Honey, Boss Shrunk The Katana (Deep Dive Review of the Katana-Mini X)

[@yippy327]

I wasn't into it at all until you hit the Brown sound. Always enjoyable Andy. Thanks so much.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

It was surprisingly good!

[@Strato13]

@ 3:40 I appreciate that you didn't mic this amp like every other youtube guitar player has, because it conceals what it REALLY sounds like. Micing these small amps gives out the wrong impression, that they sound bigger than their obvious size. I'm happy you played it in a way where it sounds true, and gives an idea of what it would sound like in my room, living room, or even outside. And it seems straight forward enough, no polishing, no obvious editing to make it sound like a Mesa MKII-C, or a hot rodded marshall. I'm considering this, but then there is still the Spark 2 which I think offers more.

[@fletcher75er]

The synth is my favorite because it's so Intriguing. Good video as always.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

it is kind of my favourite too...

[@supermario2100]

"Sounds good, but a little thin" is a pretty good summary of this amp.

[@fernandoatorre]

Boss should have launched a katana version of the Roland micro cube. That was a great little amp, easy to carry, very friendly to the people who plays on the street, and good sounding. Katana’s users probed that they need an amp smaller but good sounding at the same time.

[@jeffirick7252]

I have the Roland which is a nice little unit but I think I like this one better.

[@vincefarmer3122]

Back when crate was around they had the "taxi" model pretty good for a micro amp.

[@Smart-Alex]

@@jeffirick7252I literally compared the two yesterday and the Cube doesn’t hold a candle to the mini x

[@jeffirick7252]

​@@Smart-AlexI'd like to get my hands on one and see what I think of it.

[@Smart-Alex]

@@jeffirick7252 To my ears, the Mini X sounded fuller, more accurate, and much more pleasing to the ear. The MicroCube sounded ultra-processed. If you get your hands on one, LMK your thoughts.

[@GildedEntries]

I have the original mini on my desk, now I’m considering making a stereo rig with this new version… I may even get 2 to match. A mini wall of sound I can’t wait!

[@Raskull]

For me, the best effect was the T.Wah. Second is the delay/reverb. Great video Andy. It's on my Christmas list.

[@s1mp13m4n]

Finally, someone who understands the point of this amp. It is not for gigging, it is not for using with a DAW, it is not for the app obsessed crowd. This amp is for someone taking lessons via Justin Guitar who wants something nicer than the amp that comes with a combo pack. Also, remember that this will sound great using headphones.

[@frederickthompson8686]

This is an excellent review... thoughtfully presented and intelligently explained. Too bad most amp reviewers don't take the time -- like this reviewer does -- to anticipate the viewer's questions... Nicely done. Thanks.

[@southernpanda33]

I know what I’m getting for Christmas. Great review, Andy. As always. 🎉❤

[@jjgalletta66]

Same!

[@saarangnarayan123]

This is almost perfect. Definitely gotta put it on the X-mas GAS list...

[@TheGuitarGeek]

I concur!

[@nimblybimbly4002]

Thank you for the Katana 50 comparison.

[@y632rewww7fg43298jdm]

By far I was surprised how good the reverb on this little think sounds like. especially with the acoustic.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

same!

[@anthonypinkos]

Great review Andy! I actually find the synth effect to be weirdly wonderful. My fave is the Hall Reverb!

[@ShaneSaiyan]

My favourite effect genuinely was synth. One of my favourite things to do is just sit around with dumb useless effects trying to make the most bonkers noise possible, and then trying to find a way to use them. A not-so-great synth effect is exactly my jam.

[@canadianintheukbrian]

Having the original mini and love it, I have to agree with Andy on not having the USB interface ability to record directly , almost made it the perfect practice travel amp but maybe due to the extra cost decided not too include the USB feature , I love the knobs in the front also and it's 3 watts louder, will I go out and upgrade , um not sure , I would love the ability to record directly , maybe have to hook it to an interface , great review Andy ,

[@jimmyjimmy951]

Best effect if it can be called an effect is the accoustic setting. Could make the collection for that feature alone..👍🇦🇺

[@uziforyoutosay1749]

Andy thanks for the review, made my decision easy…no buy. I recently purchased a spark mini vai model, worst small amp purchase ever. This boss is sounds just like it. My “small” travel amp for me is the VOX mini go 10, has loop, drum pattern, effects and amp modelling. Cheers.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Glad I could help. I am also not a fan of the spark mini. That vox you mentioned is about €100 more than this katana mini x so not really a fair comparison but if it makes you happy then it is good!

[@warma731]

I also have the Vox Mini 5 which is the Mini Go predecessor. It's bigger and it sounds really good, but no rechargeable battery and no Bluetooth. Also sounds bad the music through the aux in and headphones. This one offers all of that.

[@dekka8241]

Great title Andy for the review!

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Thank you 🙂

[@zloboslav_]

The close mic sounds very flattering lol XD, but I appreciate you showing the room mic, because who even mics an amp like this - people use tiny amps for practice, not recording.

[@777Lateralus]

a lot of players record with small combos

[@RufusTurner-g7i]

@@zloboslav_ Rage Against the Machine used to record with a small solid state amp.

[@GuitarONtatami]

I use an old Katana mini as practise amp, it is enough for any style. You may get it cheaper by now. The think I would have liked is an effect loop to put a DD3 in.

[@GabrielNacu]

Cool upgrade to the Katana mini, but the Boss Dual Cube LX has fallen so low in price here in the UK (compared to its released) that Boss have two similar products at a smilar price point. Id probs go with a Boss Dual Cube as you get a bit more for your money.

[@toby1kenobe]

That was a great review Andy- I do some private teaching where I go out to the students, I currently take an acoustic but really need to take an electric- this would be perfect- tuner is also a great addition (less to forget) I liked the Octave effect!

[@Earthstein]

The reason my Spark40 is my go-to amp at home: It doesn't sound like a big amp. It doesn't sound like any amp. It sounds like a Hi-fi recording of an electric guitar thru whatever amp I want. I'm an old guitar player. I have a collection of great vintage amps. I would never use the Spark40 in a live situation that mattered. But at home I use it 95% of the time in the past year.

[@PaulCooksStuff]

My favourite effect ... the smile it put on your face

[@TheGuitarGeek]

what a way with words! 😀 It really is a joy to play.

[@reeling-in]

T Wah effect for me. I'm sure I could get a good Hendrix sound out of that mini-beast!

[@markosmarkos7978]

I just got that little amp and it's awesome... definitely recommend...

[@robertnees9781]

My fav would be the trem effect along with some reverb, but I am really weirded out about the synth... confused about it to be honest. Do agree that an USB audio interface would be a real winner at this price point, that one missing thing made me wish list it vs pre-ordering it so I can look at other options

[@GUIDESPERSPECTIVE]

Cheaper than the Spark Mini, a bit bigger, but it would be cool to see this side by side with the mini which I think is incredible for its size. On another note, I think it is more than laughable that people compare practice amps to Katana 50's and other similar amps. Its a practice amp, apples and oranges people. If you are not sure then something like the Spark 2 definetly bridges the gap and covers you through a bigger range and comes with an insane amount of features for about 120 more.

[@Robstafarian]

Hypothetically, the "preamp" (i.e. digital modeling) of this amp would use a subset of the same algorithms that the Katana 50 uses. That it is mated with a weaker power amp and smaller speaker in a smaller enclosure does not make a comparison to a Katana 50 invalid; rather, said relationship makes such a comparison more illustrative of the effects of those differences. This is not like comparing a 5W tube amp with its 50W or 100W siblings, though people who are that interested in amps probably would either use more adjustable modeling or avoid modeling altogether (as I do).

[@mkrj2576]

I still think the Yamaha THRs set the bar for best sounding desktop amps.

[@Robstafarian]

Do the THRs still forget the loaded preset when a knob is adjusted after loading a preset?

[@mkrj2576]

@@Robstafarian I think I know what you are asking. When you change anything on a preset, you have to hit the save preset button to save the change.

[@TrueMeHow]

looks like synth is giving some kind of rich sawtooth wave which is very usefull to run through other synthesizer filters and stuff

[@peetey249]

That is soo good. I want one.

[@KelticKabukiGirl]

Synth effects track better on the neck pickup, that may be one variable as I see you have it on the bridge mostly.

[@rebeccaabraham8652]

I still have my original Roland Micro Cube - which has excellent amp models........ but I think I've found its successor; 10W trumps 2W - even though the 2W is sufficient for a singaround at the folk club!

[@TheGuitarGeek]

For the folk club, this would be great! Just remember to engage that synth ;-)

[@rebeccaabraham8652]

@@TheGuitarGeek That synth effect should be erased, from existence - with prejuduce! I was thinking more of my thinbody archtop (single P90) with the Octave and lots of spring reverb - on the clean varient channel... I think that might work!

[@Robstafarian]

25:52 This does not require even a moment's thought: a flanger should have been included before any kind of synth effect.

[@b2626t]

Please put that against the Spark mini thank you

[@mysteryfav4289]

Im kinda suprise of the boss katana mini x even tho im Just new in the guitar univers im gonna put It on my wishlist for Christmas Thank for giving your honest review

[@enthused7591]

I see it's definitely not priced to compete with Yamaha so I wouldn't expect it to compete with the THR's clarity but how would you say it compares in terms of overall sound quality and clarity to a THR10 or THR30?

[@plamenpenkov2865]

Any opinion on how it compares to a Mooer Hornet?

[@damianclark1113]

Mooer Hornet has no portable power requirements unfortunately, 9v, USB in or batteries would make it a comparable contender

[@albertmarkethinkpr1325]

Great review man! But Boss blew it with this one, i dont see no reason to upgrade from my Katana mini, I dont like the built in battery...oh well lots of missed things lately Boss. Still waiting for Line 6 to drop their Desktop amp.

[@randommusings0151]

It's a shame it appears to be missing an AUX IN as the previous model (which I have) had. I use it all the time for my Beatbuddy drum pedal for a lovely clean sound and I was hoping that it would be a straight swap upgrade with the X, until I started searching for it in the X product shots to no avail. That's what I'd have instead of the synth 😊 Love the channel anyway!

[@rsuazon]

Can it also be modded to add the external speaker out like you did with the original mini?

[@TheGuitarGeek]

We are going to find out very soon!

[@rsuazon]

@@TheGuitarGeek Awesome! Can't wait to see that video :)

[@tattoofred]

Muy práctico con el afinador (ojala lo tuviera también su hermano grande) y la batería recargable para llevar a clases o de viaje, Gracias por el video 😉😉

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Sí. ¡De nada!

[@Intheflesh79]

There was no sword in that box?!😂 keep it up Andy

[@outermarker5801]

Nice little unit, but I think I'd still go for the Spark mini in this category. Loving my new Katana 50 Gen3 though 🤗 Just wish Boss would stick a tuner in the next fw update

[@13coyote13]

I love playing my acoustics through my Katana 50 mk II.

[@karlcox662]

Synth on acoustic best effect because it was mad yet musical. 😊

[@kenjikodai]

Id buy it if i wasnt too busy deciding whether to keep my Epiphone Blackback LP Custom or trade it in for the Epi purple burst LP Modern

[@jorgiewtf]

“It’s dirty but in a good way”… like YOUR MOM! 😂

[@petergrant7332]

Love that hall reverb ❤

[@jamiefookes1579]

For a practice or busking amp, it doesn't seem bad at all

[@jcwm01]

That Iceman! 🤤

[@TheGuitarGeek]

I know…. Right!

[@FalconHawc]

T-Wah definitely my fav fx , though like all practice amps small speaker = small sound

[@dennisashe6665]

Andy - I enjoyed your review of the Katana Mini X. How would you compare it to the Nux Mighty lite BT MKII? What is the best practice amp for under $200?

[@mb5o]

They should have re-issue the first version of the Roland Micro Cube with USB and Bluetooth. What is your best value practice amp? Thanks for the review!

[@notacommie5415]

Yep sounded good as well This one sounds like it’s rattling apart while it’s played

[@rogerjerabek9574]

The synth seemed to produce a lot of noise. I would interested in hearing a simple melody to hear the extent to which notes would sound different. In place of the synth, I would be inclined to add a black, blank space in the panel.

[@HarryBall-fw7pv]

Great review. How do you like the BStar St. James? I've been looking at the head for a 4/12 cab. I love my club40 mkii

[@JeffMello]

I dug the reverb but yeah they really missed the boat by not putting in a usb audio interface.

[@SquizbarDeAlienOfficial]

Wait no Flanger????

[@mimetype]

It's got an arm flanger, you.pick it up and wave it up and down. It's also got rotary if.youre good at piruettes

[@SquizbarDeAlienOfficial]

@@mimetype Nope no flanger instead it's got a useless synth

[@jacobbaranowski]

“What is next, is it loud?” 😂

[@TheGuitarGeek]

nope, "does it make tea?"

[@christofdonat2702]

The Synth-effect reminds me of one of the effect in the Zoom 9000, I owned in the 90ies. I don't remember, what it was called, though. But I actively used it to annoy everyone around, of course.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Good man.

[@inksword6029]

Looks really good for the price, i just want a practice amp, is there any other amp i should research or is this the way to go? thanks! :]

[@ralphhathaway-coley5460]

They should relabel the 'synth' as 'fart pedal'! 😉😄 A lot of the big sound from larger amps is the larger speaker 🤔 If one was to wire in a speaker break-out socket that cuts out the little speaker when you plug in a larger speaker, might make an interesting experiment.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

One might have already done that… video on the way!

[@ralphhathaway-coley5460]

@@TheGuitarGeek Cool 👍 will look forward to that with interest.

[@banunu6e]

U think i should get this as a first amp when im mainly going to play classical rock and pop and learning

[@jeffirick7252]

I think that distortion or overdrive would be a good replacement for the synth or maybe "old fashioned" fuzz like a Big Muff. But that's just me.

[@billwittman0504]

Andy, I have a Katana 100 mk2 that I use playing out and it's wonderful for a grab and go amp. This Mini-X is S**T and I won't even consider trading my Pos Grid for it, not even close. Cheers Mate!

[@TheGuitarGeek]

I understand your thinking, but as someone who had played all the amps you’ve mentioned, this mini x is superb at its price point

[@BuleriaChk]

No Aux In, so cannot be used with my drum machines (e.g. Roland P-6); Or other processors (VE-22, etc.) So for me, Deal Breaker!!! (Update): I just discovered that you can use this (or anything with a BT-Dual) with any third party BT Transmitter from a headphone out which can take the place of an Aux in if latency is not an issue (e.g. backing tracks), so one is not limited to an iPhone.

[@andsoistopped]

We’ve got Emmanuel? Well I guess Christmas is coming. 😂😂😂😂😂

[@KelvynTaylor]

Those segmented effects controls look to be nicked from the old Roland Cube - hardly any adjustment

[@S-T-E-V-E]

I've been looking for a practice amp, what do you recommend this or the Positive Grid?

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Katana mini X or spark go? Definitely katana Katana mini x or spark 2? Spark 2 but it’s twice the price of the katana

[@S-T-E-V-E]

@@TheGuitarGeek Yeah I was talking about the Spark 40, thanks!

[@S-T-E-V-E]

@@TheGuitarGeek I have the Katana Mini but I'm looking to upgrade!

[@JanLawicki]

I sounds nice when mic'd, room mic sounds average I'd say. I'll stick to my mk1 100w combo cheers.

[@GreenHoleSun]

Is the internal battery replaceable by the user? If not, it's just another gadget that in a few years will probably go to the dustbin.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

A very valid point. I will have a follow up coming with things like that

[@GreenHoleSun]

I am very glad you understand. You are a serious reviewer. There is this trend nowadays to put rechargeable batteries everywhere but very few seem to care about if they are replaceable by the user or not, and consequently what is going to happen when the battery will be exhausted (because, you know, no batteries are eternal...).

[@markorollo.]

its like they knew im thinking of buying myself my first guitar (theyre watching us...). i was looking at getting the previous katana mini amp but i think i'll spend a bit more and get this instead, the only thing, as a complete beginner, that i dont like is you can't just plug it in to a wall socket.

[@imCurveee]

@@markorollo. You're better off buying a Katana 50 or 100 as a first guitar/practice amp. It'll do everything the Mini X does and more. And with the power attenuation you can get great tones at low volumes. I have a Yamaha THR30 and a Katana MkII 100/212. While the THR30 is great as a desktop practice amp, I would sorely miss not having a "proper" amp if the THR30 was all I had.

[@markorollo.]

@@imCurveee too big for me, due to space and ease of carrying around, i'm a wheelchair type person, it would be too much for me to carry about. i did look at the THR30 amp but my wallet screamed at me.... i literally can't play a note yet so i dont need anything with all the bells and whistles i dont think.

[@danieljdtaylor]

In an age where even the smallest amps like the Positive Grid Go sound decently big, full and defined. Boss have brought us an amp that sounds small, boxy and fizzy at high gain. Somehow it sounds worse than the standard Katana mini!

[@TheGuitarGeek]

You definitely didn’t watch the video

[@danieljdtaylor]

@@TheGuitarGeek Well I’m entitled to my opinion 😊 I did watch the video of course, and nothing against your playing or recording! Other videos I’ve watched of this amp have the same problem so to me it’s just not a great amp, an amp that’s not for me!

[@nickkroger4405]

I also preferred the original in this video for basic electric sounds.

[@brianhansen-hj3ml]

I only watch videos like this to learn about the features/price of a guitar or piece of gear. I’ve found that a recorded sound demo playing through my phone speakers doesn’t really equate to what I’ll hear playing the thing live in my guitar shed. Appreciate the product info though.

[@PhillipHolt-f9r]

It does

[@retiredguyadventures6211]

So there is no aux in on this amp?

[@derkloca8527]

so i left mine on for two or so days on accident & now it won’t charge or atleast won’t even indicate that it’s charging… anyone run into this issue?

[@MikeLute]

It`s the synth, because it helps to annoy your roomies even with a smal practice amp!

[@TheGuitarGeek]

This is the dream!

[@markbailey2374]

Love mine.

[@MrMikeKilmer]

The synth sound reminds me of my earthquaker bit commander, has an analog synth sounds really only good for monophonic stuff. On my earthquaker i can just turn the ocatve synth stuff off and get a really gnarly square wave fuzz sound. Not so much here though.

[@dananthony6258]

I’d buy the spark mini or spark go before I’d get that.

[@Strato13]

What value to feature practice amp would you recommend? ;-)

[@yobanyhernandez125]

lol this dropped today, the extra day I got the wife to agree to getting a living room amp. Now I don’t know if I should get this, full blown katana, orange rt or Yamaha thr. Would want it for the porch and living room

[@TheGuitarGeek]

If you can spend the money, consider that yamaha or a spark 2. If around 150 is your top end, this will do great.

[@Michel-r6m]

Boss pedal measurement...😅 I do so with records...12" = 30 cm. Nice little amp for the price 👍

[@giancarlopaolini7529]

Clean it sounds like boxy in all its glory 🙂

[@twigy7979]

I have one,great Amp😊

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Congrats on your real amp

[@MatthewCuda]

I guess the idea behind it is travel. If I wanted a practice amp, I’d just get a Marshall 15g or a frontman and run my pedal board through it.

[@MrThecube51]

whats it sounds like with a cheap guitar ?

[@TheGuitarGeek]

The guild isn’t that expensive

[@cestusfr]

The Synth is the P.. off my parents' function. PS: Thank you for being you. ^__^

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Yes! I showed it my mum and she quite liked it but not for a long period of time.

[@BuleriaChk]

Without an Aux In, Boss is trying to force you to only use their models restricted to thaat unit, rather than use the unit as an FRFR speaker to use (e.g.) an Ampero 2 or even a Katana Go. Deal Breaker, and just insane that the Aux In wouldn't be included. No vale la pena, IMO, YMMV.

[@supersonicnomad8437]

Yes, annoying fart sounds make me chuckle so i pick the synth as my fave. To replace the synth I'd pick a nice thick, wooly fuzz. Thanks for the G.A.S. Andy! \m/

[@BooleanCorporation]

Ok, the best effect was definitely the synth.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Glad you think so!

[@Alan-zf2tt]

A very impressive bit of kit - probably teamed up with an Ibanez AZES series guitar for stage 2 or 3 learners @ 30:04 how about kzbin.info/www/bejne/pGW0hIyuadyJh8k and baritones? It is a link to B52s Lock Robster Johnny Marr woulda luvd it? Flanger Chorus and Phaser sound great with not too much wah on the Phaser but ,as always?, present on the fades Which suggests: rather than design an effect for technical parameters why not design it for populist or popular performer parameters? It would seem to make sense as a new "trend" just means tweaking and twiddling presets and bingo! your favorite sound is achieved If that makes any sense at all

[@peterhall4852]

What I think should be there is wireless.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

adding wireless would make the cost prohibitive for sure.

[@s.murphy2368]

I prefer the Spark Mini

[@MisterJWJ71]

@TheGuitarGeek There's nothing weird about enjoying the feel and texture of a material. Not in my opinion anyway.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

i knew i wasn't the only one!

[@JudgeFredd]

Good enough for my wallet and desk space...

[@S-T-E-V-E]

Synth? It sounds like a Stylophone! I'd rather have had a Synth Soft Pad effect!

[@purplerocket666]

USB vintage? 👍🤣

[@flyingstratosurfer6285]

I don´t know about this Strat. Sounds out of tune all the way. That Ibanez seems to be a better choice for that.

[@TheBobClarke]

Close mic sounds better.