BOSS Katana-100 Gen 3 1x12 100W Guitar Combo Amplifier

An In-Depth Review BOSS Katana Gen 3 with Mega Music

Electric Guitar Cover of Metallica’s 'Enter Sandman' on the BOSS Katana Gen 3

The Katana Gen 3 evolves the acclaimed BOSS stage amplifier series and takes your guitar ambitions to the next level. New Tube Logic enhancements further improve the core platform for even better sound, feel, and response. This includes character, an expressive, pushed amp that fans of edge-of-breakup will love. The BOSS Tone Studio app has also been updated to make your remote amp and effects editing workflow more intuitive than ever. Packed with exciting sound tools and versatile connectivity options, Katana Gen 3 is the essential centerpiece for studio recording, live performance, and daily practice. Packed with 100 watts of Class AB power, the Katana-100 Gen 3 model delivers rich, stage-ready sound in an easy-to-carry 1x12 combination.

Versatile Connectivity

• Power Amp In for preamps, modelers, and multi-effects
• Stereo Expand function to link with a second Katana amp
• Send/return loop for external pedals
• Stereo headphones jack, line output, and USB output with IR-based cabinet sound
• Record/playback tracks in music production software on a computer or mobile device* via a USB-C® *Compatibility with all third-party devices and software is not guaranteed

Expansion Options

• Jacks for up to two footswitches and an expression pedal
• Supports the GA-FC and GA-FC EX Foot Controllers for complete stage control
• Optional Bluetooth® Audio MIDI Dual Adaptor (BT-DUAL) for wireless audio playback from a mobile device and remote editing from the BTS app (iOS/Android)

BOSS Tone Studio

• Newly updated interface for a more intuitive workflow
• Customize the onboard effects with over 60 premium BOSS types
• Detailed amp and effect editing tools, including deep parameter controls, effect order, and more
• Customize the IR-based cabinet sound for the headphones, line out, and USB recording output
• Fine-tune the three Contour settings
• Shape the overall tone with multiple EQs
• Effect loop controls, including post amp/post reverb positioning and series/parallel operation
• Save and organise Livesets for different playing applications

Download “BOSS TONE STUDIO for KATANA GEN 3” for Windows/macOS Download “BTS for KATANA GEN 3” for iOS Download “BTS for KATANA GEN 3” for Android

Katana Gen 3: Inspiration Unbound Backed by our advanced Tube Logic amplifier architecture and reactive Class AB power, the BOSS Katana series has become a standard for guitarists everywhere since its introduction in 2016. Katana amps embody decades of BOSS development knowledge, providing professional, tube-inspired sound coupled with modern ad vantages like onboard effects, one-touch memory recall, deep sound customization, and reduced weight. Katana Gen 3 elevates the lineup with even more range and versatility, bringing you a playing experience that goes where no other amps can. Refined Tube Logic Tones Tube Logic recreates tube circuitry and all its complex interactions at a component level. Our approach continues to evolve with refinements to the five amp characters available in previous Katana models, including the iconic high- gain Brown type. The new Pushed character spotlights internal dynamic enhancements with the pleasing touch- responsive gain of a clean combo driven into harmonic saturation. All six amp characters also include a selectable variation for 12 distinctive tones. In comparison with the standard 50-watt model, Katana-50 EX Gen 3 features an upgraded speaker for increased projection and resonance on stage. “Sweet Spot” Sound at Any Volume As every tube amp lover knows, the sound becomes richer, fuller, and more responsive as you turn up the volume. Unfortunately, it also gets way too loud for many playing situations. An external power attenuator is a common solution, but it can introduce artifacts that color the amp’s tone and feel. The integrated Power Control in Katana Gen 3 delivers the best of all worlds, letting you dial in cranked-amp inspiration with no adverse effect on the sound. Just turn the panel knob to transparently harness the level for everything from live stage playing to daily bedroom jams.

Features

• Third-generation Katana amplifier with evolved Tube Logic sound and expressiveness
• Stage-ready 100-watt combo amp with a custom 12-inch speaker
• Six amp characters—including the newly developed Pushed type—plus a selectable variation for each
• Five independent effects sections: Booster, Mod, FX, Delay, and Reverb
• Three-way Contour for shaping the overall tonal color
• Three Cabinet Resonance options: Vintage, Modern, and Deep
• Eight Tone Setting memories for storing all amp and effect settings
• Power Control for achieving cranked-amp tone and response at low volumes
• Updated Boss Tone Studio app (Windows/macOS) for remote editing from a computer or mobile device
• Download and share Katana sounds on BOSS Tone Exchange
• Compatible with sounds created on previous stage-class Katana models

Specification

Rated Power Output 100 W Nominal Input Level INPUT: -10 dBu (1 M ohms) AUX IN: -10 dBu (20 k ohms) RETURN IN: -10 dBu (100 k ohms) Speaker 30 cm (12 inches) x 1 Controls POWER switch PRESENCE knob MASTER knob SOLO button POWER CONTROL switch (STANDBY, 0.5 W, HALF, MAX) CAB RESONANCE switch (VINTAGE, MODERN, DEEP) Amplifier VARIATION button AMP TYPE knob (ACOUSTIC, CLEAN, PUSHED, CRUNCH, LEAD, BROWN) GAIN knob VOLUME knob Equaliser CONTOUR button BASS knob MIDDLE knob TREBLE knob Effect BOOSTER button MOD button FX button DELAY button REVERB button TAP button BOOSTER knob MOD knob FX knob DELAY knob REVERB knob Tone Setting CH1 button CH2 button CH3 button CH4 button PANEL button Stereo Expand STEREO EXPAND switch Indicators VARIATION ACOUSTIC CLEAN PUSHED CRUNCH LEAD BROWN CONTOUR BOOSTER MOD FX DELAY REVERB TAP SOLO CH1 CH2 CH3 CH4 PANEL Connectors INPUT jack: 1/4-inch phone type POWER AMP IN jack: 1/4-inch phone type LINE OUT jack: 1/4-inch phone type SEND jack: 1/4-inch phone type RETURN jack: 1/4-inch phone type STEREO PHONES jack: Stereo 1/4-inch phone type EXP PEDAL jack: 1/4-inch TRS phone type GA-FC/CTL CH1/CH2 SOLO jack: 1/4-inch TRS phone type AUX IN jack: Stereo miniature phone type USB port: USB C type BLUETOOTH ADAPTOR SLOT: BluetoothⓇ Audio MIDI Dual Adaptor AC IN jack Power Consumption 77 W Dimensions (Include handle and rubber feet) 530 (W) x 248(D) x 484(H) mm 20-7/8 (W) x 9-13/16 (D) x 17-1/2 (H) inches Weight 14.8 kg 32 lbs 11 oz Accessories Owner's manual Power cord GA-FC sticker Options (sold separately) Footswitch: BOSS FS-5L, BOSS FS-6, BOSS FS-7 Expression pedal: Roland EV-5, BOSS EV-30, BOSS FV-500L, BOSS FV-500H GA FOOT CONTROLLER (GA-FC, GA-FC EX) BluetoothⓇ Audio MIDI Dual Adaptor (Model BT-DUAL) Amplifier Stand: BAS-1 * 0dBu=0.775 Vrms