Boss’ range of Katana guitar amps pack in a diverse range of modelling and effects, and come in shapes and sizes ranging from small combos to larger, and more powerful, head and cabinet rigs. The latest addition to the series packs much of the same functionality into a compact headphone amp that connects directly to an instrument, offering users with a versatile solution for on-the-go practise.
The Katana:Go connects to an instrument via a foldable quarter-inch TS plug, with a 3.5mm mini-jack socket offering an output intended for a pair of headphones or earbuds. Boss have implemented a Stage Feel feature, which offers a range of presets that position the amp sound — and backing tracks streamed from a Bluetooth device — in different positions in the sound field to emulate the experience of playing on a stage or in a rehearsal room. Controls are provided for key parameters such as volume and memory selection, and there’s an onboard display that offers a visual indication of the currently loaded memory as well as functioning as a built-in tuner.
As for the onboard sounds, the device comes loaded with a total of 13 amp models (10 for guitar and three for bass) and over 60 effects. The sounds range from cleans to high-gain Boss Brown-based tones, as well as a dedicated option for acoustic guitars, and bassists benefit from Vintage, Modern and Flat modes that have been ported directly from the Katana Bass amps. All of the included effects can be customised from an iOS or Android device using the Boss Tone Studio companion app, which also makes it possible to customise the 30 pre-loaded onboard memories, as well as creating new ones from scratch.
Spatial presets on the Katana:Go allow for positioning the amp and backing music in the sound field, giving the impression through headphones of playing with a backline on stage or jamming in a room.
Katana:Go also boasts a built-in USB audio interface, making it possible to record or stream directly from the device — the Stage Feel processing can be applied to the USB audio stream, if desired. For those looking for some additional control, the unit can be paired with Boss’ EV-1-WL Wireless MIDI Expression Pedal and FS-1-WL Wireless Footswitch, which can be assigned to functions such as volume control, memory selection, effects on/off and more.
Pricing & Availability
The Katana:Go is available now, priced at $119 £120 including VAT.
