Boss Katana 50 MKII EX 1x12 Combo Overview
The BOSS KTN-50MKII EX is a powerful, feature-packed 50-watt combo amp with expanded functionality including Stereo Expand, GA-FC/GA-FC EX foot controller support and line output with cabinet emulation.
Expanded Control
The BOSS Katana-50 MkII EX is a stage-ready combo amplifier that expands upon the best-selling Katana-50 MkII model, offering extra performance versatility in the same compact footprint. This EX version of the BOSS Katana-50 MkII amp is geared towards gigging guitarists who want the additional features offered by the larger Katana-100 MkII combo with the portability of the Katana-50 MkII.
The Ultimate Gigging Companion
The Katana-50 MkII is an excellent choice for guitar players who want a versatile amp for live use. The EX version supports the Roland GA-FC and BOSS GA-FC EX foot controllers, allowing you to select your Tone Setting memories and engage/disengage the five effect sections hands-free. A line output with mic’d cab emulation lets you send a mix-ready direct signal straight to a mixing desk and house PA system or audio interface. New tonal possibilities are presented by the Stereo Expand feature, which gives you the ability to link two Katana MkII amps to create an immersive wet/dry rig, spread the stereo effects across two amps, blend clean and dry tones, and more.
Better Than Ever
The Katana MkII is the next evolution of the popular Katana guitar amp series, which has been offering professional and beginner guitarists alike a wealth of tones and features at an affordable price. The core platform that made the Katana range so renowned has been turbocharged with more features, sounds an effects. The result is a fantastic stage-class amplifier with a pedalboard of premium BOSS effects built-in.
A World of Amp Tones
At the core of the Katana-50 MkII EX are its 5 primary amp characters - Acoustic, Clean, Crunch, Lead and Brown. Each character features a selectable variation for a total of 10 amp voices. From big, bold and dynamic US cleans to articulate UK crunch to brutal high-gain tones, the Katana-50 MkII can deliver it all and more. Acoustic guitarists are also covered, thanks to a dedicated voice that’s optimised for electro-acoustic guitar.
Premium BOSS Effects
When it’s time to add another sonic dimension to your dialled-in amp character, you can reach for the onboard BOSS effects. With five simultaneous effects categories at your disposal, you have the tone-shaping power of an entire pedalboard within your amp. You can choose from 15 different effects straight out of the box - 5 categories with 3 variations in each. Via the free BOSS Tone Studio app, you can select from 60 additional effect types, alter the order of the signal chain, fine-tune parameters and more.
Authentic Valve Response
BOSS have been at the forefront of amplifier technology for decades and it’s this expertise that’s imbued within the Katana-50 MkII EX. Powered by BOSS’s innovative Tube Logic approach, the Katana-50 MkII EX responds like a genuine valve amplifier as you crank up the volume. Because the output distortion character is like a valve amp, you can expect a tone that becomes richer and more responsive as the volume is increased.
Cranked Sound, Any Volume
Unlike a traditional valve amp, the Katana-50 MkII EX lets you find the sweet spot without upsetting your bandmates or neighbours. Using the variable Power Control, you can experience that magical cranked-amp tone wherever you play, from the stage to the studio to the bedroom.
More Than An Amp
In addition to functioning as a top-notch standalone amp, the Katana-50 MkII EX can perform as a powered cabinet for your modeller, preamp or multi-effects unit of choice. Simply connect it to your rear-panel Power Amp In jack to bypass the onboard preamp and internal effects and go straight to the Tube Logic power section. The input can be optimised for your individual rig with a high-pass filter and adjustable gain using the BOSS Tone Studio app
Tonal Recall
Once you’ve dialled in an amp character and effects setup that you want to use later, you can store it to one of 4 Tone Setting memories (2 across 2 banks) with a quick button hold. You instantly recall your Tone Settings from the front panel or an optional FS-series footswitch. The Katana-50 MkII EX can be used alongside the GA-FC or GA-FC EX for expanded hands-free control, with 8 Tone Setting memories (4 panel settings and 4 configurable in BOSS Tone Studio), access to individual effects switching and more.
BOSS Tone Studio
The free BOSS Tone Studio software provides even greater tonal tweaking, giving you the ability to change the factory-loaded effects, rearrange the effect chain, create global EQ settings, adjust system settings and more. Using Livesets, you can save your favourite setups and instantly reconfigure your amp for a variety of playing contexts.
- Stage-class 50-watt combo amp with GA-FC/GA-FC EX Foot Controller support, Stereo Expand, and line output with cabinet emulation
- Tube Logic design approach produces class-defying power, authoritative punch, and cutting presence
- Five unique amp characters (Clean, Crunch, Lead, Brown, and Acoustic) and five variations for each
- Five independent effects sections (Booster, Mod, FX, Delay, and Reverb) with three selectable variations in each
- Dedicated Pedal FX for foot-controlled wah and pedal bend
- BOSS Tone Studio software for customizing your sound with over 60 different BOSS effects, channel and global EQs, adjustable routing, and much more
- Power Amp In for preamps, modelers, and multi-effects
- Four Tone Setting memories for storing and recalling all amp and effect settings
- Power Control for achieving cranked-amp tone and response at low volumes
- Stereo Expand out to link with a second Katana MkII
- Three Cab Resonance options (Vintage, Modern, and Deep) selectable in BOSS Tone Studio
- Line, USB, and phones/recording outputs with mic’d cabinet emulation and three Air Feel settings (configurable in BOSS Tone Studio)
- Optional GA-FC and GA-FC EX foot controllers provide complete amp control, including expanded Tone Setting selection, effects on/off, expression pedal control, and more
- Connections for up to two footswitches or an expression pedal
- Download and share Livesets at BOSS Tone Exchange
- Pro setups available at BOSS Tone Central
- Rated Power Output:
- - 50 W
- Nominal Input Level:
- - INPUT: -10 dBu (1 M ohm)
- AUX IN: -10 dBu (20 k ohms)
- Speaker:
- - 30 cm (12 inches) x 1
- Controls:
- - POWER switch
- - MASTER knob
- - POWER CONTROL switch (STANDBY, 0.5 W, 25 W, 50 W)
- Amplifier:
- - VARIATION button
- - AMP TYPE switch (ACOUSTIC, CLEAN, CRUNCH, LEAD, BROWN)
- - GAIN knob
- - VOLUME knob
- Equalizer:
- - BASS knob
- - MIDDLE knob
- - TREBLE knob
- Multi 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
- - PANEL button
- Indicators:
- - VARIATION
- - BOOSTER
- - MOD
- - FX
- - DELAY
- - REVERB
- - TAP
- - CH1
- - CH2
- - 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
- - REC OUT/PHONES jack: Stereo 1/4-inch phone type
- - EXP PEDAL/CTL CH1/CH2 jack: 1/4-inch TRS phone type
- - GA-FC/CTL SOLO jack: 1/4-inch TRS phone type
- - AUX IN jack: Stereo miniature phone type
- - USB port: USB B type
- - AC IN jack
- Power Consumption:
- - 47 W
- Dimensions (Include handle and rubber feet):
- - 470 (W) x 238 (D) x 398 (H) mm
- - 18-9/16 (W) x 9-3/8 (D) x 15-11/16 (H) inches
- Weight:
- - 11.7 kg
- - 25 lbs 13 oz
- Accessories:
- - Owner's Manual
- - Power cord
- - GA-FC sticker
- Options (sold separately):
- - Footswitch: FS-5L, FS-6, FS-7
- - Expression pedal: Roland EV-5, EV-30, FV-500L, FV-500H
- - GA FOOT CONTROLLER (GA-FC,GA-FC EX)
- - Amplifier Stand: BAS-1
- * 0 dBu=0.775 Vrms
