Boss unveils the Katana MKII

BOSS has unveiled the Katana MKII, an update on the popular Katana series of amplifiers. Like the previous range, each model in the range operates on the same core circuitry, which has seen the addition of numerous features to make the versatile amps even more appealing.

The Katana MKII comes in a 50 watt Combo, a 100 watt combo with either one or two 12-inch speakers and a 100 watt head.

The MKII retains the same core controls on the face of the amp’s panel, with a few useful upgrades. Still here is the useful wattage selector switch, allowing for cranked tones at bedroom volume. The preamp selector switch allows for Acoustic, Clean, Crunch, Lead and Brown sounds as before – but now a ‘variation’ switch brings the total number of preamp options up to ten, kicking each into an alternate mode.

The effects section has seen considerable expansion, with a very Boss addition of a dual-ring knob for both the Boost and Mod effects, and for the ‘FX’ and Modulation effects. Previously, each pair of effects lived in different halves of the same control. The dual-ring knob now allows for independent control. In addition to this, using the new Boss Tone Studio software there’s room for 65 different effects on board the amp.

The I/O has also gotten a boost, with a dedicated Power Amp In (which is similar to, but not the same as, an effects-loop return), allowing for your Kemper profiler or Line 6 Helix to run straight into the Katana MK II’s Class A/B power amp. On the 100 watt models, there’s now a stereo link, that lets you join two MKIIs together – with the on-board reverb and delay making use of the stereo setup.

The prices for the Katana MKII are as follows:

• KTN-50MKII: £237
• KTN-100MKII: £334
• KTN-100/212MKII: £439
• KTN-HEADMKII: £369

Watch Boss’ demonstration of the amps below:

More information at boss.info