In late 2019, Boss released its latest line of Katana series of amplifiers, the Boss Katana 50 MK2. There was a lot of hype upon its release and after trying it, we added it to our list of best guitar amps available in the market today. It’s amp variation feature is a new addition and it makes it super versatile giving you all the effects you can possibly need.
Boss Katana is a line of solid-state guitar amplifiers produced by the Japanese company Boss Corporation. In our 2022 list of best solid-state amps, this brand by Boss emerged top ahead of other renowned brands such as Yamaha. The Katana series was initially introduced in 2015 as the successor to the popular Boss ME-50 multi-effects pedal. The Katana 50 MK2 is a 50-watt, 1×12 combo amplifier with two channels, four modes, and a built-in effects loop. It’s a great amp for both beginners and experienced players alike.
The MK2 is different from the older model and the main differentiator of the MK2 is the different amp types it has – Clean, Brown, Lead, Crunch, and Acoustic.
The Boss Katana 50 MK2 is a great all-around amplifier for those looking for a versatile, affordable option. It has two channels (Clean and Lead) with four modes (Crunch, Metal, Boost, and Flat) that can be selected via the Mode Select knob. The Clean channel is very clean and can get pretty loud without breaking up. The Lead channel has four modes that allow you to get a variety of different sounds, from classic rock to metal. The Boost mode adds some extra gain and punch to the sound, while the Flat mode gives you a more modern, high-gain sound.
The Boss Katana 50 MK2 guitar amplifier is perfect for players who want the power, punch and cut-through of a class-defying amp. The 12-inch speaker provides incredible power and projection, while five unique amp characters offer a range of tones to suit any style. Newly voiced variations for each character provide even more tonal options, making the Katana 50 MK2 an incredibly versatile amplifier.
The Boss Katana 50 MK2 is a five-section guitar amplifier with three variations for each section. This allows for an immense variety of sounds, which can be further customized using the BOSS Tone Studio software. The Pedal FX section provides dedicated effects for your pedals, while the Cranked-amp tone and response at low volumes gives you the feel of a cranked amp at lower volumes. The Mic’d cabinet emulation section provides an authentic cab sound when recording direct.
Boss Katana 50 MK2 Guitar Amplifier Head Features:
-Independent Booster, Mod, FX, Delay, and Reverb sections put the tone-shaping power of a massive pedalboard right inside your amp. With three variations in each section for a total of 15 ready-to-play effects to choose from. Connecting to BOSS Tone Studio lets you dive much deeper if you want—customize the sections with over 60 different effect types, change the order with four different chains, and much more.
The Katana-50 MkII is a great standalone amp, but it also excels as a powered cabinet for a favorite preamp, modeler, or multi-effects unit. The Power Amp In jack bypasses the Katana MkII’s preamp and effects, letting you tap straight into the Tube Logic power section, complete with grab-and-go Power Control. With BOSS Tone Studio, the input can be easily optimized for your particular gear with a high-pass filter and adjustable gain.
Vide Review of Boss Katana 50 MK2
Another review with more distinguished sound effects of this amp.
Pros:
- -Powerful 50-watt amplifier with a 12-inch speaker
- -Five unique amp characters with three variations each for a total of 15 different sounds
- -BOSS Tone Studio software lets you customize the sound of your amplifier
- -Can be used as a powered cabinet for a preamp, modeler, or multi-effects unit
Cons:
- -Some players may find the amp too versatile and not focused enough on one particular sound
- -The BOSS Tone Studio software is only available for Windows and Mac, not for mobile devices
Hi there! I am Jack Musau, the founder of this Best Guitar Amp Review site. I am an avid musician with several years using both traditional and electric guitars and created this site to assist others looking to find the best guitar amplifiers in the market today. I also offer private coaching and training on how to use guitars and guitars amps of all kinds. You can reach out to me using my email, jack@soundspros.com.