Boss Katana vs Line 6 Catalyst! - Which Guitar Amp is Right for YOU?

[@zebulon39u]

I've just discovered from the specs that the Catalyst 60W version has an FX loop. I've always thought that the absence of an FX loop on the Katana 50 was a disappointment. Well done Line6 for that.

[@Sovereign_Citizen_LEO]

Yeah, but the Catalyst 60 is the same cost (I believe) as a Katana 100 which also has an effects loop.

[@AndrewStottisTheIndiWerWlf]

That's the funny thing is boss actually seems to think their users will just be satisfied with the built-in effects and won't want to use pedals.

[@phililpb]

@@Sovereign_Citizen_LEO not correct the cat 60 is the same price as the Katana 50

[@Uptown59]

Today's cost 60w Catalyst $300, 50w Katana $270.

[@Tiago_007]

And the Katana 50 has no effects loop so this Catalyst 60 is looking good.

[@louaguado995]

Katana sounds like a digital transistor radio. Catalyst was so much fuller sounding.

[@Vegitobluuuuu]

Exactly specially with that variation button on high gain stuff it’s so processed and fizzy katana only sounds good with clean stuff imo

[@manuelcaravaca5773]

To me, the Catalyst sounds more natural, with a more valve-like vibe. I had a Katana and I was really happy, but I think this Catalyst sounds better! Anyone that has the Catalyst noticed gap/lag when changing presets with a footswitch???? Tah would be important for live performances :D thank you so much :D

[@Gloomshimmer]

so youre basically deaf?

[@jacobseal]

Nice comparison. I have a Helix and a Katana so I am a big fan of both companies. The absolute key with Katana is the parametric EQ!!!!! Run the low pass filter down to 5-6k to get rid of all that thin fizz on top. High pass filter at 100 Hz then give a big fat boost around 250-350. It totally balances out the speaker and makes the Katana a REALLY good sounding marshall style amp. The Katana speaker has a very thin "low mid" area. The Brown channel combined with this EQ is one of the most satisfying tones that I have had in my entire career. That said.....my Helix LT is amazing and has become my main tool. I run it with no cab sim into the effect return of the Katana for my stage sound. Very cool!!

[@ferpa57]

There is a problem with the 50W Katana, it doesn't have an effects loop. The 60W Catalyst does. I think you should make that clear in the comparison, because for many guitarists, it is very important.

[@mikeg.9238]

That's not a deal breaker for me , i prefer my Katana!

[@sekon2008ify]

Agreed. No effects loop really annoying me on my katana now. Had no interest in pedals when I bought it but now love them as I've gotten better playing and an effects loop is missed

[@msaintpc]

They should've been comparing the Katana Artist 100 instead of the 50 watt with the Line 6.

[@tomgreen708]

@@msaintpc but that’s like 3 times the price of the catalyst so not really a fair comparison

[@msaintpc]

@@tomgreen708 okay.

[@steverolfeca]

I had 2 Katana 50’s. Nice, but a bit boxy and lacking some bluesy sounds I was after. Just spent my first full day with a Catalyst 60 and the latest firmware. Didn’t dig into the 6 new amp models yet, but I’m already impressed. Love the ability to personalize amps w/sag, etc. DI and FX loop on the smallest model are very useful to me.

[@steverolfeca]

Followup- Set up the Catalyst 60 with my Tone Master DR as a stereo/wet-dry rig. Attenuators on both amps in the middle position. Used my HX Stomp as a stereo splitter in bypass mode, and also fooled around with some of the HX effects. Also put a D18 IR on the output of the piezo bridge on my Thinline Tele, and sent that to a Headrush FRFR108, and ran that up the middle between the two combos. The Boutique, Chime and Dynamic models complement the BF Fender tones nicely, and the resultant sound is big and wide, just the way I like it. Used the Octaver in the Cat for some great tic-tac bass tones. Still to come- checking out the DI tones into my interface, and investigating 6 new amp models in the latest Catalyst firmware...

[@earlteigrob9211]

To my ears the Catalyst has a more clear distinct sound across the board. Not that that's always better, but I really like it.

[@deckert618]

It's a good time to be a bedroom guitarist with options like these. I've had a Katana 50 in my bedroom for ~4 years and love it, but I heard a bunch of tones in that Catalyst that I liked just as well. I really like the higher gain tones of the Katana, but the Catalyst sounded more vintage and 'tubey' on its lower gain settings.

[@slashtrio]

Good point. I’m a bedroom rocker who can’t take the volume up too loud. I have the original THR10 and I just love that thing. I like the overdriven marshal plexi kind of tone and the THR really approximates that at unbelievably low volumes. I also have a marshal code but have less success with that. The katana has always intrigued me.

[@scottwinning7484]

@@slashtrio I started with a cheap late 90s solid state marshall, went to a modelling mustang, then had several low watt tubes HT5, Vox, Blues jr etc...... but just couldn't get a tone I liked at low volumes, spent thousands on pedals trying to get there. I went back to a Code 25, which I like and then to a Katana 50 which I love. The way forward for me now is straight into ableton via a ampero stomp 2, that has killer tones, you lose that thump and connection you get with a big speaker in your back, but if you want good tone and you don't gig that's the way I'd go. I also use the ampero most nights with just headphones sitting on the sofa.

[@steelwarrior105]

Yeah, i finally got to try out a catalyst yesterday and I thought, the lead tone is good but there are others I prefer, then I i went to a low gain blues crunch sound with an esquire and wow.

[@musicinsession]

the catalyst high gain tones sound like ASS! not vintage and tubey, just pure garbage! That amp was longer in transit than the amount of time I spent playing on it. If you have a Katana (and I have one myself) keep it!! It's miles away from this line 6 trash!

[@JeremiahDaniel1995]

So I take it the Katana is better at high gains / distortions / metal?

[@MrMorpheusDante]

Both amps are wonderful, but there is a huge difference between the two. It's not about which is better at all, it's about what sound you prefer. The Katana has a significantly sharper and brighter sound, while the Catalyst is significantly softer and warmer. Either way, whichever one you buy you won't make mistakes

[@jimmyjames7946]

Yes I agree 💯. I like sound of katana. I prefer that sharper tone But that's my preference. The catalyst is awesome and I almost bought it . It was tough decision lol.

[@JeremiahDaniel1995]

@@jimmyjames7946 is the Boss Katana hood for metal?

[@trindadedani]

I thought my katana was an ok amp, but then i pluged it in trough the boss software and i tweak e.q and pedals and put the speaker on the vintage mod (you can do it trough the software) Now the amp sounds much better. I tried a lot of digital amps in the past, lots of them sound great with single coils but crappy with humbuckers, katana is the first one i have that sound good with humbuckers too. This catalyst sound great on the reviews, also, but when you tweek the knobs on the katana you can get a lot of great tones

[@AscendedWalrus]

They both sound great with Pete playing them.

[@hiimawasteoftime8678]

Yeah I dont need a new amp I need Pete

[@Gloomshimmer]

my old siemens radio would sound good with pete playing it.....and a dumble would sound bad if i play it. thats the whole point.

[@iused2bfast153]

To me the Catalyst sounds great out of the box while the Katana has that harsh fizzy top end. I know it can be dialled out in Tone Studio but a lot of people dont want to have to have a computer handy and go through all that.

[@Brkprsn]

I actually just cut the high on the panel and I got a very fat, saturated, and responsive tone. I actually came in for an orange dark terror and left with a katana.

[@murthisrikanth]

I think the catalyst missed an opportunity by not giving the additional knobs for each effect. I own a katana and I use these extensively. Could've used smaller knobs for the EQ to make space for 3 knobs of effects like the katana. For that alone, I'll use katana. Having said that, Catalyst does sound good!

[@greg6162]

Agreed! I’m still playing low volume practice amps but I want a physical EQ knobs. Plus I don’t have a working PC anymore because I don’t have a need for it so I’m going to buy the Yamaha THR10ii I think. Probably next week, I just got my Olympic Pearl and red tortoise Fender player plus as my first real quality guitar (was using $170 Epiphone LP special ii) and it’s just beautiful in every way… it plays like it looks even though I know some people look down on MIM Fenders, I’m actually proud of this and it wasn’t cheap tbh $1100 is a lot but it has everything and more a beginner could ask for. Plus I like playing 9’s

[@billyschmidt7049]

Both sound great ... Katana can store 8 sounds from the top panel, and way more effects ... foot switch is far better for live than Line 6 and one of the best period! It also apears by your db meter in the background that you were listening to the Line 6 at slightly higher sound level and that would definitely affect perceived tones. And finally the Katana has 2 global EQ's that can be used to completely re-voice the output stage to your own preference and that is huge ... Katana for me by a long shot! I love my Katana but I now gig with a Pair of Nextone Stage Amps! As always Pete and the Captain do a great job! Love your Channel!

[@MrPhotonjockey]

I have a Nextone Artist and I think it sounds quite good. Curious as to your thoughts about using the Nextone live vs Katana?

[@billyschmidt7049]

I gigged with Katana for several years and loved it but the Nextone is a definitely a step up in tone and and amp "Feel". A meatier and more satisfying tone ... Added a couple pedals using the effects send and never looked back ... added 2nd Nextone for stereo and it is FABULOUS!... as good as I need! LOVE IT! And NO tubes to go bad or change! Hard to beat the sound of Two 12" Speakers!!!@@MrPhotonjockey

[@marcohoxha2769]

I have a Catalyst as a back up amp and also just to play Acoustasonic at open mic nights. Katana sounds way better here

[@kendickinson8307]

In this video, the Catalyst has a tone that reminds me more of a 4-12 cab. I've gigged with the Katana and it does fine but I really look forward to trying out the Catalyst. Like others, one of the things I love about the Katana is how nice it is with an acoustic. I really would like to A/B a Catalyst with a Nextone (which I really like! but won't do acoustic - ditto the Catalyst). The outro, though, really was interesting. In the mix, I felt the Catalyst was much better than the Katana in that the Katana seemed so thin by comparison. But... the Katana did a better job of cutting through. In both cases, a little eq-ing could make a big difference.

[@arthurfarrel5794]

I just tried a Fender semi acoustic in my Katana today for the first time, and Wow!! I Was so impressed with the sound, and was not expecting to it to be anywhere this good.

[@TheSavagederek]

Worth pointing out that the Catalyst comes with the amp cover and footswitch included , as well as an effects loop . Plus the bigger cab although only slight can make a difference also .

[@heartycoffee4754]

honestly just seems like a better deal all around

[@adamherring5027]

I have owned the first Katana 100 and The MK2 100 Gigged with them and I’ve got to say had good gigs with them. I received a Line 6 Catalyst On Sunday and I have to say it’s in a totally different league to the Katana, both these amps have many features sometimes can leave you a bit cold and you just want a decent reliable amp with maybe a few options just in case the band decide to do some kind of jam song and you need some chorus or you need some delay to do some U2. I was looking at cutting down my rig for the festivals and plug a play kind of thing, load in with one trip. We all know a katana can cope with that, the catalyst does this so much better. I love the fact that you can change the effect switch to do anything else, for me it’s turning the boost on off, the iPhone app is brilliant, pre or post the reverb and Fx, so you can really Taylor this amp and save it and your good to gig. It took 3 mins for me to get this ready for my Sunday night gig, Which I must add which was full of tube amp snobs and when they heard me play this amp they were, convinced this had tubes. I went for the 60 W, my main amp is a fender tonemaster reverb deluxe, with 2 or 3 drive pedals and a tuner. The Catalyst 60 on the 30 W mode kept up with drummer and a steve with an orange rock reverb 50 and Terry on his 500w mark bass rig. I didn’t need to mic as it was so loud. The feel of this amp really does remind me of the fender band master I once had the pleasure to use at the festival. I’ve never really been into line 6 products, I’ve always felt they have been very gimmicky and for the young spotty teenagers who can play a million notes per second but now I think line 6 has matured into a fantastic company who know exactly what the guitar player needs. I will be selling my boss katana, and maybe get a 2nd Catalyst! Best of luck to everyone through this terrible time and a special thanks to Andertons for the fantastic content. Adam.

[@killianke]

I’d be surprised if this is not a fake account set up by line 6 marketing team.. Only joined YT one week ago and has 2 comments saying how much better the catalyst is than boss katana and no other content😂

[@adamherring5027]

@@killianke very funny, no not at all, I just want be able to gig with no stress but I like to swap it up with the fender tonemaster reverb deluxe as well.

[@Russell_Optics]

I think both are great amps for the money. I own a pair of the Katana 100MkII's and they sound great in stereo. The BIG advantage that Katana has is the two-bank 6 button foot switch that controls amp modes and effects at your feet. If you have two Katana's you can control both amps with a single footswitch in "stereo expand" mode which is very cool.

[@chrisgroom333]

Must be just me but I think the Catalyst sounds much clearer and present where as the Katana sounds really boxy to my ears....

[@DomSchu]

I agree, sounds way more natural/real.

[@tweston_67]

Agreed.

[@mikeanthony5684]

💯

[@mikeanthony5684]

During high gain tone comparison especially.. I don't know how they don't hear that... The Cat sounds like its coming through a bigger cab for sure. Fills the room .

[@Roopkotha]

agreed

[@cjleavitt17]

I think the Katana sounds more like pedals into a cab where the catalyst sounds like a an actual amp. Both sound great but as a Valve Amp user the Catalyst sounds more Valve than Pedal. I love boss pedals though so it sounds good no matter what.

[@PureJadeKid]

That is a great description: "the Katana sounds more like pedals into a cab." Something harsh and shrill about it. It has good definition but is overall buzzy, like a the Boss OD pedal, or like most of the solid-state amps from the 1990s to the 2000s. For my taste, I will likely never buy a tube amp but I like the tubey, chimey, vintagey, ringing sounds of the Catalyst and that seems tempting to me. (I have played the Katana in person and was impressed with everything about it (price, UI, features, effects) except the amp sounds, which to me was even more fatiguing into headphones.)

[@cjleavitt17]

@@PureJadeKid I grew up listening to Queen, Santana, Slash, Van Halen etc.. Me personally I can't really get the tones I want from solid state but I can from Valve and Pedals. Nothing against Solid State they sound great when the right person plugs in. I adore Nita Strauss and she just uses the Boss GT-1000 into the P.A speakers

[@PureJadeKid]

@@cjleavitt17 I thought I saw a rig rundown of her Alice Cooper rig and I thought she played a real Marshall (JCM900?) for her amp tones. Glad that people have so many great options for getting tones out of their guitars. One day I will perhaps get a small tube amp when I can play loud without causing a riot with the neighbors. 🤞

[@cjleavitt17]

@@PureJadeKid Nita mainly prefers the Boss GT-1000. She likes the tones and it's size is easy to transport according to her. I think she said there's two other guitarist on Alice's tours. I talked with Nita in person but it wasn't at an Alice Cooper show maybe she does use a Marshall during his tours for the more Classic tone. That part never came up in conversation lol

[@hutchfromba]

I still like the Katana 100 MK2. Blues On....💙 If I wanted a 50 or 60 W amp, I'd buy the Catalyst 60 due to the Effects Loop.

[@billyschmidt7049]

After working with both for some time these are my quick comments. Both are GREAT! The Katana 50 is a home practice amp due to NO EFX LOOP, and limited foot switching capabilities, and lesser speaker. Katana 100 is the FAR SUPERIOR LIVE AMP... with EFX LOOP, Fabulous foot switching capabilities, global EQs, enormous EFX selection, Better Speaker with tight Low End, LOUD, and Acoustic Guitar settings ! I preferred the CATALYST for Studio recording for the variety and type of Voices, the Very Useful Sag, Bias, & Bias X controls, EFX LOOP, And Direct Out Sound. The speaker tends to be a little FLUBBY and the foot switch controls are EXTREMELY limited! Quite Happy with Both!!!

[@jacobasher8804]

I’m actually really impressed with that catalyst. May have to snag one of those for practicing and travel 🤘🏼

[@bloodflower2141]

Damn, that Catalyst clearly sounds better to my ears and I came here hoping to like the Katana better.. I've had bad experiences with Line 6 in the past so im hesitant but it just sounds better in all of the comparison videos ive seen.. Im not sure what to do!

[@shannonhooker623]

I like the sound of the Catalyst better. I like the thicker bottom end.

[@supernothing77]

Who doesn't like a thicker bottom end

[@onefatstratcat]

@@supernothing77 if amps only came with a nice set of tits we'd never leave the house :)

[@bullyakker]

Phat Bottom amps make the rockin' world go 'round!

[@Reffitt2]

Regardless of which amplifier you think sounds better, can we all just appreciate how insanely far amp modeling has come in the past ten years? My first modeling amp sounds crazy terrible compared to these modern modeling platforms!

[@FamousByFriday]

I had a Johnson Millennium years and years ago. I thought it sounded pretty great. I’d love to hear how it compares now. They actually seem to cost a bit yet.

[@derickthomas7607]

The sound was good what was the deal breaker for me was the insanely noticable delay between changing channels, line 6 said it was normal and that some helix pedal would fix it but it was more than the amp so I took it back. I guess I'm just old school but the delay is just insane and makes the catalyst useless to me.

[@Reffitt2]

@@derickthomas7607 I can definitely agree. That would definitely make it tough in any live setting.

[@geoffdillon6013]

I like the Katana amps for what they are and did actually prefer the sound of it compared to the catalyst in this video. I own the Katana 100W head into a 2 x 12 (g12 and v30) and it sounds awesome. I do remember when I was buying an SG, they asked what amp I have so I could get an idea of how it sounded with that amp. I said I owned a Katana 100 head and a Marshall 50 head. They didn’t have any Marshall’s at the time and gave me a Katana 100 combo. I really did not like the speaker in the Katana. But like I said before, through a 2 x 12 the Katana head is brilliant.

[@matthewfrench7494]

Same. I run my katana head through a 2X12 JCM 900 lead cab, it sounds BUTTER.

[@bunnymagic7704]

This video perfectly demonstrate how good Pete and Capt are for dial in the good sound. It’s no longer about the gears, it’s about the ears.

[@lucaswayneray]

Unrelated to music, but I almost didn't click on the video because of the thumbnail. I'm much more likely to click when I see Pete and the Captain in the thumbnail. Keep 'em coming. Cheers from TX

[@dymo60]

The Catalyst definitely has an airy sound. Katana may cut through a bit more in the mix or on stage but I love that open feel the Catalyst seems to have. One of those gain sounds is very Steve Lukather to my ear. Right off the intro of I Think I Could Love You For Ever. Marshall and a 4x12 cab cranked with lots of room mic.

[@Joormode]

You cant fool anyone :) . I know you are trying to sell amps - but the look on your face when playing Catalyst ... yeah its sounds better !

[@davey21502]

I was gonna say the same thing. The Captain seems upset the Catalyst is kicking the katanas ass. I once owned a katana for like a week and resold it. I don’t own a catalyst, but I might now. Cheers 😂

[@WarrenPostma]

The catalyst on clean is clearly a more advanced "clean amp" model with a lot of subtle modulation and "simulated realism".... It almost draws attention to itself, like it's got an always on chorus and some kind of very clever preamp coloration simulation both running that the excellent (but slightly older dsp tech) on the katana has. I'd be happy to gig or jam or practice on either of these.

[@perryeves8566]

I own a Katana, but I feel the catalyst sounds more like a valve amp, where the Katana sounds more like a modelling amp, the catalyst has a lot more high and low mids, as though a good sound engineer has set a really good parametric eq for a great live sound 🤘🤘🤘

[@DC7ify]

I can always rely on Andertons. I bought a charvel SoCal, Dk24, a pedal, a Jackson and now soon one of these because you guys give really funny and honest reviews ! Also you guys always do a great job on comparison videos

[@erictheredguy]

I also have a jackson pro. Love my baby

[@isitreallyisitreally1756]

The Catalyst has a bigger cab , so bigger sound , more bass response , newer operating system , but why not more simultaneous fx . So in the room , the Cat will be better , but I reckon the Kat will be better live as more mid focussed and easier to use on the fly ( the eq on the Kat is so important though ) . It’s all good though , great time to be a guitarist 😊👍

[@denafitzgerald2554]

I hear the more effects at a time knock on the Catalyst quite a bit but, honestly that doesn't bother me...get a good tone and use pedals for color...you know that's how it works with real amps

[@MarbsMusic]

I used a Katana 100 then a Mk2 100 live since release until about 18 months ago when I switched to a Helix. Was never a Line 6 fan but after a lot of research the Helix won me over and I've been SUPER happy with it. The Helix is truly phenomenal but sometimes it would be nice to have a lightweight amp I could take with me and still have the option, when desired, to plug in the Helix into it. Very close to ordering one of the Catalyst to at least try it out! This was a phenomenal comparison!

[@erpece]

Pair a Headrush active speaker with your Helix and your done. That's what I do when I need a personal amp/monitor on stage.

[@ChrisSoignier]

@@erpece I recently did that and wasn't happy with the results, so I returned the Headrush and am back to running my Stomp XL through my Quilter Mach II.

[@gainonten4031]

@@ChrisSoignier so you are running your Stomp through this amp? how does it sound? Im looking for something similar, not interested on the FRFR headsrush monitored, I want something like an amp. Been exploring tube amps (2-- watt and run the stomp via the FX loops for the power amp section, something like the Marshall Origin 20c). But Here I am looking at videos for these SState amps as well, but maybe I don't need a Sstate amp with effects as I already have the stomp.

[@jamesfurz7406]

One thing I'd say about the Katana product range is that it should be sold on the grounds that 50% of it requires the use of Tone Studio, it really does unlock the amp massively. Further to that Boss have kept adding features. Sure it's a good amp fresh out the box, but anyone not using it in conjunction with Tone Studio is seriously missing out. There's a million videos of people playing with TS, so I understand why that's not a rabbit hole that Andertons videos go down, but the TS features shouldn't be ignored.

[@cros79]

That outro jam contained the best phrasing I've heard from the Captain. Good job!

[@TroyNaumu808]

I still prefer Boss Katana. I love the Orange and Vox amps and thier products and Boss products I have been using Boss, Orange and Vox products for the last 49 years. Since 1973 when i was 7 years old.

[@gimmeagig]

I have the Katana 50 MKII. In this test I liked the Catayst a bit better. It seemed to me like you could hear the actual sound of the guitar and the touch of the player better. When I got my Katana I thought the stock speaker was fizzy and brittle sounding. Not warm not full. I replaced it with a Celestion heavy Creamback. To me that made a world of difference. My Katana sounds much closer to the Catalyst now than the one you guys have in the studio.

[@phantomwarrior0313]

I personally like the boss katana sound more, it stands out a bit more and it also seems a bit cleaner, but it doesn’t breathe as much as the catalyst. Overall, I think the katana can still do more and is better for the price, especially for the people trying to get more weirder tones. The catalyst is a straight to the point amp and that’s totally fine too! Most probably prefer the straight to the point part, but I want more versatility because I’m a more spontaneous person if it comes to recordings.

[@sometimesdimneverthin]

I have the Mk1 Katana 100 and mainly use Katana Librarian via Android to tweak. Sometimes I use FX Floorboard rarely do I use Boss Tone Studio. Katana is basically a GT1 plus a nice speaker. That is about 30 amp simulations which slaughters the Catalyst. In the video I prefer the Catalyst for the more bassy stuff but trebly is equalish. I have never heard a Catalyst apart from in You Tube but it sounds fuller almost stereo. The Katana has Sneaky Amps so I would still buy it over the Catalyst unless/until Line 6 release the full access Helix version.

[@paulburton5150]

I started thinking the Catalyst was much better, then switched to Katana for gainier sounds, then ended up back with Catalyst. The Katana has more options and arguably easier to use. Both great options. Having said that, I’ve just traded in my Katana mk1 100w for an EVH LBX-s 🙂

[@juanpablogarza3142]

Great JOB !! Katana is way more modern hi gain out of the box. Catalyst is more neutral and open to create your own tone. Also blend great with pedals

[@david_farmer]

Wow this was great! I'm completely on the fence as to which I prefer. As a home recordist and non-gigger, and also an owner of Helix Native, I think I'd go for the Katana just to have different sounds. IMO they're both quite good and we can't really go wrong. Pete's point of having both is a good one especially at this price point.

[@vince8081]

I think Line6 made their first good combo here, all of the others were bad sounding to my ear (i'm not talking about pod's rack or pedalboard). This one is great looking first, and sounds very good, like a good amp combo, round and warm. Katana keeps great value but i think it find a good competitor here.

[@NatureAndTech]

Boss just released a firmware update, in response to the Line6 Catalyst release. I think they have been resting on their laurels. It looks like the firmware update is something they quickly put together, because they did not have any real response to the Line6. So, for those of us who thought a Katana Mk III (3) was eminent, it is now blatantly clear that it isn't. I'll definitely have a look at the Line6. There is now no point waiting for a MkIII. Note: The Catalyst is a new product, and there will definitely be several firmware updates for that one too.

[@jmabs5096]

I think to get an actual glimpse of "comparison" is to go in a shop and try out for yourself for the 100% effect. Mic placements, going into DI, listening to this video on crappy speakers etc will really have an effect. Katana is proven where the cat is the new kid on the block with similar roots. That said I think both have tremendous potential when you actually go in and tweak, for the katana that's plugging it in and downloading the "sneaky amps" that really made mine shine for medium-high gain sounds. Regardless of preference, competing for the "best" is great for all of us consumers, pushes brands to devoplers to put something out (like the line 6 cat.) to get that piece of marketshare with an actual decent product

[@TooBarFoo]

I have enjoyed having Katana at home, I rarely warm up tube amps these days. The Catalyst has some great sounds. For me at the moment, having acoustic and more effects on the board would mean I'd still go with the Katana. I do wish they would do a mk3 with a bass setting that would give you some speaker protection for home use although I understand why they don't as it may not have enough movement for Bass on stage. For pure home practice I still think the Yamaha THR takes the cake although that is never going to make it out of the bedroom its a great piece of kit.

[@shanewright9735]

I'm not liking how good this Catalyst is sounding. I really don't want to buy another amp! It really does sound thick and full though without being getting muddy

[@shanewright9735]

Fortunately, I got to play one at GC and didn't fall in love with it! My Katana and wallet are safe for now

[@max_mittler]

a pretty interesting comparison video. I definitely value this type of shootout, and it's interesting to see what default settings gets you, but I don't think any guitar player would use either of the amps that way. Everyone would spend at least a couple minutes fine tuning a tone with the options on the control panel. I think this shootout format could be improved by doing either of two things: 1. like another commenter said, try to get the same exact sound on both amps and see where either is limited. 2. while playing for a tone, spend the first minute with the non-player knob turning until that particular setting sounds its best. The result will possibly be more different, but at least it will be closer to the best that both amps have to offer.

[@IsaacLausell]

The Catalyst sounds better out of the box however when you work with Katanas post preamp eq options the amp goes into a whole other level. It’s to the point that I have not used a tube amp and pedal board in my concerts in the last three years. I keep taking the katana. The only thing I see so far missing from the Catalyst is a transparent amp option which you want when you are working with Jazz, R&B and certain studio situations.

[@waspcatcher]

They're very different. I preferred the Catalyst for the standard Katana Clean, but for the gainier models, I preferred the Katana, as I found the Catalyst more "muffled". Ultimately that's just personal taste though, and I'm sure both could be tweaked to sound great for anyone.

[@DarrenMalone253]

Spot on! And I like the katanas punchier gain sound, but like the catalysts knobs and readability better too. But I live in a condo and I have a feeling I might need that cleaner less gain sound at low volume so maybe go to the catalyst? Plus people say it works better with the iPad and the UI they showed look better to me.

[@waspcatcher]

@@DarrenMalone253 best bet is to take a guitar and go and try them in a shop if you can.

[@GabrielSkolderblad]

The Catalyst in this video has so much more growl and meat to the sound. I really like the Catalyst high gain settings. The Katana sounds so much more thin and boxy here.

[@drift180x]

The katana sounded a bit scooped in the mids and had a bit less presence. I liked the tone of the catalyst a bit more. Both sound good for what they are.

[@michaelmachado2049]

I own a MK II 100 and love it. I think the Catalyst sounds good but it seems a bit boomy at times. The Katana sounds a bit thin in comparison but it’s clearer at times. I think in a mix the Katana may cut through a bit better but the Catalyst is over all a rounder sound. Both are great amps. It’s a great time to be a bedroom guitar player 👍.

[@D.Miller]

Yes Anderton's you know we wanted this! I am hoping to pop to you soon and buy a new rig and assumed I was buying a Katana but seen the catalyst hype great to see them shootout

[@MarcFonda]

Clean tones ought to be presented similar volume levels as the gainer presets for a juicer comparison, thank you .

[@danielcohen3159]

There's a Schecter strat at one of the studios I often work at, and I've just started leaving my Nash at home when I have a session there. I think it's a Nick Johnston model. It's really phenomenal. Incredibly rich harmonically and plays like a dream.

[@robertturtle]

I moved from a Katana 50 MK2 to a Catalyst 60, the only thing I miss is the usability, app and control panel on the katana are much more user friendly, that aside I have no regrets

[@reddfoxmulder]

Got my Catalyst 60 yesterday..in the words of Garth and Wayne…Shhhhwwwiiing!

[@carlosreyes3094]

I chose the Line 6 from the start of the video. Catalyst has a better sound for my ear.

[@MARK5-FX]

Catalyst!! It's more ampy IMO. I like its pedal platform-sounded fantastic!

[@heathbrinker6995]

I was literally gonna buy a Katana but now I'm confused as all get out, either way I don't think I'm gonna be disappointed with either choice

[@zzzddd7]

Just bought A Katana 2 weeks ago. I bought the 2x12 100 watt. I like it. I never knew about the catalyst. I really never liked line 6 amps. I'm from the old school, I have Mesa Dual Rectifier and cab, Carvin V 3 and a Vai based cab ( I forgot the brand). It's in my storage for years. I like the Catalyst, it gives you the Tube sound. The guy said it at 22 min. Both are great. I'm ordering one today, will have by tomorrow, but I'm ordering the Catalyst 200 today. It's on sale til March. @$399. I can use them in stereo with my Gt1000, Headrush, or my Helix. Or depends on the gig, I have a choice of great amps, a huge win for me.....

[@mikepj1025]

The Catalyst sounds more open and full on most of the settings. Both amps should have dials on front. I can’t stand top mounted dials. Can’t wait for the Catalyst Artist mkii with the front display.

[@neilsnow7973]

I'm still in love with my Peavey Vypyr3, sounds awesome. Speaker is garbage though. I took that out and plug direct. Too bad Peavey can't make a pedal version of it. As for this, I think that the Katana is a descent amp, and I did consider buying one, but Line6 takes the cake on this for sure. The user interface is better and the sound is way more natural and vintage, whereas the Katana sounds more modern and has less features. The voicings in the Katana are a cool option though. Yep it's a tough decision. On a side note, when looking for boost for myself for doing a solo, I want something that is completely transparent, so no color, just more volume and maybe a bit more gain.

[@wyattsmith6694]

As someone who has owned both, the Catalyst is, to my ears, in an entirely different league. I moved into a condo and had to get rid of my Tone King Imperial MkII, so even most tube amps sound disappointing to me, but the Catalyst still sounds great even with that to compare it to. It’s the first time I’ve ever experienced a solid state amp and thought that we might not need tube amps forever

[@mikeg.9238]

I'll stick with my Katana , Orange and Fender XL!!!

[@wyattsmith6694]

@@mikeg.9238 I’ve actually had pretty extensive experience with all of those, and the Catalyst is on a different planet. You really should try it

[@mikeg.9238]

@@wyattsmith6694 Maybe i'll check it out , it seems to be on par with the Katana price wise and has 10 more watts!

[@wyattsmith6694]

@@mikeg.9238 think katana, but more…tube-like. It’s really impressive

[@mikeg.9238]

@@wyattsmith6694 I will check it out , thanks...

[@michaelhockmuller4677]

I usually love the Katana Mk2 in any other demo video, but the Catalyst sounds richer and more articulate in this particular video. Overall, for usability I like the Katana better.

[@rgbplumbinghilton]

I picked up a Catalyst used and was really cheap. I bought it to use as a power cab for my tonex. It sounds great but I find it needs to be used with the master volume over 9 o'clock to brighten it up. It is quite muffled below that and the 1/4 watt setting is rally muffly in comparison. I have used it at band Practice at gig volume on 30watt setting. It was very good. The direct out sound fantastic too. Now the new update gives you 12 amp settings so 6 banks of 2. I did download some patches yesterday and I like the amp as an amp. I own vintage tube amps and a Katana so I have lots to compare it with. It is a great option as is the Katana. The power amp on this sounds better than the Katana 👍

[@silastaylor3609]

I think the Catalyst has a little more of that Tubey sounding. They both sound great. I had the katana. I want to get the catalyst.

[@derickthomas7607]

I bought the line 6 catalyst about a month ago. There were a couple issues that weren't necessarily a deal breaker for me , but the noise and noticeable delay when switching channels was something at least for me that I couldn't deal with most of my music will go from a clean part to a dirty part on the fly and my old solid state crate work horse was flawless between switching. I contacted the manufacturer about the issue and they said that it is one program unloading stopping abruptly and loading the other channel simultaneously and that it's normal so I returned it. I ended up finding a great deal on a new marshall dsl40cr amp for for 125 bucks more than what I paid for the catalyst needless to say it's amazing. If anyone is interested in an amp like the catalyst I'd say for a another Chanel changing amp in the same price range the boss katana is where it's at my lead guitar player has one and it sounds great and changes smooth as butter

[@jackloganbill605]

One thing all Katana owners know about the Katana...to coax the best sounds you MUST use the app editor...period!!!!

[@mikecorey8370]

I had a 100 watt Katana for about 20 hours. Bought the 100 watt Catalyst and to me, it's way better than the Katana. And is hands down the winner in handling pedals or a modeler.

[@MauricioBelmonte]

For me it's The Katana, If you ask. That's why I picked one. It served my gigging, recording and teaching purposes.

[@nekkon1989]

What if I don't ask? I got a 12-year-old's vibes, sorry...

[@SticksAandstonesBozo]

Hands down if your in a shop and do tests it’s the best sounding digital amp ever made. Better than the tone master yes. And 1/4 the price.

[@anandgarde13]

Did you pick the Katana over the Catalyst within the last week? cause the Catalyst is brand new so I doubt you had the chance to actually compare the two for your purposes if you've already gigged the Katana

[@slawsonscot]

The differential for me is the acoustic option in the Katana - I picked up a 50 at the release date and I've been using it with both acoustic and electric ever since. I'm not totally sold on the 50 simply because it doesn't have a presence dial on the panel, but it's been a good pedal platform and an excellent acoustic amp.

[@adriansoul7223]

I honestly feel they made the katana sound shit here to push the catalyst cos the katana sells itself. They've sounded incredible on the Katana before, in this one suddenly it sounds like a tin can with a metalzone on it.

[@sueandtimacousticduo5444]

Look at the Master, it’s way down. Katanas only work if you turn the Master up and use the Volume for level. But they must know that..

[@ninjaboy201090]

@@sueandtimacousticduo5444 I would guess they would design it in the same way tube amps are designed but normally on a tube amp a master shouldn't impact sound too much only volume and then using the volume would push the power amp section and should control amp breakup?

[@sueandtimacousticduo5444]

@@ninjaboy201090 not quite. Watch all the old Anderton’s katana vids with Rob Chapman. They constantly make the poin about having the Master up. Ironically

[@1337million]

"Tin can with a metalzone on it" seems to be the only mid-to-high gain sound I can get out of the Katana (100W Mk2) even with the computer program. I need a distortion or overdrive pedal on a clean channel to get anything I like which I think really defeats the point of the amp. But I do love the cleans on it, it has made me want to play, and enjoy playing, clean stuff more!

[@spacebarbus]

Gotta move some Catalysts..make the competition sound ropey..bingo.

[@elcookiemonsteru]

Yeah, im buying the Catalyst 200 :D

[@OfficialKevinFox]

Mic placement matters. In this video yes the catalyst sounds better, but if the Mic was moved away from the cone a bit on the katana , i think it would have stole the show lol

[@benzakonium]

They’d make a fantastic stereo rig setup. They compliment each other and aren’t different enough to sound off balanced. Great way to get affordable stereo - maybe even Wet Dry Wet

[@TSL60-IS-GOD]

Absolutely spoton on, especially for us bottom end chowhounds, these have brass ringpiece in spades!

[@jacksonbrown4603]

katalyst

[@Timthecommenter]

Since they are both digital modeling amps, they probably have slightly different latency. This might give you some phase issues in stereo.

[@benzakonium]

@@Timthecommenter perhaps, but I really can’t imagine it would be enough to be even close to noticeable when playing in any situation other than a bedroom where you’re scrutinising every nuance of the sound - especially if you have any reverb and delay running

[@Timthecommenter]

@@benzakonium A flanger works as a delay of only a couple milliseconds. Let’s say the latency difference between the two amps was 1ms - that means you have everything at 500hz out of phase (plus harmonics) between the two amps. When you add and subtract effects, the net difference between the two will change, giving you a different filter. It could get a bit weird.

[@smartmammal9926]

I have a Catalyst on the way to me soon. Looking forward to it.The base 60 watt having the input out options over the Katana 50 is a no brainer.

[@philipshapkin6607]

Catalyst cleans and less gainy tones sound amazing but katana takes it for full gain tones!

[@moorecreativearts2544]

I appreciate you sharing the full price range of equipment; keep up the great work!

[@FGg503]

In the first section, it appears the Catalyst has more "girth" for want of a better word. It sounds fuller.

[@kenthhamner2641]

Well I've got a CR20 gathering dust, a Mustang GT25, and a Helix LT. I haven't bothered firing up the Helix for a bit, often just want a couple of good tones plus maybe reverb, Doubling or chorus as effects. So the Cat 60 is appealing to me for a decent practice amp I can move around the house as needed (main reason the LT often isn't used).

[@Crabfather]

The katana was way too trebly for me. Why was it coming out so much louder, even when he turned the catalyst up?

[@JonDaiello]

WOO! I'm loving a new amp in this market. I've been a Katana 100 owner for a few years now. I love it...but I also love Line 6 gear. The head-to-head was really helpful to hear the nuances between them. In the recording, I think I prefer the Catalyst...time to buy and try!

[@Sloozer45]

Okok

[@davidraymond8994]

The Catalyst has way more Bass to it lot thicker sound to it also but I like the tube classic rock sound and I have a Katana thinking of returning it just bought it and get the Catalyst 100.

[@chzzyg2698]

This whole video I kept going back and forth. They both have their standout qualities.

[@TheOldFlyguy]

Katana far more bright and can be harsh at times when using gain. The good thing if jamming or with a band it would most likely cut through better. Playing by yourself the Catalyst is more pleasing to the ears and a little warmer and rounder, great for practicing or recording. I'm leaning more in the way of Catalyst. I also like their software. Funny when I heard the pedal I like the Boss. I guess as said either is great cheap option and just preference

[@tob564]

I own Katana mkii head and I have to say the Catalyst swept here. I do own Helix as well, though.

[@antmax]

I liked the cleans on the Catalyst but felt it sounded a bit boxy with dirt. Katana sounded a bit flat and lacked a bit of body with cleans compared to the Catalyst but had more frequencies with dirt/gain stages added. Might have just needed some tweaking with the mids and treble to fix it though. At the end of the day I really like my tube amp, just wish it could sound good below 9'oclock. I think a attenuator is what I really need so I'm probably not the target audience. I have a HX FX for patches.

[@MrPhotonjockey]

The Catalyst out of the box appears to have a slight edge to my ears. That being said, as the owner of both MK1 & Mk2 Katanas, I have found the Boss Tone Studio software to be extremely powerful. The Kat can be tweaked to taste a million and one ways. If you are a plug and play type, maybe the Catalyst is the better choice.

[@devdnsyd8875]

I don’t see a reason why someone would just be straight up plug and play though, maybe just one session or two to get some tones from the Boss Tone Studio haha But I know what you mean.

[@jmabs5096]

Sneaky amps pack really made my katana hit that "sweet" spot for pretty much anything I play now. The stock Kat clean/crunch/lead to me sounded odd. The only stock sound I like out of the Kat was brown and clean and crunch. I find the the lead setting to be meh and never really used it. That said I downloaded a few other patches and tweaked my own sneaky amp versions off the r-fire vintage patch and whew boy o boy does this thing scream now this was done on mk1 100w 1X12

[@kenthhamner2641]

There's deeper HX editing via USB on the Catalyst too they say.

[@jmabs5096]

@@devdnsyd8875 90% guitarist are lazy, they want to plug in and sound decent without the least amount of effort. Boss saw this, responded with the katana and cashed in big time.

[@devdnsyd8875]

@@jmabs5096 wouldn't go and say 90% but a good majority forsure. Nonetheless boss really did nail it for that demographic of guitarists. They also cater to the tone snobs with the boss studio too, so really they got every type of player in the guitar world. They're so ahead of the game it's great to see! I have a Katana too.

[@pabcrane]

I think it would be interesting to shoot out the Catalyst Vs an old Flextone III or something.

[@wgh011]

Great head to head guys, for me the Catalyst 100%. I don't doubt the Katana is a great amp but for me the tones coming from the Catalyst are superb, imo😅

[@123Ir0nman]

The catalyst sounded really cheap on the gainy sounds. Maybe it was the mic setup but Chris Buck's video made it sound much better. I still think the katana 100 has the best sounds and features. The feature on the Katana 100 I use all the time (and really isn't even advertised) is the line out it has (not headphone out). When I use it live I use a line out to the sound system and I can still hear my amp speaker and control that volume with the master volume knob and the sound person does what ever he/she wants with the line level coming out. For me that is a must have feature for any amp now in the age of quiet stages. That feature has saved me so much headache in places where I can't get a monitor and can't crank the amp.

[@tothebone_]

Chris Buck's amazing performance makes you feel the music and forget to actually listen to the tone.... Still on a second thorough listen there's definitely something in the line 6 tone I dislike. Chris' playing makes it not matter though, it'd be a joy to listen to regardless of the amp/tone used.

[@TheBoboMaker]

The Katana sounds like it's recorded, while the Catalyst sounds like it's in the room. That being said, I own a Spider V mark II and love it, but the lack of effects loop is a drag. This is why I'm considering the Catalyst.

[@honeyyeti5292]

Great to see you guys using different guitars….helps understand how much of the sound is the guitar vs the amp

[@zaxtlee2929]

Line6 more oganic and tube vibe, so good sound

[@adriaanmuller4493]

I found it very interesting that the two amps just sound like two different bands. I absolutely love both these amps. I would buy both if I could.