The Katana-100 MkII: The Ultimate Versatile Amp for Gigging Guitarists

BOSS   |   March 11, 2024

posted by: Levi

The BOSS Katana amp series has been a runaway hit with guitarists since its introduction, offering incredible tones and features at an affordable price point. Now, BOSS has taken everything to the next level with the release of the Katana-100 MkII. This 100-watt combo amp builds upon the solid foundation of the original Katanas while adding more sounds, more effects, easier usability, and enhanced connectivity options to meet the needs of today’s guitarists, from the bedroom to the stage.

At the heart of the Katana-100 MkII are its five primary amp characters – Clean, Crunch, Lead, Brown, and Acoustic. Each character delivers authentic tube amp tones, from sparkling cleans to high-gain distortion, plus a dedicated voice for acoustic-electric guitars. The MkII ups the ante by including an additional variation for each amp character, providing a total of ten unique overall tones to choose from. This wide selection of core sounds makes it easy to dial in the right tone for any musical genre or playing style.

But the Katana-100 MkII is far more than just a simple modeling amp. BOSS has loaded it with a full complement of effects that can be used simultaneously, just like having a fully-stocked, pro-level pedalboard right inside your amp. The MkII expands the onboard effects from three categories to five – Booster, Mod, FX, Delay, and Reverb. Each category includes three ready-to-play variations, giving you a total of 15 effects out of the box. And by connecting to the BOSS Tone Studio software, you can access over 60 effect types and customize your selections and routing even further.

Features & Flexibility

One of the standout features of the Katana-100 MkII is its Power Control, which allows you to get inspiring, cranked-amp tones at any volume, even bedroom levels. The Power Control works in conjunction with the amp’s Tube Logic design to deliver rich, responsive power amp distortion that behaves just like a real tube amp turned up to 10. So if you want big, full tones but can’t crank a 100-watt stack, the Katana-100 MkII lets you get that same vibe without shaking the foundations.

Flexibility is a hallmark of the Katana series, and the MkII takes things even further. The rear panel includes a Power Amp Input, letting you connect your favorite preamps, modelers, and multi-effects units directly to the Tube Logic power section, bypassing the Katana’s own preamp and effects. With the BOSS Tone Studio software, you can then optimize the amp’s response for your gear, with adjustable gain and a high-pass filter for taming boomy low end.

The Katana-100 MkII also makes it simple to save your go-to amp and effect setups for instant recall. Just dial in your sound using the intuitive panel controls, then save it to one of eight available Tone Setting memories. You can then recall your Tone Settings at any time with the push of a button. And with the optional GA-FC/GA-FC EX foot controllers, you get even more real-time control, with the ability to select Tone Settings, turn individual effects on and off, and even tweak parameters via expression pedals.

Perfect for Playing Live at Any Venue

For playing live, the Katana-100 MkII has all the bases covered. Its semi-closed back cabinet is equipped with a custom 12-inch speaker that can easily keep up with a pounding drummer. And thanks to the built-in line and USB outputs, it’s easy to send mic’d cabinet emulated tones to a front-of-house mixer or recording DAW. The Katana’s direct tones can be shaped with your choice of five different Air Feel settings, and the USB connection supports two-channel audio, allowing you to take full advantage of the amp’s stereo effects.

Dual amp setups are also a breeze thanks to the MkII’s new Stereo Expand feature. Simply connect a second Katana MkII via a single cable and you can control both amps seamlessly from the main unit. All of the Katana’s stereo-compatible effects like chorus, delay, and reverb are automatically routed for wide, expansive sound. It’s never been easier or more affordable to get a full stereo rig up and running.

Speaking of affordable, perhaps the most remarkable thing about the Katana-100 MkII is how much it offers for the price. This is truly an amp that can hang with some of the most expensive boutique designs out there in terms of sound quality and features. But you don’t have to be a rock star to own one. The Katana makes professional-level tones accessible to everyday guitarists looking for a reliable, gig-worthy amp that can handle any situation.

Swiss Army Knife of Amps

So whether you’re playing small clubs, recording in the studio, rehearsing with a band, or just jamming at home, the Katana-100 MkII has you covered. It’s the ultimate Swiss army knife for guitarists who appreciate great sound and the ability to conjure any tone imaginable at a moment’s notice. By combining the already legendary Katana platform with enhanced tone-crafting power, BOSS has set a new standard for what the modern guitar amp can be.

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One thought on "The Katana-100 MkII: The Ultimate Versatile Amp for Gigging Guitarists"

  1. Levi says:
    March 20, 2024 at 2:31 pm

    What’s your favorite new feature of the BOSS Katana-100 MkII amp that makes it a must-have for gigging guitarists? Reply to this comment below!

    Reply

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