Make Space in your House for the Katana AIR EX

[@alexh3153]

The katana air was the best gear investment I ever made, I use it 95% of the time even with a basement full of high end gear. I have been waiting for the day the upgraded it and can’t wait to get one of these. My old one lives in the living room and I play it everyday and my family uses it to play music as well. Might be a little pricey but the conscience, tones and features are hard to beat

[@nicholasgonis]

I have one and love it. If your experience is mostly bedroom or home, you might be slightly intimidated by the huge sound of bigger amps. No one has the confidence of Joe Bonamassa when starting out and cranking it up can be cringy to even your own ears. This is kind of training wheels as it easily simulates (and actually gets to fairly loud volume) a big sound. I stream backing track through it which is the main reason I got it. Being able to just pick it up and start playing wirelessly no little to no latency is real convenient as well.

[@Addict2FX]

Another informative video. For me, if money wasn't an issue, I would 100% have this on a shelf for a quick, easy practice option.

[@dadudezpr]

This dude is a beast !!! Covers everything, nobody mentions the output section and on top is giving you tips for extra outputs 👏🏼 btw the drummer part was awesome, that’s what we need to hear!

[@riffdigger2133]

Looks like the Yamaha THR30II Wireless Desktop Guitar Amp just got some mighty competition! Katana has changed the world, sound-wise. The software platform to the amp panel selections. I have the latest 50 and 100, so this is great news. Portable, light and a carry-round. Pricey-of course. Thank you for the in-depth review.

[@riffdigger2133]

799 on Amazon Canada. Canadian Dollar. Guess, I have to sell a an amp I don’t use. PURCHASED! Thx, GUITAR GEEK! Your wrap up analysis on LIFESTYLE sold me! Truth!

[@jupiterjames-reynolds2260]

Would be great to see this compared to the yamaha thr30 as well as comparing with a bass in addition too.

[@paperplane19]

Got this 3 weeks ago and this amp turned out to be a total beast.

[@flyonwall360]

It looks like a really cool idea. However, I couldn't justify the price. I'm still using a first-generation Fender Mustang III. What I'd like to see is a separate modeling amp that could be used like the Katana Air EX and could be paired with a 2×12 cabinet and a smaller cabinet like the Air EX. The 2×12 for gigging and the smaller cabinet for a monitor, with separate volume controls. Also, XLR outs would be nice.

[@paulm9079]

Really it comes down to which is a better investment - the Katana Air EX or divorce. Only you can decide.

[@justinjones4199]

I knew it was only a matter of time before they upgraded the katana air. I absolutely adore my katana. Air and use it daily as a bluetooth speaker as much as I use it for taking to lessons. That price on the e x is pretty brutal. Will have to get my hands on one locally and hopefully trade in my old one.

[@adamkrauss303]

Another killer review/demo, as only you can do. I so appreciate your candidness and the comprehensive nature of your reviews. But beyond that, your tasty guitar playing and five tone choices was smashing!

[@tj10777]

I've had one for about a month now. Being able to directly connect to the amp over bluetooth with the app is what made me open my wallet. I am so sick of plugging into the computer to tweak stuff. Having the app there when you need to without having to do work arounds like on the other katanas is excellent.

[@BanditTurtleDad]

How would you use tone studio with this? There aren’t many patches available for air compared to katana 100.

[@tj10777]

@@BanditTurtleDad I haven't used the tone studio. Over the first couple weeks of ownership, I made and tweaked a few presets and saved them to the quick buttons on the amp. I just use it for practice, so I only need a couple of different tones. I plug into my real amps and AxeFx when doing more than just practicing.

[@CLaw-tb5gg]

I love my Quad Cortex to bits, but this hugely appeals to me, because - well, I feel like a few things are holding modellers back, and one of them is what I tend to term the "idiot factor". I.e., modellers tend to require a lot of faffing about to get the sound you want, from going through IRs to find one you like to tweaking them to setting up rigs, and I suspect something that most people really like about amps is you can just plug in, maybe tweak the gain and EQ and you're rockin'. I.e.: the idiot factor - basically nothing is required to get a good sound, and modellers, as great as they are, haven't really cracked that. The Katana Mini and similar things feel like they have, but at the same time they feel like they're locked in this kind of non-serious practice amp, guitar-toy ghetto rather than being your actual amp, proper gear, sort of thing. Which is a bit of shame. I wonder if they need some really high-end version to escape that box.

[@MikeLute]

Certainly a good product for some and the wrong one for others. We live in a golden age of guitar amplification catered toeach one`s individual needs. Be it a 100 watts through a 4x12 or a load box, good transitor amps in al shapes and formats, hardware and software modelers. Thankfully there is Andy giving us honest reviews and earnung his silver play button this weekend !

[@davidwoods358]

I like the upgrade. As an "around the house amp" I can see this Air EX replacing my 100 MK2 .. which I rarely play anymore because I don't want to haul it around from room to room.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

I am glad you found this video. Sounds like a solution!

[@davidwoods358]

Indeed!@@TheGuitarGeek

[@PooNinja]

17 watts a side and line out to cover all your volume needs! Very cool unit!

[@PooNinja]

G3 REVV up your tone!!!! REVV Rules!!!! But BOSS is Boss for the cost i’d still go for one of the the 100 series, probably the standard head with its internal 5 inch. That said any katana will be a great choice. My bookshelf is a 412 cab 😂

[@0megalul309]

​@@PooNinjarevv sounds like congested mids

[@vasotoe]

What an awesome little amp! Love my Katana 50 MKII.

[@matzer8846]

i bought a Micro Cube Bass RX to have a train compatible rig like 20 years ago and my first guitar amp (bought like 12 years ago) was an original Micro Cube ... so i might be an early BOSS adopter ... na ... but these 2 boxes with convincing quality and features just made me a BOSS addict This new Katana kid on the block is a very likable and versatile little box offering fantastic tones ...

[@joseamartas7334]

Here’s an idea/question. If you could find a Katana-Air with the external speaker mod (wink, wink.), what would that comparison sound like? …Katana-Air (mod’ed) vs. Katana-Air EX. I’ve had, and been using, a stereo car speaker cab. It has two 6.5’s and two horn tweeters. Sounds awesome! For people that already have a Katana-Air, the mod might be worth a second look. …minus the EX’s added bells and whistles. The bluetooth accessories work on the original Katana-Air. Keep up the GREAT work! THANKS!!!

[@alexcorona]

Space is not the issue, it’s money. Can’t justify yet another amp purchase when I already have five 😂 not including the dozens and dozens of modelers on my PC.

[@riffdigger2133]

I know, and I agree. In the same position. However, it just occurred to me if I sold one of the amps that I don’t use, the price bite wouldn’t be so bad.

[@robg1996]

The problem with these vids is they are essentially commercials that we are already inclined to watch. I love watching them cause they interest me. But if I bought everything that interested me, I’d need a new basement. 9 guitars 5 amps 2 pedalboards, is probably enough. So I have developed a system for new big ticket items. I only buy new big items as a reward for learning and improving my playing. If I put in the work and feel I’ve earned it, I will indulge myself. I’m a 60 year old guy who’s played for 20 years. It’s not the money. I want to feel I deserve to treat myself for the hard work. Buy useful stuff. I like Andy. Great videos. Always useful

[@SuperOhdannyboy]

Wait till the next model !

[@AlecBourneMidiMadScientist]

​@@robg1996I think you would actually make an exception and shuffle the gear around to accommodate this. The Waza and Kat Air OG pretty much confirm in every way the wireless lifestyle change is really worth it. You will use this far far more than a standard amp

[@Crunchifyable2]

Yep even if it was the best amp in the world I already have a stack of amps from yesteryear.

[@mark.guitar]

Great cheeky grin when saying it's been in the living room without being noticed. My wife may yet agree to me buying one...

[@wimpauwels7839]

Nobody compares this beauty to the mono speaker in the Katana head( Mk1 or2) Head: mono, but better and louder!

[@chancemiller9340]

Look at you with the Set Up/Tease intro. It’s almost like you know what you’re doing.😮 👍

[@OuagaMick]

Katana needs to loan various sized amp shells you can place around your Air growing the size over weeks until you can replace it with an EX. 😊

[@CZPavel-c1p]

I have a Katana Mk II, excellent modeling combo, this news is very interesting and will be great for sure. Very nice sound. Greetings Pavel CZ.

[@djay6651]

The EX with the Revv G3 sounded VERY early 90s alt rock. I liked the OD the best.

[@benjoel6692]

Looks like an excellent choice for busking! The Cube still reigns as the go-to busking amp. But if all you need is guitar, and backing tracks, this could be a win to have great guitar tone.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

The original Cube Street got me to where I am in life. I LOVE that amp.

[@CarlisleFox]

Appreciate the black shuck at 5:10, what a song

[@TheGuitarGeek]

damn fine Song!

[@jamescuttsmusicjcm5013]

​@@TheGuitarGeekmighty fine good sir.

[@hybridnoisebloom]

99.9k! Congrats Andy, you may be at 100k this weekend!

[@adama2562]

I just bought an open box for $200 off, waiting for it to arrive, so I hope it does the job well!

[@GuitarWayne-sb2uj]

There was a lot of The Who tone there; with a bit more gain but it was there and it was awesome. Great video. After seeing one of your videos for the first time I subscribed. Great video

[@BrokenFox9]

I kno it is crazy price. But what Boss ain’t! So far I have the waza headphones, the katana mini, Two Mk2 100x1.. and almost had an Artist but missed opportunity. I use the mini a lot but it does lack the power opposed to the mk2. Obviously. So I was looking into the katana air and saw this! I love the functionality of my headphones with the wireless and I really need all the options as the mk2 but in a desktop like the mini. Definitely need the foot switch that’s a must! And idk why they don’t just make internal rechargeable battery that lasts forever! Make it where when you do actually have it plugged in it gives you like 15% more power or something.. but havin to use double A’s all the time sux! My ultimate goal is to get WAZA head and cabinets. Those are so cool and extremely expensive lol

[@DobDog151]

99.7 K subs. Almost there. Crazy. Congratulations! Good review too. Don’t think I need it, but it sounds good.

[@Turbo-D]

the price for the ex air sucks a bit imo and very mixed reviews about it but the katanas are just amazing amps, im thinking about selling the mk II head for the artist edition but i don´t know if it is really worth it 🙄🙄

[@MrPaul8870]

Im a busker so this amp is definitely on my list. I use a dual cube lx at present which i wont be selling due to the fact that ot has stereo input and would be used as a secondary speaker when busking. Im currently savimg up for the gt1 a ditto +. And a wiretrap pedal.. But this amp is on my bucket list as well a more rechargable batteries lol 😂

[@dawoud8013]

thank you for the prez ! and is it possible to compare the 100w head built in speaker vs this middle size amp Air EX ?

[@chrisdigital]

I bought my dream amp, a 20-year-old Mesa rectoverb. I'm now out of money😂😂😂. I will say though this is pretty badass

[@Study_Sleep_Chill]

Andy, comprehensive review, well done. Thank you.

[@aaronnh6941]

Great review. I’ve had mine for about a month now and I can honestly say I am enjoying it. However, you mentioned rechargeable batteries can be charged while using the power cable. I did not see this anywhere in the manual. Where did you find that spec? Thanks!

[@joek81981]

I just got a sweatheart deal on the Spark 40, and damn am I sorry even after the deal I got. I shoulda got this.

[@joek81981]

It was black friday, they got me. I was got. What can I say?

[@marekgitarzysta5193]

For me a good comparison is a tablet - who needs tablets if you have a desktop/laptop and a smartphone? And yet I love using my iPad ;) I have Yamaha THR and love the concept of desktop amps. It is always there, ready whenever I need it. It is the amp I play 99% of time while at home. So don't overthink it people - grab one of these desktop beauties ;)

[@frans6462]

Still no built-in Looper in 2023, which is really disappointing. Come on Boss!!!

[@billyaitken7461]

So close to 100,000 subscribers 🤩😎🎸🤘✌️❗️

[@tattoofred]

Tengo el katana MKII y estoy encantado con él, boss hace unos amplificadores muy buenos y prácticos, saludos desde España ;)

[@ClintsCrypt]

Comparison to a Yamaha THR30II seems like a good idea, as the amps appear to be closely related in power, speakers and features, etc. I love my Yamaha THR30II, but would like to know if it is worth it to spend the money to get the Boss Air EX also, if I already have the THR30II. Almost to 100k subscribers, Andy!!!

[@TheGuitarGeek]

I’m trying to facilitate this. I love the Yamaha THR series so you are absolutely right

[@AngelMartinez-qs3cf]

Have you ever done a comparison between the Yamaha THR30II and the Aire EX? I have the Yamaha THR30ii and it is a really great amp.

[@lordseph]

I have my Yamaha THR10ii Wireless for my practice amp on my desk but I fear that I might end up getting this! I love how you can use rechargeable AA's on these!

[@Sammywhat]

Outstanding review! Thank you, kind sir!!

[@13coyote13]

I love my Boss Katana 50 MkII, but it feels like I took it up the Wazoo when all you can get is a waste of money 2 switch pedal while pretty much every other amp they provide multi-function pedals for.

[@mihalisb8297]

I was about to buy a Katana 50 MK II and then I watched this video, I'm gonna check these out a bit more cos I think the whole wireless and portability aspect is really appealing. The price like you say is a bit high but I just might wait a bit down the road. Just out of curiosity though, what is the size of the speakers on the original Katana Air?. Really like your channel, thanks.

[@light-sg1413]

Was going to get the Katana MK2 but Just waiting for a Katana MK3 amp to show up i say boss have something start of the new year just waiting.

[@sterlingmcvay2469]

What is that Gorgeous Strat-Style Guitar in Metallic Chocolate... ? Are there any Leftys..?

[@AngelMartinez-qs3cf]

Hi nice amp! Does it sound "better" than the Yamaha THR30X? Have you ever reviewed that amp? Maybe you can do a shootout between the Yamaha and this Katana?

[@Zanenoth]

The katanas will djent. Love em

[@mariodilucrezia1105]

Hi, I'm looking for some information... when I export a session file to the mobile device (page 25 of the Boss Tone Studio manual), I would like to understand where the app saves it. Thank you.

[@ronpatterson6420]

Ok, fine, thanks for giving me G.A.S. now I want one😅 great video Andy!

[@jokermtb]

Katanas are known for not including a tuner function. Does the Ex allow one to tune the guitar via the app, or top panel led lights?

[@AlecBourneMidiMadScientist]

Strictly via the app. The tuner is the same as before with +/- 5 notes so if you wanted to tune to say 432hz instead of 440 standard you will need a separate tuner.

[@KoaCharvel]

Boss is almost always great.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

I agree there! Almost always. Pretty rock solid on the pedal front.

[@KoaCharvel]

@@TheGuitarGeek Bingo

[@madsam7582]

18:09 😂😂 I wonder how well these little amps take the UA amp pedals?

[@M3_and_honey]

I receivied mine today but sounds really muddy! Returning it tomorrow, the THR 30 II blows this amp away in terms of tone.

[@earthquakemagoon2505]

Totally COOL! Time to save my $$ to get one!

[@Jacobin777]

Seems like it's a close call between this and the Hotone Pulze.

[@isitreallyisitreally1756]

Silly money , get a second hand Yamaha THR if you need a practice amp , not as many fx but hey the ones there are great .

[@TheGuitarGeek]

The Yamaha THR-30II Wireless while GREAT is also over €500. They are convenience products and that currently costs.

[@gazzie12000]

"Katana EXcellent!" Great review, thanks !

[@TheTwangKings]

Fascinating review! Little box has huge sound. But does it handle quiet volumes as well as it does loud?

[@Snaarf]

is this overk1ll for a small 1/bd apartment situation? Or can it be played with low volume and still hear all the effects?

[@lw1391]

@@Snaarf this is a great question. Would love to see an answer to this.

[@yinYangMountain]

TheGuitarGeek, You mentioned the BOSS FS-1-WL WIRELESS FOOT SWITCH. If you’ve tried it, what are your thoughts? Thanks, yYM

[@pmmaf]

Why are there no reviews of gear4music amplifiers? I have a sub zero desktop battery amp and I think it is one of the best amplifiers to have at home

[@atitg727]

Please make a comparison video about the katana 100w head and the artist 100w head. Also the Katana vs the boss ir-2. Thanks.ü

[@phililpb]

Your review of the original claimed it was a great sounding amp. This new version has come out as most users found it did not sound that good.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

The original did sound great but since it was released, other models over took it. Boss needed to update it to stay up with competition

[@danielmiller2886]

I just wish Boss would combine the footboard of the the ME-90 with the Katana. It's the same software but I need more than just a few presets.

[@MS-iq4eo]

Does it have the an ability to work with a loop pedal, like the katana 100 line out function?

[@bigtguitars7312]

Andy can you use the footswitch with the air ex my main complaint about the old air that I use daily and have had a good 4 years use off

[@kunkmiceter]

Maybe a dumb question but, could you also use that to hook up to a tv or dvd player and use it like a soundbar?

[@AlecBourneMidiMadScientist]

You could yes via aux in

[@CaseySitter]

Very good review. Do you know if the Xsonic airstep kat works with it? I use it on my Artist and does more than the GAFC.

[@AlecBourneMidiMadScientist]

No, though the ex is gonna need some firmware updating in the airsteps to work . Should be coming along soon.

[@NoBrakes23]

I know it goes against the whole theme of the Katana, but I wish they made a version without all the built in effects but WITH an effects loop. I bought the base Mk II and never use the effects or the 50W setting.

[@basarat]

I'm a big fan 🪭🌹

[@PhilLament]

Thanks for the video!

[@danielfechner4400]

Maybe this would be a great time, to test the new Yamaha YH-WL500 which you mentioned in an earlier video, to go true wireless for your living room :) You can buy them everywhere, but there doesn't seem to be a testvideo up on youtube which I find rather strange XD Or I am the only one playing with studio headphones at home because I mostly can only play in the evening.

[@mathiasbruce6582]

I think Henning Pauly just reviewed the YH-WL500. Looking forward to Andy’s review as well.

[@danielfechner4400]

@@mathiasbruce6582 Thanks for the Info. The problem is, he didn't even play through them XD The point he is correct about though, is that latency adds up. So it would be nice to include a test connected to 1) an amp 2) a modeler like gp-200 or Boss me-90, and of course the katana air or air ex, so the latency of the headphones add to the latency of the wireless guitar device :)

[@AlecBourneMidiMadScientist]

I’ve been looking at these too. The wireless aspect and the convenience is key to me. I’d definitely question the utility of the Yamaha headset vs the WAZA air in this particular case. You’re adding in a powered and cabled base station vs the ability to simply run direct from the guitar. The pairing of both the WAZA air and the Kat airs is a HUGELY convincing thing for your overall workflow .

[@drengrd]

The problem of boss switches are no indicators that you turned it on for LED indicator...! I don't know how difficult for them to create it!

[@danl01234]

Downloaded the LiveSet to my Librarian, unfortunately it shows empty (0 Patches). Any thoughts?

[@denislocs141]

Good looking amp👊🏿👊🏿

[@titmusspaultpaul5]

Couple of questions: can you hook up wireless headphone, and can you add another cab for playing live (if heard you can and that it sounds super loud using the full 35 watts)? Also, would that be a regular amp speaker or an FRFR? Thanks.

[@bsquare6809]

What components(s) would you have to upgrade/replace on the Katana AIR (original) to make it 50watts or however more powerful? What parts gives it it's power level? If I could do that, and just plug into a cab (thanks to one of your previous videos). Then i'd be all set.

[@cirisirpula152]

Do you still have this amp? How is the music sound quality through this, meaning would you enjoy listening to music through this?

[@achimdg6335]

I wish you'd make a comparison between the Katana 50 MK II and the Katana 50 MK II EX. On those two amps, the sound difference will not be so big, but still the 50 MK II EX has more to deliver than the 50 MK II. So what will get me the 70 Euros more than the 50 MK II?

[@robg1996]

The positive is your wife won’t realize you bought another amp. Lol

[@edwardbelcher8612]

If it were more on par cost wise with the MkII 100 head that I already own, it might be more appealing. The cost factor and the lack of an effects loop, and the added cost of a rechargeable battery ($150) gonna be a hard pass for me. It does sound good though, I will give it that.

[@BFromUpNorth]

I’m in the same spot. $200 difference, no fx loop. Is the head internal speaker close enough in sound?

[@edwardbelcher8612]

@@BFromUpNorth I think it sounds good enough but, at 5" it has limited bass response and of course only so much volume no matter what power mode it is in. To me if you dial in the sound you like through the built in speaker, then plug it into a 4X12 (like I do), the sound is the same, just way more bottom end and of course, all the power you need.

[@saarangnarayan123]

Yeah for that amount of money, this definitely is an “authentic” lifestyle thingamajig. The tones are really great tho! Especially direct ones. I’d watch a weekly TheGuitarGeek Lifestyle Vlog.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Yeah, that price is offputting but if the money is there and you play through it, it is an easy choice. Lifestyle episode 1 - Something about me on my couch talking about my cats.

[@DJSmoothie]

I actually mic'd a Katana AIR and I still recommend a tube amp.

[@Teflon_75]

You mention (at around 14:30) that the amp will recharge batteries when it's plugged in to the mains. Are you sure of this? The rechargeable power pack has it's own discrete power socket for re-charging, which would seem to make it an expensive down grade if the amp charges AA rechargeables automatically.

[@captain.gorki666]

Katana EXcellent! :D I also have it with the wireless footswitch for a month and really happy with it. BTW, I liked ur tones and just downloaded your presets but unfortunately, the Live Set has no patches inside(!) Could you please update the Live Set? Thanks in advance. \m/

[@dansmith543]

hi, how do you connect the wireless footswitch to the amp, no matter what i do it won’t connect?.

[@danielmiller2886]

Andy, what is the song or chord progression you played third with that green strat?? Please, I nee to know!!

[@gmcoates14]

Does it have a looper in it?

[@akwamarsunzal]

Andy, great video but... Have you done a review of the Katana head with that little speaker built in? Its like 100w head but you can use the 5 inch speaker for home use? Never really seen a sensible review of this head and I know only you would achieve that accolade 🙂

[@TheGuitarGeek]

There is one somewhere. I also used to feature it pretty heavily on the channel.

[@akwamarsunzal]

@@TheGuitarGeek Great, now I am going to have to search millions of videos for it 🤣 Cheers Andy

[@jbencinitas]

what brand of guitar is that white offset? That thing is killer!

[@TheGuitarGeek]

That beauty is a Jupiter from Valiant Guitars ❤️

[@hiyokonochichi3952]

Probably, it will my next amp soon, but not yet. :)

[@Barbarapape]

At £499 no thanks, a Katana 100 Mk2 1x12 is £349, a 2x12 is £409 unless you require the portability i know which i would buy. I have the 100 Mk2 1x12 and only use it at home and it gives me all that i need.

[@andrewproffit-o9b]

What is it like at low volumes? I love the idea of a great sounding wireless amp but need low volume a lot of the time. Is it capable really low, or would Katana 50 with wireless at 0.5w be better? 50 doesn’t have the Bluetooth though.

[@mk_mlt]

Is the USB interface finally class compliant ie. does it work with iPad and iPhone?