How I Turned My Boss Katana Into A Marshall JCM800

[@WallyBoots]

Everyone knows the more dust you have on your Katana the better the tone

[@RobChappers]

Dust Tone 🤘🏽

[@AnkylosingSpondylitisMan]

Mine should sound amazing based on that.......

[@stevenpipes1555]

LMAO! I was just gonna say the same thing! Its amp relic job! 😂

[@dnamusicchallenge5995]

So as our piano 😂

[@homeboyjon4885]

I can flow with that.

[@RandyWillcox]

Yes! The 100W setting with the cranked master is that "real amp" sound people think modelers can't achieve.

[@marklnz]

The Katana is technically not a modelling amp...it doesn't try to mimic any other amps, it's got it's own "sound(s)"

[@RandyWillcox]

@@marklnz technically, semantics can really make the internet a frustrating place. Yes, the katana doesn't model anything in particular. They just use digital technology to create amp sounds that remind everyone of some incredibly popular styles of amps to make it appeal to the masses. I'll never generalize on the internet ever again. Lesson learned.

[@GoToEleven11]

NOT the real JCM800 sound. It’s a way to get Katana sound the most realistic it can. I have 1959, 2203, 2555 (original) and also a 100W katana so i know. Katana is like a tricycle version of the real deal.

[@algrundau9441]

@@RandyWillcox My understanding is....and why guys point it out is, That not only are the Katana's NOT trying to copy any specific amp. They do not use ANY digital technology in the gain stage. 100% Solid State. ...The effects are all Digital. Including the Booster/Distortion/Overdrive pedals. Zoom used to make their Multi-FX like that and some still prefer the old one's. ( Like I do).

[@I.M.Guitar-Nerd]

@@RandyWillcox The preamp is 100% analog, so is the power amp.

[@Richardgreenmusic.]

As an owner and operator of the Boss 100 Mk1 I cannot say enough about how fantastic this amp and line is. While its packed with built in tones as Rob demonstrates, I also love running my pedals thru the clean channel and my looper thru the FX Loop. Pure Rock Bliss. Thing launched in 2016 and we are still talking about it. If you don't have one then give in and GET IT!!!! :)

[@electricmeatpuppet]

Try running through the acoustic channel as a platform, I found it much better than the clean channel and doesn't color the signal as much... (even for doom etc) headroom feels different also...

[@BedeLaplume]

​ I also have the same MK1 and I cannot believe the great bang for the buck it is.. It even has an acoustic channel.. ​

[@BrandonEht]

You think it’s a good amp now, throw a greenback in. Brings it to life

[@sathira_anuk5179]

​@@BrandonEhtalnico blue one is better

[@angus68655]

@Dung Eater I had a Peavey Vypyr 30 before switching to the Katana 100 MK 1 a few years back. Best move I made. Absolutely love the Katana

[@stefromfortworth]

The answer is YES and I heard from a mate who works in a guitar shop…..who heard from a Boss rep that the amp is specifically designed to fatten up and compress a little bit like a vale amp when ran at full master volume (using the channel volume to set your level) I run mine at 0.5w with the master volume on full and then set the volume I want with the channel volume. It’s awesome.

[@RobChappers]

Wow… I was not expecting this video to be THAT popular! Thanks for the support guys, follow up video coming on Sat with an interesting result🤘🏽

[@GCKelloch]

You're only maxing the master in the 100W setting. That drives the power amp section to distortion/compression. Why this isn't made clear to people is a mystery. Try doing that with the Power Control at 0.5W and turn the Amp Volume knob up for the amount of amp section response vs volume you want. Experiment with the Amp Volume and Master for the distortion/compression character and feel for a given output level. The EQ may also be just b4 the amp section as well, but I don't know.

[@JoeButler02]

So you're going to upload your patch files to the Facebook group right? So we can all get your killer tone?!

[@michaelfessenden8601]

Made us think differently about are katakana's

[@andydamant]

Does this work for the 50w version?

[@andycowley2529]

The mysterious KZbin algorithm... It would be easier to find DB Cooper than it would to figure out how what KZbin considers a watchable video.

[@michaelmitchell5909]

I just can't get over how good that amp sounds

[@horrifyinggelatinousblob]

The Katana is amazing, seriously even if you don't NEED an amp, if you can afford one go for it, you won't regret it.

[@billlee8798]

Best tone ive gotten out of my mk11.. Ive had it for 7 years.. Better late than never. Thanks Rob

[@mikebarrett1466]

You are spot on Rob, I heard the difference straight away! It sounds more powerful even though the volume is the same. Sorry it took so long to find your video .

[@RobChappers]

I have an interesting update to follow this video soon. Having had a really good chat with Boss! 🤘🏽

[@VFRhondamike]

Sounds interesting

[@chaosin73]

New katana dirty channel?

[@Bo-Yan]

Thank you dear Rob Chapman, BOSS/ROLAND companies and Mr. Yoshi Ikegami !!! :-) The sound is killing good, wide and punchy! You blew my mind with this video also! Thank you and greetings from Bulgaria, from one of your huge fans there! :-)

[@TheCyberMantis]

Looking forward to it!

[@basarat]

Did that video come out?

[@ShaneStoneOfficial]

The 50watt option is the goat on this amp

[@AuntAlnico4]

😂 how can you hit the send button after typing "goat" and feel ok about it !?

[@ShaneStoneOfficial]

@AuntAlnico4 You're comment says more about you than me 😂 get a life

[@markrogers957]

Hey Rob. I'm an old gigging musician that has always used tube amps live. I bought a Katana 100w a few months back for smaller gigs and to check it out. I was initially underwhelmed and it sat in a corner doing nothing. To be fair, I did not invest time in the custom configuration capability. With all that said - the term Hack is overused - THIS is a hack. So much rock. I will be gigging this with the gunned master this Friday.

[@jpherrera2622]

How did it go

[@samuelstrickland3678]

That is the beauty of the Katana.The power select coupled with the master vilume give the amp a true tube feel,but at a bed room volume level.I love mine and have not even plunged into custom settings yet.I'm still playing with the factory presets and already love it.

[@daviddigital6887]

I practice all the time with my Mini on the brown setting. I personally love that Boss Brown sound. Whatever you did kicked it up a notch for sure.

[@valuedhumanoid6574]

I have had my 100 MkII now since Christmas and got the foot controller last week. Got a great deal because it was a floor demo and the controller was a scratch/dent special. The only gig I do is an open mic night at my local club every other Thursday. I do a 3 song set where I play over a backing track. This amp is perfect for things like that. I know when I plug it in and hit the power switch, it's going to work. And it is easy to move. But the more I use it and play around with the settings, I find new little Easter Eggs I never thought of before. Rob is right, the power settings influence all the tones and depending on your guitar, you can get real close to what we would all call the Holy Grail sounds of our favorite records. That's a feat that many modelers strive towards, not many make the cut.

[@boast1570]

Guess I'll be the first to say... You gotta dust that thing off every once and a while Rob! lol

[@ronsampservice3066]

I was thinking the exact same! But I'm guilty of letting some of my gear collect dust...............

[@RobChappers]

Ha ha I know man… but I like the slightly aged/relic look

[@ronsampservice3066]

@@RobChappers ALL of my amps used to get dirty just sitting in the practice room. Would have to clean the controls sometimes. So now I am a true believer in amp covers. My Marshalls, Orange, etc all have covers now!

[@thomaspalmer9666]

It definitely has a cleaner, clearer sound . They have the same amount of gain. I definitely like the second version better.

[@leightnite3056]

I believe your right Rob! To me it sounds better, there's a big midshift it sounds like, the regular mode feels inherently more scooped!

[@Hendrllx]

Hi Rob! Been doing this ever since I got my Katana Artist. The Master on full gives it a more tube like feel and sound. And I got the tip from the first Video Andertons did at Namm, when the MKII Katana came out. I think it was Pete and Lee who made the demo and they were told by Boss to crank the Master. Cheers

[@RmNaNtCbScRrn]

Yes! Me too, I got a Katana cuz of Pete and the Captain haha! Just bought it today, and this was the first thing I did 😂

[@redacted5035]

Yep! It's kind of an open secret. I'll match my Boss Katana Head to any overpriced tube head on the market.

[@aavavertu229]

@@redacted5035 What about the reasonably priced ones?

[@redacted5035]

@@aavavertu229 I'll match my Katana vs any boutique or cheap 1-watt-1-tube handmade amp, any affordable amp, etc, I can't stress enough how much of a game changer this device is. *if anything* just wait for whatever the hell the wizards at Roland have cooking for the Katana 2 or whatever is coming 😁

[@aavavertu229]

@@redacted5035 The ain't bad for the price by any means. I have the Artist head in my home studio and use it for a few specific things, namely some more compressed modern cleans. In the mix it can be made impossible to distinguish from some tube amps.

[@Bo-Yan]

Thank you Rob, BOSS/ROLAND companies and Yoshi Ikegami !!! The sound is killing good, wide and punchy! You blew my mind with this video also! Thank you and greetings from Bulgaria, from one of your huge fans there! :-)

[@TB-Glove]

Hi Rob! I think 2 things are at play here. The first thing is compression. If the amp section is designed to be wide open and the overall volume depends on how much signal you give it you may have more compression at lower volume due to padding the pre-amp's output down to mimic less wattage. At the higher setting less of this type of compression takes place and more harmonics can be heard as a result. The other thing is damping. If you have more power to move the speaker, you also have more power to stop the speaker from moving. Basically you have more control of transients and thus more low level detail is audible and you have more bandwidth in terms of frequencies. The result is that the amp might sort of sound like a class A amp at 50watts and a class A/B amp at 100watts even tho from the standpoint of the actual electronics it's either one or the other, more than likely class A/B. Since Marshall amps are class A/B it makes sense that it would sound more "Marshallesque" in the 100watt setting.

[@randr10]

I get the exact opposite impression when I play through this amp. I used to run an in line MXR EQ and Boss OS/2 overdrive pedal through that with my tube amps on clean though, so I might be just missing that compressed sound when I crank this amp up. It sounds solid state to me with high master volume, especially on the distortion channels, and more tube like at lower master distortion/crunch channels. With a tube amp the louder you crank it, the better it tends to sound to me, especially when you're looking for that natural distortion sound. The clean and acoustic channels on the Boss sound great to me at any volume though.

[@ljmiller96]

I've always thought 90db from my Katana 100 MK1's 100w power setting sounded better than 90db from 50w and lower settings. The best test is to set up a db meter and compare various ways of attenuating the signal with: (1) low volume; (2) low master; and (3) ox box or some other attenuator. Record your guitar part on a looper to get identical playing, then compare the three sounds blind.

[@benjoel6692]

110% YES. I own a 100w 110v and a 50w 220v that I use in US and Europe (voltage depending) Same results. I don't know which sounds more like what, but I know it sounds different. I prefer the wattage and master set all the way up, and trim the actual room level by pulling down the 1st stage channel volume. Rather than using lower wattage and lower master, I prefer higher power and higher master with lower 1st stage. For me, it's the breakup sound I prefer. (Mindful I'm not chasing heavy distortion, but a certain light breakup tone.) I don't know how or why, but YES, it does make a difference.

[@maggieking9669]

I here a difference although it is pretty subtle over YT. I have a Katana 2 100w head and it rocks at almost all volume settings, even through the internal speaker. I agree with your perception. Amazing line of amps! I also own a 5150 iconic combo and can say I love them both. Boss and EVH sound great! They are the average persons tone tools that punch way above their price point.

[@limw79]

Hello there ! I own a 50 MK2, i'm a beginner, and did exactly the same tests as you do here BEFORE watching your video ! And indeed, i can hear a huge difference.

[@randr10]

I've noticed that about the Katana when I play through it. It responds very similarly to a true tube amp when you dial back your volume knob on the guitar. You can have full distortion and dial it all the way down to almost completely clean without switching channels. The overdrive on this thing is amazing because it responds so well to volume and tone adjustments on the guitar. My old Line 6 Bogner tube amp had amazing heavy distortion tone but it didn't matter what you did with the guitar. It basically put out the same amount of crunch no matter what with only minor differences even between pickup changes. I'm blown away by this thing with no tubes. It's still not quite as silky as a true tube amp, but it's so close I don't really care for tooling around in the bedroom. If I was laying down tracks in a recording studio I might get silly about the tone again, but even then, the line out on this amp sounds even better than it does through its own power amp, so I might not care even then.

[@bluarcher5941]

man, that sounds pretty convincing, even through desktop speakers with my laptop. I'm thinking that amp is going to be my next one, and I already have a Marshall JCM 2000 DSL-100 with a 4/12 cab. Most definitely a very nice sound you're getting there.

[@pat1475]

I had the exact same amp. Loved my Marshall. But since buying the 100 watt Katana head and a 2-12 avatar cab I’m blown away by how it sounds!

[@Terrysoddy]

Rob your an awesome musician man. Love your videos❤️❤️🎸🎸🎸

[@trex257]

I have done the same thing on my 100 watt katana, it is why I bought the amp. When I first played it in the guitar store, it sounded incredible for a solid-state amp. When I got home, I couldn’t figure out why I didn’t sound the same until I turned on the 100W mode and upped the master. Suddenly, it sounded far better than my other, real tube amp. You definitely are not crazy.

[@applehead252]

Sounds great either way man ! Brilliant.

[@dluten100]

Just tried it with my Mk1, 100 and there is a difference. I really like the 100w setting. To me it brings the amp alive even at lower volume levels.

[@rossettivictor]

Hi Rob. I found this hack somewhere documented in the Boss Katana forums. On lower power control settings you turn on the volume up, 7 to 8-9, then set the master to obtain the desired volume. Then you start feeling the reaction on your fingers. Harmonics and distortion like a tube screamer to a valve amp. The treble boost overdrive helps a lot to get a beautiful breakup sound on the clean channel. Gotta try it... Thanks for your video

[@shanewalton8888]

Doesn't sound different to me but your ears are legendary, Rob. I trust yours over mine.

[@klacustoms]

On my Katana Artist, I like to add a Boss Compression Sustainer pedal between the guitar and the amp. I use my guitar volume knob to control the level of articulation and definition of the sound. With the amp cranked and volume knob set to 10 on the guitar, you'll get the result of a guitar where you hear every note in its clarity of attack like when you hit the keys on the piano with no effects or sustain to it, just like in this video demonstration. When I roll the volume knob on the guitar down to 1.5 to 2 on the knob, you'll get this amazing breathing, sustain coming out of the amp. It sounds like its pushing the "valves" harder and is opening it up further with sustain. When you barely have the guitar volume knob set on between .5 to 1 you get a clean sound with just the right added slight dirty distortion with again the feeling of the amp breathing with using the added compression sustainer pedal. The other benefit, is ease of use for the player. Makes the guitar more responsive and sensitive to the touch for the guitar player. For me, I get more interaction out of my guitar by doing this method and come up with some amazing results.

[@mikejelinek1413]

You are correct I did that a few years ago when I bought my Katana! Put it through the test just now a big difference!

[@janneranta7373]

Yes. Even with the 50watt, it makes a huge difference.

[@adam872]

That Katana sounds mint. The best new range of amps to come out in many a long day.

[@MrBiggordy]

I have to say, Chappers, I didn't hear a difference, using headphones on yt. However, what I did hear, was two versions of a cranked tube amp coming out of a wholly transistor amp - an extraordinary feat from the team at Boss. Yet another demonstration that Boss are leading the field in amp technology. P.S. I have a Mk1 2x12 Katana - should I warn the neighbours before trying this?!! WOW!!

[@filheim]

Katana line is a must have...never got to hear an amp with so many (usable) tonal options...even the mini version brings a nice distortion tone. Their brown sound is rad and transforms itself with a little few notches on EQ. Love it

[@heavybrett-al4082]

" was just chatting with the boss of BOSS" 😂 how many people can say that.only the best and most recognisable pedal company EVER!

[@michaelk5507]

Dear Rob, I'm glad we've go similar hands. This gives me hope in my own playing. I've been a bit envious of Steve Vai who seems to have extremely long, spider-like fingers.

[@AutismRocksOfficial]

🤘LOVE the Boss Katana

[@skerryperry3]

I feel like the highs are more clear and present in the 50 watt mode. Sounds great. On my katana I always use the lower watt setting and then drive the hell out of it. I swear it sounds better.

[@ckallaher]

Love this, Rob! The key to great Katana tone does seem to be cranking the master volume. I discovered this on a random guitar forum while googling "how to get a great clean tone from Boss Katana MKII." The answer was (a) crank the master volume, (b) use the "crunch" channel, and (c) turn the gain almost all the way down. But there doesn't seem to be any tone that one would reasonable seek that isn't enhanced by maxing out the master volume. The one you are exploring here is an excellent one for a nicely driven tone. Many thanks!

[@emiliocurbelo8891]

Hi Rob. 4 years ago, after reading onlline many times that it sounds the same, I decided to test it myself properly. With my Katana 50 MK1, I tested all three 0.5w/25w/50w modes, measuring exactly the same DBs, and, to my surprise, NO, they don't sound exactly the same. In the maximum wattage setting there's some "magic" happening that is a bit lost in the lower settings (attenuator (?)), again, at the very same volume. It's difficult to explain. From that point I left the power control at max setting and I never never touch it.

[@leonsessions2264]

It helps to think of this configuration like an early 80’s peavy saturation control

[@aarongonzalez5544]

Damn bro exactly what i wanted to see great vid , great to see you still going making sick videos after all these years

[@fretbuzzly]

I used to do this with my Fender Frontman. Max one of the volumes and tweak the other. Worked a treat for such a little amp.

[@ol48spring]

Yell yeah Rob. It’s been a while. Love your style.

[@D.Miller]

I know of course the possibilities are almost endless with a Katana. But I'd love a vid of a few tones you dial in

[@traineecanuck]

I've never been able to detect that much of a difference, and it relies on you matching the volume precisely at different master settings. The speaker will alway react differently if you increase the volume. The Studio Rats did a fairly accurate test on this in one of their Katana vids and concluded there is no difference in tone. Whether it feels different is another thing.

[@erikberg8352]

The Studio Rats' video was a bit limited. I love their stuff, but it was a TikTok lesson when we need a full-on movie to walk through the differences with pickups, boost/drive before preamp, onboard drive pedal selections with the different amp voicings, etc. It has taken me over a year of daily playing to come to my happy place with the Crunch channel, Variation cab setting, Gain at 9 o'clock, Drive at 9 (Rat), Delay at 9 (Tape), Master full open. This works very nicely with my Squier Toronado for a thick, tight, mid-focused rhythm voicing on both neck (10k-ish) and bridge (14k-ish) pickups at 25 and 50 watts. There is a massive difference in the articulation with Volume vs. Master.

[@johnnyt3676]

thanks Rob, i was trying to get that tone but fell just short of it every time. finally found this vid, and VIOLA! the magic starts to happen! bought my mk i head for $125 w/cover. cha cha cha!

[@BSTheMadman1]

Just tried this on my katana 100 mk1 and it’s so true! the bottom end really comes through more on the 100 Watt setting even on low volume. Even the clean channel sounds great with this

[@caleshtcincredibles]

Chaps they are both usable tone settings in my book . 100w has a bit more hair which really emulates a valve amp . I tried this on my MK2 EX 50w with similar results. My Katana is such awesome kit for what i paid for it . Played live with it many times with excellent results.

[@greg1215]

An older friend about 40 years ago was the first I seen use this trick to play a few AC/DC tunes on a small Samick practice amp gave it boost he wanted.

[@CCovers1]

Definitely made a difference. I did this when I owned a 100W katana a year ago and noticed it.

[@HeirApparent80]

I used to use the katana head exclusively in my band for about 2 years. To my ear, the 100w setting sounded more full and saturated at the same room volume level than it did on lower power settings. I've since sold it, and now only have the 50w combo, so I'm going solely off memory.

[@ymelfilm]

why did u keep the 50w over the 100?

[@HeirApparent80]

@@ymelfilm i kept the 50w combo for a practice amp. Sold the 100w head and cab for a 5150.

[@matttaylor1302]

They both sound good to me. I think this deserves an Anderton's "Blind Challenge"

[@IndependenceGuitar]

Yeah, it does have a richer sound. Solid state/modelers can get that “valve” effect depending on how they’re wired. I had a H&K vortex that worked that way. It acted like a valve amp in that manner. With the katana, you’re essentially raising and lowering the headroom, and forcing the power amp to do some of the clipping which gives it a valve like quality. It’s not all SS amps that can do it, but they definitely exist.

[@owenbruce4120]

Most sound thin and awful in direct head to head...repeat, most

[@IndependenceGuitar]

@@owenbruce4120 yeah, that they do. Like those old crate amps, I couldn’t get a decent tone to save my life. These new modelers are definitely a huge leap forward. The response isn’t as good and they lack some of the richness, but it’s still night and day compared to 10-15 years ago. But there are a few SS amps out there you can get a similar valve effect. Still not as good as the real deal, but nowhere near as bad as your typical SS amp.

[@owenbruce4120]

@@IndependenceGuitar tubes for me...very happy with Marshall Soldano Laney Rivera...all do there own particular thing...loudly 😂⚡😂

[@IndependenceGuitar]

@@owenbruce4120 haha, I have a 6505+ and a Mesa DRec, and they’re so insanely loud. I don’t believe I’ve ever turned either of them past 3-3 1/2. And they sound so mean..

[@owenbruce4120]

@@IndependenceGuitar ooh yeah that's some tasty shit...the Rivera has an 8 watt triode switch...capable of thick lusty tones of pure deafness... Twin stereo amps in the one head...weighs a lot but that's a minor consideration

[@jean-pierre4369]

Nah Rob you are right, even on my phone without plugs i hear a difference cranking the master volume sounds better, more "growling" and less fizzy. Trust your ears.

[@Gk2003m]

I got a MkII 50 just recently to use as a jazz guitar amp, with a guitar with a carved spruce arched top and a floating pickup. Even for this task, running the Volume and Master controls at least 75% up - along with running the power at 50 watts - is crucial to thicken up the tone. I then use the Gain control as my amp volume control. Of course, with the archtop the Gain never goes above 25% or so, and is often lower.

[@latebloomer6179]

Absolutely no doubt it does. Sounds amazing!

[@joncole8793]

I have the Katana Artist... My neighbours are gonna love me over the next few days putting this to the test! Seriously though, I'm going to try it out, but also need to reset some of my patches before a gig on 20th... But who needs an excuse to crank up an amp in a block of flats... 😂😂

[@michaelfessenden8601]

I Think Your Both Right.The gain structure in the preamp reacts to the master vol. And the power Amp does the magic it does without much change at any volume. The power Amp alone is ❤

[@myriad860]

I have the boss katana 50 mk2 yes the different power settings effect the tone... when your driving more wattage to the speaker it helps it shine!

[@spaceraisin.]

100% something I used to notice on the 50 combo. Would never use the 0.5w setting and just wrestled the volume knob on 25 or 50 because it just sounded... better? It's like it's modelling some valve sag or something. Lovely amps once you know how to dial them in considering it's all solid state.

[@scottbroberts]

I have a 50w and this is my exact experience. Unless I have to play super quiet, the lower wattage settings are useless. I'll use headphones or use the 50w setting with a lower channel volume.

[@dennismullins4930]

I’ve always run the master at 3 o’clock on every power setting.☮️

[@markmattheviewable]

I threw on headphones to listen to the difference between 1:22 and 3:12, and the treble definitely holds on, but there is a fullness to the mids my old ears can hear in the 100W setting. I'm going to test this out tonight with my MKII Artist head through my Origin 2X12 and see if I can replicate it. Although, I also realize I don't have Chapper fingers, or skill, so it will end up being mud.

[@Project25_01]

Well made modelers will indeed model also the poweramp, including its reaction to different settings. I use Fractal modelers, but I'm sure the same applies here. What I notice, more than a shift in tone, is a change in how the rig feels. First compression, and then gradually more saturation as the MV is turned up. Saturation will eventually change the tone too, from tight and punchy to bloomy and full. Different settings make me play differently because the rig reacts differently. Rob seems to be experiencing that here.

[@ClaimedEagle]

This is not a modeler. All the pre amp is solid state, their voicings are their own thing. Only effects are digital

[@Bls-of1ld]

​@@ClaimedEaglethere are no effects on the amp

[@johncecilia4517]

Do a Friedman sound! Cool video and channel

[@kimdemegillo9631]

yes team! that sounds more organic, open, alive breathing air-moving rich harmonic saturation.

[@DebowyMocny]

Hi Rob. Hope you’re well. I’ll start by coming clean and saying I was not always a fan of what you uploaded in the past. Without digging in deeper, I’m happy to say that fast forward a couple of years later this is the kind of content that I enjoy and would welcome more of. I do not own a Chapman guitar yet, do not currently plan to either, but I really liked what your brand has shown at this years NAMM.

[@jye_24]

Mate as a katana owner at 19 I was desperate for Van Halen and Hetfield tone, glad to know it wasn’t just me who mastered the amp, my friend got the 50 Watt version and it just doesn’t sound as good, once u go high Watt and Master and low volume u get a Cab and Valve feel like you say, and it’s fucking awesome, it’s also Bosses brown sound!

[@IsaacLausell]

I have played out a lot with mine and there is a difference when the power amp is cranked. At the same type out practicality I do use it as intended, set the master where it sounds good and control the general volume with the watts settings. Oddly the preamp volume does not color the sound as much as one would expect. I do tend to rely more on what I previously described out of need to get the amp to behave similarity at any volume. Nothing is worst than dialing things to how you like them to go play a venue and have the amp sound totally different. I tend to deal more with amps internal eq options to push in which ever direction I am trying to go, specially the eq section after the preamp. Years ago I payed $250 for an MKI and I got to say it is still impressive. I am still disappointed that Boss won’t invest the amp with a proper stereo delay nor a stereo output for live performance. I know there is the two amp option but the angle of this rig is supposed to be grab and go, in other words to carry less stuff.

[@dean3323]

Defo different. More "fizzy" on the 50w setting. More bottom end on the 100w with the master topped out!!! I agree with you Rob....better late than never!! 😂

[@ShaneStoneOfficial]

Your guitars are so resonant! I really need to get one

[@NoCantsAllowed]

It's exactly the same. All you have to do to determine is to switch the amp into its ACOUSTIC amp setting and play a music source into its guitar input. You can still hear the distorting capabilities of the amp that way and are able to play with the settings however you like. Further, in doing this, you will discover that your Katana doubles as, not ONLY a guitar amp, but a quite capable, HIFI Mono audio source (that can be altered... for those without the option to utilize an extension cab) with which one can listen to music through their 4x12('s). Personally, I have my speaker output running directly into a 2200W RCF SUB 8003 AS-II concert-class 18" powered sub. From there, I slave out of the RCF, using the thru signal and pipe it all into a Bogner 4x12 with V30's and green backs. Obviously, I am not going to use this as a theater surround system. However, while working, out in the yard or in the garage, I would challenge all-comers to a sound-off with their purpose built receivers in mono.

[@stevengoodman3498]

Great tips Rob, thank you man!

[@mrnolan27]

I have the head and I definitely hear and feel a difference going to the 100 watt setting. Better bass response and attack! Great vid!

[@intothevoid444]

WAY different! Thanks for sharing man

[@riccaregio]

Team yes with an observation. Other than low end I think when you switch to 100W the bigger headroom in the power section gives you more sparkly harmonics

[@MrPhilbirkhead]

It does sound fantastic now question there, mainly cause your playing. Great demonstration.

[@JesseLeeKing]

Well Chappers you have some of the best ears of any musician that I have seen... So of you say it is so than I'm going to believe you LoL 😂 it does sound more angry for lack of a better word. It definitely has more harmonics.

[@PaulLembo]

Good test! That said you gotta level match those changes with an app to be sure it’s “the same” level out of the speaker. Our eyes deceive our ears very effectively.

[@badenmacleod1192]

Your absolutely right to my ears

[@EricWestphal]

When I got my Katana Head, I watched some of Justin Sandercoe's videos about the Katana. He said exactly the same thing: something about because it has a "Class A power amp" as I recall, then it would sound best with the master all the way up and setting your output with the Volume. He didn't understand the details and I haven't looked into it further yet, but I think there's something to this. Definitely sounds different. He didn't say anything about the 100W vs 50W setting, though, but I suppose it's the same idea as turning Master all the way up. I'd love to get more from you on getting the best out of the Katana! Gotta clean that Saharan dust off your amps for the next vid though! :P

[@mikekb4649]

Yes, it does change the sound. I play out with a katana regularly and the preamp volume, master, and watt setting all change the tone and are related to each other.

[@B2Rockin]

Sounds pretty damn good to me!! 🤘🏻🤙🏻

[@msaintpc]

Best practice amp on the market.👍

[@wickrider]

Yes! I now set my 50w mk2 Katana to full master on crunch Chanel, it sounds great. I even push a Cry Baby and a TS trough it. The volume gets a bit twitchy but still enough control. Thanks! Cheers, MC

[@13StJimmy]

Idk if it sounds different but it sounds better No but for real I bought a Katana 100w like 7/8 years ago based on your recommendation and have never regretted it. I mainly play through plugins since it’s easier in a small bedroom but when I bust out the Boss I feel so much better

[@EasyHeat]

Yoshi is an amazing human being! I've corresponded with him on many occasions. I've totally done this with my previous 50MkII! Ha! The master vol within it's dynamic relation to channel vol + gain is absolutely where these amps shine IMO. Brilliant design! I'm assuming it's because Yoshi went with a Class A/B power amp design over Class D typically used by competitors? I really miss my KATANA %0 MkII, and regret parting with it. I definitely want a 100 mkII to power my new Fractal FM3. Possibly a second later on for DynIR splitting and stereo FX? Great vid Chappers!

[@jackdrew3839]

The man’s right 100w bosses 50w tone any day of the week 🎉

[@jesterraj]

Yea rob love that yellow ax in the back there.......Caribbean viewer

[@CraigFlowersMusic]

Boss themselves have said this. It's how they recommend using it.

[@massimobargagna5641]

The Magick tone❤it

[@thatguyinaband6341]

I think you are right man, it sounds less muddled

[@tommanseau6277]

Can confirm and replicate similar behavior with the Nextone Special which is your amp's cousin in a lot of ways. Pushing the master creates a modest amount of sag, some roll off of the treble, less note to note clarity, and increased compression. The higher wattage settings have more headroom before power section clipping. The stepping of volume at the lowest settings on the 100 Watt section is because of the taper on the knob at it's lowest settings be a bit notching rather than smooth. Happens with the Nextone too.

[@SophiaM829]

Thank you very much sir! Been using my katana 100 for 2 years now amd this settings kick arse on my Telecaster 😂

[@beepingmarvelous.]

Of course it does, man. Even a digital/solid-state power section sounds better when pushed. I've done the same with my old Carlsbro GLX for years, and it sounds so much more organic.

[@jamiedavies1305]

Only with the 100w or similar for the 50w version on max master?