Boss Katana 50 / Katana Head / Recording Questions

[Tiga]

I'm considering getting rid of my Peavey Bandit 112 and possibly replacing it with a Boss Katana. The Peavey is just far more amp than I need for playing around the house. I know the Katana's are well regarded and bring a lot of versatility for practice, etc. Another reason I'm considering one is that they are supposed to be a recording interface. My daughter (13) has started writing her own songs and wants to record them.

Well I know absolutely nothing about recording so my questions are: Is the Katana good as a recording interface. Would it work for a microphone as well as a guitar? (she sings - pretty well too). Can it work with Garageband?

Would I better off getting the head vs the 50? It seems like the head can be moved around easily, has built in speakers for practicing, and then connect to a cab when she wants a little more volume. Just seems more versatile.

[Milkman]

The katana can be plugged into the computer directly, but I don’t think you can really run a microphone through it.

The head does have a small speaker built in, which, I suppose is good enough for practice, and is much easier to move around.

[LightWingStudios]

You haven't mentioned whether you'll record using a Mac or a PC. It should have at least a i5 processor (i7 would be ideal) and 16GB RAM minimum along with a nice big disk drive...512GB minimum and SSD preferred if possible. That way its built for growth and more complex recording later on. Never pay TWICE for the same real estate especially in computers.

There are a TON of really reasonably priced systems on Flea Bay IF you need one. Now on to The Kat Stuff!

https://www.boss.info/us/promos/katana/

This links to their latest MK2 (Mark 2) Series. That said, their MK1 Series is amazing and can be had at significantly LESS cost than a new MK2.

I have a Kat MK1 Head that I use in my home studio. The built in speaker is 5" and great for PRACTICING especially at low volumes since the entire amp line has variable wattage. Sounds amazing at .5 watts, can go as high as 100 watts and pretty loud tho not good enough for LIVE performance.

The Kat line of amps DO NOT have a recording interface built in. They DO have a Direct/Record Out that can connect to one. They also have a USB out that allows you to plug it directly into a computer tho I found the quality of the recording is not quite as good as if you went into an interface. They DO NOT have microphone inputs. They are guitar amps.

The 100 Watt Combo has all the features of the Head built in. The 50 Watt DOES NOT have a Effects Loop like the 100 and only HALF the number of presets you can save to it at 4. The 100 Watt speaker is BETTER than the one in the 50 Watt (IMO).

THE AMAZING thing about the Kat Line of Amps is they come with over $1K of Boss Effects built right in so you'll save a TON of cash on pedals. You can download and install the Boss Tone Studio software as well. Pretty amazing stuff but be careful...it's VERY EASY to get lost in it because it is so robust.

SSSSOOOOOO...I suggest you get her an MK1 Head so she can get her fingers wet. You can always add a third party cabinet later on. The Head can be had USED for around $250.

THE definitive place for Kat info is on FB at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/boss.katana/
The group has well over 15,000 members at this point, still growing and has worldwide membership.

The owner of that FB group, JB Aubry, is from Canada, is a friend of mine and has done more Kat videos than ANYONE else on the planet.

JB' YouTube Channel can be found here:

https://www.youtube.com/user/BenoArocks

I highly recommend you both look into them BEFORE you purchase if for no other reason than the comfort you'll get from each as incredible resources.

IF you are in need of an Interface, I have a spare Presonus Audiobox USB I can let you have for $50 shipped (assumimg you're in the U.S.).

It has TWO mic and line/guitar level inputs, a Midi In and Midi Out, a Headphone Out, and USB in/out as well to connect to and be powered by your computer. I suggest you get an Interface if you expect to use Garage Band or almost any other Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) software.

You will also need POWERED Monitors if you decide to record and play back performances that sound as good as played. I recommend Mackie CR5-X 5" Creative Reference Multimedia Powered Monitors. They go for around $200 on American Musical Supply and I expect about the same on Sweetwater, etc. Pretty darn good for starting out in recording.

https://www.americanmusical.com/mackie- ... p/MAC-CR5X

You'll also need a MIC for her vocals if and when she decides to record them as well. Pick yer poison on that one.


I now return you to our regularly scheduled AGF Posting...

[Milkman]

Yeah, that’s what I meant to say.

[Tiga]

Thank you LightwingStudios - that was great information and very helpful.

[Tiga]

Oh, and I have a mac mini - a few years old. I'd have to check on what processor it has.

[LightWingStudios]

Oh, and I have a mac mini - a few years old. I'd have to check on what processor it has.

Make sure the Mac Mini meets these OS specs:

https://www.boss.info/us/support/by_pro ... s_drivers/

[LightWingStudios]

Oh, and I have a mac mini - a few years old. I'd have to check on what processor it has.

Should be fine.

[Tiga]

And I do have some powered monitors - Alesis but I'm not sure the model right now. Picked them up in mint condition at a yard sale for $10 and don't think I've ever used them.