With its built-in BOSS effects, the Katana-Artist lets you perform anywhere with just a guitar and amp. Connecting to the BOSS Tone Studio via USB provides access to 61 effects—the Katana Version 3 update brings the Roland DC-30 Analog Chorus-Echo, the BOSS GE-10 Graphic Equalizer, and the 95E pedal wah, and you can load your favorites into the amp's various effects sections. Going beyond standard distortion, delay, and reverb, the selection includes powerful tone shapers like pitch shifting, ring mod, channel and global EQs, and more. You'll also note the effects loop on hand for patching in to external gear you can't live without. With BOSS's Tone Studio, you're able to move the loop's position, adjust input/output gain, and select series/parallel operation as needed.
The Katana-Artist can store your favorite amp channel and effects setups in its Tone Setting memories for instant recall. After you've dialed in a sound with the panel controls, simply save it to the desired memory with a quick button hold. Eight Tone Settings (two banks of four) are available on the amp, selectable from the front panel. It's also possible to use a separately available external footswitch for hands-free control of specific parameters on the gig.
Familiar controls for gain, presence, and the three-band tone stack let you dial in sounds quickly, while essential effects parameters are adjusted with a simple twist of the knob. With an onboard Power Control, you can roll back the overall volume while retaining the expressive tone and feel of a cranked-up amp. The Katana-Artist also features line, USB, and phones/recording outputs with cabinet simulation, allowing you to feed PA systems, computer DAWs, or headphones with sound that mimics a miked cab. Using the panel's Air Feel knob, the spatial character of the cab simulation can be instantly adjusted to suit different songs or styles.
Through BOSS's Tone Central website, you'll find free amp and effects setups for the Katana series, created by pro guitarists, and designed to provide ready-to-play sounds for various music styles. You can load them into the memories of a Katana amp via the BOSS Tone Studio editor software, which is also available at the site. BOSS Tone Studio also gives you a convenient way to organize all your Katana setups for different gigs, recordings, and practice sessions.
