The GA-FC is the master foot controller for most stage-ready BOSS and Roland amps. It’s a vital companion to thousands of players worldwide seeking to unlock their feature-packed amps’ performance potential. But what if you need even more control? That’s where the GA-FC EX comes in. Explore the extensive functionality this powerhouse partner brings to playing environments of all kinds—from stage to studio to livestream and beyond.
A Revered Design
Guitarists praise the original GA-FC for its straightforward operation. With six separate switches, players can control an array of different parameters, depending on the amp. You can connect up to two additional footswitches or expression pedals to unlock even more control. The GA-FC EX boasts all the same qualities and adds many new ones.
Comparing the GA-FC and GA-FC EX
So what are the differences between the GA-FC and GA-FC EX? In short, the GA-FC EX does everything the GA-FC does and has upgraded features for smoother operation and more customizable workflows. Standout features include dual LEDs for easy visual control, simultaneous switching for channels and effects, expand mode for combining with another GA-FC foot controller, and the ability to control two Katana amps.
Unleash Performance Potential
The GA-FC EX builds on the standard GA-FC with several enhanced features. You’ll first notice the two-color status LEDs to ensure that you know exactly what you’re switching, no matter the playing situation.
When the lights are unlit, you’re in MEMORY mode, which means switches 1-4 control recall of the four channel presets saved on the amp. The PANEL button reverts all settings to the exact position of the knobs on the control panel. What you see is what you get. Or, hold down the PANEL button to swap between Bank A and Bank B memory settings.
Press the EFFECTS switch to enter EFFECTS mode, and the lights will go GREEN. Now you’ve got direct on/off control over Booster, Mod, FX, Delay, and Reverb effects, just like a physical pedalboard.
"The GA-FC EX does everything the GA-FC does and has upgraded features for smoother operation and more customizable workflows."
A New Mode
Press and hold the EFFECTS switch to enter the new FUNCTION mode. The footswitch status lights will flash RED. By default, this control mode gives you access to specific functions like BOOSTER SOLO, PEDAL FX (switching the wah or whammy on/off), LOOP, and TAP 1/2.
However, you can reassign these to any of the following parameters using the BOSS Tone Studio computer editor:
- BANK A/B
- PEDAL FX ON/OFF
- SEND/RETURN ON/OFF
- EQ ON/OFF
- EQ2 ON/OFF
- DELAY TAP
- DELAY2 TAP
- BOOSTER SOLO ON/OFF
- SOLO ON/OFF
- GLOBAL EQ ON/OFF
"Three expression pedals provide incredible creative freedom without resorting to unnecessary preset changes or pedal tap dancing."
Maximum Expression
GA-FC EX adds an additional expression pedal input over the standard GA-FC, giving you three total. Set the MODE switch to EXP PEDAL 3 to activate this functionality. So why would I need three expression pedals, you might ask?
Actually, the answer is much more logical than you might think. It pays to have maximum functionality close at hand if you’re using your 100W Katana as an all-in-one solution with 60+ onboard effects. Three expression pedals provide incredible creative freedom without resorting to unnecessary preset changes or pedal tap dancing. Here are a few ways you could run them:
- EXP1 for volume, EXP2 for wah, and EXP3 assigned to swell in Delay repeats
- EXP1 for wah, EXP2 for whammy/pedal bend, and EXP3 assigned to ramp up the Booster effect’s DRIVE control from clean to scream
- EXP1 assigned to the Rate control of the Rotary effect for chewy Uni-vibe style sounds, EXP2 assigned to fade in a thunderous Heavy Octave, and EXP3 assigned to the Level control of the Graphic EQ for an adjustable solo boost on the fly
"Each EXP input can double as a footswitch jack for an FS-5U to control tap tempo, solo boost, switching between Bank A/B, and other functions."
And don’t forget, each EXP input can double as a footswitch jack for an FS-5U to control tap tempo, solo boost, switching between Bank A/B, and other functions. This unlocks even more possibilities for a genuinely gig-worthy footswitching setup.
Combine for Ultimate Control
What if you already have a GA-FC? Easy. Combine it with the GA-FC EX for ultimate control. Set the MODE switch to EXPAND and connect your standard GA-FC for even more floor control. With twice the footswitches, this configuration lets you simultaneously access all your amp memories and virtual pedalboard.
What if I own two Katanas? Do I need two footswitches? All you need is one GA-FC EX. Using FOOT CONTROL 2 mode, you can control two 100W Katana amps at once. You can control Katana #1, Katana #2, or both at the same time.
Whether using the STEREO EXPAND functionality to stereo-connect your two Katanas or running a Wet-Dry setup where you’re manipulating the effects on one amp, GA-FC EX has you covered.
"Using FOOT CONTROL 2 mode, you can control two 100W Katana amps at once."
What Amps Can I Use?
GA-FC EX will provide the functionality of the standard GA-FC for any BOSS/Roland amplifier compatible with the GA-FC. Explore the functions of the standard GA-FC to get a feel for those features. The expanded functionality of GA-FC EX works with 100W Katana amps. Currently, full functionality is available on the following models:
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- Katana-Artist Gen 3
- Katana Head Gen 3
- Katana-100 Gen 3
- Katana-100/212 Gen 3
Switch It Up
Whether you’re a seasoned road warrior looking to streamline your rig or an ambient explorer looking to expand your horizons, the GA-FC or GA-FC EX are superb options to help you get the very best hands-on control out of your Katana.
