Line 6 and Boss are two major brands in the guitar world and both of these companies are legendary when it comes to guitar effects. So its no surprise that these 2 brands have created incredible modeling amps or more specifically, modeling combo amps. Combo amps come with everything: effects, tone controls, amp models and speakers. You just need to plug in your guitar! If you have considered buying one of these amps, then this article will provide some details that will help you make this decision.
Modeling amps have been around for decades but were generally considered inferior to a tube amp’s luscious sound quality. While many guitarists today still prefer tube amps, modeling technology has improved to a point that its become more common to see professionals using modeling technology.
If you are new to the world of modeling maps, then check out our article on the differences between tube amps and modeling amps. If you have a good feel for the world of modeling maps, then you’re ready to take a closer look at these two outstanding products.
Pros and Cons Comparison
Line 6 and Boss are both well-known brands in the world of guitar effects.
Line 6 is also well respected for their Helix line of floor modelers, which are used to connect to computers or into studio monitors or even an amplifier. Boss, conversely, is known for its incredible effects pedals and high-quality solid-state amplifiers that provide a clean, clear sound with built-in effects.
You really can’t go wrong when choosing between Line 6 and Boss amplifiers. But here is a quick pros and cons of each Amp.
Line 6 Catalyst – Pros and Cons
Pros
- Six Original Amp Designs that range from pristine clean to modern high-gain
- Boost circuit customized for each amp type
- Simple interface most find easy to use
- Has a good, easy-to-use app for editing
- Dedicated Reverb section with six reverb types
- 100-watt version has a power attenuator that goes to both half power and 0.5 watt for low volumes.
- Includes USB, Direct Interface Out (DI) and Effects Loop
Cons
- Quality may not be as good as higher-priced models
- It does not come with a footswitch
- Not quite as good of a value as the Boss Katana
BOSS Katana 50 MkII Pros and Cons
Pros
- The BOSS Katana 50 MkII is a powerful tool for any electric or acoustic player.
- Cab-emulated outputs and monitoring make it a silent stage and studio guitar solution.
- Versatile enough to do great cleans, crunch, and distortion
- Multi-channel footswitch support provides hands-free remote access to every sound in your arsenal.
- You can use 5 effects at one time.
- The 50-watt is a killer value and usually cheaper then comparable amps
- Boss effects are legendary. This has tons of options.
Cons
- Some effects may not be as good as a dedicated pedal.
- The amp can be a bit noisy when you turn up the gain.
- 50 watts is not loud enough to gig and 100 watts may not be loud enough for some bands
Here is a more detailed review of the BOSS Katana 50 MkII.
Comparison of Features
Both amplifiers have built-in effects and reverb, providing a variety of options for guitarists to enhance their sound. The Boss Katana and Line 6 Catalyst both offer a range of effects and reverb settings that can be customized to suit individual preferences. These built-in features allow guitarists to experiment with different tones and textures, adding depth and dimension to their playing.
The effects on both amplifiers are of high quality and offer a wide range of options, including distortion, delay, modulation, and more. Additionally, the reverb settings on both amplifiers provide a sense of space and ambience, allowing guitarists to create lush, atmospheric sounds.
Overall, the built-in effects and reverb on both amplifiers contribute to their versatility and appeal to guitarists seeking to expand their sonic possibilities.
Clean Tones
The Clean Tones are evaluated by adjusting the EQ settings on the amplifiers to achieve the desired tone.
In the comparison between the Boss Katana and the Line 6 Catalyst, both amplifiers produce a classic clean tone with variations in bass and mid-range.
The EQ settings are flat on both amplifiers, but the Katana has a green reverb while the Catalyst has a spring reverb.
When it comes to adjusting the EQ for Clean Tones, the Catalyst has a thicker mid-range while the Katana has a more defined low-end.
The variations on the Katana allow for easier dialing in of the desired tone.
Overall, both amplifiers offer a quality clean tone, but the Katana provides more options for customization.
Crunch Tones
Testing the Crunch Tones, the demo presenters evaluate the gain and overall sound of the amplifiers.
Both the Boss Katana and Line 6 Catalyst offer distinct crunch tones.
With the EQ settings set to halfway, the Catalyst produces a boutique crunch sound, while the Katana delivers a driven crunch sound.
The Catalyst’s crunch tone has a stronger low-end, while the Katana offers a more balanced EQ.
Adjusting the EQ settings allows for further customization of the desired tone.
The Catalyst benefits from pushing the gain and bass settings, while the Katana may not require additional adjustments.
Overall, both amplifiers provide satisfactory gain and sound quality, with the Katana offering more variations and easier tone dialing options.
Other Amp Tones
Exploring the different amp tones available on each amplifier reveals their versatility and potential for creating various soundscapes.
Both the Boss Katana and Line 6 Catalyst offer a range of amp tones that cater to different musical styles and preferences. The Katana features four main amp tones plus an acoustic tone, while the Catalyst offers six amp tones.
Each amplifier has its own unique characteristics and variations in tone, allowing musicians to find their desired sound. The built-in effects and reverb on both amplifiers further enhance the tonal possibilities.
Evaluating the sound and versatility of each amp tone, as well as considering the overall performance and quality of the effects, can help musicians make an informed decision about which amplifier is right for them.
Built-in Effects
Both amplifiers offer a variety of built-in effects that enhance the overall sound and versatility of the guitar tones. The Boss Katana and Line 6 Catalyst each provide a range of effects to customize and shape your tone.
The built-in effects on both amplifiers include reverb, delay, modulation, and more. These effects allow you to add depth, ambiance, and texture to your playing. Whether you prefer a subtle touch or want to create bold and dynamic sounds, both amplifiers have you covered.
The quality of the effects is impressive on both models, with a wide range of options to choose from. This gives you the flexibility to experiment and find the perfect combination of effects for your playing style.
Overall, the built-in effects on both the Boss Katana and Line 6 Catalyst provide an added layer of creativity and sonic possibilities to elevate your guitar playing experience.
Modes Comparison
To compare the modes of the two amplifiers, one must consider the different options available and how they contribute to the overall sound and versatility.
The Boss Katana offers a range of modes that the Line 6 Catalyst doesn’t have. The Katana for example, has a VOX sound that the Line 6 Catalyst doesn’t have.
In terms of bass end, the Katana has a lot of bass, while the Catalyst doesn’t have as much prominence in this area. However, the Katana may require a boost feature to adjust the bass to the desired level.
Both amplifiers have appealing topology, which affects the sound and performance. When it comes to gain, both amplifiers can handle high gain, but the Catalyst presets are less gainy compared to previous Line 6 products. The Katana presets may require adjustments to achieve the desired gain, as too much gain can result in a fizzy sound.
In terms of vintage and modern tones, the Catalyst presets have a more vintage tone, while the Katana presets have a more modern tone. The preference for vintage or modern tones is subjective, but both amplifiers offer versatility in tone options.
When it comes to lead sounds, the Catalyst presets require some adjustments, while the Katana presets have a dedicated lead mode. Both amplifiers offer options for lead sounds, and the lead sounds in both amplifiers are similar and can be further customized to personal preference.
Vintage vs Modern Tones
Evaluating personal preference, the vintage and modern tones offered by the amplifiers can be tailored to suit individual taste. The Line 6 Catalyst presets have a more vintage tone, while the Boss Katana presets have a more modern tone.
The preference for vintage or modern tones is subjective, and both options have their own merits. Vintage tones have been gaining popularity in recent years, as they evoke a nostalgic and classic sound. On the other hand, modern tones offer a more contemporary and cutting-edge sound.
Both amplifiers offer versatility in tone options, allowing musicians to experiment and find their desired sound. Ultimately, the choice between vintage and modern tones depends on the individual’s musical style and personal preference.
Lead Sounds Comparison
When examining the lead sounds of the amplifiers, it becomes apparent that each one offers unique options for musicians to explore.
The Boss Katana has a dedicated lead mode, allowing for easy customization and adjustment of lead tones.
The Line 6 Catalyst, on the other hand, requires some adjustments to achieve desired lead sounds.
Both amplifiers offer options for lead tones, and while the sounds are similar, they can be further customized to suit individual preferences.
It is worth noting that the size of the cab may affect the overall sound of the amplifiers, with the Catalyst having a larger cab compared to the Katana.
However, despite the differences in cab size, both amplifiers deliver a range of lead tones that musicians can utilize in their performances.
Cab Size and Sound
The size of the cab in each amplifier contributes to the differences in sound quality. The Line 6 Catalyst has a larger cab compared to the Boss Katana. This difference in size can affect the overall sound produced by the amplifiers.
The larger cab in the Catalyst allows for a more spacious and resonant sound, with a wider dispersion of sound waves. On the other hand, the smaller cab in the Katana may result in a tighter and more focused sound.
While both amplifiers offer a range of tones and sound options, the size of the cab plays a role in shaping the overall sound quality. It is important for guitarists to consider their preferences and the type of sound they are looking for when choosing between the two amplifiers.
Sound Quality
Sound quality is a crucial factor to consider when comparing the two amplifiers. The Boss Katana and Line 6 Catalyst both offer impressive sound quality, but there are some differences to note.
The Katana has a reputation for its versatile sound and is known for its clean tones with variations in bass and mid-range. It also offers a driven crunch sound with a balanced EQ.
On the other hand, the Catalyst provides a boutique crunch sound and has a thicker mid-range. Both amplifiers can handle high gain, but adjustments may be needed to achieve the desired level.
Ultimately, the sound quality of these amplifiers will depend on personal preference and the specific tones and effects desired by the user.
FAQ: Line 6 Catalyst vs. Boss Katana
What are the differences between Line 6 Catalyst and Boss Katana amps?
Both Line 6 Catalyst and Boss Katana amps are solid-state amps that offer a range of amp models and effects. However, there are some key differences between the two. The Line 6 Catalyst has a wider range of amp models and effects, as well as more advanced editing capabilities. The Boss Katana, on the other hand, has a simpler interface, and is more user-friendly. It still has a large number of high-quality effects.
Which amp is better for metal: Line 6 Catalyst or Boss Katana?
Both the Line 6 Catalyst and Boss Katana amps are capable of producing great metal tones. However, the Line 6 Catalyst has a wider range of high-gain amp models and effects, making it the better choice for metal players who want a lot of customization options.
What is the difference between a Boss Katana MKII 50 and 100?
The Boss Katana MKII 50 delivers 50 watts of power, whereas the Boss Katana MKII 100 packs a more robust punch with 100 watts. This variance in power output translates to differing levels of volume and headroom, making the 100-watt version ideal for larger venues or band performances where a higher volume is required.
The Boss Katana MKII 50 has 4 tones slots while the 100 has 8 tone slots. The 100 also has an effects loop. The 100 is about 7lbs heavier.
What are the amp types available on the Boss Katana?
The Boss Katana offers a range of amp types, including Clean, Crunch, Lead, Brown, and Acoustic. Each amp type has its own unique characteristics and can be customized using the amp’s built-in effects.
Does the Line 6 Catalyst and Boss Katana have a noise gate?
Both amps have a noise suppression feature.
Can you use headphones with a Line 6 Catalyst and Boss Katana ?
Yes. both amps have a headphone out jack.
Is the Boss Katana MkII a good amp for professional use?
Yes, the Boss Katana MkII is a great amp for professional use. It offers a wide range of amp models and effects, as well as advanced editing capabilities.
Can the built-in effects on these amplifiers be customized or edited to create unique sounds?
Yes, the built-in effects on both the Boss Katana and Line 6 Catalyst amplifiers can be customized and edited to create unique sounds. This allows guitarists to tailor their effects to their personal preferences and create their own signature tones.
Conclusion: Which One is the Best Modeling Amp?
When comparing the Line 6 Catalyst to the Boss Katana, you realize that each of these amps are feature rich and a great value. You really can’t go wrong.
If I had to make a choice, I would buy the Boss Katana based on reputation and the fact that I love Boss effects. I would definitely favor the Boss Katana 100-watt version if I was going to be gigging with it. That said, I would buy the Line 6 Catalyst if I wanted more amp models and I was able to find it for a lower price.
