The Boss Katana-50 MkII is a guitar amplifier that is probalby recommended the most on public forums or reddits. It has been designed to meet the needs of guitarists of all levels. It is a 50W modeling amp that comes packed with an amazing wide range of high-quality sounds and effects. It is perfect for both practicing and performing, and it is also an excellent choice for recording.
As many people know, Boss has been a well respected force in the guitar pedal world. So there is no surprise that this amp has effects, including delays, reverbs, and modulations, which you can use to enhance your sound further.
Another great feature of the Boss Katana-50 MkII is its Power Control. This feature allows you to adjust the wattage of the amp, so you can get the perfect sound at any volume. You can choose between 50W, 25W, and 0.5W, which makes it an excellent choice for both home practice and live performances. Additionally, the amp has a cab-emulated headphone/recording output, which allows you to record your playing without the need for additional equipment.
Cabinet Emulation, Recording & Software
One of the standout features of the Boss Katana-50 MkII is its ability to connect to a computer or headphones via USB and phones/recording outputs with mic’d cabinet emulation. This allows you to easily send mix-ready amp tones to your computer DAW or headphones, making it a great choice for recording and silent practice.
The direct sound can be shaped with five different Air Feel settings, which are accessible from BOSS Tone Studio. This software also allows you to customize and save your own amp settings, as well as download patches created by other users.
In addition to its impressive sound quality, the Boss Katana-50 MkII also offers a range of practical features that make it a great choice for gigging musicians. It has a power amp input for using with modellers and profilers, as well as a one-touch reset recall function that makes it easy to switch between different amp settings on the fly.
Features
This section will cover some of the key features of the Boss Katana-50 MkII.
Tone Settings
The Katana-50 MkII offers a range of tone settings that allow you to customize the sound of your guitar. You can choose from five different amp characters, each with its own unique sound. These amp characters include Clean, Crunch, Lead, Brown, and Acoustic. Additionally, you can adjust the EQ settings to further tailor your sound.
Effects
The Katana-50 MkII comes with a variety of built-in effects that can be easily accessed and customized. You can choose from 60 different effects, including distortion, delay, and reverb. The amp also includes a dedicated Pedal FX section that makes it easy to set up foot-controlled wah and pedal bend.
Power Control
The Katana-50 MkII features a Power Control function that allows you to adjust the output power of the amp. This is particularly useful if you want to practice at lower volumes or if you’re playing in a small venue. You can choose from three different power settings: 50 watts, 25 watts, and 0.5 watts.
Overall, the Boss Katana-50 MkII is a powerful and versatile guitar amplifier that offers a range of features to enhance your playing experience. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional, this amp has something to offer.
Tone Shaping & EQ
The amp also includes a variety of tone-shaping options, including a three-band EQ, presence control, and tone setting memories, allowing you to fine-tune your sound to your exact specifications. Whether you prefer a bright, shimmering tone or a warm, mellow sound, the Katana-50 MkII has everything you need to achieve your ideal sound.
Ease of Use
One of the standout features of the Boss Katana-50 MkII is its ease of use. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, you’ll find that this amp is intuitive and straightforward to navigate.
The control layout is well-organized, with clearly labeled knobs and buttons that are easy to access and adjust. The amp also features a built-in LED display that provides visual feedback on your settings and effects.
Build Quality
The Boss Katana-50 MkII is a solidly built amp that feels sturdy and durable. The cabinet is constructed from high-quality materials and the knobs and switches are firm and responsive. The amp is designed to withstand the rigors of regular use and transportation, making it an ideal choice for gigging musicians.
One of the standout features of the Katana-50 MkII is its compact size and lightweight design. Weighing in at just under 25 pounds, this amp is easy to carry and transport, making it perfect for musicians who are always on the go. The amp is also designed to be stackable, so you can easily add additional units to your setup if you need more power.
The control panel on the Katana-50 MkII is well laid out and easy to navigate. The knobs and switches are clearly labeled and the LED indicators make it easy to see which settings you have selected. The amp also features a built-in tuner, which is a handy feature that can save you time and hassle when you’re setting up for a gig.
Value for Money
If you’re in the market for a versatile, high-quality amplifier that won’t break the bank, the Boss Katana-50 MkII is an excellent choice. Packed with features and boasting a wide range of tones, this amp offers excellent value for money. It’s actually quite amazing that you can get a modeling amp that sounds this good for under $300.
The Boss Katana-50 MkII for a Beginner Guitar Player
If you’re a beginner guitar player looking for a versatile and reliable amp, the Boss Katana-50 MkII is a great choice. This amp offers a wide range of tone options, from clean and crisp to heavy and distorted, making it perfect for any genre of music. The beginner guitar player will get introduced to a large variety of tones which eventually can be used to help find the tone you love.
The Boss Katana-50 MkII for an Experienced Guitar Player
Even though I don’t own this amp, I have played it and think its outstanding. I still own an inexpensive modeler (NUX MG0-30) as well as amp plugins. This allows me to test some different sounds and record songs using amp models that match the gear that was used to record songs that I’m covering. This amp can essentially do the same thing, but comes in a combo amp platform. I’m normally just playing my modeling gear through my PC or running into an amp and cab using the 4 cable method. But if I wanted an all in one package, I wouldn’t hesitate.
Video Review
Here is a 3rd party review from Marty Music
