Technical Specifications
The Boss KATANA:GO is a compact, battery-powered guitar amplifier designed for portability and convenience. It features a built-in speaker and supports both guitar and bass modes, offering versatile tone options. The amplifier is powered by AA batteries, providing up to 7.5 hours of continuous use, and includes a headphone jack for silent practice. Bluetooth connectivity allows wireless streaming of music or backing tracks from mobile devices. Additionally, the KATANA:GO supports connection to the BOSS TONE STUDIO app, enabling customization of sounds and effects. The unit also includes a built-in tuner for precise guitar tuning. Lightweight and easy to carry, the KATANA:GO is ideal for practice, performance, and on-the-go use, making it a practical choice for musicians seeking a reliable and feature-rich amplifier.
1.1 Key Features
The Boss KATANA:GO is a feature-rich, compact guitar amplifier designed to meet the needs of modern musicians. Its portability and versatility make it an ideal choice for practice, performance, and on-the-go use. Below are the key features that set the KATANA:GO apart:
Authentic Tube Tone and Feel: The KATANA:GO delivers authentic tube-like tone and feel, inherited from the acclaimed Boss Katana amplifier series. This ensures that musicians can enjoy professional-quality sound without compromising on portability.
Compact and Lightweight Design: Weighing just 3.8 pounds, the KATANA:GO is incredibly lightweight and easy to carry. Its compact design allows it to fit into small spaces, making it perfect for musicians who travel frequently or practice at home.
Built-In Speaker and Headphone Jack: The amplifier features a high-quality, built-in speaker that delivers clear and balanced sound. Additionally, it includes a headphone jack for silent practice, making it ideal for late-night sessions or apartment living.
Guitar and Bass Modes: The KATANA:GO offers dedicated modes for both guitar and bass, ensuring optimal tone for each instrument. Guitar mode provides 10 different amplifier types, while bass mode offers three specialized bass amplifier types, catering to a wide range of musical styles.
60+ Built-In Effects: With over 60 built-in effects, including reverb, delay, distortion, and more, the KATANA:GO allows musicians to craft their sound without the need for external pedals. These effects can be easily accessed and adjusted using the intuitive controls or the BOSS TONE STUDIO app.
Stage Feel Technology: The KATANA:GO introduces an innovative Stage Feel feature, which simulates the immersive experience of playing in different environments, such as a small room, large hall, or recording studio. This feature enhances practice sessions by providing a more engaging and realistic sound.
Built-In Tuner: A high-precision tuner is integrated into the amplifier, allowing musicians to tune their guitar or bass quickly and accurately. This eliminates the need for an external tuner, making the KATANA:GO a self-contained practice solution.
Bluetooth Connectivity: The amplifier supports Bluetooth audio streaming, enabling musicians to play along with their favorite songs, backing tracks, or online lessons. This feature is particularly useful for practice sessions or casual jamming.
BOSS TONE STUDIO App Compatibility: The KATANA:GO can be connected to the BOSS TONE STUDIO app, which offers deep customization of tones, effects, and settings. Users can create and store custom presets, organize sounds, and even import profiles from other Katana amplifiers.
Battery-Powered Operation: The amplifier is powered by AA batteries, providing up to 7.5 hours of continuous use. This makes it ideal for outdoor performances, rehearsals, or any situation where mains power is unavailable.
Intuitive Controls: The KATANA:GO features a simple and intuitive control panel, allowing users to easily adjust settings such as volume, tone, and effects. The multi-function button enables quick access to additional features like mode switching and memory selection.
Memory Banks: The amplifier includes 30 user-defined memory banks, where musicians can store their custom tones and effects. This allows for quick recall of favorite settings during performances or practice sessions.
Versatile Input/Output Options: The KATANA:GO includes a guitar/bass input, aux input for external audio sources, and a headphone/recording output. These options provide flexibility for different playing scenarios, from private practice to recording;
1.2 Battery Life
The Boss KATANA:GO is designed with portability and convenience in mind, and its battery life is a key feature that enhances its usability. The amplifier is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which provides reliable performance and long-lasting playtime. According to the specifications, the KATANA:GO can deliver up to 7.5 hours of continuous use on a single charge, making it ideal for extended practice sessions, outdoor performances, or any situation where access to mains power is limited.
The battery is charged via a USB-C port, which is both convenient and efficient. This modern charging method ensures faster charging times compared to older charging technologies. To achieve the best battery performance, it is recommended to charge the KATANA:GO in an ambient temperature range of 10°C to 30°C (50°F to 86°F). Charging outside this range may slow down the charging process or affect the battery’s overall health.
One of the standout features of the KATANA:GO is its ability to switch seamlessly between battery-powered and mains-powered operation. This flexibility allows musicians to use the amplifier in any setting, whether they are practicing at home, performing at a gig, or jamming outdoors. The battery life is sufficient for most scenarios, ensuring uninterrupted playtime without the need for frequent recharging.
When using the KATANA:GO on battery power, it is important to note that the actual battery life may vary depending on usage patterns. For example, using high-volume settings, engaging effects, or streaming audio via Bluetooth will consume more power and reduce the overall battery life. Conversely, using lower volume settings or minimizing the use of effects can help extend playtime.
To maintain optimal battery health, Boss recommends avoiding deep discharges (fully draining the battery) on a regular basis. If the amplifier will not be used for an extended period, it is advisable to recharge the battery at least once every three months to prevent it from fully depleting. This maintenance practice helps preserve the battery’s capacity and ensures long-term reliability.
The KATANA:GO also includes a low-battery indicator, which provides a visual alert when the battery level is running low. This feature ensures that users are notified well in advance, allowing them to recharge or replace the battery as needed. Additionally, the amplifier automatically powers off after a period of inactivity to conserve battery life, further enhancing its energy efficiency.
1.3 Bluetooth Connectivity
One of the standout features of the Boss KATANA:GO is its built-in Bluetooth connectivity, which significantly enhances its versatility and usability. This feature allows users to wirelessly stream audio from their mobile devices, making it easier to practice, jam, or perform without the hassle of cables. The Bluetooth functionality is seamless and intuitive, providing a high-quality audio connection that meets the expectations of both casual players and professional musicians.
To pair the KATANA:GO with a Bluetooth-enabled device, such as a smartphone or tablet, users can follow a straightforward process. First, ensure that the amplifier is turned on and in Bluetooth mode. On the mobile device, enable Bluetooth and search for available devices. The KATANA:GO will appear as “KATANA:GO AUDIO” in the list of available devices. Selecting this option will establish a wireless connection, allowing audio to be streamed directly to the amplifier. If the device is already paired, the connection will automatically re-establish when Bluetooth is enabled on both devices.
Once connected, users can stream music, backing tracks, or any other audio content from their mobile device to the KATANA:GO. This feature is particularly useful for practicing along with favorite songs, learning new techniques, or jamming with backing tracks. The Bluetooth connection is stable and provides high-quality audio reproduction, ensuring that the sound remains clear and distortion-free even at higher volumes. Additionally, the amplifier supports Bluetooth audio playback in stereo, further enhancing the listening experience.
Beyond audio streaming, the Bluetooth connectivity of the KATANA:GO also enables integration with the BOSS TONE STUDIO app. This app, available for both iOS and Android devices, offers a wide range of customization options for the amplifier. Users can access and edit a variety of parameters, including amp models, effects, and EQ settings, directly from their smartphone or tablet. The app also allows for the creation and management of custom tones, which can be saved and recalled as needed. This level of customization ensures that musicians can tailor their sound to suit their unique preferences and playing style.
The Bluetooth functionality of the KATANA:GO is also complemented by its low latency, which is critical for real-time audio processing. This ensures that there is no noticeable delay between the audio being played on the mobile device and the sound being reproduced through the amplifier. Low latency is particularly important for musicians who rely on precise timing when playing along with backing tracks or recording ideas on the go.
In addition to its convenience, the Bluetooth connectivity of the KATANA:GO adds to the amplifier’s overall portability. Without the need for cables, users can move freely while playing or listening to audio, making it an ideal choice for outdoor performances, practice sessions, or even casual jamming with friends. The amplifier’s compact design, combined with its wireless capabilities, makes it a versatile tool for musicians of all levels.
Overall, the Bluetooth connectivity of the Boss KATANA:GO is a powerful feature that enhances its functionality and usability. Whether you’re streaming audio for practice, customizing tones with the BOSS TONE STUDIO app, or enjoying the freedom of wireless playback, this feature ensures that the KATANA:GO remains a reliable and innovative companion for musicians on the go. Its seamless integration with Bluetooth-enabled devices, combined with its high-quality audio reproduction, makes it an excellent choice for anyone seeking a modern, portable amplifier.