8 years after its debut, Boss's Katana Amp Series evolves to a 3rd Generation Tube Logic Platform - with even greater sound, feel and response
Somewhat serendipitously - Boss’s Katana Series was birthed in the same year that Guitar Pedal X first started - 2016. From that first MKI Series I very early on acquired a Katana 100, which of course was a long term favourite of mine. Then in 2019 Boss introduced the improved MKII Series - with the quite superb Artist MKII arriving a year later - that was to be my second Katana Amp. And now in 2024 Boss has released the Gen III Series, NOT MKIII, as this release is far more significant than a mere iteration, coming equipped with a whole new version of the Tube Logic Engine, while also allowing earlier MKI & MKII Patches and Livesets to be compatible with this latest version. I will be picking up an Artist Gen III when that launches in August. For while the entirety of the Gen III Katana series is announced at the same time, the actual physical releases are staggered as indicated below. I’m a massive advocate for the Katana series, and I will be doing a deep-dive review of my Gen III Artist when that lands in and around August!
The releases are staggered into 3 batches as follows :
Katana Gen III Range | Release Times | Price
- May : Katana 50 Gen III - $299 | €339 | £293
- May : Katana 100 Gen III - $399 | €499 | £432
- May : Katana 100/212 Gen III - $499 | €609 | £527
- July : Katana 50 EX Gen III - $349 | €419 | £362
- July : Katana Head Gen III - $399 | €499 | £432
- August : Katana Artist Gen III - $599 | €799 | £691
- August : Katana Artist Head Gen III - $559 | €709 | £613
The most obvious visual change is that we now have 6 core Amp Types, versus the previous 5, with ’Pushed’ being the new addition, of course each of those 6 Amp Types with an Alternative Variation - so essentially 12 Amp Characteristics overall.
We’re also seeing more control features filter through from the Artist Series - so the Katana 100 Gen III has a number of additional features compared with its predecessor. Note this is on the hardware / control topology side ovbviously - while those features and settings are all available via the App on say the Katana 50 Gen III models. If you want more granularity in hands-on control, then I would recommend the larger Katana 100 unit over the 50 - they each have slightly different speakers too obviously.
I generally prefer the Artist variant for a number of reasons - including the fact that the main control panel is front-facing - versus top-facing on most of the other models - obviously excluding the Head versions.
The reason these are labelled Gen III is actually mostly to do with their massively revamped internals - which sees significant updates and improvements to the Tube Logic sound-design engine in particular - delivering greater sound, feel and response.
10 Key Enhancements
- Improved Sound Quality - Updated Tube Logic Engine delivers greater sound, feel and response
- New 'Pushed' Amp Type - Natural 'edge of breakup' character - i.e. amp very lightly cooking!
- Bloom Power Stage Enhancement - unique to the Head and Artist models - engages new circuit with sharp attach and dynamic low-end richness
- Stereo Phones Jack - for 'Silent' sessions and use of backing tracks in particular with full stereo image
- Tuned Cabinet Design - Enhanced Cab Resonance and Sound Dispersion for 50-EX and Artist models
- Improved Boss Tone Studio Editor - More user-friendly and powerful than ever before
- Bluetooth Compatible - All Amps have BT-Dual Adapter Bluetooth anchor points for wireless audio streaming and editing via the Boss Tone Studio - I will definitely be equipping my Artist Gen III amp with Bluetooth!
- 3-way Contour Switch - Ability to select 3 different core EQ Contour settings on the 100 and Artist Amp Models
- Line Out with Air Feel - enhanced Mic Placement and Ambience settings for those amps equipped with Line Out
- Multi-Use Boss Tone Exchange - Compatible across all models and generations - for uploading favourite Tone Settings and Livesets.
Something for Everyone!
Obviously there are a number of fantastic Boss Katana champions - including Rob Chapman, and Dave Simpson - which both generate phenomenal tones from their Katana Amps. The Katana Series really is a true chameleon - in covering both home-play and proactive scenarios - as well as full-on dynamic live gigs. For the 100W and above models you have more than enough power to keep up with anyone - and to fit most kinds of venues.
The Boss Katana Series isn't just the best Solid State and Modelling Series out there - it's one of the very best full stop. Particularly if you go for the Artist editions - with their wonderful Waza Craft High Fidelity Speakers!
Be it Head or Combo that you prefer - Boss has something for all budgets, and all scenarios. Note that the much vaunted Artist series is the latest to be released - and you like me, will need to wait until August to get your hands on one of those.
I already love my MKII Artist Katana, I can't wait to see how Boss has managed to even further improve on that amazing amp!
Boss has come a very long way in 8 years - pretty much now owning this segment of the market! And long may it continue!
Katana 50 Gen III- $299 | €339 | £293
Controls - Input; AMPLIFIER } Amp Type : Acoustic / Clean / Pushed / Crunch / Lead / Brown + Variation for Each, Gain, Volume; EQUALIZER } Bass, Middle, Treble; EFFECTS } Booster / Mod, FX / Delay + Tap, Reverb; TONE SETTING } CH1 / CH2 / Panel, Master, Power Control : Standby / 0.5W / Half / Max, Power.
Rear Ports etc. - AC In, Foot Control : Tip CH1/CH2, Ring Solo, Exp Pedal, USB-C / Stereo Rec Out, Optional Blue Tooth Adapter Base, 1/8" Aux In, 1/4" Stereo Phones, 1/4" Power Amp In, Katana Custom 70W Speaker / 4 Ohms.
Compact 50-watt combo amp with a custom 12-inch speaker, evolved Tube Logic sound, 12 amp characters, onboard BOSS effects, advanced connectivity, and more.
With Katana Gen 3, the acclaimed BOSS stage amplifier series evolves to take your guitar ambitions to the next level.
New Tube Logic enhancements enrich the core platform with even greater sound, feel, and response, including an expressive Pushed amp character that edge-of-breakup fans will love. The BOSS Tone Studio app has also been updated, making your remote amp and effects editing workflow more intuitive than ever. Loaded with inspiring tone tools and diverse connectivity options, Katana Gen 3 is your indispensable centerpiece for studio recording, live performance, and daily practice.
The Katana-50 Gen 3 model strikes the perfect balance of punch and portability, offering 50 watts of Class AB power in a compact 1x12 combo.
- Third-generation Katana amplifier with evolved Tube Logic sound and expressiveness
- Stage-ready 50-watt combo amp with a custom 12-inch speaker
- Six amp characters—including the newly developed Pushed type—plus a selectable variation for each
- Five independent effects sections: Booster, Mod, FX, Delay, and Reverb
- Four Tone Setting memories for storing all amp and effect settings
- Power Control for achieving cranked-amp tone and response at low volumes
- Updated Boss Tone Studio app (Windows/macOS) for remote editing from a computer or mobile device
- Download and share Katana sounds on BOSS Tone Exchange
- Compatible with sounds created on previous stage-class Katana models
Katana 100 Gen III - $399 | €499 | £432
Controls - Input; AMPLIFIER } Amp Type : Acoustic / Clean / Pushed / Crunch / Lead / Brown + Variation for Each, Gain, Volume; EQUALIZER } 3-way Contour, Bass, Middle, Treble; EFFECTS } Booster / Mod, FX / Delay + Tap, Reverb; TONE SETTING } CH1 / CH2 / CH3 / CH4 / PANEL, Presence, Master, Solo Boost : On/Off, Power Control : Standby / 0.5W / Half / Max, Cab Resonance : Vintage / Modern / Deep, Power.
Rear Ports etc. - AC In, Foot Control : Tip CH1/CH2, Ring Solo, Exp Pedal, USB-C / Stereo Rec Out, Effect Loop : Return, Send, Stereo Expand : Off/On, Power Amp In, Optional Bluetooth Adapter Base, 1/8" Aux In, Stereo Phones, Line Out, Katana Custom 100W Speaker / 4 Ohms.
Powerful 100-watt combo amp with a custom 12-inch speaker, evolved Tube Logic sound, 12 amp characters, onboard BOSS effects, advanced connectivity, and more.
With Katana Gen 3, the acclaimed BOSS stage amplifier series evolves to take your guitar ambitions to the next level.
New Tube Logic enhancements enrich the core platform with even greater sound, feel, and response, including an expressive Pushed amp character that edge-of-breakup fans will love. The BOSS Tone Studio app has also been updated, making your remote amp and effects editing workflow more intuitive than ever. Loaded with inspiring tone tools and diverse connectivity options, Katana Gen 3 is your indispensable centerpiece for studio recording, live performance, and daily practice.
Equipped with 100 watts of Class AB power, the Katana-100 Gen 3 model delivers big, stage-ready sound in an easy-to-carry 1x12 combo.
- Third-generation Katana amplifier with evolved Tube Logic sound and expressiveness
- Stage-ready 100-watt combo amp with a custom 12-inch speaker
- Six amp characters—including the newly developed Pushed type—plus a selectable variation for each
- Five independent effects sections: Booster, Mod, FX, Delay, and Reverb
- Three-way Contour for shaping the overall tonal color
- Three Cabinet Resonance options: Vintage, Modern, and Deep
- Eight Tone Setting memories for storing all amp and effect settings
- Power Control for achieving cranked-amp tone and response at low volumes
- Updated Boss Tone Studio app (Windows/macOS) for remote editing from a computer or mobile device
- Download and share Katana sounds on BOSS Tone Exchange
- Compatible with sounds created on previous stage-class Katana models
Boss Katana Head Gen III
12 Degrees of Saturation 2023 Compact Edition
