Boss Katana Air EX - A Desktop Amp That Makes No Compromises!

[@andertons]

Lots more comments than I was expecting saying the Katana Air EX feels over priced...!! Just for perspective its the same price as the Yamaha THR30 if you buy the Yamaha wireless transmitter too. Also, I don't think its fair to compare the Katana Air EX (or any desk top amp) to the Katana 50 combo or similar traditional style combo. If you're trying to make a small amp sound big/epic at low volumes (like a TV surround sound soundbar does) it requires much more tech & clever design than just using a big cab & speaker. Oh well - I thought Katana Air EX sounded great & if you're playing your PRS (or any other expensive guitar!) at home & want something small but decent sounding, I still think this is the one to buy. Would have been good to have the looper built in though - come on Boss!! Cheers, Lee

[@Roger7739]

Maybe if they hit the market at £499 , they might sell better ?

[@trevorD1156]

500 for this isn't as bad as 1000 for the headrush core... that should be 600.

[@MrTupeloFlash]

If Andertons could sell it for 1000., they would & still try to justify it

[@RickMcCargar]

@@MrTupeloFlash I don't recall them saying the original Boss Katana air sounded boxy...but it did...and still does. And the five in speakers in the new one sound better than the three in speakers in the old one...guess what?! Eight or Ten in speakers would sound better again...as would twelve..

[@theoc7805]

Well said about the looper, Lee. I've been waiting for ages for Yamaha to release a THR that has a looper built in. It seems really weird to me that Boss have just released this, and it doesn't have a looper, and yet a few months ago they released the Dual Cube, which does. As you say, come on, Boss!

[@tomminystrom]

That sound "in the room" sounded really good, sounded better than mic simulated sound.

[@slawsonscot]

Sounds great. Just crazy that the price is out of reach for so many people. I bought my first Katana on a preorder for £165, and just upgraded it to the Mk2 for £233, which is great value considering what you get. For me, this should be £299 as it isn’t offering much more than the 50Mk2.

[@Ry_Valz]

yeah, that wireless system & effects kinda adds most of the price... I wonder how much price cut would be if they remove those two. I mean, we can always buy a cheaper wireless system besides having our own guitar pedals for the effects.

[@slawsonscot]

@@Ry_Valz absolutely, there are tried and tested wireless guitar systems by other companies for under £50 so I just don't see how charging more than £300 is justified. It's a shame as it's the kind of unit that could sell more than the Katana 50 and 100 if it were priced accordingly.

[@SONOMA_VALLEY_TOM]

Completely agree. I own the first generation Katana 100 watt 1X12". It sounds great. I own a vintage 1965 Fender Deluxe and a 1964 Fender Bandmaster with the original 2X12" speaker cabinet. For versatility of tone, punch and projection the Katana is superior to both of those vintage amps. I bought the Katana new at an authorized retailer for $260. Yeah, I have to connect a cable to my computer to twiddle with all of the features in the Katana application. I've tweaked & saved the 5 presets I need. The Air-Ex would be a nice toy to have, but at the price.... Nah.

[@StuC57]

Agree. Price is around a half decent, small output, tube amp. Especially when you consider it's not truly portable because of the size.

[@ovidiucostescu7543]

😅

[@AzimApurbo]

Bro I just love the fact that we are alive during these times!

[@danieljdtaylor]

The price equates to just over $1,000 here in Aus, that is ridiculous! It sounds fantastic, but that is far too much to be charging for a product like this. I think this may be a swing and a miss from a company that doesn’t often miss, just because of the price!

[@dzikoo]

Staying with the brand you can get far superior Katana 100 mk2 + WL-20 and still be left with some change.

[@KenithCopeland]

Exactly. For $1000 you can get the artist combo which you can also plug into your computer

[@AnthonyBencomo]

Aus seems like a wretched place to live. Scary as beasts that live over there and everything you want is twice the amount as it is in the US!

[@jmabs5096]

If may equate to more then it's worth, but for what it really is..... I strongly foresee not being a popular and dropped in a few years it's a really cool concept but you mifgr ad well buy a katana mk1 or mk2 that will suffice for 95% of folks

[@IanWrigleyNZ]

It's a leap in tech though. You're paying for a lot of smarts, R&D etc. Sure enough the price will come down in time, just be patient.

[@jorglieber66]

I buyed a Katana Air EX last week and what shall I say. Before I had my Marshall TSL 100 with a 2x12" Box in the living room. It Works, but now it´s defect, it´s big and my wife allways rolls her eyes when i get it loud to get the right valve Sound. So i´ve looked for a new compromise to play at home and have the possibility to Gig with. I have to say earlier we were about 30 Gigs per Year and know as an adult man there were maybe two Fun Gigs in front of friends per year. At First i had 3 ideas. Take an Amp of the Katana Series, Take A Positive Grid or take an Pedal like the Helix or the Kemper Player. So i´ved played the Kemper Player and Damn, it sounds so good in my ears. I always liked the Idea to get all the Sound´s that I want form a library or something. dosent matter if I had to spend some money to get a perfect Diezel sound or not. I dont like spend much time on Setting the right sound. I want to have it. So I immediately thought about what i have to do to play it in the living Room. buy some aktive monitors in good quality (300 Euro and above), buy the Kemper Player (700 Euros) and maybe buy a Mixer for useing other Stuff. to expensive for what i do. So what´s about the positive Grid. I´ve looked lots of Videos but the bad comments of useing the app make´s me stay away from it. Maybe it´s good, i dont know. At last i´ve had a look at all the Katana Amps. Why dont take the Katana 50 or 100 to play at home and have the possibility to Gig? So I played the Gen 3 Series. Sounds well but you have to buy an external Bluetooth adapter to use the app and it comes without Wireless transmitter (Amp 50 watts + bluetoothadapter and Boss Wireless system 700 Euro) and its still big. So i buyed a Katana Air EX. Sounds well in the livingroom, easy to use about the app and comes with an wireless System for 550 Euros. For me, as an guy who likes it simple, its easy to use. I´m useing the possibility to put in some practice youtube videos very well. Had my tablet on a stand an changing channels on the tablet, without the optional Footswitch. Final thougts: Will i use it to produce the next golden Record Album? No! Will I Use it to play 30 Gigs per Year? no! Will i Use it for weekly rehearsal´s? no! .... Will i use it at home because its small, sounds good and had had an easy App? Yes! Will i use it at home because it sounds good with less Volume? yes! Will i use it for fun gigs over PA and an good monitoring system? yes! Will i use it for a few drunken rehearsal´s per year? Yes! All in all it´s a lifestyle product. It has a Bad Ass sound for its size and it looks good on the sideboard. For me the hole package for the price is good.

[@minkorrh]

Wow! $850 CDN!! I just bought a pair of used Samson BT3 monitors and paired it with a used NUXMG300. Sounds amazing. Total cost:$224 CDN.

[@27pugsly]

These guys are the best they give very honest reviews ! Just makes you happy to see them happy 👍🏻

[@the_swoletariat1621]

I do traveling powerline work, so I’m in hotels at least 10 months out of the year. This thing seems like it fits my needs and sounds pretty rad for what it is.

[@ruffestneckaround]

I work drilling rigs and in refineries, and same. It's perfect. I had the original and loved, and have a Yamaha THR. Some might say interface but you still need external speakers for that and this functions as an interface so you can use it as your computer speakers as well. My most used piece of gear tbh.

[@bassyey]

Someone who actually benefits from these products. Yeah, you're exactly the person this is targeted to. Most people will be fine with the regular Katana.

[@hootowl6354]

I hope you're using headphones in a hotel.

[@the_swoletariat1621]

@@hootowl6354 I just don’t play at crazy volumes, and I play at normal times. I currently have a Catalyst 60 for travel, and an EVH 2x12 at the house!

[@brianmiller3287]

Truck driver here. Also my most used piece of gear! Using the stock delay/reverb/headphones, sounds like a record!!!

[@greghiltonofficial]

I play bass & guitar so this could be a great amp, would really love to see a video on the acoustic/bass capabilities as well. Maybe get "The other Lee" (not Captain) to make a video on that part. Oh and bring back All About the Bass too. LOL. Great video guys!

[@ryanboswell7578]

I can't tell you guys how much I appreciate the level of breakdown you did for these two amps. I have been hitting my head against the wall trying to decide which one is better for my needs, and you were able to clearly show that the newer EX is the better model, which solidified my decision. Im very grateful for the time you both took to compare them both. Now if we could only get Katana to lower the price a bit for the EX. $600 after tax is a LOT for a practice amp, but as they say, the right tool for the right job, even if it costs more 😉

[@Kryogenikz15]

Just have to say, Pete's playing is mesmerizing. He's so good.

[@94SexyStang]

maybe to a complete noob.

[@Unn.amed.]

@@94SexyStanglet’s see you do any better

[@honnaconna7312]

@@94SexyStangwhat a nob 😂

[@miquelmarti6537]

No looper, no buy. Why would anyone skip the looper on a practice digital amp? I'll wait Love your videos!

[@johnlawrence3170]

This one sounds SIGNIFICANTLY better than the previous version. I don't mind the price, considering the features it has. It would be cool if they sold a portable soft-sided bag / case to transport it in, with some extra pockets for cables. Maybe they do and I haven't found it yet. Thanks as always guys for the great vids!

[@rickrevoir1683]

Just bought the EX it arrives tomorrow. You guys did a great job & I can't wait to plug in. 😅

[@cirisirpula152]

Still no looper? :( (or even fx loop where to put looper). Also 99£ for the rechargeable battery pack is a lot and makes this amp really expensive compared to competition

[@Chip_57]

Indeed come on Boss. Absolutely taking the mickey

[@alexh3153]

I have the original katana air I bought years ago now. Have taken it everywhere and is by fair the one piece of gear I use the most. Am so happy they upgraded it, love my first one

[@brianmiller3287]

Same here. My "original" katana air goes with me on the road (I'm a long haul truck driver part of the year).

[@andrzejnawrocki2913]

This mini amplifier only imitates the Yamaha THR 30IIWireless in its design, but when it comes to sound, designers still have to learn from Yamaha for a long time. And honestly, when I bought the Yamaha THR, I didn't expect such a great sound from this mini box. I have several expensive branded amplifiers at home, but I must admit that I am seriously thinking about selling them because they are just sitting there and gathering dust, and I play THR 30II all the time.

[@HittingImage]

The big one has almost 3x the speaker area. makes for a huge difference in such a big room. I am pretty sure that 90% of the diffference is in the speakers.

[@kennethweigand4600]

Is that a new intro? The Captains Riff! I’m loving it!!, And most fitting for this channel to honour this iconic riff ❤️

[@TheAdjacents-ABQ]

I have the Boss headphones and really enjoy playing through them. The tone, sound, feel are not "thin" through the headphones. That to me is unlike the sound from digital amps. I am not a snob, I own a Fender digital amp and enjoy it for knocking around in the studio, but it is decidely NOT a tube amp. This EX sounds great, but there still seems to be a "thin" sound coming through my system here. Pete is right, it's the simplicity that sells Katana either in these amps or my headphones. I also would love a looper feature. Great review guys, thanks.

[@markhickinson1673]

Boss Katana 100 MK11 head vs Boss Katana Air EX would be great. The head is cheaper but only has 1x5" speaker so probably doesn't sound as good (really not sure) but can be coupled with a cab and has full controls on the unit with more presets I think. The wireless receivers would make it a similar price. Would be a good video!

[@StevenHadfield]

I have the Mk2 head, and I'm struggling to see why people would choose this instead, given its size. And they have Fx loop for a looper and the option to connect to a cab.

[@chrishyde1216]

@@StevenHadfield I agree. The FX loop and price differential are deal-breakers for me. The head allows you to use a small cab for home use, and a larger cab for gigs. Why buy the Air?

[@nitrogen_777]

There is at least one compromise though, no FX-Loop would be for me personally an exclusion criterion. Thanks for the review!

[@godsinbox]

how about no foot switchable channels. much more important than the loop. slam a pedal in the input.

[@roscius6204]

Totally agree, I take a looper (RC505) and a blue tooth player when I travel, if they made this with a loop I'd be waiting outside the shop tomorrow.

[@valuedhumanoid6574]

@@godsinbox You can change channels with the app. You can have your phone next to you while you're playing and when you need to change channels after a song, just tap your phone. No, it's not as fluid as a footswitch, but it's not a showstopper. And you would never use this as a gigging amp. So the footswitch aspect is really a non-issue.

[@roscius6204]

@@TheRealDavidFarmer I have the table top looper(RC505) so kinda seems like a perfect fit, to me. An FX loop would not make it bigger.

[@AlanW]

Love the new intro. I think this format does have legs, I'm currently in the middle of making my own powered 2x6 cab to attach to a quad cortex. there's def a segment, as Pete was saying, that has the pockets for ultra compact, but ultra nice.

[@MrRofi-jp7mo]

Nice. I’ve got a tonex on the way, might grab a Seymour powerstage and a cab since I’m not too savvy.

[@chrisjs6123]

@@MrRofi-jp7mo just beware the fan on the powerstage is very loud for practice volume. It drove me nuts- had to sell it at a big loss.

[@3mstudiospalmdesert]

I just got the Katana Air for my birthday yesterday and I see this today. This is the video I needed. I'm keeping the little one. It's awesome! I have the regular Katana so I don't need the bigger one which is awesome but unnecessary for me. My Quad Cortex through phones and Katana Air are my traveling rigs. Life is good. Thanks.

[@zen729]

I would definitely keep the katana air, this one looks to bulky for traveling.

[@Stephen_Lafferty]

I would love a shootout video of all the current desktop amps!

[@LeftCoast_TomP]

I picked up a used Katana Air non ex and I think it sounds great in my small music room. Sure the 5 inch speakers maybe sound better but the smaller one for the size does not sound cheap IMHO. I own Waza Air headphones and did own a Katana 50 amp so its not like this little one is the only thing I have experienced. Boss\Roland makes great sounding products. Batteries alone on the little one don't last long but if you have rechargeable ones would last for a couple of hours anyway. One thing nice about these units is you can set them on a stool or something and point them right at the guitar for some sustain without being real loud. The wireless aspect is a huge plus.

[@m1ghtycs]

As great as it is, I can't justify paying >500 quid for that.

[@sordel5866]

I paid more than that for the Yamaha equivalent. It's just the price-point for this set of convenience features.

[@adhaskym.a9536]

Then you pay 600 quid for it.

[@sixslinger9951]

might as well buy an Artist .same price, waza 12" speaker etc....@@sordel5866

[@jjdubois6101]

I paid less for my Victory

[@doctorscoot]

yup

[@PikaStu666]

Apologies if I missed it being mentioned, but there's a good chance that wireless "dongle" won't work with active pickups. If you can live without the wireless stuff, the Mk2 100w head is probably a better option. Built in speaker, not much bigger, can be used at gigs and it's a fair bit cheaper.

[@gypsycat619]

As a proud Katana Air owner I can tell you that a little head is better than no head😳

[@doninetexas]

Thanks to reviews like yours, I have a Katana Air on order (Used). Thanks.

[@matthewbertram3304]

BOSS is just always so consistently great, they don't ever try to pull the wool over your eyes. They just make great products.

[@matthewbertram3304]

@@BkBk-gy6vr more piss to go with your cheerios this morning, sir?

[@markseymour8365]

@@BkBk-gy6vrLike so many comments on YT these days, your original is not visible to anyone but yourself now. They love to censor (and by 'they' I mean YT, not Andertons).

[@SONOMA_VALLEY_TOM]

I was most impressed in this video by the tones of the PRS NF53. I want one! Putting it on my Christmas wish list to Santa Claus.

[@MaxProvost1911]

Shoutout against Yamaha THR 30ii would be awesome!🙏

[@kodyb8675]

Pete, those riffs were getting heavy in the intro jam and I want more!

[@dddevildogg]

Boss Katana Air EX $599 USD at that Sweet place Sounds pretty close to my Hot Rod Deluxe 1985 but at less than 110 db That's why I had to sell it Great demo guys

[@brianmiller3287]

Just ordered. I've had the air for a few years now and it's my most used piece of gear. I also have the thr-30 which has better speakers, but IMO, the katana amp models and effects are just way more to my liking. Using headphones with the stock delay and reverb, sounds like a record!!!

[@stevedavies8103]

How are you finding the katana ex compared to the thr30? Do the 5 inch speakers make a big difference?

[@brianmiller3287]

@@stevedavies8103 Hi Steve. I actually had to postpone my purchase, bc of some other gear I bought. I am still anxious to find the answer to your question, and will be ordering again very soon. If you find out before I do, reply to this again and let me know. When I get mine, I'll try to remember to do the same. Good luck!!!

[@brendangray]

I’d like to know this, too. 🙏🏻

[@elliotgreen987]

More expensive than a Helix Stomp or Vox AC 10? Hmm, it sounds good but thats ambitious Also really digging the new morning release schedule guys

[@Cody2nd]

I am not. I was already on an andertons binge at 3am looking for a little bedroom amp. And here we are, a new upload I have to stay up and watch, that just happens to go right along with what I was looking for…..simulation? I think so…..

[@valuedhumanoid6574]

I have had the little Yamaha THR10x desktop amp for years now and I believe I paid $250 for it new. For what it is and what it does, it's a pretty solid unit. If I had nothing then this Katana Air may be a way in to desktop jamming. I do like the features of the Session mode like looping a section and slowing it down. That is a practice enhancer fur sure. But the price...IDK. Hopefully my local shop will have one set up for demo and I can run it thru its paces. Nice review and video from you guys. Love it!

[@keithbenedict8764]

Yikes. I'm trying to figure out how BOSS justifies the price for these Katana Air amps. You have to buy the battery pack if you want it rechargeable. You have to buy the wireless transmitter. On the original Katana Air you had to buy the bluetooth adapter. Looks like they corrected that in this version.

[@sixstringsamurai77]

Most of that is incorrect. Wireless transmitter has always been included, as has Bluetooth on the Air models

[@BitcoinTakeover]

The Yamaha THR10 was launched more than 10 years ago and it's still better sounding. Kind of mind-blowing that BOSS benefits from 10+ years of technological innovation and still comes up with an amp that sounds boxy and small.

[@Александр-щ4ч3в]

Не придумывайте

[@JIAbbot]

Hey, Lee and Pete: How about a comparison / shootout between the Boss Katana MKII Head (not the new Artist head, but the smaller one) and the Katana Air EX? I just got the Head, and with the built-in speaker, it’s now unequivocally my favorite practice amp. I also use the Katana head with my Airstep Bluetooth pedal, which provides a hack letting me unlock the Katana Head via the Katana Air app. I think this would be a fabulous one-on-one comparison on its own, and/or a good segment of a larger shootout video featuring multiple amps. Love everything you guys are doing!

[@SaphroxStudios]

I would switch my old Katana Air to the EX in a heartbeat. If they had done three things 1. Made an easy to use tuner built into the amp. No Flaff with the app 2. Added an FX Loop 3. Added a speaker cabinet out. It would be the perfect portable amp that could go busking and be used with a looper. I absolutely love the Katana Air. It’s such an impressive little amp, but I’m confused by the results of this recent focus groups concept of “upgraded”

[@jimmyjames2022]

Agreed, needs FX loop for looper pedal at least (or built in looper), and speaker out like the NUX Mighty Space.

[@TheMadStrater]

The Katana sounds great, kinda surprised. That said, not sure why I'd go with this over the less expensive PositiveGrid Spark for half the price (which I own, and also sounds great for what it is)? Pete is the man man - love your steezy playing!

[@clouds5]

This. Positive Grid amps are just too good as a mobile practice amp.

[@zz-.-]

I don’t see how any of these amps stack up to positive grid, esp at the price. What am I missing?

[@Roger7739]

More than happy with my Katana mk2 head. This does sound very good and the wireless system part of the hefty price tag. A nice feature set and improved sound on the little one. Any ideas of what speakers type they used, is it the same as in the 100head x 2 ? Overall pricey but great sound and features. Let's see a shootout then !

[@jpfigueiredo]

Regarding the comparison video, be sure to include the Vox Adio Air GT in there as well. It's a fantastic little sounding amp.

[@joeleonard643]

It was great until the app stopped working because they never update it, sits in the corner gathering dust now 🙄

[@jpfigueiredo]

@@joeleonard643 What app? :P Maybe I'm missing something big, but I just turn the amp on and play. I do use the presets on the left and mess with the equalization, but that's about it.

[@zebulon39u]

That's the one Lee once described (very amusingly) as looking like a tart's handbag. Hopefully Vox have been working on something less ridiculous in appearance.

[@jpfigueiredo]

@@zebulon39u the flip side is that the wife likes it, so it can live in the living room constantly. :D

[@zebulon39u]

🙂@@jpfigueiredo

[@beaumas]

I really do think the NUX has them beat. The simple fact that it comes with all the goodies like the pedal and looper and battery, but the big thing is that it can power a cab just has the competition beat. It also sounds great and is cheaper.

[@beaumas]

@@markseymour8365 The Mighty Space can act as a head and power a cab, if you want to know more about it try Dave Simpson's review or InThe Blues's review. Both are great and show it acting as a head.

[@beaumas]

@@markseymour8365 The Mighty Space can act as a head and power a cab, if you want to know more about it try Dave Simpson's review or InThe Blues's review. Both are great and show it acting as a head.

[@Sanrolino]

Sounds good but no looper and no integrated battery? If it's a "fixed place" amp the main point about getting this one instead of the 50 is the smaller size (at more than double of the price and probably not as good tone).

[@Ghost-vs3du]

NUX mighty space vs this BOSS amp.... which one has better sound and functions?

[@iisan1]

Boss katana air EX, maybe it is called Boss Katana air EXPENSIVE?

[@Leychen]

You might actually be right about that

[@worldaswar3784]

you have wireless connection, tons of effects, 2speakers. ability to pair the phone at the same time and play along. an app. external battery packs. you want cheap price for such features?:D:D:D: kidding me son?:D

[@jethrotoe8944]

@@worldaswar3784 Spark doing the same things and more cheaper

[@chilievans35]

Have you tried it with a bass guitar?

[@IamMusicNerd]

I used to buy a new cab with every head to make sure they were matching. But none of them ever sounded as good as my VBoutique 4x12 with a blend of cream alnicos and Vintage 30s. So I stopped buying cabinets and just use that cab with every amp head now.

[@michael_caz_nyc]

The Crunch sounds-better than the Yamaha THR 30II (which I own & love) . . . but that Crunch was Legit. Pete is also a great player, so he can make anything sound fantastic.

[@vojislavvoxmilosevicmile2129]

This boss katana air ex amp is great!!! Much better then the small air (that I didn't purchase, was a great idea, not so good sounding, no line out). This one ticks all the boxes, albeit very expensive, but hey, the small original air was also expensive as well as yamaha is. This is why I always like to hear them vs vox adio as a starting benchmark. For the desktop amp shootout: yamaha thr 30 vs vox adio (extremely important, because it is cheap and good sounding) vs boss katana air ex vs ....

[@derekvance9944]

I have a Katana Air and I'll admit to not using it for a very long time. My head was swayed by Positive Grid's range of amplifiers, and I've been using those for the last couple of years. I'm not sure but there's something at the back of my head that I had enquired about the patches that the Air uses. I think I was told that the patches for the full-blown Katana amps use different software from the Air so you cannot use those patches. I don't know if that's true or not, but it would be nice if you can use the one patch on all the Katana amps.

[@JKM395]

Wow! That price really floored me. It's nice and all, but dang. Come on Boss.

[@alexander_winston]

I had one of these original rigs. The Katana patches were not compatible with the Katana Air. Hopefully they fixed that.

[@andocobo]

This was the biggest problem I had with the Air - everything I’ve seen on the new one suggests the patches from the big amps are still not compatible. This makes the air products pretty much a non-starter for me compared to something like the Spark.

[@stratofever1]

THR30II vs KATANA AIR EX PLEASE!🤘

[@timothymailloux7257]

How does this new BOSS model compare to the newest Yamaha THRII 30 watt?

[@davva360]

Always cracks me up when Pete chugs.

[@Thedrummer123]

Pete Really enhancing his inner Rob right there man!

[@MaPa60]

These are more than the Katana Artist 100w Head, why, bc the speaker and the wireless dongle? Doesn't seem like a great deal considering the I/o options.

[@Crivicus]

So why get this over the Boss Dual Cube LX? The Katana Air was smaller (perhaps a bit longer for wider speaker placement) but this looks to be a slightly larger in all dimensions. I guess maybe it has larger speakers which might get better sound but then it loses the looper. Would love a comparison video and shootout of all of them.

[@campy3888]

Pete's playing is insane

[@flashpadxxx]

Is he playing insane or is his playing insane?

[@dpround]

I made my own version. Took the electronics out of a Katana 100 (all one module, super easy) and put them in desktop formfactor a box with a couple of 5.5 inch speakers. DI out, speaker out, full fat Katana 2 effects... Only downside is no battery option.

[@dereiermann8841]

I like the new intro riff. Really great! Who did it? Great short piece of music!

[@jdwild1698]

NUX-MG 30 is the shit for practice , home playing etc. awesome tones etc.

[@andrewstace4557]

Haven't watched all the way through, but the real question in my mind is how does it compare to the Katana Head as a product? Say, sound, different features etc, given they're visibly quite similar setups now

[@grumpyrocker]

This new one can't power a cab like the head can.

[@Cody2nd]

@@grumpyrockerso this is just a stand alone unit? No need for a cab?

[@tukiluka]

The Captain’s Riff - Nice open!

[@dadudezpr]

Can you do blend always plz with every product sounds perfect!!

[@LA.Guitar]

Surely the price is a joke?

[@DebowyMocny]

Wow! I was not expecting this price tag. That’s what I paid for my Katana Artist MKII.

[@hey0mcfly]

Hahaha there having a laugh

[@alexb.5703]

It’s actually about the same price as the bigger of the THR Yamaha amps incl. wireless.

[@Leychen]

The price is a joke, but it's a joke other music gear dealers ask aswell so Boss just overpriced that.

[@Funkybassuk]

You could get a handwired secondhand all-valve Cornford Harlequin for £400, sometimes even £350. I know it’s a completely different type of amp or use case scenario - but still.

[@tukiluka]

Boss WL-T Question: Lee mentioned he’s got the headphones where you have to separately charge the transmitter. I literally do not use my Katana headphones for this very reason. Can I replace my current transmitter with a WL-T transmitter by itself and just use that?? Charging is a big issue.

[@AlecBourneMidiMadScientist]

Same exact transmitter, I use the WAZA and a katana air in tandem, it is really handy for charging up the transmitter and you can run to both amps at the same time off the one transmitter.

[@hawkeye2816]

I like the idea, but I struggle with the prices of all these desktop amps. For something that size, you do give up the ability to toss it in a gym bag or something and take it in carry on for flying, but for that price you can get an actual Katana 50 plus a small pedal board and it would probably sound even better.

[@kurtbader9711]

When you hear a prime vintage Marshall you never come back. The same, I understand the economic conditions of the day, and am happy that nice, useable tones are now affordable for the up and coming generation. Just keep practicing and have fun! Learn about tubes later.

[@ErikOosterwal]

@Andertons - I recognise that you're in the retail business and need to focus on currently manufactured products that are available in your store, but... When you do your lunchbox amp shootout video consider including older options, like the Gallien-Krueger ML/E micro lead, to compare older analog-only technology with the newer digital technology available today. I think the older products could provide a good baseline for comparison within this class of guitar amps and it would introduce your youger viewers to the stuff their grandparents might have had and showcase the benefits of modern, solid-state, digital technology to us geezers who still insist that all guitar amps must be analog-only driven by tubes (valves.) 🤔

[@LasseHuhtala]

I still want to contend that the original head is a very good option too. It has a built in speaker.

[@russellzauner]

I preordered the original Katana Air and it's dented and dirty but keeps on going - I've probably got hundreds of hours on it and it does not get treated nice; it gets used outside, mostly, all conditions. I have been wanting proper switching/expression but I wish they were back compatible with my KA instead of me having to not only upsize (I don't really need upsize) and buy those on top of the increased price, weight, etc. I get that 100 bucks is the general upcharge for wireless anything so it was fine with me and the puck was included (it's been indestructible lol) so it wasn't like I had to spend an extra 50-100 to get the "remote unit". Range is great, latency I can't say I've noticed much if any...best toy to make your neighbors and the entire campground angry you could possibly buy.

[@rafalstachura]

With desktop amps getting bigger, louder and pricier aren't we missing the whole point of this category of product? The main question about this new Katana is whether it sounds significantly better at low volumes than THR/Katana Air. If you want a good, loud sound there's plenty of other options. The demo did sound good though...

[@fallenshallrise]

Agreed. The original THR lives in my living room and has enough knobs to quickly dial in any tone to work out an idea or whatever. It actually records really well and acts as an interface and monitors so it's a decent 1 box solution with a laptop for a mobile recording rig. But any more size, money, volume for playing there are real amps - and for recording there are real interfaces and studio monitors and plugins.

[@tomminystrom]

I see that Katana has stereo line out. If you do a shootout can you try it with active speakers? You do have some Genelecs in studio and some more affordable in the shop for sale? Is it louder then, does it sound better? You could gig with it with an active cabinet.. i think.

[@bsquare6809]

Running reverb and delay was capable on the old one as well.

[@adamluo8209]

They sound similar to me, I like the EX sound. The EX has a bit more space, that's the obvious difference to me. I have an Air, so I will keep it, it's very handy. BTW, don't forget to tweak the EQ settings in the editing mode in the Katana Air App, the changes make a big difference from bright to dark, upfront and backward.

[@zenermaniac2571]

I’d like to see a comparison with this and Fender’s Mustang LT40S.

[@Thrive-Off-Grid]

Review all the power cabs made for the modelers and maybe run a handful of the modelers thru each one regardless of form factor (foot pedal modeler versus head type) like the Spark 40 and Katana versus HeadRush MX-5 and NUX MG-30 for example. Id like to see the Boss IR2 in the mix as well. My plan is get the IR2 and mate that to my HeadRush 108. I have the MX-5, Spark Go and the MG-30. I like the idea of the IR2 with actual knobs along with it form factor. Plus it has the Boss PC app.

[@rabonour]

I think people upset about the price are kind of missing the point. Many - probably most - guitarists only play at home, and for home use a desktop amp suits a lot of people better than a full-size amp. The size of this amp is a feature, not a bug.

[@muzzmacc6411]

I’m looking forward to a shootout between the most ‘hi-fi’ amps for home or office (not too scary loud).

[@AaronHailesPerillo]

I see what you did there in the intro with the captain lick 😆😆

[@ShroomsUnited]

Purely insane, thanks for the vid

[@greg19561]

I wanted to like this amp, since I was looking for something that I could use for practise as well as small gigs. Unfortunately, the Katana sounds thin, muddy and boxy. If you dial up the Gain and Presence, you can get something close to a Vox, but that's about it. There’s virtually no bass, and when you hike up the bass, the amp sounds like it’s muffled, as though a blanket has been thrown over it. A far better choice is to save up another $700 and buy a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe.

[@calpsych6474]

this is the vid that made me want to get an EX which i am doing next weekend to go with my new Ibanez QX54QM to use for practicing within earshot of my neighbors. especially great sound out of it in this review. sounds sooooo much larger in this capturing. better sounding amp makes ya want to practice more... Cali Psych...a.k.a. Mr Dave

[@ProfVonW]

I was hoping to see the practice mode (or whatever it’s called) demonstrated.

[@Timthecommenter]

They should make one with a 12” speaker. Maybe 50 or 100 watts.

[@zipporaid]

And make it 300$ cheaper!

[@cbsaulren]

Always wanted to try the Air, as I have a Katana 100w and it sounds pretty good, but man that price point... Went with the NuX mighty air and while it's not nearly as nice, it serves it's purpose for a fraction of the price.

[@nitijr]

I just want one of these companies to make a desktop amp that you can record INTERNALLY! Would be a great feature to use outdoors, without the need for a laptop or another kind of recording device. I had a boss JS10 that did it, but the amp itself wasn't that good, and it only ran on mains, so no good outdoors.

[@romanmgelman]

The Katana Air/Ex has the best wireless functionality I’ve ever seen… so sad BOSS did such a poor job with the app and didn’t provide us with an FRFR cab to use with the Air Ex’s line out. Maybe they will…

[@digitalninjatools5670]

I have an old school katana air (which fortunately I got before prices went super crazy on them) but the price for this is INSANE. Sure it sounds better (bigger) but tbh if you're getting an air then does that even matter?? You could get some serious 'real' amps for that money :(

[@kurukq]

A shootout would be great. Looking forward to it!

[@stitch5929]

Doesn't this one have a bass mode? Why does nobody ever test these out with a bass? Surely that's a big selling point for the amplifier?

[@timfletch]

Captain was reading my mind, I've been dreaming of of Mesa Boogie Mark-B (bookshelf) doodad for ages lol

[@fadlyhans82]

Ppl complain about the price. It’s potable, it’s loud, wood cabinet , wireless playing and will play good playback music too. Battery operated with nearly 7 hours of continuous playing with AA batteries. You can bring this good quality amp outside and jam along with friends. That being said , not gonna get this though. 😂. Cause the JBL party box 710 will serve my purpose for a party outside. Just bring my MT-2W and reverb and I’m all set.

[@barnacio366]

This is a great review as always, and I love the new intro and upload schedule, but this product will flop really bad!! Seriously, who's gonna pay $500+ for a toy amp? Just get a regular amp with a power attenuation, like a regular Katana. You can even get a wireless system and a 50 watt amp for the same price as this little toy.