TEST: Boss Katana Air

 If there is one segment of the amplifier sector that has seen massive growth in recent years, it is the practice amplifier sector. This is not surprising, as the priorities of the Millennium Generation have shifted massively when it comes to stage presence. While for the previous generation the order of buying an instrument, learning an instrument, forming a band and performing live performances was considered to be set in stone, for many young musicians the formation of a band is far too time-consuming and organizationally demanding and replacing the clappers in the audience with the Clicks on YouTube have already started. However, why one would want to play the electric guitar, which was invented solely for the purpose of counteracting the high volumes of a drummer or an orchestra, is another matter.

Powerful, dynamic all-tube half-stack machines, which can also stand up to a hard-hitting drummer, pose a massive problem in terms of volume due to their orientation in the bedroom home recording studio and not only cannot exploit their sonic strengths, but are more of a burden for partners and neighbors. Aware of this, there are more and more names in the amplifier sector that, although they create a thunderous reverberation around the world when they are mentioned, have so far stayed away from the direct movement of the air. One of these protagonists is Pedal Gigant Boss, which recently attracted attention with the Katana series. Due to the overwhelmingly positive response, the Japanese manufacturer is now preparing to knit an all-round carefree package for domestic use with the Boss Katana Air, which offers some interesting detailed solutions.


The concept of the Boss Katana Air

As you can already see from the name of the product, the name “Air” plays a major role, although not like with Apple products, where the name primarily refers to reduced weight, but rather in relation to the use of all kinds of cables. In As a final consequence, which means battery operation for the Boss Katana Air, the product can actually be operated without any cables. The guitar signal, any streamed playalong music or even the operating voltage can be transmitted wirelessly using various protocols, which makes the Boss Katana Air ideal for mobile use.


Construction of the Boss Katana Air

With dimensions (W x D x H): 340 mm x 144 mm x 181 mm, the Boss Katana Air is in the regions of a standard WLAN / Bluetooth radio, which in many places has already taken over the function of the home stereo system, with the simple plastic housing suggests a lower weight than the estimated 2.2 kilograms. On the bottom is the battery compartment, which requires 8 AA batteries for wireless operation. The amplifier delivers 20 watts when operated on batteries and 30 watts when operated via a power supply.

The sound is transmitted by 2 seemingly tiny 3 inch (7.5 cm) speakers, which serve as the only sound source. Unfortunately, an additional speaker cannot be connected. On the back, the product has the input for the included power supply, whereby the values 13 V DC at 4A (!) ensure that no other power supply can be used. The top of the case is dominated by an oversized, solid handle made of chrome-plated plastic, which at first glance seems quite oversized.

At second glance, however, the dimensions of the handle become clear. On the right top of the housing there is a charging slot for the included WL-T guitar transmitter, which, when plugged in, is flush with the handle and is therefore protected by the handle when placed on long, flat surfaces. The transmitter activates automatically as soon as it is pulled out of the slot. It also has a motion sensor that switches off the transmitter when it is inactive (the guitar is on the tripod) to save energy. When the guitar moves, it automatically reconnects to the amplifier.

The rest of the top of the Boss Katana Air shows many parallels to a regular amplifier panel. In addition to a selector switch that selects between 5 different presets (Acoustic, Clean, Crunch, Lead, Brown), there is also a volume control, a three-band tone control, a reverb control and a master volume control. The two controls called BST/MOD and DELAY / FX are a little more unusual and have dual functions as well as being very flexible in the FX range used. A total of 50 different effects are available, and 6 sounds can be saved internally. But how are you supposed to swap the effects and access the presets?


Bluetooth and app

Another special feature of the amplifier is the consistent connection to the Bluetooth interface, which not only enables music to be played for practice sessions in addition to an optional mini-jack on the front panel, but also complete management of all amplifier parameters using the optionally available app. The app turns out to be a real highlight in sound management, as it not only controls the amp completely remotely, but also saves the programmed sounds and manages a tuner. What deserves special attention is the ability to influence the order of the effects chain, similar to how you would do it on a physical floorboard.


The sound of the Boss Katana Air

If you let the above mentioned If you think about the performance overview again, your expectations regarding the sound are correspondingly high. Just in anticipation of the “original” 50 boss effect sounds combined with the Eddie van Halen-like “Brown” sound feature, you wait for the ultimate banger impression in the first chord played. That's naive! You should always keep in mind that every aspect of the sound, no matter how small, is an emulation of a modeling amp. Even if you are the manufacturer of the Boss effects, no matter how good the modeling is, it only comes close to the sound shaping of real transistors and resistors.

In terms of physics, speakers with a diameter in the single-digit range are not even remotely capable of realizing the complex interaction of an all-tube amplifier with the voice coil of the speaker, especially since they are also supposed to reproduce the music from the Bluetooth stream. Therefore, “logarithm rules” and their sound are only decided by the programmers. So, after we've pulled down all the users, let's listen to the sound that the Boss Katana Air can produce, where I see the interface sound in the second row. If I buy an amplifier with speakers, I also want to hear the sound of the speakers, otherwise I can also load the plug-in Armada from the manufacturer XY into Logic.

As expected, the Clean channel performs very well. Without the cut-off half-waves, even very small speakers sound pleasant and give the signal a subtle treble boost, which is quite close to a typical eighties metal ballad sound. As the distortion increases, the amp unfortunately has to pay tribute to the small speakers. The modeling tries to compensate for the overemphasis on heights as best as possible, but this inevitably only works within a narrow frame. The sound becomes quite scratchy and yet comparatively musty at the latest with Lead or Brown with activated overdrive or booster, which you need for a high-gain sound, which is very difficult to achieve with such speakers.

You should also approach the matter objectively when it comes to effects. The algorithms are really well programmed, but the Boss Katana Air does not achieve the original, which is often promoted as a reference in advertising videos. As I said, how should he?

Interestingly, in contrast to adult stage amplifiers, the amp can demonstrate its sonic advantages especially at very low volumes, which is very suitable for its actual area of use. Late in the evening or in rented apartments with thin walls, you first have to find a good, flexible sparring partner who is ready for demo recordings or finger exercises at lightning speed without any effort and of this quality.

Unfortunately, there is a big problem when using active pickups, in this case an EMG 81/85 set or a DG set with EMG SA pickups. Apparently the amplifier cannot cope with the low-impedance, quite powerful level of the pickups, as the distortion increases and a resonance is produced, as if the springs of a Fender vibrato system were vibrating. This problem did not exist with passive pickups. Unfortunately, I couldn't determine whether the transmitter or the amplifier itself was responsible for this, but the fact is that, strictly speaking, you cannot use the amp with EMG pickups or similar. The attached sound file number 9 shows the problem.

And otherwise?

An additional big downer at the end. I don't know which technology (perhaps the broadcaster?) Boss may have purchased from third-party providers and therefore has to compensate for a different profit margin, but the retail price is clearly too high even for the really extensive offering. While the Katana Mini changes hands for just under 100 euros and even the Katana 50 (199 euros) and Katana 100 (295 euros) combos remain under 300 euros, Boss charges the impressive price of 429 euros for the Boss Katana Air, which makes it uninteresting for the majority of the users in question. Would you buy a Katana 100 with a cheap transmitter such as If, for example, you had the

Conclusion

With the Boss Katana Air, the Japanese manufacturer enables completely cable-free signal transmission for guitar, streaming portal and operating voltage in every respect. The concept impresses with a wide selection of sounds and an extensive app interface, which is unparalleled in a practice amp. Only the comparatively high retail price and the incompatibility with active pickups spoil the good impression of the Boss Katana Air.

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Boss, a division of Roland Corporation, has been a vanguard in the music electronics industry, particularly renowned for its compact effect pedals that have shaped the sounds of generations of musicians. However, Boss's ventures into the realm of amplifiers, while perhaps less heralded than their stompboxes, embody the same commitment to innovation, quality, and musicians' needs. This exploration into Boss amplifiers will delve into their historical context, technological advancements, and the unique features that set them apart in a crowded market.

### Historical Context

Boss's journey began in the 1970s, focusing initially on effect pedals. Their entry into the amplifier market was driven by the same ethos that guided their pedal designs: to provide durable, high-quality, and versatile products that cater to musicians across genres and skill levels. The amplification line sought to embody the reliability and tonal variety that had already made Boss a household name among guitarists.

### Amplifier Technology and Innovations

One of the hallmarks of Boss amplifiers is their embrace of cutting-edge technology. The company has been at the forefront of integrating digital modeling technology into their amps. This technology allows players to access a vast array of tones and effects within a single unit, emulating the sounds of classic tube amps, modern high-gain models, and everything in between. Boss's Waza Craft series, for example, represents the pinnacle of this approach, offering custom-tuned amplifiers that blend traditional craftsmanship with modern functionality.

The Katana series, another standout in the Boss amplifier lineup, demonstrates the company's commitment to versatility and value. These amplifiers are designed for musicians who demand a wide tonal palette and high-quality effects in a practical, gig-ready package. The Katana amps are notable for their "stage-ready" tones, a concept that emphasizes the importance of an amplifier's ability to perform in live settings without extensive tweaking.

### Features That Set Boss Amplifiers Apart

#### 1. **Tone Customization and Built-in Effects**

Boss amplifiers are distinguished by their extensive tone customization capabilities. The built-in effects, which draw from Boss's deep well of pedal technology, allow players to sculpt their sound without the need for external gear. This integration of effects and amplification not only simplifies the signal chain but also opens up creative possibilities that are both accessible and deep.

#### 2. **Connectivity and Software Integration**

In the digital age, connectivity is crucial, and Boss amplifiers excel in this area. Features like USB connectivity for direct recording and software that allows for deep editing of tones and effects underscore Boss's understanding of modern musicians' needs. The ability to store and recall presets via footswitches further enhances the live usability of these amplifiers, making them a versatile choice for performing musicians.

#### 3. **Solid-State Reliability with Tube Tone**

Boss has also been instrumental in advancing solid-state amplifier technology. Their efforts to combine the reliability and maintenance-free operation of solid-state designs with the warm, dynamic response of tube amps have led to innovations that challenge the traditional tube vs. solid-state debate. This blend of reliability and tonal richness means that Boss amplifiers offer the best of both worlds, suitable for rigorous touring schedules and studio work alike.

### Conclusion

Boss amplifiers are more than just an extension of the brand's legendary effect pedals. They are a statement of innovation, quality, and musician-focused design. From the groundbreaking Waza Craft and Katana series to their ongoing advancements in amplifier technology, Boss continues to redefine what musicians can expect from their gear. Whether it's through the integration of effects, the embrace of digital modeling technology, or the commitment to reliability and tonal diversity, Boss amplifiers stand as a testament to the brand's enduring legacy in shaping the sound of music.