Description
Here’s what Synergy say:
The Synergy Fortin Killer Kali is an all-tube, two channel module designed with Gain connoisseur Mike Fortin. With a pedigree of modifying and designing amps (within the realms of Marshall, Vox, Hi-Watt, Randall and Fortin Amplification) that spans well over 30 years, Mike is widely accepted as the harbinger of complex modern high-Gain tones. The Killer Kali module is based on the Fortin Cali amp (complete with the Violence and Sat boosts) that brought the legendary Cali and KK++ mods to a production model; this British voiced monster will allow Synergy users to fully experience this extraordinary piece of modern sonic art.
Key Features
- All-tube pre-amp module custom designed by Mike Fortin
- Two identical channels with Gain 1, Gain 2, Volume and 3-Band EQ
- Three position Bright switches per gain pot, per channel
- Violence switch on each channel
- SAT switch on each channel
- Three position EQ Shape switch per channel
- PCB Mounted Gain Structure switch (lets you reduce the overall Gain)
- 2 x 12AX7 pre-amp tubes ensure rich harmonic performance
- Easy to install and remove from Synergy pre-amp docks
The Killer Kali is a two channel pre-amp, designed to work exclusively in the Synergy Amp systems. Each channel is completely independent and enjoys its own tone stack and multiple tone shaping features.
Gain 1 and Gain 2
Cascaded Gain stages. Gain 1 controls the first gain stage whereas Gain 2 controls the second gain stage.
Bright Switches
3-way Bright switch for each Gain control. At the top is the Brightest, most aggressive tone. The Bright switches are directly connected to the Gain control so the higher you have the Gain, the less the Bright tends to affect the tone (similar to the Bright control on a standard Plexi Amp). In the middle it is full range, so is unaffected by the Gain control. At the bottom position, the Brightness is similar to the classic Bright control on an 800 2203.
Violence Switch
In the down position, it utilizes the three Gain stages, when up it brings in an additional tube Gain stage.
Sat (saturation) Switch
Down, no change. Up, adds another clipping circuit that increases compression and Gain.
EQ Shape
A three-way switch that changes the points of the EQ. Up is a typical M style tone stack, the middle is more F style (more scooped) and then all the way down is “somewhere in between” – shifting up the treble and midrange.
Cathode Select Function
The Fortin Killer Kali module features a patented three-position switch on the PCB, which allows you to configure the input tube bass response to match the original circuit of the selected module. This will affect the feel and tightness. Each amp designer has a specific combination of components that make up their input tube circuit. Synergy has selected the three most popular combinations which you can access with this switch. The USA voiced modules typically use setting 1 (1.5K resistor and 22uf capacitor). British-style modules use position 2 (2.7K resistor and .68uf capacitor). The SOLDANO / VAI module use position 3 (1.8K resistor and 1uf capacitor). Of course, you can experiment and try any of the positions to see what you prefer. The Killer Kali is pre-set to the middle position 2 (2.7K resistor and .68uf capacitor).
