The Line 6 Catalyst CX 100: Stellar New Amp Modes and More

[@mikefarquhar5063]

Thanks for your demo 😎👍 The 2nd group I liked the crunch and dynamic, I use a pod go 4 cable method with the pod go and catalyst set so both pod go and catalyst amp selections can be switched between, one on, one off, bypassing either the pod go with the pre amps and eq on and accessible on the catalyst, or bypassing the catalyst pre am and eq with the pod go's amp and if you need it the cabs/ir's on. with a trick I found that when using the pod go's fx loop footswitch on the pod go- Press and hold the pod go fx footswitch brings up screen to assign footswitch to the amp and cab blocks on/off toggled off- fx loop on the pod go- keeps the pod go's amp on (though sometimes I use the pod go's ir's depends on the tone) and bypasses the catalyst pre-amp and eq and volume, only master is on on the catalyst basically catalyst just as a powercab, this is done by binding the pod go fx loop footswitch to the pod go amp and cab blocks, then save as part of the pod go's patch. So - 4 cable method using both units fx loops. Catalyst power amp in switch to bypass catalyst amp sims. -Pod go fx loop footswitch on- = pod go amp &cab bypassed- only the catalyst amps are available along with catalyst eq and volume. -'Pod go fx loop FOOTSWITCH OFF' binded to 'turn ON the POD GO'S amps and cabs' then the 'CATALYST amps, eq volume bypassed automatically'... everything going straight to the catalyst speaker cab with master volume only. -so I can have best of both and Both Cases - record di out from Catalyst to an audio interface if I want with the cab options on the catalyst edit app x1 x2 x4 digital cones, and digital mic options gives more diversity of tonal characteristics, however I do prefer just using guitar into the pod go then out through pod go main outs at line level direct left and right into my scarlett 4i4 3rd gen Audio interface mixed ch3 and ch4 in for stereo a much broader sound especially with fx like delay and reverb, straight into my DAW and with this audio interface you can set up for re-amping your dry signal so dry in and wet signal in recording at the same time if I like a particular take and recorded it perfectly but I have too much reverb I can re-amp the dry signal using amp vst amp plugins and fx. I'm going on and on about all of this because- This is what I like most about line 6 products, they have covered it all conection wise so you have the options if you need them to use in recording situations and recording live situations where you can use the catalyst as a main amp or monitor on stage if going straight onto house (the venue's mixing desk) then out to the venue's own speakers and lighting setup. As well as all this can be done at home on a smaller scale! With as little gear as a guitar, pedalboard/fx processor, catalyst amp an audio interface and a pc with some studio monitors like the alesis m1 Active mk3's, you do not have to pay thousands to have a great wee home studio recording setup, also you can tweak your presets ahead of time or on the fly for use in home size spaces and bigger gigging venue's sized spaces by adjusting the attenuation on the catalyst or your fx processors in and out dB levels. Raising the Eq dB level adds volume too. Save ans preset on your phone too. The fx on the catalyst is from the Helix line of fx so high quality reverb, delay, pitch and modulation, similar to what's already on the Pod Go so in the 4-Cable amp switching method I turn off the Catalyst fx and just use the Pod Go fx. Phew! Glad I got that all out! I hope this is helpful for someone. This information was certainly helpful for myself, and a big thumbs up to this channel - Get Offset! Very informative and a nice warm friendly person to watch and learn new stuff from. You have a new subscriber here! Take care 🙂

[@mikecochrane7281]

Great explanation of the Catalyst. Just ordered one from long and McQuade up here in Canada because of your demo. Thanks

[@GetOffset]

Hope you love it!

[@RobbieHamburger]

Just ordered one thanks to this review. For some reason Sam Ash has the 200W for cheaper than the 100 right now so I jumped on it. Excited to try it out with my JM 💪

[@GetOffset]

Whoa, what a deal!

[@ronpopeil7]

Thanks for the demo! I have the original catalyst 200 and that is my gigging amp these days. With a helix stomp in front and the 2 button foot switch I haven’t needed a pedalboard in ages 🤘

[@BkBk-gy6vr]

Wow are you missing out if that’s your gigging rig.

[@ronpopeil7]

@@BkBk-gy6vr thanks for your unsolicited advice. You do you. I have played with tube amps and big pedal boards and this works great for my modest shows

[@GetOffset]

Yeah I don't know why he's crapping on your rig--I bet it more than gets the job done!

[@prodbymattshi]

I've been planning on getting the 60w version for a while now, this was a really informative and enjoyable video

[@GetOffset]

Glad it was helpful!

[@EasyHeat]

zZounds has the freakin' 200 watt 2x12 O.G. Catalyst on sale for just $359.99!!!! That's just $30 a month for a year with their "Play as you pay" no interest payment plan! Also, the original 60/100/200 Catalyst amps can be firmware updated into basically being a CX! Not gonna lie... As a former Katana owner? I'm seriously tempted. Great content BTW! Really dig your channel.

[@nicholasaragon4126]

Fun demo! Most excellent! Great job!

[@rolandoamado1459]

Nice playing! Those are very nice tones, man!

[@GetOffset]

Thanks a lot!

[@lunamatic9775]

With a Jazzmaster in hand, I'd probably jump between the Elmsley and the 2204. really great sounds overall though. The fuzz effect was great too.

[@luckie68]

I'm so undecided between the Line 6 Catalyst 60 and the Boss Katana 50. I mostly play classic rock and alternate between a Strat and a LesPaul. I have an 80s era Ampeg SS150 combo thats amazing but super heavy to lug around for practice. I just need a smaller lighter amp to practice at home and once a week for band practice. I never owned a modeling amp so not needing to carry my Boss GT8 is another plus.

[@crsantin]

Do we have the option of swapping out amp models with the software? That would be ideal.

[@chitwoodbryan4HBVS]

Great video!

[@GetOffset]

Thank you!

[@JasonTMays]

Badunk FTW!

[@constitutionalized8810]

Does that amp have a tuner?

[@GetOffset]

It does! It's not the easiest to use, but it's in the section where you set the effects. Good to have in a pinch, but not my first choice.

[@liedgitarrist]

I wanted to ask the same question, sounds a little out of tune to me ;o)

[@alexandermikrievskij5332]

On the amp It's 3 LEDs :/ unfortunately really not that good. Except if you use the pc/apple/app... It's a great mod amp, no question, but the tuner mode on it could be a looooot better🙈 I deny to use it at all 😅

[@JimWalkerMusic]

Do you know what perfect pitch hearing is? It's what causes me to leave a video immediately when an instrument is played out of tune!!! 😶💣

[@misterknightowlandco]

Unless you’re using really heavy gain and are extremely picky about your gain tone, modelers like this are the way to go. I’m not a heavy gain guy but option paralysis is real for me so I just go with a few pedals and peavey bandit, but this does sound good.

[@ptrisonic]

Thanks!

[@DavidWayneBroyles]

Boss Katana with a GA-FC does the trick. Way more control over effects and sound GREAT.

[@GetOffset]

You haven't seen the app, dude

[@DavidWayneBroyles]

@@GetOffset I mean...I have a Pod Go, so shouldn't be much different. At least with a Katana and a controller, you don't have to push buttons on the amp.

[@GetOffset]

@@DavidWayneBroyles lol it's completely different. It's the same host of helix effects but you can make way more parameter adjustments on the Catalyst amp via the app.

[@DavidWayneBroyles]

@@GetOffset But the Boss has better control of the effects...granted with a controller...without the app. Btw... we'll be in Seattle April 22-25. Any MUST see things to do?

[@GetOffset]

@@DavidWayneBroyles where in Seattle are you staying? Will you have a rental? Do you like twin peaks?

[@smartmammal9926]

These are great amps...and, the things I would have thought they would have done with a "new" version: USB-C & Bluetooth, at least. This was a basic cosmetic and control labeling change, that is all. The firmware update is available (doubling of amps) to old version too, so....and, I still cannot understand the top/back control layout design with amp manufacturers, super annoying.

[@alexanderthacker3084]

What do you like better about the sounds compared to the Mustang GTX or Boss Katana?

[@GetOffset]

It's been so long since I played either the Mustang GTX or the Katana. The Mustang was more effects-forward and the effects on the Catalyst CX are more like nice additions if you need them. I've only played a Katana a few times and didn't really bond with it.

[@albertmarkethinkpr1325]

This a great Demo and a very good Amp BUT for me the size of these amps even the 60 is way too big for a studio apartment situation. I wish Line 6 would upgrade to a desktop amp version of the CX. Love my pod god and Helix LT tho !

[@scottraycraft5151]

SOLD...trying to replace some high maintenance tube amps with good SS amps

[@joeltunnah]

What tube amps are "high maintenance"? I've seen 50 year old amps with their original tubes, still working fine. I think this Catalyst is a nice amp, but in 50 years it will be a distant memory in a landfill somewhere.

[@yonniesboy]

Awesome video .. what guitar cables do you use ,?? I love the color in them . 😊

[@GetOffset]

They're SORRY Cables!

[@jasonwelch6306]

I came here to give premier chat pranks, lol

[@GetOffset]

OMG thank you so much!

[@BeesWaxMinder]

How does the 100 compare to the 60 please?

[@GetOffset]

I think most everything is the same except the wattage. However, according to the manual, the 60 doesn't have a MIDI In jack for use with external MIDI controller devices (but it still has MIDI over USB).

[@BeesWaxMinder]

@@GetOffset thank you & thanks for getting back to me as well! I really appreciate it

[@juanfabremiranda8910]

77 / 5.000 Great video. Do you prefer playing with Catalyst or Quilter (behind you)?

[@GetOffset]

Catalyst

[@brianrollins7275]

Great job and thank you for doing this video. I was just wondering if you’ve tried the Fender Mustang amp and which one you like better between that and the Line 6? By the way I love that Jazzmaster, is that the Vintera 2? Awesome information, great channel, keep it up.

[@GetOffset]

I gigged with the Mustang gtx 100 once. It was fine, just different. I guess I didn't bond as heavily with it. I think the Mustang was lighter, though. I gave the Mustang to my mom, partly because she was using Fender Play and it integrated with that a bit iirc. Yep, tbHs the vintera ii!

[@SymbolicSplenetic]

My question is, what's the advantage of buying a more expensive CX when you can update the regular Catalyst software/firmware to match the CX? Like, aside from the top plastic trim now being screwed in, is there any advantage as far as the hardware is concerned? I'm asking cause I'm thinking about grabbing a pair of the 100's and the CX model is $150CAD more than the regular one. The price difference would be justified if the original didn't have the update that gives you the 12 preamps and the 2 effects ability, but as it stands I'm not seeing any other dramatic differences aside from the obvious redesign.

[@GetOffset]

I don't remember thinking there was anything major. If you can still find the original, I think you're fine buying it and upgrading the firmware.

[@SymbolicSplenetic]

@@GetOffset Nice. Yeah, they're in the cart and about to pull the trigger.

[@Oklatucky_Guitarman]

Okay… so… I already have a Fender GTX100 for my clean tones… so… I know you’ve played both… thoughts?

[@GetOffset]

If you're not taking advantage of the built in signal-chain building for the Mustang, I'd probably lean the Catalyst and save a bit of money.

[@alexandermikrievskij5332]

I bought the 100, and it works great with line 6 products, BUT it screams like crazy (and I tried it in many ways) if I try to use IRs or Cab Sims from other firms 😢

[@seanhershey3390]

What amp did you use the other 25%?

[@GetOffset]

A bass amp. For guitar, there have been maybe 1-2 other amps I've gigged with, mostly trying stuff out before filming for the channel.

[@admeliorem9736]

What's your band name? Can i find any video on youtube from your gig?

[@GetOffset]

Sundae crush and there should be some live vids up soon

[@davidmendieta7400]

Hello Guys ! I would like to know if it’s compatible with 6 FBVEXMKII Pedal Foot Switch to change for each canal and effects Thanks

[@RodRanDusted]

No it is not

[@KenKellySWFL]

Dealbreaker because they STILL don’t have a proper foot controller for live settings! 😵‍💫 I’m selling my original Catalyst 200 because of it… an A/B footswitch is useless when you need to access at least 3-4 patches for live gigs!

[@GetOffset]

I think you can use a MIDI controller to access up to 12 presets.

[@hutchfromba]

Compare to Katana 100 MK II.

[@GetOffset]

I don't have much experience with them!

[@alexdenton6586]

The Catalyst series from Line 6 is known for not sounding particularly good, probably due to the speaker rather than the modeling itself. This is very unfortunate because I had the Spider Valve Mark II combo in collaboration with Bogner, and I also have the head amp, which is amazing. I don't understand why Line 6 can't do better when they have the experience and talent. I still remember when I started playing guitar at 17 or 18. It was the beginning of modeling, and this brand was really the best at that time, producing some incredible products. I haven't had the chance to test this particular amp, but from what I hear and the comments, even the Fender GTX sounds better than this. Are there people here who have tried it and have a more nuanced opinion on the new models? I'm curious to hear.

[@GetOffset]

I dunno, I like mine.

[@joeltunnah]

This bot pasted this identical negative post, word for word, on every Catalyst video on KZbin.

[@GetOffset]

@@joeltunnahlol that doesn't surprise me.

[@alexdenton6586]

@@joeltunnah I'm not a bot. I just copied and pasted the same comment to get as many responses and different opinions as possible. You're probably American to judge so quickly without even knowing where to ask the person first or the reason behind it. I don't want to be insulting, but I've rarely seen a comment so foolish and so judgmental without reason. And to talk about the amp itself, I had the chance to try it for a few weeks, and it confirmed my initial impression of the amp. The modeling is good, it's Line 6 after all, but for some idiotic and unknown reason, they put a terrible speaker in it. Considering that the quality of sound comes at least 80% from the speaker, it's really a bad product as long as they don't include a quality speaker. And for the record, no, I didn't post on every KZbin video about this amp. But since you're probably American, you probably only speak one language, so you're likely limited in what you watch. See how easy it is to be condescending for no reason?

[@alexdenton6586]

@@GetOffset the speaker inside is horrible

[@iancurrie8844]

I had a Catalyst 100 for a few months. I thought it was god awful. To each their own. I'm not against solid state amps. I love the Katana 100 MKII, Orange CR60, Super Crush 100 head, JC120, and the H&K Black Spirit 200 head. To me the Catalyst sounded really, really FAKE. Any kind of distortion sounded fizzy and hollow, like it wasn't "in the room." All of the above offer a proper responsive "in the room" feel. To each their own.

[@BkBk-gy6vr]

Agreed too many people see these 2 to 300 dollar amps and think they are going to sound great and gig with them and some people do but that’s because they are inexperienced with sound and tone. They never had or heard a really good amp. This amp is pure artificial fizz uninspiring noise. Now if you are just looking for a loud practice amp fine although there is also better out there for that too.

[@GetOffset]

I gig with this all the time and keep getting compliments on my tone ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@iancurrie8844]

@@GetOffset Most people don't know their elbow from... To them it does sound good. But...it really doesn't by comparison to almost anything else.

[@GetOffset]

@@iancurrie8844 It's okay that you don't like it, but it's silly to pretend no one can think this sounds good. I always ask the sound person for feedback after gigs and I get positive feedback about this amp regularly. Ultimately, I'm happy, the audience is happy, my band is happy, and I get paid! And rehired for the next gig!

[@davidmerlin3344]

There is also the guitar used and the one playing through the amp and if you know how to dial it in to a particular sound.

[@powbobs]

TUBES!

[@joeltunnah]

Nope. No tubes in it.

[@thierryfesselier1449]

To mutch talk !

[@jimmathews8427]

Lol , how much did u get paid to say this amp sounds good

[@GetOffset]

I wouldn't be gigging with it this weekend if I didn't think it sounded good!

[@nasticanasta]

Watching this you would think they were personally involved as victims...it's clear this is all political

[@GetOffset]

???

[@ShadovvV]

The problem with solid state and digital amplifiers is, they never (with emphasis) sound 'real' in a professional mix. Period. That's the entire crux. However, you will always have those who still swear by hardware such as Kemper, AxeFx, Helix, etc.. but the real truth is, most of them either never learned the finer aspects of professionalism or simply don't care, which is why they suck and pros do not. The only other reason is because they're trying to sell you something. ;) The logic is pretty simple.. What you hear in the room will never be the same thing as on a recording, unless you understand room acoustics, microphone technique, phase and stereo balance.. on and on. Point being, 'what you hear' is far deeper than most people realize. On a professional level, there's far more going on than meets the eye or ear. For the home recordist, the actual key is finding the right combination that works for you and then tailoring it to your own style. That's how the pros do it.. and that's also why they're successful, as well as most of the people they produce recordings for.

[@Newnodrogbob]

I love you guys. Just breeze right on by all of the recordings that were made with solid state and digital amplifiers. Those horrifying solid state amplifiers...like the Jazz Chorus. Shoot, there are professionals on tour right now with the helix, kemper, and axe fx. There are professional records that no one realized actually used the little line 6 pod from 20 years ago. "They never sound 'real' " 🤣 "Those people never learned the finer aspects of professionalism"🤣🤣🤣 Oh, man. Thank you so much. I haven't laughed that hard in ages.

[@pbosche]

⁠​⁠@@Newnodrogbobright!? Clown comment of the night! 🤘🏼🤡🤘🏼

[@ngronlund]

Check out Wolfmother’s new touring rig. Line 6 HX stomp.

[@jordanwav]

These days, faceless commenters are getting really good at just making stuff up

[@Waffle-TH3_C00L3ST]

I can sound just as bad on million dollar gear as I can on budget gear. It just all depends on what level you suck at. You don’t need to buy the most expensive stuff to get shit tone. You can certainly achieve that with pawnshop gear. Pootone is hot right now.