Roland’s Boss division has announced new feature-rich software for its Katana amps. The free download updates existing amps to the new Version 2 standard and will please users as well as retailers as it includes new effects types, doubled onboard effects capacity, twice the number of Tone Setting memories, enhanced direct output options, and more.
All Katana amps (with the exception of the Katana-Mini) include integrated access to a selection of Boss effects, which are customisable using the free Boss Tone Studio editor software. Version 2 adds SDE-3000 delay, Phaser 90E, and Flanger 117E effect types, bringing the total number of available effects to 58.
One of the Katana’s most powerful features is the ability to store favourite amp channel and effects set-ups in Tone Setting memories for instant recall. The Version 2 update adds a second bank of Tone Settings, doubling the number of available memories. Combined with the newly added channel and global parametric EQs, this elevates the Katana’s performance considerably and enables users switch between the two banks from a panel button or an optional external footswitch.
Version 2 also enhances the Katana’s Reverb section, allowing it to be used for delay or delay-plus-reverb in addition to reverb alone. On Katana amp models that include an effects loop, the send/return capabilities have been expanded for greater flexibility when inserting external processing in the signal path. All of these features are easily configurable using the Boss Tone Studio software.
Finally, one of the key feature’s of the Katana series’ success has been the responsive tone and ‘feel’, Version 2 adds to this a ‘Cabinet Resonance’ function derived from the flagship Waza amps, enabling users to shape this interaction with three selectable resonance types. Katana amps also offer line and USB outputs with speaker cabinet simulation, and Version 2 enhances this capability with three Air Feel settings inherited from the Waza series.
The Version 2 update is available as a free download and can be installed by connecting a compatible Katana amp to a computer via USB. Supported Katana amp models include the Katana-Head, Katana-50, Katana-100, and Katana-100/212.
Info: Boss.info
Boss boosts Katana range with free upgrade

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