclean.
Moving on to the F9( modded TS-9). This circuit gets somewhat louder than the Hexdrive. It’ s still a nice boost with the Drive off, but it’ s more aggressive than the Hexdrive. It’ s a great TS-9 mod with more focus and full tight low end. It’ s my go-to of the three for crunchy rhythm and cleans up nicely when I back off the volume on my PRS Fiore, especially on the neck pickup. It can get more hairy than a typical TS-9, and I like the midrange focus. Just the right amount.
Lastly, the F808( a modded TS808). Here is an excellent choice for soloing and can become a very aggressive circuit if you want to do some serious shredding. It’ s perfect for a seven-string guitar and gets“ that sound” that metal heads dream of. It’ s not quite a fuzz, but woolly yet tight and lots of bottom. For me, I could get a great semi-aggressive singing lead tone by turning the gain down slightly. With the bridge pickup, I love how it’ s tight and harmonically rich, especially in the upper midrange. F808 also has great sustain with the gain up and is the loudest of the three circuits. Somehow, the top end still sounds bright yet balanced by just turning down the Tone knob a little, at 2:00.
MY TAKEAWAY: I was really looking forward to reviewing this pedal. It’ s a clever, unique design with these three circuits. Except for the Fortin TS-inspired Hexdrive, the TS-808 and TS-9 are two of the most revered pedals on the planet. Mike Fortin and crew have done an excellent job on this pedal. It’ s a triple threat with the look, flexibility, and sturdy build. Each circuit is very responsive yet has its own individual character. Pedalboard real estate is always limited, and having the two channels in a standard single space is a real plus, and the choice of three different circuits makes it a win. Fortin is a well-known secret weapon for hard rock guys. I’ m so excited to find this gem of a pedal. For worship guys, it will open up new sonic landscapes, while covering the tried, actual, and improved Ibanez classic pedals. I think, like me, you’ re gonna love it!
$ 249.99 FortinAmps. com
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