Fortin unleashes Fourteen Multi-Screamer Dual-Channel, Amp-controlling Overdrive - specially honed for High Gain Players

The Fourteen is an intriguing evolution of Tube Screamer which features all of Mike Fortin’s key Screamer Mods, and of course includes his own HexDrive take on that circuit - which really elevates the boost nature of that format!

Controls - CH1 } Drive, Tone, Level, Mode : Hexdrive / OD9-TS9+ / OD808-TS808+; CH2 } Drive, Tone, Level, Mode : Hexdrive / OD9-TS9+ / OD808-TS808+; Amp Channel Control Port, Polarity : N.C. / N.O., Assich : CH/On, FOOTSWITCHES } CH1/2 Selector Footswitch, On Footswitch.

So you have 2 basic 3 x standard controls Tube Screamer Chanenls - each with 3 modes per side, along with a smart Amp Channel sync function.

The 3 Modes 

HD - HexDrive mode offers new tone shaping possibilities for heavy musicians. The HD transitions from clean boost to overdrive, delivering the best of both worlds. The DRIVE sweep is key; it doesn’t add dirt until about 10-11 o’clock, allowing you to drive the front end of your amp while enjoying its natural character. At highergain settings, you get a sweet midrange push that elevates your tone again.

F9 (OD9/TS9+) - This F9 mode is a step up in output level push that gives you the ability to push your amplifier to distort more naturally while keeping the character of the amp intact. The F9 mode uses an alternative clipping circuit, enabling it to provide a fully clean boost when the DRIVE control is set to lower counter-clockwise positions. As the DRIVE is increased, it transitions into a more natural-sounding, tube-like clipping compared to traditional offerings. The F9 is voiced with an enhanced midrange, accentuating harmonics for more articulate pick attack. LEVEL output is twice as much as the HD mode.

F808 (OD808/TS808+) - The F808 surpasses the other two modes in output level and saturation, functioning as an amp booster or a pure distortion pedal. The Primary clipping stage creates the natural breakup with a secondary clipping stage added to the DRIVE control. This additional dirt stage provides a natural-sounding, tube-like clipping with enhanced compression and organic bloom as the DRIVE control is increased clock-wise. Thi mode enhances the upper midrange to accentuate pick attack and harmonics while preserving the low-end girth. LEVEL output is three times as much as the HD mode.

The Channel Sync - Control Settings

You can sync your app with the pedal - so it triggers its channels in tandem with the amp’s channels. You connect via the right-site port, and you have 2 slider switches to select polarity and which channel is default on!

It’s not like we need another Tube Screamer, and this isn’t really that typical extended range thing with additional tone controls. Rather you have 2 basic tube screamers with several voicing options - which add mids and gain, and variously favour the Boost or Overdrive sides of that circuit.

I’m actually a fan of these feature-rich Screamers, and have quite a few of those in the collection. I like the look of this one - which is also well priced @ $249 on the Fortin Amplification Webstore. The Amp Channel Sync / Switching is somewhat lost on me - as I would not be using that function with my clean pedal platform rig - but I can see how it would make a lot of sense for those meta players that have traditionally used a TS808 / SD-1 to boost into the front of their high gain distortion - to sharpen, shape, and add tightness.

It follows a similar vein of form witnessed in the Natas and Meshuggah pedals in particular. I ordered my Meshuggah at the start of this month from Andertons - I was waiting for it to come into stock at Thomann - but it’s listed as special order on both Thomann and Andertons - where my local dealer has it at a better price. It says it will likely arrive first or second week in June - which is a bit of a poor show. Hopefully this Fourteen will be more regularly stocked! It’s for sure and innovative take on said circuit - even though it’s about the millionth Tube Screamer variant to appear in the annals of history!