KATANA HEAD Gen 3 Guitar Amplifier
The Next Generation of a Modern Classic
The compact Katana Head Gen 3 features 100 watts of Class AB power, a unique Bloom option derived from the flagship Katana Artist Gen 3, and an onboard 5-inch speaker for practice and checking tones.
Main Features
Third-generation Katana amplifier with evolved Tube Logic sound and expressiveness
Stage-ready 100-watt amp head with a built-in 5-inch practice speaker
Six amp characters-including the newly developed Pushed type-plus a selectable variation for each
Five independent effects sections: Booster, Mod, FX, Delay, and Reverb
Bloom switch engages a dedicated circuit that revoices the amp’s feel and response
Three-way Contour for shaping the overall tonal color
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
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.
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. Along with the main external speaker output, there’s an onboard 5-inch speaker for practice convenience and dialing in sounds.
Famous BOSS Effects
Katana 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, grab-and-go parameter controls, and three variations each for access to 15 unique effects. 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 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.
Get Connected
Katana 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 Line Out jack. 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.
Expand Your Range
Katana 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.
Specifications
Rated Power Output:
30 W (Using internal speaker)
100 W (Using external speaker)
Nominal Input Level:
INPUT: -10 dBu (1 M ohms)
AUX IN: -10 dBu (20 k ohms)
RETURN IN: -10 dBu (100 k ohms)
Speaker: 12 cm (5 inches) x 1
Controls:
POWER: Switch
PRESENCE: Knob
MASTER: Knob
SOLO: Button
POWER CONTROL: Switch (STANDBY, 0.5 W, HALF, MAX)
CAB RESONANCE: Switch (VINTAGE, MODERN, DEEP)
[AMPLIFIER]
VARIATION: Button
BLOOM: Button
AMP TYPE: Knob (ACOUSTIC, CLEAN, PUSHED, CRUNCH, LEAD, BROWN)
GAIN: Knob
VOLUME: Knob
[EQUALIZER]
CONTOUR: Button
BASS: Knob
MIDDLE: Knob
TREBLE: Knob
[EFFECT]
BOOSTER: Button
MOD: Button
FX: Button
DELAY: Button
REVERB: Button
TAP: Button
BOOSTER: Knob
MOD: Knob
FX: Knob
DELAY: Knob
REVERB: Knob
[TONE SETTING]
CH1: Button
CH2: Button
CH3: Button
CH4: Button
PANEL: Button
[STEREO EXPAND]
STEREO EXPAND: Switch
Indicators:
VARIATION
BLOOM
ACOUSTIC
CLEAN
PUSHED
CRUNCH
LEAD
BROWN
CONTOUR
BOOSTER
MOD
FX
DELAY
REVERB
TAP
SOLO
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: 1/4-inch phone type
SEND Jack: 1/4-inch phone type
RETURN Jack: 1/4-inch phone type
SPEAKER OUT Jack: 1/4-inch phone type (Minimum 8 ohms)
STEREO PHONES Jack: Stereo 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
Accessories:
Owner's manual
Power cord
GA-FC sticker
Options (sold separately):
Footswitch: BOSS FS-5L, BOSS FS-6, BOSS FS-7
Expression Pedal: Roland EV-5, BOSS EV-30, BOSS FV-500L, BOSS FV-500H
GA FOOT CONTROLLER: (GA-FC, GA-FC EX)
Bluetooth® Audio MIDI Dual Adaptor: (Model BT-DUAL)
Size and Weight (Include handle and rubber feet):
Width: 470 mm (18-9/16 inches)
Depth: 228 mm (9 inches)
Height: 215 mm (8-1/2 inches)
Weight: 8.8 kg (19 lbs 7 oz)
