BOSS Katana Artist Head Gen 3

The Next Generation of a Modern Classic

With Katana Gen 3, the acclaimed BOSS stage amplifier series evolves to take your guitar ambitions to the next level. The flagship Katana Artist Head Gen 3 brings you the ultimate Katana experience, offering 100 watts of Class AB power and a host of advanced tone tools. New Tube Logic enhancements enrich the core platform with even greater sound, feel, and response, including an expressive Pushed amp character and a unique Bloom option that revoices the amp’s feel and response. BOSS Tone Studio has also been updated, making your editing workflow more intuitive than ever.

FEATURES

• Third-generation Katana amplifier with evolved Tube Logic sound and expressiveness 

• Flagship 100-watt amplifier head with advanced tone tools and a custom cabinet design

• Distinctive gray and black matrix grille

• Six amp characters—including the newly developed Pushed type—plus a selectable variation for each

• Bloom switch engages a dedicated circuit that revoices the amp’s feel and response

• Five independent effects sections: Booster, Mod, FX, Delay, and Reverb

• Solo section with dedicated level boost and delay effect 

• Three-way Contour for shaping the overall tonal color

• Three selectable Global EQ options 

• 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

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, 1/4-inch and XLR line outputs, and USB output with IR-based cabinet sound

• Three speaker jacks: one 8-ohm and two 16-ohm (8-ohm total load supported)

• Record/playback tracks in music production software on a computer or mobile device* via a USB-C®

• MIDI input for advanced remote control

• *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)

• Companion Katana Cabinet 212 Waza with two 12-inch Waza speakers

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 outputs, and USB recording output

• Fine-tune the three Contour settings 

• Customize the three Global EQs

• Effect loop controls, including post amp/post reverb positioning and series/parallel operation

• Save and organize Livesets for different playing applications

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 advantages 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.

Meet the Moment
Katana Artist Head Gen 3 supports up to two speaker cabs to take on every performance need. Carefully constructed and loaded with dual Waza speakers, the robust Katana Cabinet 212 Waza is perfectly tuned to maximize the head’s full potential. These custom BOSS speakers deliver the true character and response of the famous ’60s 25-watt British stack speaker with modern power handling capacity. Cabinets can be stacked to create a 4x12 setup, and the versatile design features a removable panel for closed-back or open-back sound. 

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 touch-responsive gain of a driven clean combo. All six amp characters also include a variation for 12 distinctive tones. Going further, the Bloom switch engages a dedicated circuit that introduces a totally different amp feel. The sound comes alive with a sharper attack and a richly dynamic low-end response, two characteristics that are difficult to achieve at once. 

“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.

Famous BOSS Effects
Katana Artist Head Gen 3 features five simultaneous effect categories loaded with essential selections from the historic BOSS library. Booster, Mod, FX, Delay, and Reverb sections offer enhanced sound quality and access to 15 unique effects. There’s also a dedicated Solo section with a level boost and delay effect. BOSS Tone Studio unlocks additional possibilities, allowing you to customize the onboard effects from 60 different types and tweak deep options not available from the amp’s panel. And when the optional Bluetooth® Audio MIDI Dual Adaptor is installed, you can wirelessly edit sounds on the gig using the BTS editor app on your smartphone.

Unrivaled Sound-Shaping
BOSS Tone Studio for Katana Gen 3 offers new visual enhancements and graphic customization options that make crafting your tone faster and more intuitive. Explore amp and effect editing tools, change the effect order, and shape the overall sound with the three-way Contour control and multiple EQs. Dial in system-wide settings and behaviors. And organize custom setups for all your gigs. You also have access to BOSS Tone Exchange, where you can download pro setups and share sounds with the worldwide Katana community.

Complete Stage Command
Katana Artist Head Gen 3 features a host of powerful tools for modern performers. Eight Tone Setting memories let you store and recall complete amp/effect setups, while rear-panel jacks support remote control with footswitches, an expression pedal, and MIDI. The GA-FC and GA-FC EX Foot Controllers extend your capabilities even further, providing complete stage control solutions for your Katana Gen 3. Switch Tone Settings, turn effects on/off, integrate multiple expression pedals, and more. The GA-FC EX model also includes an expansion option to double your footswitches or control two Katana amps at once.  

Expand Your Range
Katana Artist Head Gen 3 flows with all your creative journeys. Easily link two amps via the Stereo Expand* function, with master control from the main amp and stereo effects like chorus, delay, and reverb distributed across both amps for a wide, immersive sound. Or connect to the Power Amp In jack to bypass the Katana preamp and use the reactive Class AB power section to amplify a modeler or an external preamp.

*Stereo Expand is supported on all Katana Gen 3 and MkII models except the Katana-50 Gen 3 and Katana-50 MkII.

Get Connected
Katana Artist Head Gen 3 includes connectivity to meet every need. Plug in headphones to practice quietly with stereo sound. Send a feed to a house PA via the XLR or 1/4-inch Line Out jacks. And record to your favorite music software on computers and mobile devices over USB-C. All audio outputs feature IR-based cabinet sound for great direct tone, with three Air Feel types and two customizable settings in BOSS Tone Studio.

SPECIFICATIONS

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)

Controls:

• POWER switch

• RESONANCE knob

• PRESENCE knob

• MASTER knob

• SOLO LEVEL knob

• SOLO DELAY knob

• SOLO button

• SOLO TAP button

• LINE OUT button

• LINE OUT switch(CUSTOM､REC､BLEND､LIVE)

• GLOBAL EQ button

• POWER CONTROL switch (STANDBY, 0.5 W, HALF, MAX)

• CAB RESONANCE switch (VINTAGE, MODERN, DEEP)

Amplifier Controls:

• VARIATION button

• BLOOM button

• AMP TYPE knob (ACOUSTIC, CLEAN, PUSHED, CRUNCH, LEAD, BROWN)

• GAIN knob

• VOLUME knob

Equalizer Controls:

• CONTOUR button

• BASS knob

• MIDDLE knob

• TREBLE knob

Effect Controls:

• BOOSTER button

• MOD button

• FX button

• DELAY button

• REVERB button

• TAP button

• BOOSTER knob

• MOD knob

• FX knob

• DELAY knob

• REVERB knob

Tone Setting Controls:

• BANK button

• CH1 button

• CH2 button

• CH3 button

• CH4 button

• PANEL button

• STEREO EXPAND switch

• GND LIFT switch (off, on)

Indicators:

• VARIATION

• BLOOM

• ACOUSTIC

• CLEAN

• PUSHED

• CRUNCH

• LEAD

• BROWN

• CONTOUR

• BOOSTER

• MOD

• FX

• DELAY

• REVERB

• TAP

• SOLO

• SOLO TAP

• LINE OUT

• GLOBAL EQ

• BANK

• 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: XLR 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

• SPEAKER OUT 16 ohms A jack: 1/4-inch phone type

• SPEAKER OUT 16 ohms B jack: 1/4-inch phone type

• SPEAKER OUT 8 ohms jack: 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

• MIDI IN connector

• BLUETOOTH ADAPTOR SLOT: BluetoothⓇ Audio MIDI Dual Adaptor

• AC IN jack

Power Consumption: 77 W
Dimensions (Include handle and rubber feet): 631 (W) x 246 (D) x 296 (H) mm / 24-27/32 (W) x 9-11/16 (D) x 11-21/32 (H) inches
Weight: 12.4 kg / 27 lbs 5.4 oz
Accessories: Owner's manual, Power cord, GA-FC sticker
Options:

• Footswitch: BOSS FS-5L, BOSS FS-6, BOSS FS-7

• Expression pedal: Roland EV-5, BOSS EV-30, BOSS FV-500L, BOSS FV-500H

• BluetoothⓇ Audio MIDI Dual Adaptor (Model BT-DUAL)

• GA FOOT CONTROLLER (GA-FC, GA-FC EX)

* 0dBu=0.775 Vrms

For more information, click here to visit the manufacturers website.