NAMM 2019: BOSS New Products for Winter NAMM 2019

January 23, 2019

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BOSS Announces Firmware Updates for GT-1000 Guitar Effects Processor and Katana Amps

Free Katana update adds new effects types, user-customizable parameter controls, and stereo recording via USB; free GT-1000 update adds more AIRD preamps, overdrive and distortion effects, and new master delay types

BOSS (Exhibit 10702, Hall A) announces firmware updates for its GT-1000 guitar effects processor and its Katana guitar amps.

The Version 2 firmware update for the GT-1000 Guitar Effects Processor is free for all GT-1000 owners. This user-installable update expands the processor’s extensive feature set with four new AIRD preamp types, three new overdrive/distortion effects, and three new Master Delay types based on classic analog echo machines. Since its introduction in January 2018, the GT-1000 has received universal acclaim for its class-leading sound and feel, extensive effects, versatile real-time control, and travel-ready size. Standout features include a high-powered custom DSP engine, 32-bit AD/DA, 32-bit floating-point processing, and 96 kHz sampling rate throughout, plus the ability to edit patches wirelessly via built-in Bluetooth® and a dedicated app. The GT-1000 debuted BOSS’s groundbreaking AIRD (Augmented Impulse Response Dynamics) technology, which is based on the comprehensive Tube Logic concept behind the Katana, Waza, Nextone, and Blues Cube amplifiers. The Version 2 update adds MATCH COMBO, BG COMBO, ORNG STACK, and BGNR UB METAL preamp types, increasing the number of onboard AIRD preamps to 20.

For BOSS’s Katana guitar amplifiers, a free Version 3 update further enhances these stage-class models. This feature-rich update adds three new effect types that are perfectly matched for the Katana’s Brown amp character, bringing the onboard effects total to 61. Other improvements include the ability to assign favorite parameters to the front-panel effects knobs and connected expression pedals, as well as the option to record with stereo effects when tracking in a DAW via USB. All Katana stage-class amps include integrated access to a wide selection of BOSS effects, which are customizable using the free BOSS Tone Studio editor software. With Version 3, the legendary Roland DC-30 Analog Chorus-Echo, iconic BOSS GE-10 Graphic Equalizer, and expressive 95E pedal wah effects have been added to the mix. The Version 3 update also provides the ability to assign favorite parameters to the front-panel effects knobs, giving users greater flexibility for shaping their own unique effects tones on the fly. Additionally, it’s now possible to control specific effects parameters from up to three expression pedals connected via the rear panel and an optional GA-FC foot controller. (The GA-FC is compatible with all Katana stage-class amps except the Katana-50.) Supported Katana amp models include the Katana-Artist, Katana-50, Katana-100, Katana-100/212, and Katana-Head.

BOSS Displays Waza Tube Amp Expander

First-of-its-kind command center for tube-based guitar amplifiers

BOSS (Exhibit 10702, Hall A) is displaying the Waza Tube Amp Expander, a unique new command center for tube-based guitar amplifiers. This robust amp-top device combines many different professional guitar tools into one unit for the first time ever, including a variable reactive load, active analog power stage, mic’d cab simulator, IR loader, and USB recording interface. It also offers extensive connectivity and real-time control options, plus world-class BOSS effects and support for storing 10 onboard setups for instant recall. Packed with the latest BOSS guitar innovations, the Waza Tube Amp Expander brings next-generation creative power and versatility to any guitarist who performs and records with classic tube-based amplification.

A key feature of the Waza Tube Amp Expander (expected to ship in spring 2019) is its advanced reactive load section, which allows players to crank their tube amp to its sweet spot while controlling the volume to suit any situation. Backed by the acclaimed Tube Logic approach, the load section provides user-variable control of the all-important impedance interaction with the amp’s output transformer, eliminating the tone and feel artifacts introduced with other load boxes. Selecting from sixteen different settings, users can make their amp behave exactly as if it were connected to their favorite speaker cab. Any tube guitar amp up to 150 watts is supported, from vintage combos to modern high-gain heads.

Ten different rig setups can be stored in the unit, and each includes the user’s custom effects and EQ settings, cab/IR selections, effects loop on/off, MIDI parameters, and amp channel-switching status. Rigs can be recalled with a panel knob, and additional controls are provided for reverb and other functions. Deep real-time performance control is supported with optional GA-FC and FS-series footswitches and MIDI.

Compressor, delay, and reverb effects are on hand, with settings that can be customized via dedicated editor software. Four different EQs provide tone shaping at multiple points in the signal path, and it’s even possible to use one of the EQs as a switchable boost for solos. The external loop offers selectable series or parallel operation, plus support for both line-level devices and standard stompbox effects.

The BOSS Waza Tube Amp Expander will be available May 2019 with U.S. pricing of $1299.99.

To learn more about the Waza Tube Amp Expander, visit Boss.info.

BOSS Exhibits Nextone-Artist and Nextone-Stage Guitar Amplifiers

Next-generation performance amps with authentic tube tone and feel, four selectable power amp types, and deep sound customization features

BOSS (Exhibit 10702, Hall A) is displaying the Nextone-Artist (80 Watts) and Nextone-Stage (40 Watts), two gig-ready, 12-inch-speaker combo guitar amplifiers designed with the advanced Tube Logic approach. Combining classic tube sound and feel with next-generation tonal diversity, each Nextone (pronounced “nex-tone”) amp offers multiple channels and instant re-voicing via four Class AB analog power amp types selectable from the panel. Nextone amps also include built-in effects, a dynamically responsive power control, and personalized sound customization using the Nextone Editor software for Mac and Windows.

Widely acclaimed by guitarists, the Tube Logic design approach delivers real-deal sound, feel, and response by reproducing the complex interactive behaviors of tube amps in every way. This process also brings greater reliability, reduced weight, and maintenance-free operation. Tube Logic evolves even further with the Nextone series, unlocking access to deep tone customization features that are impractical or impossible with traditional tube designs.

With an easy turn of a panel dial, Nextone users can redefine the amp’s overall sonic signature and playing feel with the unique characteristics of 6V6, 6L6, EL84, and EL34 output tube sections. Each selection re-voices the entire circuit from input to output, putting the complete sonic experience of these four classic analog power stages in one amp for the very first time.

Nextone amps also include built-in delay, reverb, and tremolo effects, and with the integrated power control, players can experience authentic cranked-amp tone while matching the volume to any situation, be it home, studio, or stage.

Featuring a dual-channel design with clean and lead channels, Boost and Tone switches, a three-band tone stack, and a presence control with a quick button press, the user can switch the amp into custom mode and access factory-tweaked variations of the standard clean and lead channels. Players can further customize the sound with the intuitive Nextone Editor, fine-tuning bias, sag, EQ, effects, and other settings to match their individual style, touch, and pedal preferences. Using the editor software, the character of the direct sound can be set to one of three Air Feel settings for a range of mic’d cab tones.