BOSS Katana Artist MkII

The Katana MkII series takes the acclaimed guitar modeling series to a new level by expanding the number of sound modes, effects and features. Within each of the five basic sound modes (Clean, Crunch, Lead, Brown, and Acoustic) you can now choose between two sound mods, the Tone Studio app's effects database (editing software) is expanded with pre/post EQ and Pedal FX effects, and functionality is improved (Power Amp input, updated editing software, and many other enhancements).

The Katana-Artist MkII is a guitar modeling combo with a Class A/B end amp and 100 watts of power that uses BOSS Tube Logic technology - providing the authentic distortion output characteristics of classic tube amps. Thanks to the Power Control function (100 W, 50 W, 0.5 W), you'll be able to enjoy the "kick" sound and response of the machine even at room volume.

Within the wide range of machine sounds, it's easy to find your own - whether you're more into oldies retro tones, more modern hi-gain or looking for a sound optimised for electro-acoustic guitars. The effect unit offers five separate effect groups (Booster/OD/Distortion, Mod, FX, Delay, Reverb), and you can use all five simultaneously to fully replace the boxes in your pedalboard. By connecting to BOSS Tone Studio software you can go even further - you can customise sections with over 60 different effect types, change the order of effects in strings and much more. The Tone Studio itself is a delight to upgrade with a new design, the inclusion of Wah and Pedal Bend pedal effects in the new Pedal FX section, or the ability to import patches from the first generation of Katana instruments.

For shaping the sound, in addition to the standard three-band EQ of the pre-amp section and the Presence potentiometer of the end amp, there's a three-position Contour control and Global EQ switch, which offers three settings and customizability in Boss Tone Studio. Most of you will also appreciate the novelty of the Solo control, which details the desired "kick" sound for guitar solos. A definite plus is also the ability to save your favourite type and effect settings in the Tone Setting memory. There are eight Tone Settings memories (two banks of four) and you can select from them directly from the panel. You can also connect an external footswitch (not included) and conveniently control effects with it.

Thanks to the Power Amp input, you can use the combo as an end amp and cabinet (bypassing the preamp section) for your favorite preamp, modeler or multieffects. The Line Out/Power Amp In link also allows you to play through two Katana Artist MkIIs simultaneously, where you can use the mix of the two instruments' sound, i.e. clean/dirty, wet/dry etc., in Dual Link and control them with the GA-FC footswitch (not included), or use the instruments to achieve a pure stereo sound, i.e. first instrument Master, second Slave.

With USB and combined headphone/recording out outputs with simulated cabinet microphones you can send the sound of the combo directly to your DAW. You can adjust the character of the cabinet simulation sound using Air Feel (accessible from Boss Tone Studio) and Cabinet Resonance. The model also supports two-channel USB operation. Other features include a serial/parallel effects loop, outputs to external speakers with 16 and 8 ohm impedance, MIDI compatibility and an Aux In input for connecting external audio sources.

The foundation of the modeling combo's high-quality sound is the Custom Waza 12-inch speaker and the cabinet's solid construction with a semi-open back panel design.