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Boss Katana-Air EX 20-/35-watt Wireless Guitar Desktop Amp

20W/35W Guitar Combo Amplifier with 2 x 5" Speaker, Bass-reflex Port, 5 Amp Characters, 6 Preset Slots, 60+ FX, Wireless Transmitter, Battery Operation, 3.5mm Headphone In, 1/4" Aux In, 1/4" Stereo Out, Cab Sim, USB Connectivity, Bluetooth, and PSU
$599.99

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Boss Katana-Air EX 20-/35-watt Wireless Guitar Desktop Amp
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Stadium-grade Sonics Meet Desktop Convenience

BOSS released its Katana series of amps to critical acclaim, quickly becoming a staple of countless studio setups, thanks to their powerful, distinctive tones, flexible connectivity, and intuitive interfacing. Now, BOSS elevates their innovative wireless desktop amp with the Katana-Air EX: a bi-modal 20- and 35-watt wireless guitar amplifier that packs an astounding array of arena-worthy sonics into a convenient, desktop-sized device. Housed in an all-wood cabinet with a lush leather handle, it features an authentic true stereo design comprising dual custom 5-inch speakers, a bass-reflex port, and a 1/4-inch stereo output pair, delighting Sweetwater guitarists with its premier playback quality. Extensive onboard connectivity options ensure your carefully crafted tones can be easily managed, recorded, or shared. Moreover, the Katana-Air EX boasts flexible charging options, including AA batteries or the optional, rechargeable Roland battery (not included) for 12 hours of unimpeded performance, connected directly or through Bluetooth.

Superlative sound shaping

In the elusive quest for tone, BOSS has outfitted the Katana-Air EX with a suite of sonic selections inspired by the Katana-series stage amps, yet refined for the diverse uses afforded by the Air EX desktop amp. Five onboard amp characters form your tonal foundation, each of which exudes distinction as you move from clean to crunch to BOSS’s custom high-octane Brown setting. You’ve even got a dedicated option for acoustic-electric guitar or bass. Full-bodied and high-fidelity sound doesn’t stop there, however, as more than 60 built-in BOSSFX run the gambit of overdrives, distortions, modulation, delay, reverb, and plenty more, all of which have been carefully optimized to complement the sonorous qualities of the Katana-Air EX’s dual-speaker stereo system. Once you’ve got your sound dialed in, you have access to six user preset slots for instant saving and recall of your tone.

Comprehensive connectivity

Thanks to the integrated Bluetooth connectivity, you’re free to play along to your favorite songs, practice tracks, and any other jam-worthy audio, or you can use the rear-mounted 3.5-millimeter auxiliary input. You can achieve true stereo sonics with the 1/4-inch output pair, but this isn’t your standard audio output: the Katana-Air EX includes mic’d cab emulation to go straight to the PA with uncompromising tone. If you’re working in a DAW-based arrangement, then you’ll be delighted to learn that the desktop amp also includes a USB-B port to go straight into your digital setup without losing a drop of aural character.

World-class wireless opportunities

Eagle-eyed observers will likely notice the 1/4-inch jack reserved for the WL-T wireless transmitter. You can rest assured knowing the Katana-Air EX includes its own WL-T transmitter, honed for tonal preservation to keep your sounds transparent and supported with virtually zero lag or dropouts and lightning-fast response times. Not only does this mean 12 hours of uninhibited performance, but it’s been designed with an integrated motion sensor and standby functionality to conserve energy use.

Perfected for practice, performance, and more

The WL-T or Bluetooth options let you engage the Katana-Air EX’s deep wealth of practice, performance, and sound design possibilities. Using BOSS’s Tone Studio app, you can fine-tune your tones, in addition to refining and managing cab simulations and program changes. It also allows you to integrate a broad swath of practice tools, including the creation of playlists, generating audio loops, and recalling backing tracks. An automatic memory-switching system even allows you to assign points within a video to change tones as you go. Looking for more tone? Just head over to the BOSS Tone Exchange for additional tone profiles, customized switching setups, and more tracks. Plus, the Katana-Air EX is designed to be seamlessly integrated with the optional EV-1WL Wireless MIDI Expression Pedal or FS-1-WL Wireless Footswitch (not included), further refined with the Tone Studio mobile app to assign changes, attenuate effects, and even control practice tools.

BOSS Katana-Air EX Wireless Desktop Amp Features:

  • Fully wireless electric guitar amplifier with 20W/35W stereo speaker system
  • Dual custom 5-inch speakers and tuned bass-reflex port accommodate the full spectrum of possibilities with clarity, from electric bass and acoustic guitar to clean chords and searing leads
  • All-wood housing evokes resounding character at any volume
  • Versatile amp with 5 distinct voicings, customizable effects, and editor software
  • Bluetooth connectivity accommodates supplementary audio and MIDI information for managing programs, practice tools, and more
  • WL-T wireless transmitter offers up to 12 hours of operation, recharges by docking onto the amplifier
  • Motion-activated transmitter automatically turns on when you pick your guitar up while saving energy when not in use
  • Wirelessly edit and organize tones via BOSS Tone Studio app on your phone or tablet (iOS/Android)
  • Serves double duty as a premium Bluetooth music player
  • True stereo audio out includes mic’d cabinet emulation for direct-to-PA use and is refined via BOSS Tone Studio app
  • Powered via 8 AA batteries (20 watts), rechargeable Roland battery (not included; 20 watts) or power adapter (35 watts)

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Tech Specs

  • Type: Digital Wireless Guitar Amp
  • Number of Channels: 2-channel
  • Total Power: 30W (adapter), 20W (battery)
  • Speaker Size: 2 x 5" woofer
  • Reverb: Yes
  • Effects: Delay, Modulation, Boost, FX (access additional)
  • EQ: 3-band EQ
  • Inputs: 2 x 1/4" (instrument, Boss WL-T), 1 x 1/8" (aux in)
  • Outputs: 2 x 1/4" (L/Mono, R)
  • USB: 1 x Type B
  • Bluetooth: Yes (streaming, remote features)
  • Headphones: 1 x 1/8"
  • Footswitch I/O: Bluetooth Wireless
  • Footswitch Included: No
  • Features: Wireless Transmitter Plug (12 hour play time), 1/4" Charger Port
  • Computer Connectivity: USB, Bluetooth
  • Software: Tone Studio Remote App (iOS/Android)
  • Construction Material: Wood Cabinet, Leather Handle
  • Power Source: 13V DC 1.5A adapter (included), Rechargeable Battery (BTY-NIMH/A), 8 x AA Batteries
  • Height: 9.31"
  • Width: 16.31"
  • Depth: 7.43"
  • Weight: 12.37 lbs.
  • Manufacturer Part Number: KTN-AIR EX

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Customer Reviews

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Rated 5/5

More than just a Guitar Amp

This unit is all about shaping sounds. I've tried two Fenders Pro and Ultra and an Ibanez Artcore Jazz with amazing sound and effects to cover many playing styles. Six of these can be saved (3 on A and 3 on B channel) as livesets and dialed up as needed. With the line out send to the front mix or stage amp/cab setup. Lots of livesets can be downloaded from Boss.

For me I wanted to shape the sounds of harmonicas and this more than fits the bill. Going wireless required a small harmonica dynamic mic, Lekato MW-1 5.8Ghz wireless mic setup (really small) and a Shure A85F matching transformer into the wired guitar input. I'm wondering if the Boss WL-30XLR mic wireless system transmitter (or others) would connect with the built-in receiver but didn't want to purchase them just to find out. Note that the wireless system and wired guitar input cannot be used at the same time. The wired guitar input disables wireless and charging the wireless transmitter in the unit disables the wired guitar input.

Bluetooth adds a lot of abilities with wireless pedals, backing tracks or just going to a party and playing tunes from a smart phone or an MP3 player connected to the Aux in. Steely Dan's Deacon Blues sounds great. Note that Bluetooth and Aux bypass the preamp and effects only available with the wireless system, wired guitar input and USB computer connections. This is as it should be when dialing in an instrument. Effects can be adjusted from the Bluetooth device.

OK, it is expensive. I get it. Then it comes with essentially the Boss WL-20L guitar wireless system built-in which isn't cheap. Add in high quality effects that other small portable practice amps rarely have. If one breaks or loses the transmitter hopefully the Boss WL-T transmitter sold separately would connect. There are no wired inputs for a pedal to switch livesets so it's an A/B button press, smart phone software or Bluetooth hardware to do this. Note Boss has not yet listed a Boss Tone Studio app for PC or Mac specifically for this unit.

It is a brand new unit so questions will eventually be answered. Overall a high quality setup in a small well built package with loud dual 5in speakers for playing anywhere. If it is easy to setup and use it is going to be used a lot!
Rated 5/5

Awesome Amp for Practicing

I love this amp. It was perfect for what I needed. I wanted an amp for practicing and I hated having to turn everything on and hook everything up (I know, I know). This amp makes this super easy. I practice a bunch, set my guitar down, it goes to sleep and then pick it back up when I have time and it turns on right where you left off. Not really sure on battery life because I've never hit it. I have left it in sleep mode over night and it worked the next day.

Also this amp sounds really good. It's got lots of tone.

Pros:
- super convenient
- love the fact that you can do everything on the amp or in the app
- sounds really good. very loud in a "smaller" room
- love the presets; easy to switch to something you know
- runs on batteries (AAA batteries) or AC

Cons (these are pretty minor):
- a little on the heavy side
- no rechargeable battery unless you purchase the additional battery pack - separate charger as well.
Rated 5/5

Love it!

I upgraded from the OG air and it was worthwhile. Sound is spatial and fills the stereo field. Easily dial in the heavies and the feels.
This is perfect for noodles and doodles of fun while watching tv

This is not something for gigging.

App works great
Never had pops or unwanted noise issues with wireless unit.

Works perfectly
I bought rechargeable batteries for the OG air five years ago and they're still running
Music background: Musician
Rated 5/5

Dumped my Yamaha THX for this

Love the compact nature of Yamaha bluetooth amps but could never quite get over the sound coming out of 3inch speakers. The Katana EX takes care of that. 5inch speakers. Sounds awesome. Well made, solid piece of gear. Has no built-in battery or tuner, but the app is great. And unlike the Yamaha, it includes a transmitter. And the motion sensor is a game changer. Just pick up your guitar and play. Love this thing
Rated 4/5

Convenience, Options & Sound

I would consider this a pretty expensive device, personally. But, after having done quite a bit of research, I really felt like it would it would encourage me to play guitar more. And it absolutely does! The convenience factor of the wireless system- and the fact that when you pick up your guitar the amp turns on- just makes for an awesome combo. Plenty of quality effects on tap- and the 2 x 5" speakers with the bass port really sound nice in room. It is expensive- but I won't be dropping $ each on a half dozen guitar pedals and I don't have to move a pedal board around or fiddle with wires. I play twice as much now as I did with my old rig- and control everything from my seat with the phone app. If you're a couch guitar player- this thing is the jam! Highly recommended for living room players.
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