Essential Information About the Katana-50 Gen 3 Amp
- 50 watts class AB in a compact 1x12 combo, ready for stage, rehearsal, and home studio.
- Advanced Tube Logic technology with the new "Pushed" amp type for expressive breakup.
- 5 independent effects sections and 4 "Tone Setting" memories to instantly recall your sounds.
- USB-C with IR cab simulation, headphone output, "Power Amp In" input, and editing via BOSS Tone Studio.
Historical Context and Positioning in the Lineup
Launched as a series of versatile and accessible amplifiers, the Katana family has won over guitarists for its "Tube Logic" dynamics and built-in effects inspired by BOSS pedals. This
third generation refines the formula with a more organic response, a modernized software interface, and studio-grade connectivity options, while retaining the iconic power-to-portability ratio of the
Katana-50.
Who This Amp Is For
Ideal for
advanced beginners to pros seeking a single combo to practice, record, and play in a band. The power control allows working at
low volume at home, while the 50 W and 12-inch speaker provide sufficient
projection for rehearsals and small gigs. Versatile, it covers pop, funk, blues, rock, modern metal, and also serves as a
pedal platform via the "Power Amp In" input.
Features and New Additions
The Katana-50 Gen 3 offers
six amp types (including the new "Pushed") each with a variation, plus
five dedicated effects blocks (Booster, Mod, FX, Delay, Reverb). Four "Tone Setting" memories store your presets. The updated
BOSS Tone Studio app simplifies editing, effects chain,
3 cab resonances (Vintage, Modern, Deep), global contours, and EQ. Connectivity includes
USB-C with
IR cab simulation for recording/playback, stereo headphone output, and
Power Amp In for preamps and multi-effects. The ecosystem expands with
BOSS Tone Exchange, footswitches and expression pedals, and the optional
BT-DUAL adapter for wireless audio/editing.
Sound
A
transistor amp driven by the
Tube Logic philosophy, the Katana-50 Gen 3 combines solid
headroom in clean tones, biting
crunch, and musical saturations (Lead, Brown) with progressive
natural compression when pushing the gain. The
Pushed mode reproduces the slight breakup of a driven tube combo, ideal for dynamic rhythms. The custom 12-inch speaker delivers firm lows, singing mids, and silky highs, while the cab resonances and USB IR ensure faithful translation on front-of-house, headphones, or DAW.
Technical Specifications
Power and Configuration
- Power: 50 W (class AB)
- Format: 1x12 combo
- Speaker: Custom 12-inch
Amp Types and Effects
- 6 amp types with variation, including the new "Pushed"
- 5 effects sections: Booster, Mod, FX, Delay, Reverb
- 4 "Tone Setting" memories
- Compatible with sounds from Katana "studio class" models
Controls and Processing
- Power control to achieve pushed amp response at low volume
- Global contours and equalizations
- 3 cab resonances: Vintage, Modern, Deep
Connectivity
- INPUT jack: 6.35 mm
- POWER AMP IN jack: 6.35 mm
- STEREO PHONES jack: 6.35 mm stereo
- CTL CH1/CH2 SOLO jack: 6.35 mm TRS
- EXP PEDAL jack: 6.35 mm TRS
- AUX IN jack: 3.5 mm stereo
- USB port: USB-C type (recording/playback with IR cab simulation)
- BLUETOOTH ADAPTOR SLOT: Dual Bluetooth Audio MIDI adapter
- AC IN socket
Software and Ecosystem
- Recently updated BOSS Tone Studio app (Windows/macOS)
- Sound download/sharing via BOSS Tone Exchange
- Bluetooth adapter BT-DUAL (optional) for audio playback and mobile editing (iOS/Android)
Dimensions and Weight
- Dimensions (including handle and feet): 470 (W) x 238 (D) x 398 (H) mm
- Weight: 11.6 kg
Included Accessories
Options (sold separately)
- Control pedals: BOSS FS-5L, BOSS FS-6, BOSS FS-7
- Expression pedals: Roland EV-5, BOSS EV-30, BOSS FV-500L, BOSS FV-500H
- Dual Bluetooth Audio MIDI adapter: BT-DUAL
- Amp stand: BAS-1