New BOSS Katana GEN 3 Amps | Kris & Guillaume | Thomann

BOSS just released the GEN 3 Katana amps so let's take a look at them. Revamped amp models, a brand new one in addition, new bluetooth features, better app, etc. Let's gooooooo!
Enjoy the video and leave a comment below!
Gear used: tho.mn/18b3a
Recorded in Presonus Studio One: bit.ly/S1Pro6
Recorded and mixed with Universal Audio: tho.mn/uadx1
Monitors optimised through Sonarworks: tho.mn/sonar
We use Cordial cables exclusively: www.thomann.de/intl/cat_brand_BF_cordial.html
Interesting bits and pieces:
0:00 Introduction and jam
1:59 PLAYING | Freshly voiced Crunch model
3:16 New and/or re-voiced amp models
4:44 PLAYING | Strat with the new Pushed amp model
6:02 Do we like the new Pushed mode?
6:44 Bluetooth - MIDI Dual Adaptor
8:19 Foot controllers
9:26 PLAYING | 4 presets w/ strat
11.23 PLAYING | Same presets w/ LP
12:35 Our impressions
15:35 Outro jam
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[@thatguitarstuff]

Boss is a very consistent and reliable brand, I’ve had several of its products throughout the years and you always know what to expect in terms of sound and build quality.

[@kingmodestfirst4487]

MK4 planned for next year with optional cigar lighter and alarm clock radio🤣

[@frankhughes5702]

And free Wi-Fi 🤣

[@jayteesgear]

😂

[@HeinzNolden-wn7pl]

plus USB. I have been in Thomann, a great machine, nothing mutual with a guitar and amp shop, as for me. I call it - Factory..

[@BOSSinfoglobal]

Arigato, Team Thomann! Excellent demonstration.

[@JamesFlorio-ti8gc]

Lmao 🤣 let me guess...still no tuner 😂

[@JamesFlorio-ti8gc]

Awesome 👍🏻😎 demo you two are only getting better at the Boss demos. Amazing playing and tones 🔥

[@ThomannsGuitarsBasses]

Thanks a lot! 🙌 //kris

[@budgetguitarherogeartv4143]

As a gen 1 and 2 katana owner, Bluetooth & mobile app should have been available when first released. Line 6 did it way back with the Amplifi range. Feels like they have held back on certain functions as a corporate strategy, drip feeding us basic updates just to cash in.

[@willman100]

Like Apple

[@MJsap13]

I’d argue that maybe they’re waiting until they perfect the technology before releasing it. I’ve had tons of problems with every line 6 product I’ve purchased

[@jasonswitzer1748]

It’s a dick move, to be sure. No excuse for not including Bluetooth out of the gate without some dumb additional add-on hardware. Super lame.

[@GuitarMav]

Fender did it years ago and it’s standard in digital amps. Not an extra to pay for. It isn’t revolutionary technology. This is purely a chance to penny pinch with peripherals. Sad thing is the next version will have it built in.

[@willman100]

@@GuitarMav that’s right. They are milking everyone for their cash.

[@jurgenmanigel1208]

It's always so much fun to watch you two 🤙 Keep on rocking guys 😎

[@ThomannsGuitarsBasses]

Thanks so much! //Kris

[@hisproperty1438]

G'day Kris & Guillaume, Thanks for a great video. I've been watching your channel for a few months now, but I've only started noticing how great the sound reproduction is. I watch your shows on my TV, through a reasonable 2.1 stereo system, & I'm enjoying hearing your guitars coming from either side of the room. That's a great effort on your part. Keep up the good work Andrew BTW, the amps sound good too.... :)

[@ThomannsGuitarsBasses]

Thanks so much man, I'll pass your feedback to our audio dudes. 🤗 Our way of producing the videos is pretty straight forward. We don't do a lot in post-production actually, we make sure to record everything in the most realistic way possible instead. Those Neumann mics are incredible and with the right placement and some minor fine-tuning in post we have the same sound in the videos as what we had directly in the room. That's very important for us. We don't want to make things sound better in the videos than how they actually sounded in the room. But we definitely want to capture the full and real experience of playing that piece of gear. 😁 Cheers and thanks again! //Kris

[@hisproperty1438]

@@ThomannsGuitarsBasses You're most welcome, & please let your sound guys know that they're doing a good job. See ya. :)

[@myTubesTube]

MkIi owner here. They added some nice features in gen 3, hopefully an update will add tuner and maybe 64/128 memory locations which would make so much sense in a midi setuo

[@myrondcunha5670]

Yo, this looks great, the fact that they've added an extra channel says a lot!

[@NeungView]

Really? A lot? Mention 3 things that it says?

[@myrondcunha5670]

​@@NeungViewI'm talking specifically about the pushed channel because the katana's mostly known for its brown(high gain) channels and they didn't pay much attention to glassy/edge of breakup regions. The pushed channel should help us get closer to glassy tones, points for versatility.

[@67er_matze97]

super presentation and imo super amplifiers. Bang for the buck is stunning imo.

[@iancurrie8844]

Dang. All it needed was the tiny screen from the Katana go for the tuner and to show what effect is selected so you don't have to carry a crib sheet to see what effect "yellow" is. Such a missed opportunity. Also, have the dang controls closer to the front! You know, where the player is. I don't play behind or on top of my amp.

[@capitanvonchickenpants8492]

Sounds fabulous, where do I sign, I have two mk 1s

[@VintageRadius]

Would be great to see a comparison against the new Catalyst

[@dirtydavesgarage8251]

wish boss would make a more complete footswitch for these with a display, tuner, expression pedal on board!

[@remalistochastis]

Hi, thank you for the really useful videos that you post. There is though an option for using the Katana as a power Amp that is confusing me according to answers from Thomann and the internet community. Connecting to audio interfaces. I bought a 50 gen3 from Thomann a week ago and I am trying to figure out how I can use Katana as a Monitor for my portable iRig HD2, so that I can also use Amplitube when I am practising. The iRig has two options for sending audio, the most suitable for monitoring (according to the manual) is from the headphone out (stereo). So, can I use a 1/8 stereo to 1/4 mono jack that I saw in Thomann to connect my interface to Katana? I mean, that's what power amp in does, am I correct?

[@IsaacLausell]

Is the line out stereo? I thought it was just the headphone jack which does mute the speaker. If the line out is stereo that would be phenomenal.

[@JoMaMaz]

I have been closer to finally getting a Boss Katana Artist MkII over the last week, and I was JUST ABOUT to potentially purchase one in the next day or two, and I just happen to see a Reddit post about Gen 3! As for the accessories I was looking at, I assume the past ones will be compatible, but are there any plans for a new footswitch, expression pedal, etc.? I'm not saying they need to, but as someone just coming into the Katana line, I would want to get the newer accessories if they were going to make them. Also, any word on the release date of thr Artist version? Thanks for the video! 🙂👍

[@mattnelson8325]

Hey, I would wait, if possible, for the Artist Gen 3. Controls will be on the front and get the GAFC-EX footswitch too. Just some friendly advice from a long time Artist MKII user.

[@JoMaMaz]

@@mattnelson8325 Thank you! 🙂👍 That's the plan if I end up purchasing. Thanks for chiming in. 🙂👍

[@phel21]

Having presets with the additional pedal is nice, but the front-panel should have been digitized with encoders with LED-indicators instead of regular labelled pots so that it would be possible to edit presets without the app too. Now you more or less have to ignore the front-panel when using presets. Motorized pots like the Hook Wizard could be an option too, but possibly too expensive and prone to breaking.

[@ThomannsGuitarsBasses]

I understand that, a fully digital interface would make it easier to see what's happening at the moment. There's one very important point to make though: I have the strong feeling that BOSS didn't want to make the Katana line-up feel that digital (and possibly confusing for a lot of people). Most customers want an alternative to loud and expensive tube amps and don't want the "plugin-like experience". I kinda get that, I love a big screen and lots of LEDs on a modeller but don't want that on an amp. Guitar players are weird I guess, haha! Cheers //Kris

[@playtilithertz]

Shouldn't Bluetooth be built into the Amp already without having to fork out more money for an adapter...???

[@americantrailrider7031]

I agree. I just got the gen3 ex. Figured out afterwards that I had to buy the Bluetooth extra in order to use the app.

[@lucid_delirium976]

Boss katana 50 mk1 used to cost 200 euros upon release in 2017. Let that sink in good.

[@billy1858]

hope the software has improved, [ tone studio] old one was a real pain to get working!

[@ntomatas1]

it's quite the price bump though from the mark II

[@jamesmarcin4787]

Finally, Bluetooth connection to my phone. I may finally buy a Katana.

[@Kultamitali]

Bluetooth adapter is 50€ ?!?!? Other brands has it build in…

[@markdouglas8073]

But some of us already got 2 of them because we have the GX-100 and Dual Cube LX. So those who want it now have the option. But honestly I think controlling it with my iPad is the best new feature.

[@Kultamitali]

@@markdouglas8073 yeah I agree it is very good new feature but I think it should be included because amp is much more expensive than previous.

[@jimmiphaze5785]

Also a can opener

[@wedgecs33]

I have just seen that you have multiple Reverend guitars listed on the website, will you cover that brand on video ?

[@ThomannsGuitarsBasses]

Yes, we're happy to have Reverend back in stock. We will most probably check them out on the channel soon. //Kris

[@wedgecs33]

@@ThomannsGuitarsBasses Nice ! Thank you for your response, your videos are highly appreciated !

[@filtermat]

No line out and no send return on the 50 model? Thanks I will consider the catalyst

[@giosundance5643]

It’s much needed they’ll sell so many more if the feature was available…it’s 2024 they should all have them..

[@budgetguitarherogeartv4143]

They will include those features on the next gen!😂

[@Gloomshimmer]

catalyst sounds like sht.

[@iancurrie8844]

I had the catalyst 100. It's completely missing the "amp in the room" feel. It's terrible to be honest. The Katana 50 doens't sound that good either, the speaker is the weakness. I would recommend the Katana 100 if you're in the market for these amps, from my experience..

[@markdouglas8073]

The 100 watt model is only $50 more than a Katana 50 EX. It has more than $50 worth of extra features including the FX Loop. And the Katana Head (with built-in 5” speaker) is only $20 more than the 50 and also has it. So just spend a little more for a better model.

[@christopheguillaume4032]

Looper ??

[@GCKelloch]

Love your demos, but the Amp & Master Volume knobs are down so low that the tube-emulated class AB power amp section was not in play. It's like the sound of a guitar preamp through a speaker-- no power amp section "heft" or added harmonic dynamics. Most demos of Katanas are like that. Whadda they all think the Wattage knob is for...sheesh? The Bloom Poweramp feature on the top tier models should make the amp section even more tube-like. Leave the Master Volume maxed, set the wattage knob as low as possible, and use the Channel Volumes for the level of power amp dynamics you want. Thanks for all your hard work.

[@ThomannsGuitarsBasses]

Hi, on the 50w we had the master way up, that's what you've heard in the intro playing (on my side) and once more after that where I played the Katana 50. Then on the 100 we had the master somewhat lower so that people hear both. We wanted to show both, I hope this makes sense to you too. Cheers //Kris

[@wharman1]

Where is the XLR out? I see it on the Boss site but not on the demo models. Is that only on the Artist?

[@markdouglas8073]

Only the Artist and Artist Head.

[@gider96]

I'm waiting the video for the 2 heads, i have to understand witch buy

[@markdouglas8073]

Get the Artist. If only for the front controls. I have 2 of them (MkII in stereo).

[@yetimatzenightcat8702]

Kann man damit jetzt auch waschen und trocknen ? 😊

[@ThomannsGuitarsBasses]

Selbstverständlich! Und wenn du 3x C Dur hintereinander spielst, macht es dir auch einen Kaffee. 😆 //Kris

[@yetimatzenightcat8702]

@@ThomannsGuitarsBasses Whohohoooooo 🤣 besser geht's nicht ☕👌

[@BlonderHans-ke9qt]

A USB-B port is much more sturdier than USB-C. So i prefer USB-B much more in these devices. A broken USB-C port is a real showstopper.

[@dongrosh]

really? , only 4 and 8 presets like before?? That´s a Nobrainer to me.....

[@robertandre778]

Razz Jock

[@macleod41069]

Be careful with the Bluetooth you still need a pc to update the amp before you can use the Bluetooth

[@sixslinger9951]

it still sounds pretty bad when gain is cranked. Good amp if you are staying in the clean to pushed area.

[@jmzdgrz841]

Well, it's definetely not "The New Generation", just facelifted a bit. Sad but true (c)

[@Durkhead]

If its not broke dont fix it

[@giosundance5643]

@@Durkheadno effects loop on the 50 still a broken feature to me 🗿🗿

[@ianrobbins]

Came for the salesmen noodling on electric guitars and stayed for the. No wait I didn't stay.

[@Gloomshimmer]

bluetooth costs 50 bucks extra, no fx loop on smaller ones, no footswitches integrated, old clunky software, sound okish (in times of high quality irs for 400 bucks in pedalform). this "update" would be mediocre in 2015 but today its just lame. Sorry boss, i dont pay dlcs for amps

[@Malte1878]

Boss just wants to get more Money for OUTDATED Tech!

[@markdouglas8073]

They made 7 new models and only 2 of them don’t have an FX Loop. Those are for beginners. If you want the 100w it only costs $20~$50 more than a Katana 50 EX. So your harsh put down seems ridiculous to me.

[@GuitarMav]

Bluetooth and supporting apps have been out for many years as standards in amps. This isn’t revolutionary technology. People need to start calling out the bs for what it is. Money grab with peripherals.

[@phatcataudio5958]

Sounds exactly as expected. Like 💩

[@jackblackman1947]

Sounds not really good. Digital Crizzly Sound. Cold and only life.......

[@ThierryMartinNews]

When is the last time you had a professional ear cleaning?

[@jackblackman1947]

@@ThierryMartinNews I represent my personal opinion here and don't have to let anyone insult me. Ps. My ears are still ok. Believe me...

[@ThierryMartinNews]

No I am not insulting you I am trying to solve your digital distortion problem. Perhaps you were listening to the demo on a cheap digital device? Have you ever heard a real Katana amp in an actual room? Do you think the 10 million Katana amps that have been sold were all defective?

[@GCKelloch]

That's likely in large part due to the Amp & Master Volume knobs being down so low that the tube-emulated class AB power amp section was not in play. It's like the sound of a guitar preamp through a speaker-- no extra power amp section "heft" or added harmonic dynamics. Most demos of Katanas are like that. Whadda they all think the Wattage knob is for...sheesh? The Bloom Poweramp feature on the top tier models should make the amp section even more tube-like. Hopefully someone will at least demo that correctly.

[@HeinzNolden-wn7pl]

Ich spiele eine GRETRSCH und seit 1969 JM. Nun benötige ich einen neuen Verstärker und box und hoffe, nach so vielen Jahren keinen Felhler gemacht zu haben. Was die Jungs spielen hört sich vom sound fast an wie Jimi. Bin ich auch unterwegs....