BOSS Katana: What’s New in the Gen 3 Amplifier Series?

The award-winning BOSS Katana amplifiers offer near-limitless sound creation capabilities, all delivered with breakthrough Japanese engineering and meticulous attention to detail. For that reason, guitar aficionados consider Katana among the best-value guitar amps money can buy. And the BOSS Katana series has steadily evolved since its 2016 debut. Praised by beginners and pros alike, it is now one of the most popular guitar amplifier ranges in the world. Here, we explore the latest advancements in the new Katana Gen 3 line.

Spirit of Innovation

Launched in 2016, the much-lauded Katana MkII models in 2019 superseded the original BOSS line. Since then, we’ve seen numerous groundbreaking products bearing the famous Katana kanji logo. The ceaseless spirit of innovation continues in 2024 with the release of the Katana Gen 3 range.

For a detailed history of the BOSS Katana series, check out “Innovation and Wisdom: The Story of the BOSS Katana Series.” If you want help choosing the ideal BOSS Katana model for your needs, read “The Ultimate Guide to the BOSS Katana.”

What are the New Katana Gen 3 Amp Models?

Katana Gen 3 comprises seven new amplifiers in the core line. Replacing the Katana MkII models are:

Katana-50 Gen 3 (KTN-50 3)
Katana-50 EX Gen 3 (KTN50 3EX)
Katana-100 Gen 3 (KTN-100 3)
Katana-100/212 Gen 3 (KTN-212 3)
Katana Head Gen 3 (KTN-HEAD 3)
Katana Artist Gen 3 (KTN-ART 3)
Katana Artist Head Gen 3 (KTN-ART3HD)

Everything You Love About Katana Amps—And More

Building on decades of engineering excellence, the new BOSS Katana Gen 3 series advances the legendary Tube Logic design while retaining the following features

Reactive class AB power amp for organic tube-inspired tone and response
Over 60 industry-leading BOSS effects
Variable power and cranked-amp tone at any volume
Deep editing capabilities via BOSS Tone Studio
An ever-expanding global community of users

Building upon these solid foundations, Gen 3 retains the essential character of earlier BOSS Katana amps players have come to know and love. Rather than designing from scratch, everything guitarists enjoy about using a Katana remains in Gen 3 while introducing some extra features and enhancements.

"Gen 3 retains the essential character of earlier BOSS Katana amps players have come to know and love."

New and Improved Amp Types

One of the first things you’ll notice about the BOSS Katana Gen 3 models is a new Amp Type called Pushed, which complements the existing selection of Brown, Lead, Crunch, Clean, and Acoustic. The new Pushed character spotlights new dynamic enhancements, providing the pleasing harmonic richness and touch-responsive saturation of a driven vintage combo.

Thanks to significant hardware improvements, Katana Gen 3 models also sport an improved Brown Amp Type. With a more refined tone, we think players will love the new Gen 3 Brown sound.

Appearing on Katana Head Gen 3, Katana Artist Gen 3, and Katana Artist Head Gen 3 models, the all-new 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.

"The all-new Bloom amplifier voicing offers players a more organic, tube-like sound and response."

New Features and Upgrades

You may notice some new features if you look at the control panel and rear of a new BOSS Katana Gen 3 amp. Here’s a snapshot of key upgrades:

All amps in the Katana Gen 3 series benefit from USB-C connectivity and expression pedal jacks
All models from the Katana-50 EX Gen 3 upwards have a Solo boost button
The Katana-100 Gen 3 amps and upwards feature an added Cab Resonance selector switch and Equalizer Contour button
The Katana Head Gen 3, Katana Artist Gen 3, and Katana Artist Head Gen 3 models boast the new Bloom function
The Artist models see the addition of the BOSS Air Feel sound in tandem with a balanced XLR line out connection

BOSS Tone Studio App

If you want to get the most out of your Katana amp, we highly recommend using the dedicated BOSS Tone Studio for Katana app. With deep sound editing controls and vast customization options, BOSS Tone Studio opens up a new level of creativity and functionality.

The latest iteration also has a much-improved visual UI. The effect icon in Chain screen can be swapped by uploading a jpeg image. Changing the order of effect chains is now more intuitive. Just drag and drop operation to the blue point.

Our free global patch-sharing platform, BOSS Tone Exchange, is now accessible directly from the BOSS Tone Studio app. This allows you to easily browse, download, and share sounds with other Katana users.

"With deep sound editing controls and vast customization options, BOSS Tone Studio opens up a new level of creativity and functionality."

Bluetooth Connectivity

A much-requested addition to the Katana amp range was the ability to control and edit sounds via Bluetooth. Indeed, the new Katana Gen 3 series includes Bluetooth functionality across all models.

With the wireless power of the optional BT-DUAL, you can now use your smartphone to unlock a host of sound features and controls via the BOSS Tone Studio app. You’ll also be able to wirelessly stream audio while playing along to songs and backing tracks of your choosing.

Impulse Response Technology

For enhanced direct recording via USB-C, all Katana Gen 3 amps now boast built-in impulse response technology. Also assigned to the Stereo Phones output for an immersive playing experience, these impressive real-world cab/mic sounds can be edited using the BOSS Tone Studio app.

"The Katana-50 EX Gen 3 supports BOSS GA-FC Foot Controller connectivity. It also sports an mic'd line out and stereo expand feature."

Differences Between the Katana-50 and Katana-50 EX Gen 3 Models

Additionally, the Katana-50 EX Gen 3 supports BOSS GA-FC Foot Controller connectivity. It also sports an mic’d line out and stereo expand feature. This means you can expand your sound in stereo using two Katana amps. When using GA-FC, you can control an additional 4 memories. This means eight memories in total. The additional memories are editable via BOSS Tone Studio.

Plus, the Katana-50 EX Gen 3 comes fitted with a premium gray grill cloth. On top of that, it features a cork speaker gasket for wider direction and spread of sound. With these new features, the BOSS Katana Gen 3 series carried the esteemed amp into the future of tone.