Boss Katana Head Gen 3 100w Amp Head

The BOSS Katana Head Gen 3 is a versatile 100-watt guitar amplifier head designed for players who need inspiring tones, professional stage power and flexible connectivity in one compact unit. Powered by the latest evolution of BOSS Tube Logic technology, it delivers a more responsive playing feel, refined amplifier sounds and an expanded range of tone-shaping options.

Six amplifier characters cover everything from clean and acoustic sounds to pushed valve-style breakup, classic crunch and modern high gain. Each character also includes an alternative variation, giving you 12 core amp voices before you begin exploring the onboard BOSS effects and deeper editing options.

Unlike most amplifier heads, the Katana Head Gen 3 also includes a built-in five-inch speaker. This lets you practise, edit patches and check sounds without connecting an external cabinet, while the main speaker output provides the full 100 watts required for rehearsals and live performance.

Why Choose the BOSS Katana Head Gen 3?

Evolved Tube Logic Amplifier Tones

The Katana Head Gen 3 uses BOSS Tube Logic technology to recreate the complex behaviour, interaction and dynamic response associated with traditional valve amplifiers.

The latest generation further refines the sound and feel of the Katana platform, delivering improved touch sensitivity and greater expression across clean, driven and high-gain settings.

Subtle changes in picking strength, guitar volume and playing technique translate naturally through the amplifier, helping it feel responsive rather than static or heavily processed.

Six Distinct Amplifier Characters

Six amplifier types provide a broad foundation for different instruments, playing styles and genres:

• Acoustic
• Clean
• Pushed
• Crunch
• Lead
• Brown

The Acoustic setting is designed for electro-acoustic instruments, while Clean offers clear headroom for pedals and articulate rhythm playing.

The new Pushed character delivers the touch-sensitive breakup of a clean amplifier being driven harder, making it ideal for blues, indie, classic rock and expressive rhythm work.

Crunch, Lead and Brown move progressively into fuller overdrive and high-gain territory.

Twelve Core Amplifier Sounds

Each amplifier character includes a selectable Variation, effectively providing 12 core sounds from the front panel.

The alternative voicings offer contrasting gain structures, tonal colours and responses, making it easier to find the right starting point for different guitars, pickups and musical styles.

Unique Bloom Circuit

The Bloom switch engages a dedicated circuit that changes the amplifier’s response and overall playing feel.

Activating Bloom produces a sharper attack and a fuller, more dynamic low-frequency response. This can make clean and driven sounds feel larger and more immediate, particularly when playing through an external speaker cabinet.

Rather than functioning as a conventional EQ boost, Bloom changes how the amplifier responds beneath the fingers.

100 Watts of Stage-Ready Power

When connected to a suitable external speaker cabinet, the Katana Head Gen 3 provides up to 100 watts of reactive Class AB power.

This gives the amplifier enough volume and headroom for rehearsals, live venues and larger performance environments while retaining the responsive feel that defines the Katana range.

The speaker output supports cabinets with a minimum impedance of 8 ohms.

Built-In Five-Inch Practice Speaker

A built-in five-inch speaker allows the Katana Head Gen 3 to be used without an external cabinet.

The internal speaker operates at up to 30 watts and is ideal for home practice, backstage warmups, editing sounds and checking patches before a performance.

This makes the Katana Head Gen 3 unusually practical for an amplifier head. You can practise quietly at home and then connect a larger cabinet when you need full stage volume.

Power Control for Better Sound at Lower Volumes

The Power Control switch provides four settings:

• Standby
• 0.5W
• Half
• Maximum

Reducing the power level allows you to achieve the response and tonal character of a driven amplifier without excessive volume.

The 0.5-watt setting is particularly useful for home practice, while Half and Maximum provide additional headroom for rehearsals and live use.

Five Simultaneous BOSS Effect Sections

Five independent effect categories are built into the amplifier:

• Booster
• Mod
• FX
• Delay
• Reverb

Each section can operate simultaneously, allowing complete sounds to be created without requiring a separate pedalboard.

The front-panel controls provide three selectable effects within each category for immediate access to 15 effects. Connecting to BOSS Tone Studio unlocks a much larger library of more than 60 BOSS effect types.

Extensive BOSS Effects Library

BOSS Tone Studio allows the onboard effect slots to be customised with over 60 effects drawn from the wider BOSS range.

Available processing includes overdrive, distortion, compression, chorus, phaser, flanger, tremolo, pitch effects, delay, reverb and more experimental sounds.

This lets the Katana Head Gen 3 function as a complete amplifier and effects rig or work alongside an existing pedalboard.

Three-Way Contour Control

The Contour function provides three alternative tonal profiles for reshaping the amplifier’s overall character.

Each Contour setting can be customised through BOSS Tone Studio, allowing you to create useful global tonal adjustments for different guitars, rooms, cabinets or musical styles.

Three Cabinet Resonance Settings

The Cabinet Resonance switch changes how the power section interacts with an external speaker cabinet.

Three options are available:

• Vintage
• Modern
• Deep

Vintage provides a more traditional cabinet response, Modern delivers a tighter and more controlled feel, and Deep emphasises low-frequency weight and resonance.

These settings make it easier to adapt the amplifier to different speaker cabinets and performance requirements.

Eight Tone Setting Memories

Eight Tone Setting memories allow complete amplifier and effect configurations to be stored and recalled.

Each memory can contain the amp character, gain, EQ, effects and additional settings. This allows different sounds to be prepared for individual songs, sections or guitars.

Four channel buttons provide direct access to the first bank, while an additional bank doubles the available memories to eight.

Dedicated Solo Function

The Solo function provides an immediate level boost for lead passages and other moments that need to stand out in a mix.

Its behaviour can be customised within BOSS Tone Studio, helping you prepare a practical solo sound without having to duplicate an entire patch.

Full Effects Loop

A dedicated send and return loop allows external pedals and processors to be placed after the amplifier’s preamp section.

This is especially useful for delay, reverb and modulation pedals, which often sound clearer when positioned within an amplifier’s effects loop rather than before the main input.

BOSS Tone Studio provides additional control over the loop, including series or parallel operation and alternative positioning within the signal path.

Power Amp Input for External Modellers

The Power Amp In connection bypasses the Katana’s preamp and effects section, giving direct access to its reactive Class AB power amplifier.

This allows a separate amp modeller, preamp pedal or multi-effects processor to use the Katana Head Gen 3 as a dedicated power amplifier.

It is a useful option for players who want the convenience and power of the Katana platform while using another device to create their main tones.

Stereo Expand Capability

Stereo Expand allows two compatible Katana amplifiers to be linked together.

The main amplifier controls both units, while stereo chorus, delay, reverb and other compatible effects are distributed across the two amplifiers to create a wider and more immersive sound.

This feature supports compatible Katana Gen 3 and Katana MkII models.

Direct Recording and PA Connectivity

The Line Out, headphones output and USB connection feature IR-based speaker-cabinet sound.

This allows the Katana Head Gen 3 to send a polished direct signal to a mixing desk, audio interface, headphones or recording software without requiring a microphone in front of a cabinet.

Three Air Feel settings and two customisable options allow the simulated microphone and cabinet character to be adjusted through BOSS Tone Studio.

USB-C Recording

The USB-C connection supports direct recording and audio playback with compatible computers and mobile devices.

You can capture guitar sounds directly into music-production software, play along with backing tracks or use the amplifier as part of a home-recording setup.

Optional Bluetooth Connectivity

Installing the optional BOSS BT-DUAL Bluetooth Audio MIDI Dual Adaptor adds wireless functionality.

This supports audio streaming from a compatible mobile device and wireless editing through the BOSS Tone Studio mobile application.

Bluetooth allows you to play along with songs, backing tracks and lessons without running a separate audio cable.

BOSS Tone Studio Editing

BOSS Tone Studio provides detailed control beyond the amplifier’s physical panel.

The software allows you to:

• Customise the onboard effects
• Change the effects order
• Adjust deeper amp and effect parameters
• Configure the effects loop
• Shape the Contour settings
• Access multiple EQ options
• Adjust direct-output cabinet sounds
• Configure footswitch and expression controls
• Organise sounds into Livesets
• Back up and restore amplifier settings

This gives players the choice between straightforward front-panel operation and detailed computer-based editing.

Download and Share Sounds

BOSS Tone Exchange allows Katana users to download professionally created patches and share their own sounds with other players.

This is useful for discovering new tones, exploring genre-specific settings and learning how more advanced patches are constructed.

Comprehensive Foot Control

The Katana Head Gen 3 supports a range of optional footswitches and controllers.

Compatible devices include the BOSS GA-FC and GA-FC EX, which provide extensive hands-free access to Tone Settings, effects, Solo and other functions.

Standard BOSS footswitches can also be used for simpler channel and control changes, while a compatible expression pedal can control volume and effects parameters.

MIDI Input

A standard MIDI input allows compatible controllers and external equipment to select Tone Settings and control supported functions.

This makes the amplifier suitable for more advanced live rigs where sounds are recalled alongside other MIDI-controlled equipment.

Key Features

• Third-generation BOSS Katana guitar amplifier head
• Evolved Tube Logic amplifier architecture
• Reactive Class AB power section
• 100-watt output through an external speaker cabinet
• Built-in five-inch practice speaker
• Up to 30-watt output through the internal speaker
• Six amplifier characters
• Newly developed Pushed amplifier type
• Selectable Variation for every amplifier character
• 12 core amplifier voicings
• Dedicated Bloom circuit
• Five simultaneous BOSS effect sections
• More than 60 effects available through BOSS Tone Studio
• Three-way Contour control
• Three Cabinet Resonance settings
• Eight Tone Setting memories
• Dedicated Solo function
• Power Control with Standby, 0.5W, Half and Maximum settings
• External effects loop
• Power Amp In connection
• Stereo Expand support
• Eight-ohm external speaker output
• Line output with IR-based cabinet sound
• Stereo headphones output
• USB-C audio recording and playback
• MIDI input
• Auxiliary input
• Footswitch and expression-pedal support
• Compatible with GA-FC and GA-FC EX controllers
• Optional Bluetooth with the BOSS BT-DUAL adaptor
• BOSS Tone Studio compatibility
• BOSS Tone Exchange access
• Compatible with sounds created on previous stage-class Katana models

Why Choose a Separate Amplifier Head?

A separate guitar amplifier head allows you to choose the speaker cabinet that best suits your sound, playing environment and portability requirements.

A compact cabinet may be ideal for rehearsals and smaller performances, while a larger 2x12 or 4x12 cabinet can provide greater projection, low-frequency response and stage presence.

The head can also be transported independently, reducing the weight of each individual item compared with moving a large combo amplifier.

The Katana Head Gen 3 adds another advantage with its built-in five-inch speaker. You can practise and edit sounds without connecting a cabinet, while still having the power and flexibility of a full amplifier head when required.

Who Is the BOSS Katana Head Gen 3 For?

Gigging Guitarists

The 100-watt output, eight Tone Setting memories, direct output and extensive foot-control options make the Katana Head Gen 3 well suited to live performance.

Home Players

The built-in practice speaker and 0.5-watt Power Control setting make it practical for playing at home without connecting a full-size cabinet.

Guitarists Who Own Several Cabinets

The selectable Cabinet Resonance settings and minimum eight-ohm speaker output allow the amplifier to work with a variety of suitable guitar cabinets.

Pedalboard Users

The clean amplifier character, external effects loop and straightforward front-panel operation provide a strong platform for traditional pedals.

Players Who Want an All-in-One Rig

The extensive onboard BOSS effects and memory system allow complete sounds to be created without purchasing a large collection of separate pedals.

Amp Modeller Users

The Power Amp In connection allows external preamps, modellers and multi-effects processors to use the Katana’s responsive Class AB power section.

Recording Guitarists

USB-C audio, IR-based cabinet sound and a dedicated Line Out make the Katana Head Gen 3 suitable for home and studio recording.

Cover and Function-Band Guitarists

Eight stored sounds and extensive foot control make it easier to move quickly between clean, crunch, lead and effects-heavy tones during a varied set.

Students and Developing Players

The wide range of sounds, low-volume options and built-in effects allow players to explore different genres without needing several amplifiers and pedals.

Professional Musicians

MIDI, Stereo Expand, direct PA routing and detailed software editing allow the amplifier to become part of a more advanced professional rig.

What’s Included?

• BOSS Katana Head Gen 3 guitar amplifier head
• UK power cable
• GA-FC identification sticker
• Owner’s manual
• Safety and information documentation

Speaker cabinet, foot controller and Bluetooth adaptor are available separately.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Product Type	Guitar amplifier head
Amplifier Technology	BOSS Tube Logic
Power Amplifier	Reactive Class AB
Rated Output with External Cabinet	100 watts
Rated Output with Internal Speaker	30 watts
Internal Speaker	1 x 5-inch
Amplifier Characters	Acoustic, Clean, Pushed, Crunch, Lead and Brown
Variations	Selectable Variation for each amp character
Tone Setting Memories	8
Effect Sections	Booster, Mod, FX, Delay and Reverb
Power Control	Standby, 0.5W, Half and Maximum
Cabinet Resonance	Vintage, Modern and Deep
Contour Settings	3
Guitar Input	¼-inch jack
Power Amp Input	¼-inch jack
Effects Send	¼-inch jack
Effects Return	¼-inch jack
External Speaker Output	¼-inch jack
Minimum Speaker Impedance	8 ohms
Line Output	¼-inch jack
Headphones Output	Stereo ¼-inch jack
Auxiliary Input	Stereo 3.5mm mini jack
Expression Pedal Input	¼-inch TRS jack
Foot Controller Input	¼-inch TRS jack
MIDI	Standard MIDI In
USB	USB-C
Bluetooth	Optional with BOSS BT-DUAL adaptor
Power Consumption	77 watts
Width	470mm
Depth	228mm
Height	215mm
Weight	Approximately 8.8kg

Power Requirements

The BOSS Katana Head Gen 3 connects directly to a standard UK mains supply using the included power cable.

Its rated power consumption is approximately 77 watts.

The amplifier does not operate from batteries. Always connect it to a correctly earthed mains outlet and ensure the rear ventilation areas remain unobstructed during use.

Choosing a Speaker Cabinet

The Katana Head Gen 3 requires an external guitar speaker cabinet rated at a minimum impedance of 8 ohms when using its main speaker output.

The selected cabinet must also be capable of handling the amplifier’s output power. A cabinet rated comfortably above the expected amplifier output provides additional headroom and reliability.

1x12 Cabinet

A 1x12 cabinet provides a compact and portable setup with focused projection. It is suitable for rehearsals, home use and smaller venues.

2x12 Cabinet

A 2x12 cabinet generally produces a broader, fuller sound while remaining easier to transport than a large 4x12.

It is a popular match for the Katana Head Gen 3 in regular gigging setups.

4x12 Cabinet

A 4x12 cabinet provides strong projection, greater low-frequency authority and a traditional large-stage appearance.

It is best suited to players who prioritise maximum stage presence and do not mind the additional size and weight.

BOSS Katana Head Gen 3 Compared with the Katana-100 Gen 3

The Katana-100 Gen 3 is a self-contained 1x12 combo amplifier with the same 100-watt power class and core Gen 3 features.

Its integrated 12-inch speaker makes it convenient for players who want one complete amplifier without purchasing a separate cabinet.

The Katana Head Gen 3 offers greater flexibility because it can be paired with different external cabinets. It also includes a built-in five-inch speaker for practice and checking tones when a full cabinet is not connected.

Choose the Katana-100 Gen 3 for an all-in-one combo. Choose the Katana Head Gen 3 when you want cabinet flexibility, easier modular transport or an amplifier that can adapt to several speaker setups.

BOSS Katana Head Gen 3 Compared with the Katana Artist Head Gen 3

The Katana Artist Head Gen 3 is the flagship amplifier head in the range.

It adds a more advanced control layout, dedicated Solo delay, selectable Global EQ options, additional professional connectivity and a premium cabinet design.

The standard Katana Head Gen 3 retains the essential Gen 3 amplifier characters, Bloom function, five effect sections, effects loop, MIDI, Stereo Expand and built-in practice speaker at a more accessible price.

Choose the Katana Head Gen 3 for a powerful and highly versatile professional amplifier. Choose the Artist Head Gen 3 when you require the most advanced controls and connectivity in the Katana range.

BOSS Katana Head Gen 3 Compared with the Katana Head MkII

The Katana Head Gen 3 develops the established MkII platform with refined Tube Logic response, a new Pushed amplifier character and the dedicated Bloom circuit.

It also introduces USB-C connectivity and an updated BOSS Tone Studio experience while retaining compatibility with sounds created for earlier stage-class Katana models.

The Head MkII remains a capable amplifier, but the Gen 3 provides a more responsive playing feel and a broader set of core amplifier voices.

BOSS Katana Head Gen 3 Compared with a Traditional Valve Head

A traditional valve head can provide a highly responsive sound and familiar analogue control layout, but it often requires greater volume to reach its most expressive operating range.

Valve amplifiers may also require periodic maintenance and replacement valves.

The Katana Head Gen 3 recreates many of the dynamic characteristics players value in valve amplification while adding Power Control, onboard effects, preset memories, direct recording and software editing.

A valve head may suit players who want one distinctive amplifier sound and a traditional signal path. The Katana is better suited to musicians who need several tones, flexible volume control and modern connectivity from one amplifier.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the BOSS Katana Head Gen 3 require a speaker cabinet?

No. It includes a built-in five-inch speaker for practice, editing and checking sounds.

An external cabinet is required when you want to use the amplifier’s full 100-watt output.

How powerful is the built-in speaker?

The internal five-inch speaker operates at up to 30 watts.

It is intended for practice and monitoring rather than replacing a full-size stage cabinet.

What impedance cabinet should I use?

The speaker output requires a cabinet with a minimum impedance of 8 ohms.

The cabinet must also have a suitable power-handling rating.

Can I connect a 16-ohm cabinet?

Yes. A suitable 16-ohm guitar cabinet can be connected because it is above the amplifier’s minimum 8-ohm requirement.

Can I connect a 4-ohm cabinet?

No. A 4-ohm cabinet is below the specified minimum impedance and should not be connected.

Can two cabinets be connected directly?

The Katana Head Gen 3 has one speaker output.

Multiple cabinets should only be used when their combined impedance remains within the amplifier’s requirements and they are connected through a suitable cabinet arrangement. Check the cabinet wiring and total impedance before use.

What is the new Pushed amplifier type?

The Pushed character recreates the touch-sensitive response of a clean combo amplifier being driven into natural breakup.

It sits between the Clean and Crunch settings and is particularly effective for blues, indie, roots and classic-rock styles.

What does the Bloom switch do?

Bloom engages a dedicated circuit that changes the amplifier’s feel and response.

It creates a sharper attack and more dynamic low-frequency character rather than simply increasing gain or bass.

How many sounds can be saved?

Eight Tone Setting memories are available.

Each memory stores a complete amplifier and effects setup.

Can the effects be used simultaneously?

Yes. Booster, Mod, FX, Delay and Reverb can all be active at the same time.

How many onboard effects are available?

The front panel provides immediate access to 15 selected effects.

BOSS Tone Studio allows the effect slots to be customised using a library of more than 60 BOSS effects.

Does it have an effects loop?

Yes. A dedicated send and return loop is included for external effects and processors.

Can I use my existing pedals?

Yes. Pedals can be connected before the amplifier input or through the effects loop, depending on the type of effect and your preferred signal routing.

Can I use the Katana Head Gen 3 with a modeller?

Yes. The Power Amp In connection bypasses the Katana’s preamp and provides access to the reactive power section.

This is ideal for external modelling processors and preamp pedals.

Can it be controlled with a footswitch?

Yes. It supports compatible BOSS footswitches as well as the GA-FC and GA-FC EX Foot Controllers.

What can the GA-FC control?

The GA-FC can provide hands-free access to Tone Settings, effects, Solo and other amplifier functions.

Additional expression pedals can also be integrated into compatible setups.

Does the amplifier support MIDI?

Yes. A standard MIDI input is provided for compatible external controllers.

Does it have Bluetooth built in?

Bluetooth requires the optional BOSS BT-DUAL Bluetooth Audio MIDI Dual Adaptor.

What does the Bluetooth adaptor add?

The optional adaptor supports wireless audio playback and remote editing through the compatible mobile BOSS Tone Studio application.

Can I connect headphones?

Yes. A stereo headphones output is included for private practice and monitoring.

Connecting headphones mutes the main speaker output.

Can I record directly to a computer?

Yes. USB-C supports direct audio recording with compatible computer software.

Can it record to a mobile device?

It can work with compatible mobile devices over USB-C, although an appropriate cable, adaptor and compatible recording application may be required.

Does the direct output include speaker simulation?

Yes. The Line Out, headphones output and USB audio use IR-based cabinet sound.

Can the Line Out be connected to a PA?

Yes. The Line Out can send a direct cabinet-simulated signal to a mixer, audio interface or PA system.

Can I use an external cabinet and the Line Out together?

Yes. This allows an external cabinet to provide stage sound while a direct signal is sent to the front-of-house mixer.

What is Stereo Expand?

Stereo Expand links two compatible Katana amplifiers so that stereo effects can be distributed across both units.

The main amplifier acts as the controller for the linked setup.

Can sounds from older Katana models be used?

The Katana Head Gen 3 is compatible with sounds created for previous stage-class Katana models.

Some settings may behave differently because of the updated amplifier architecture and available functions.

Is it suitable for electro-acoustic guitar?

Yes. The Acoustic amplifier character is designed for electro-acoustic instruments.

Is the Katana Head Gen 3 suitable for home use?

Yes. The built-in speaker and 0.5-watt Power Control setting make it particularly practical for lower-volume home playing.

Is it loud enough for live performance?

Yes. When connected to a suitable external cabinet, the 100-watt output provides ample power for rehearsals and a wide range of live settings.

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