I'm afraid the katana love at andertons will never be topped. It staggers me the hype for katana after hearing each generation. For me black star id core 100 and the catalyst sound sooooo much better
@@hey0mcfly The 'Katana Speaker Swap' video Andertons made still frustrates me - if you've ever used a Katana with anything other than the stock speaker, it's an insanely massive change like a 75% reduction in that horrible treble. But they still said 'stock is great, doesn't sound different' when it's just the cheapest OEM celestion available.
Been following you guys for years and only just thought to subsribe as really do to any channel :) i cant wait for you to get too 1 Million what a achievement ! i just got a Code off your old video and i love it over the Katana. Also you have hardly aged in 9 years.
@@johnelcanrab2114 Spider line was important for Line 6 but also got some bad reputation that last til today. Guitar players don´t wanna adapt or learn much rather prefer myths
The Catalyst amps are very good, I had the Katana Artist and unfortunately didn't gel with its core tones. Admittedly the Kat amps do more and are a bit easier to use. But I much prefer the tones out of the Catalyst once you get out of that 0.5 watt mode. Lee's lack of interest here is obvious. Such a shame. Turn them knobs and there are some great sounds to be had.
It’s great the extra amps that are in this now. Elmsley and Ventoux are 2 of the best amps in the Helix so they’re great additions to what was already in there 😊
As an old duffer who has never liked any kind of modellers im gonna relent and say I purchased the cx 100 as a practice amp, cost less than £400 , its the best money I've spent in 10 years, its outstanding value, I have a few high end valve amps in the dumble category and an original klon, after A/B testing can say categorically that these new generation of amps are so close to the real thing now that most listeners are not going to be able to tell the difference in any regular gig situation, its great young players have these options , opens so many doors , will sell my QC, and headrush because the workflow on these combos is so much faster.
Thanks for that insight. I'm an older duffer too. I bought a CX100 when they came out and love it. But sadly, I'm feeling a little GAS for the Blackstar St. James EL34(or the 6L6 version, I can't decide which I like better) because it's a valve amp. But I'm not really sure if it's an upgrade. My concern is the longevity and serviceability of the Catalyst. Another idea is to buy a second Catalyst as a backup. I can buy a new V1 Catalyst for about £120. ($200 Cdn). I'd be interested to hear your opinion on this.
@myguitarsandme can't fault your logic, I am fortunate enough to own a " FUCHS ODS II 50 CLASSIC " 6L6 loaded, and an Old MARSHALL 50 WATT head loaded with el34s, I've also owned the Quad Cortex, the headrush core, and god only knows how many other " modelling " amps or floor units, again I'm fortunate enough to own an original " klon " purchased when the first hit the market, the klon in front of the CX 100 is really very good, and adds just enough " push" to give the CX a bit of smooth mid response that it lacks when turning the volume up on the amp, warm audio make a klon copy that's virtually indistinguishable from the original klon, I have A/B tested them and once the signal is in the mix it's virtually impossible to tell the difference between the original klon and the clone, there are a lot of reasonably priced klon clones, the archer clone is also v good, in summary your take is almost certainly the correct take, a CX 100 and a 22 watt valve amp really would cover all aspects and situations your likely too encounter, I still work in the Industry and still get access to a lot of new gear, I paid £349 for my CX from a big UK store called andertons, best money I've spent in a decade, simply because the amp sims and effects are actually usable as opposed to the usual infinite amount of captures and sims that never get used, anyhoo the most important thing ENJOY
Wow love the sound of this. AND current catalyst owners can upgrade to it via free update? WELL DONE Line 6!! Also interesting to see Lee not too into this one. He seemed way more jazzed about the katana which strikes me a bit odd. Then again this IS being demo'd by a Line 6 partner so he probably needs to be careful else people will call 'favoritism' - oh the TH-cam audience.. lol
To avoid design costs and increase ease of use it could have two dual footswitch inputs. One works boost/channel, other effect 1/effect 2. It would work with any footswitch and allow user to decide how much of control over my amp I want to have.
There needs to be a tiny version with a six or eight inch speaker. Any of these are big enough to use for gigs. I want a tiny one for my bedroom. Even though the power can be cut for these larger amps, they're still big. Is the software accessed through a browser or a program? I don't use Windoz or OS X. As usual Lee gives Paul a hard time about digital. He does that to Paul more than any other person bringing gear for demos.
I've got the first-gen 60W. It isn't physically big. It's basically a 12" speaker with a couple of inches on all sides. Running in 1/2W mode keeps it quiet enough for the bedroom. Even 30W mode is usable if you want a little extra punch without bothering the neighbors. The software is a program, but I've never even installed it. Most settings are accessible through the amp itself. Perfect for me since I want to plug in and play, not spend hours tweaking settings.
If you want a smaller version of these, get a Line 6 Pod Express and a bluetooth capable desktop amp! Pete and Lee did that on the intro-video for pod express and it seems to work great!
@@kenthhamner2641 I have a Katana 50 and, even on low settings, it can push sound far and through walls, small speakers can sound good if done correctly, Yamaha THR series, for example.
I spent 2 weeks researching about middle size modeler amplifiers. I test the Katana vs the Catalyst. Despite loving the versatility of the Katana...the Catalyst have a very real and organic tube sound. It sounds to alive and the distortion sounds...almost a real tube amplifier. It has an option to model 3 different watts amps, and a pedal effects. At low volumes is amazing. I havent tried at max volume...it has so much power that i have not need to do it. Have other of people here tried it?
@@jojojojojojojojojojojojob the Badonk hi gain model is one of Line 6’s best creations. Almost every metal band with a Helix runs the Badonk model for a reason. Sounds to me like you didn’t spend any time dialing it in…
Cap. just said a mouthful when he was talking about how some makers have decided to not let users put together components that don't sound good together. This is a problem with a lot of more complex pedals- it's too easy to get a bad sound out of them, and too difficult to get a good one. As a result, many end users think it's crap when the reality is- they just didn't know how to use it. The Lion 68 by UAFX is like this- it's super easy to make it sound like crap. But then you download the presets and it's like "Wow, I had no idea this stuff was in here." you find all kinds of classic tones that sound amazing. Problem is- none of them show you the values of any of the parameters- so you have no idea how much midrange, bass, treble, room, gain, etc. is being used to come up with this sound. If you did, you'd have a good idea how to dial in your own stuff- but you don't. The sweet spot on each parameter, for each sound you want- is tiny, which makes it very difficult to find. And since each parameter effects the one after it- good luck. I've found the best thing to do is use one of the more neutral presets and then start building your sound from there.
I had a couple friends with Line6 amps 15-20 years ago. One of them was a bit simpler and easier to dial in a pretty good tone. The other was a first gen Spyder and it had a giant foot switch with a little screen on it with all the submenús and million options which mostly sounded like crap. It took forever to find a tone I liked. For a very long time, I've been a "tube amp" guy, but the modeling stuff has gotten so much better in the last few years AND manufacturers have done a better job simplifying the user interface so that you can plug in and play your guitar, not play the amp.
@@SchroedingerK True- I'm using the UAFX pedals and they sound amazing- better than any modeler I've ever heard- but they are a technical nightmare to use. First thing you need to do with it is update the firmware- which requires a USB C port on your computer. And you can't just adapt a USB 3.1 into USB C- you have to have USB C on your computer- which means it needs to be a fairly up to date PC. I had to buy a new one- mine did not have USB C. Then- you get your cabs and presets- but the presets are stored on your phone- not in the pedal. Which means every time you want to change presets- you have to pair your phone to the pedal with Bluetooth. And this connection will time out between songs so- between every song you're having to pair it again and fiddle with your phone and the pedal for 10-15 minutes to make it work. That said- it sounds so good once you do load the preset and all- I don't want to stop using it.
@@SchroedingerK By the way- I have the Line 6 amp you're referring to as well- it's called a Flextone 3. Comes with this enormous foot switch board thingy with all kinds of presets in it- and the majority of them sound absolutely horrible. I think there's like 60 amps all with their own cabs- the only thing that sounds good on it are the clean tones- and many of them are pretty bad as well. That was back when modeling really sucked.
@@stoneysdead689 just looked up flex tone 3... I think you're right! I remember it looking like a Vox and that three row foot switch. Come to think of it, I was using his presets when I played through it, so maybe I should retract my statement about it being an amp that was easy to get a decent tone out of. I also remember the out of all his presets, there were a couple that I thought were pretty usable, but none of them sounded amazing. It didn't matter though, we were young and it was a loud and reliable amp that got us through gigs.
I would have liked to have seen this with the controls at 12 for each amp and adjust from there. Bass and treble are both set at 2-3, which seems high to start out with.
Doesn’t this channel make enough money to be doing wicked giveaways constantly? I mean Anderton’s is getting paid for their own marketing. It’s kinda ridiculous that we can ‘win a tumnus’ once every 6 months. Cmon guys share the love
Some of the distortion sounds seem a little raspy sounding of course this is just on my computer speakers, looking forward to shootout between catalyst and katana, and comments from Lee, Pete and I would like to hear what Rob has to say about both amps.
I've owned many Line 6 products, primarily due to their affordability. However, I've always found their amps to have a distinctly digital sound, especially when using distorted tones, resulting in a fuzzy clipping effect. In contrast, my Kemper, as well as the Tone Master Pro and Fractal FM3 I've borrowed, don't suffer from this harsh digital top end. Line 6 should really consider addressing this issue.
@@D1570R73D Well not even the Helix improves on this and is more expensive than the FM3. I disagree that we can't have a unit that is both affordable and sounds good.
@@robles1999 that's because you don't understand how product development works. BOSS is the best at managing the balance between cost cutting and quality, and tons of people still mod their pedals to make them sound better. the processors required to have digital distortion without cutting the high end are expensive and even the Kemper IR's and the Neural QC models and IR's are limited as well. look for digital pedals with analog dry-through, most are more expensive because phase-matching after the latency of the digital parts (no latency doesn't exist) costs too much money Rabea uses his QC for effects only for this reason. These guys on Andertons have said Kemper profiles are only as good as the person making them and there's not exactly that many people making good ones.
LOL- The guy who posted right before you here is raving about how wonderful the Gen 3 is. For every guy I've heard whining about it, I've heard at least two raving about it- I think Boss did just fine.
@@johnelcanrab2114 I didn't buy it- nor do I plan to- but that doesn't change the fact that it sounds great. But hey- you tell yourself whatever soothes your chapped bottom sunshine- I know how delicate you Boss haters can be- almost as delicate as the Boss fanboys. Who you actually have a lot in common with- they love it for stupid reasons, you hate it for stupid reasons- you guys should have dinner or something.
I think the only disappointment with the Katana Gen 3 is people complaining about cost and facilities, like lack of FX loop on the 50W model, GAFC compatibility, and the fact you have to buy the BT adaptor separately. I've not seen anyone who liked the previous versions complaining about the tones from the Gen 3.
In today's day and age of attention deficit, boss really killed it on getting a decent tone, not much learning curve, very intuitive and simple layout without much frills. I see this amp geared towards thoes who want a little "more" flexabilty. The high gain through my good headphones sounded very "line 6s" spyder vibes. I'm sure you could get a decent tone with some tweaking, but the brown and lead settings out of the box on katanas is 2nd to none for a digital amp. The katana mk1 was the first digital amp when it came out in 2016 that I plugged in and said "wow, for a digital amp, this is the first time I'm saying this is usable/good tone within seconds" seems the market is trying to minick the wild ly successful katana line
I own a Spider V Mark II as a practice amp, and would like to upgrade. My biggest beef with it is no effects loop. None of Katana 50 have one. I don't want to get the 100W model just for the effects loop, and still no built in tuner. The Catalyst 60 would be great, and much less expensive.
Ok chat…..tell me as I’m new to amp shopping seriously, if you have a pedalboard, is there any point buying an amp that has reverb, gain etc etc in the amp itself? Or should I just get something that just turns on and then get everything from the board?
If you have all the pedals I'd suggest a single channel, cleanish tube amp. Your pedals will provide better effects than most digital amps (if you're pedals aren't absolute trash)
@@VioletSerenade Surely you realize that's not an accident- right? They knew when Boss was releasing the Gen 3 Katana- and that's their real competition, and they know it. The Katana sounds better to me- and that's coming from a completely neutral party- I don't use either, I use UAFX pedals. Nor do I really care which sounds better but- the Boss does.
@@stoneysdead689 That’s kind of the point i was making. I used to own two Katanas, a 50w and an Artist MK1. The 50 was good for rehearsals but IMO the Katana series are way way overhyped. Good for practicing but anything else, eh. (I play modern metal mainly though so that may just be me) To my ears and tastes, the Line 6 sounds better but i haven’t played a Catalyst so i can’t really comment on the matter.
Lack of iPad editing for this is a big downer from me. I don’t use an awkward laptop editor. Such a shame…Even my phone should be able to edit it if it wants to work for me.
Catalyst has bigger cab than Katana so will always sound fuller next to you in room and at lower volumes , live , this doesn't matter so much as the Katana seems to be voiced to cut through band at gig volume , and yes , back in the day I had a Spider 75 , worse gigging amp ever , but honestly sounded fine in shop ... We are so lucky in 2024 to have so much choice , for me , Catalyst for home , jams and rehearsals , Katana 100 for gigs 👍
I think he might have done this amp a disservice by demoing all the models with too much gain+bass and effects always turned on. The whole too much bass+gain squish thing on every model with reverb and delay always turned on felt like a throwback to a time when the consensus was amp modelling sucks and only sounds good on clean models and they always use too much effects to try and hide the sucky amp models. Feature wise I really want to like this amp because I really like how it works but in this video I really didn't like the sound of it. And because I know that Helix stuff sounds good I think this demo perhaps gave a unnecessary false impression.
How cool ! Line 6 built a super duper digital amp and forgot to make it compatible with their FBV control pedalboards ... Sorry, I keep my Spider IV and Spider V, at least I can gig with them without needing anything else but the FBV control (volume, wah, FX on-off, etc, etc, all under the foot ... no other device required), and when you really know how to fine tune everything, they sound more than good enough to blend in. I got my old Spider IV 150 fixed (bad capacitors), and it's good to go for another decade trouble free, and by then we'll all be playing guitar through laptops plugged in mixing consoles or FRFR loudspeakers, and any well maintained Spider will maybe be a "collectible".
Lee can’t even pretend to like the sound of these things even when he runs a store tasked with trying to sell as many as possible . The look on his face and saying that sounds ok is just so dang funny.
I have the 1st Gen Catylst 100 combo and a Boss Katana MkII 100. The Boss is much more natural sounding to me and the better choice. I will likely sell the Catylst soon for another Boss Katana.
I think Pete should do these videos that have any modelling amps or amp modellers that is not from Boss. Lee looks disinterested always. You NEVER see so much scrutiny on a Katana video or any BOSS product.
There was an issue with using the direct output into an audio interface. The signal is too hot. So you have to turn down the channel volume, which affects the tone. The only solution is to use the USB interface on the amp, but then you have to switch back if you want to monitor through your own interface. P.S. I can't place Paul's accent. Sometimes I think he's from around Newcastle, and other times I think he's from Scotland. To be fair, I suppose the further north you go, they might sound similar. Don't tell people from Newcastle I said that. 😉😂
Thanks for saying this. I haven't watched the video yet, but have watched other catalyst videos recently and this seems to be the one big universal complaint. I was kind of hoping maybe in this video the guys addressed that or mentioned a software update so I could consider buying one of these for fun. I feel the reason Yamaha keeps the "Line 6" name around is to label all their non top quality products because if this thing was the "Yamaha Catalyst" a feature to solve this would have been added in an update within a quarter year of the product launch.
Good news. I saw another video that confirmed that the direct out has been changed to line level and is no longer controlled by the channel volume. 😁👍🏾
Great! Line 6 wants us to buy this, but are they going to abandon us like they did with the Firehawk 1500? That thing was a shit ton of money to get cut off and ignored.
They have launched a new version of the Catalyst but unlike Boss, you can have the same functionalities on the first gen with a firmware update instead of having to buy a new amp. That’s a win for me
@@martiboucatexactly! I just bought a 2 year old Catalyst 60 for pennies on the dollar, and then installed the latest firmware, DOUBLING the number of amps to 12 and offering more FX flexibility. If that’s abandonment, give me more!
They tell you what booster you will use. Because as guitarrists we can't and shoulden't think or select by ourselves. "Welcome my son. Welcome to the machine"
Katana Gen 3 for the win. More easily tweakable. More easy and useful top panel. More memory locations for stored settings on all the amps above the basic 50.
@@MrC9Oh3 I use the Katana Artist Mk1 and don’t need anything else. I got it used like new for $250 and it’s been great! Add the GAFC pedal and you’re golden.
@denmar355 yeah that's what I have, that and a Fender Super Champ XD. It's all I need. I do think the Katana is a little over rated though. The high gain just isn't there.
Doesn't sound very well to my ears. Given to the fact that Lees intro rhythm playing is on a P90 neck pickup I would expect much more warmth, body and less ice-pickiness. Or did he play in the middle position? Anyway, it sounds overall thin and bright. Now I'm very excited for the comparison with the new Katanas which BOSS should win. BOSS better has to win, the Katana 100 with footswitch costs 650,- which is a different price league. A very bold change of prices in my humble opinion. And I'm wondering if BOSS can stick to these prices or if they have to lower it as with the Dual Cube LX.
I hear a lot of piercing fizz and fart and often a lack of deep mids or upper lows. Since I`ve heard better demos, I wonder if they made this demo intentionally bad, or if the amp really sounds like this.
They’re not fully tweaking each setting, just flicking through the models. This is my main criticism of 99% of review videos. They simply don’t put the work in. This isn’t a ‘57 Fender tweed Deluxe with 2 knobs… you need to tweak and make a lot of adjustments.
@@joeltunnah Well in this case I found out that the video is very honest. I tested the amp thoroughly and really had to fight it trying to get a tolerable tone.
@Bgt3 I don't know what genre you play, or what a "tolerable tone" sounds like to you. Most critics of modeling amps play heavy metal, doom, death metal, etc.
It would be better if it had a control panel in the front like the Katana artist. Sounds good for sure but I think I’ll stick with my Marshall Jubilee.
I had am old line 6 spider years ago, absolutely hated it. It just sounded too clinical, too digital. No amount of reverb could soften it. Very popular at the time, but my laney gc30 pissed all over it. Really wish i still had it!
andertons needs someone to do digital products demo, Lee has too much bias towards digital/emulation. u can see it and hear it from how he speaks about the sounds. totally impartial about these products
Why does this guy say you can save 12 presets and use the footswitch to go through the banks if your are on a gig,, but everyone that I have seen owning one says it is BS?? Did this guy just not understand his product? Also, did anyone else notice that the Bass in up to almost 3/4 the entire time??? WTF? Never owned an amp that needed such a bass boost to sound half decent. I will pass.
I'm sorry, but I disagree. I bought the Catalyst CX60. I have several amps, mostly tube. The CX60 sounds awful. I've tried several times to get a good tone out of it. All types of guitars. Strat,tele,SG,Les Paul. I thought it was going to be something different. It sounds anemic. I've had it for 2 months. I've waited for digital to catch up. It hasn't.
The Catalyst series from Line 6 is known for not sounding particularly good, probably due to the speaker rather than the modeling itself. This is very unfortunate because I had the Spider Valve Mark III combo in collaboration with Bogner, and I also have the head amp, which is amazing. I don't understand why Line 6 can't do better when they have the experience and talent. I still remember when I started playing guitar at 17 or 18. It was the beginning of modeling, and this brand was really the best at that time, producing some incredible products. I haven't had the chance to test this particular amp, but from what I hear and the comments, even the Fender GTX sounds better than this. Are there people here who have tried it and have a more nuanced opinion on the new models? I'm curious to hear.
“The Catalyst series… is known for not sounding particularly good…” Known by who?? I’ve seen and read tons of positive reviews. Is it going to please German death metal enthusiasts? Probably not, and they’re very vocal about it. And Boss Katana owners seem to love posting negative comments on Line6 videos, or Boss is using bots.
Looking forward to the inevitable Line 6 Catalyst CX vs Katana Gen 3 video.
Stay Tuuuuuuuned........ & subscribe ;)
Yes. We need it ASAP with some Danish Pete signature tones @@andertons
I'm afraid the katana love at andertons will never be topped.
It staggers me the hype for katana after hearing each generation. For me black star id core 100 and the catalyst sound sooooo much better
@@hey0mcfly for you...and that´s alright. But no digital amp tops the katana.
@@hey0mcfly The 'Katana Speaker Swap' video Andertons made still frustrates me - if you've ever used a Katana with anything other than the stock speaker, it's an insanely massive change like a 75% reduction in that horrible treble. But they still said 'stock is great, doesn't sound different' when it's just the cheapest OEM celestion available.
Gotta say that my Catalyst 60 still gets a lot of love. Great tool for practice and live.
Line 6. Blimey. They think of pretty much everything and provide free updates for those that have bought an earlier version. That’s very impressive.
UNlike apple😂
It's very nice that you can see all the options at once. No lots of page scrolling.
Always love seeing Paul hang out with the Anderton’s guys!
Been following you guys for years and only just thought to subsribe as really do to any channel :) i cant wait for you to get too 1 Million what a achievement ! i just got a Code off your old video and i love it over the Katana. Also you have hardly aged in 9 years.
Line 6 makes some of the best amps money can buy and they are super reliable, idk why they get so much hate.
Because of history I'm afraid. Way back when they were fairly terrible to be fair.
@@johnelcanrab2114 I've had nothing but great luck with them
@@johnelcanrab2114 Spider line was important for Line 6 but also got some bad reputation that last til today. Guitar players don´t wanna adapt or learn much rather prefer myths
Spider line was truly horrible and they haven't been able to get past it. I think the Catalyst sounds fantastic for a modeling amp.
It's because of all the kids who just defaulted to the insane mode on the spider.
Always an instant like for Mr Hindmarsh 👍
The Catalyst amps are very good, I had the Katana Artist and unfortunately didn't gel with its core tones. Admittedly the Kat amps do more and are a bit easier to use. But I much prefer the tones out of the Catalyst once you get out of that 0.5 watt mode. Lee's lack of interest here is obvious. Such a shame. Turn them knobs and there are some great sounds to be had.
Love the tone and the look of the CX
I have the Catalyst 60, and I'm very happy with it.
It’s great the extra amps that are in this now. Elmsley and Ventoux are 2 of the best amps in the Helix so they’re great additions to what was already in there 😊
My favourite Line 6 amp is my Duoverb combo... It really nails the amps that it models
I have the Catalyst 100 and it's a great bit of kit. And just been made better with the update.
Good to see Paul again, always a great alchemy between you.
They've nailed the software for sure!
As an old duffer who has never liked any kind of modellers im gonna relent and say I purchased the cx 100 as a practice amp, cost less than £400 , its the best money I've spent in 10 years, its outstanding value, I have a few high end valve amps in the dumble category and an original klon, after A/B testing can say categorically that these new generation of amps are so close to the real thing now that most listeners are not going to be able to tell the difference in any regular gig situation, its great young players have these options , opens so many doors , will sell my QC, and headrush because the workflow on these combos is so much faster.
Thanks for that insight. I'm an older duffer too. I bought a CX100 when they came out and love it. But sadly, I'm feeling a little GAS for the Blackstar St. James EL34(or the 6L6 version, I can't decide which I like better) because it's a valve amp. But I'm not really sure if it's an upgrade. My concern is the longevity and serviceability of the Catalyst. Another idea is to buy a second Catalyst as a backup. I can buy a new V1 Catalyst for about £120. ($200 Cdn). I'd be interested to hear your opinion on this.
@myguitarsandme can't fault your logic, I am fortunate enough to own a " FUCHS ODS II 50 CLASSIC " 6L6 loaded, and an Old MARSHALL 50 WATT head loaded with el34s, I've also owned the Quad Cortex, the headrush core, and god only knows how many other " modelling " amps or floor units, again I'm fortunate enough to own an original " klon " purchased when the first hit the market, the klon in front of the CX 100 is really very good, and adds just enough " push" to give the CX a bit of smooth mid response that it lacks when turning the volume up on the amp, warm audio make a klon copy that's virtually indistinguishable from the original klon, I have A/B tested them and once the signal is in the mix it's virtually impossible to tell the difference between the original klon and the clone, there are a lot of reasonably priced klon clones, the archer clone is also v good, in summary your take is almost certainly the correct take, a CX 100 and a 22 watt valve amp really would cover all aspects and situations your likely too encounter, I still work in the Industry and still get access to a lot of new gear, I paid £349 for my CX from a big UK store called andertons, best money I've spent in a decade, simply because the amp sims and effects are actually usable as opposed to the usual infinite amount of captures and sims that never get used, anyhoo the most important thing ENJOY
Wow love the sound of this. AND current catalyst owners can upgrade to it via free update? WELL DONE Line 6!!
Also interesting to see Lee not too into this one. He seemed way more jazzed about the katana which strikes me a bit odd. Then again this IS being demo'd by a Line 6 partner so he probably needs to be careful else people will call 'favoritism' - oh the TH-cam audience.. lol
It’s all about sales figures. Katana sells more units. Doesn’t mean it sounds or works better.
Why are most amps using a top panel these days? I have always preferred a front facing panel.
Marshall did it in the late 60s. The Catalyst is kind of a JMP 50 look.
I realize this was made to market the CX but really helpful in figuring out how to navigate new amps/features on front panel in my original Catalyst.
To avoid design costs and increase ease of use it could have two dual footswitch inputs. One works boost/channel, other effect 1/effect 2. It would work with any footswitch and allow user to decide how much of control over my amp I want to have.
You can assign one of the foot switches to engage the boost.
@@johnnydrydenjr yeah, I know. But then I can't use effects on stage. Why do make 200W combo loaded with effects if you can't use it easily?
There needs to be a tiny version with a six or eight inch speaker. Any of these are big enough to use for gigs. I want a tiny one for my bedroom. Even though the power can be cut for these larger amps, they're still big.
Is the software accessed through a browser or a program? I don't use Windoz or OS X.
As usual Lee gives Paul a hard time about digital. He does that to Paul more than any other person bringing gear for demos.
I've got the first-gen 60W. It isn't physically big. It's basically a 12" speaker with a couple of inches on all sides. Running in 1/2W mode keeps it quiet enough for the bedroom. Even 30W mode is usable if you want a little extra punch without bothering the neighbors.
The software is a program, but I've never even installed it. Most settings are accessible through the amp itself. Perfect for me since I want to plug in and play, not spend hours tweaking settings.
Line6 are owned by Yamaha (hence Paul plays Pacificas) so they have the THR line for desktop amps.
If you want a smaller version of these, get a Line 6 Pod Express and a bluetooth capable desktop amp! Pete and Lee did that on the intro-video for pod express and it seems to work great!
Small speakers have small sounds. Just leave the 60 on the lowest power setting. That’s what I do at home.
@@kenthhamner2641 I have a Katana 50 and, even on low settings, it can push sound far and through walls, small speakers can sound good if done correctly, Yamaha THR series, for example.
I spent 2 weeks researching about middle size modeler amplifiers. I test the Katana vs the Catalyst. Despite loving the versatility of the Katana...the Catalyst have a very real and organic tube sound. It sounds to alive and the distortion sounds...almost a real tube amplifier. It has an option to model 3 different watts amps, and a pedal effects. At low volumes is amazing. I havent tried at max volume...it has so much power that i have not need to do it. Have other of people here tried it?
Line 6 have really won some points with these free updates 🙌🙌🙌
I've got the first gen Catalyst 60. Compared it back to back at the store with a Katana and it was no contest. Line6 did a great job with these amps.
Absolutely this!!!! Yet every guitar channel seems to adore the katana . Never understood why
same. but their overdrive and distortion models suck ass. cleans are pristine though. katana distortion is way better
@@jojojojojojojojojojojojob the Badonk hi gain model is one of Line 6’s best creations. Almost every metal band with a Helix runs the Badonk model for a reason. Sounds to me like you didn’t spend any time dialing it in…
Katana blows. Don’t see the hype. It’s is good for practicing.
@@jconner3891 lol many prof musicians use it for gigging too. you know nothing
the cleans sound great
That chapman looks good btw
chappman guitars are super impressing for looks.
Good review - thank you
can you re-shoot this clip with the Captain on the left please
Just download it and mirror the video 🤣
Cap. just said a mouthful when he was talking about how some makers have decided to not let users put together components that don't sound good together. This is a problem with a lot of more complex pedals- it's too easy to get a bad sound out of them, and too difficult to get a good one. As a result, many end users think it's crap when the reality is- they just didn't know how to use it. The Lion 68 by UAFX is like this- it's super easy to make it sound like crap. But then you download the presets and it's like "Wow, I had no idea this stuff was in here." you find all kinds of classic tones that sound amazing. Problem is- none of them show you the values of any of the parameters- so you have no idea how much midrange, bass, treble, room, gain, etc. is being used to come up with this sound. If you did, you'd have a good idea how to dial in your own stuff- but you don't. The sweet spot on each parameter, for each sound you want- is tiny, which makes it very difficult to find. And since each parameter effects the one after it- good luck. I've found the best thing to do is use one of the more neutral presets and then start building your sound from there.
I had a couple friends with Line6 amps 15-20 years ago. One of them was a bit simpler and easier to dial in a pretty good tone. The other was a first gen Spyder and it had a giant foot switch with a little screen on it with all the submenús and million options which mostly sounded like crap. It took forever to find a tone I liked. For a very long time, I've been a "tube amp" guy, but the modeling stuff has gotten so much better in the last few years AND manufacturers have done a better job simplifying the user interface so that you can plug in and play your guitar, not play the amp.
@@SchroedingerK True- I'm using the UAFX pedals and they sound amazing- better than any modeler I've ever heard- but they are a technical nightmare to use. First thing you need to do with it is update the firmware- which requires a USB C port on your computer. And you can't just adapt a USB 3.1 into USB C- you have to have USB C on your computer- which means it needs to be a fairly up to date PC. I had to buy a new one- mine did not have USB C. Then- you get your cabs and presets- but the presets are stored on your phone- not in the pedal. Which means every time you want to change presets- you have to pair your phone to the pedal with Bluetooth. And this connection will time out between songs so- between every song you're having to pair it again and fiddle with your phone and the pedal for 10-15 minutes to make it work. That said- it sounds so good once you do load the preset and all- I don't want to stop using it.
@@SchroedingerK By the way- I have the Line 6 amp you're referring to as well- it's called a Flextone 3. Comes with this enormous foot switch board thingy with all kinds of presets in it- and the majority of them sound absolutely horrible. I think there's like 60 amps all with their own cabs- the only thing that sounds good on it are the clean tones- and many of them are pretty bad as well. That was back when modeling really sucked.
@@stoneysdead689 just looked up flex tone 3... I think you're right! I remember it looking like a Vox and that three row foot switch. Come to think of it, I was using his presets when I played through it, so maybe I should retract my statement about it being an amp that was easy to get a decent tone out of. I also remember the out of all his presets, there were a couple that I thought were pretty usable, but none of them sounded amazing. It didn't matter though, we were young and it was a loud and reliable amp that got us through gigs.
And compared to the fender GTX line ?
The flextone mk1 will always be the best line 6 amp
Captain that is a sweet looking guitar you are holding there.. fender??
I would have liked to have seen this with the controls at 12 for each amp and adjust from there. Bass and treble are both set at 2-3, which seems high to start out with.
Guitar eqs are usually subtractive, so max is a neutral position.
@@shaky_lifts Not sure where you heard that.
@@shaky_lifts totally depends on the tone stack circuit. Some are boost.
Doesn’t this channel make enough money to be doing wicked giveaways constantly? I mean Anderton’s is getting paid for their own marketing. It’s kinda ridiculous that we can ‘win a tumnus’ once every 6 months. Cmon guys share the love
I’d love to see a shootout between this and a Fender Mustang GTX!
Hindmarsh in the house!!
@29:47 Lee says-"The world needs another rock band ..." Yes it does indeed and that band is THE WARNING!
Some of the distortion sounds seem a little raspy sounding of course this is just on my computer speakers, looking forward to shootout between catalyst and katana, and comments from Lee, Pete and I would like to hear what Rob has to say about both amps.
The cleans & breakup on this amp are good. Gain? Meh
Any chance we'll get a demo on the EVH SA-126??
What a Genius amp
the pacifica not selling?
Didn't know that George Clooney plays guitar so well...impressive actor.
But he's not acting he's really playing the guitar 👍🏼
Hindmarsh!! 🤘🏻
Great player, nice fella.
I've owned many Line 6 products, primarily due to their affordability. However, I've always found their amps to have a distinctly digital sound, especially when using distorted tones, resulting in a fuzzy clipping effect. In contrast, my Kemper, as well as the Tone Master Pro and Fractal FM3 I've borrowed, don't suffer from this harsh digital top end. Line 6 should really consider addressing this issue.
affordable, or sounds good. you can't have both
@@D1570R73D Well not even the Helix improves on this and is more expensive than the FM3. I disagree that we can't have a unit that is both affordable and sounds good.
@@robles1999 that's because you don't understand how product development works. BOSS is the best at managing the balance between cost cutting and quality, and tons of people still mod their pedals to make them sound better.
the processors required to have digital distortion without cutting the high end are expensive and even the Kemper IR's and the Neural QC models and IR's are limited as well.
look for digital pedals with analog dry-through, most are more expensive because phase-matching after the latency of the digital parts (no latency doesn't exist) costs too much money
Rabea uses his QC for effects only for this reason. These guys on Andertons have said Kemper profiles are only as good as the person making them and there's not exactly that many people making good ones.
The first company to just put a touchscreen interface on a combo with a foot selector won’t be able to make them fast enough
Just listened to his band and it sounded killer
Given that Katana MK3 is a massive disappointment, perhaps this will gain some market share?
LOL- The guy who posted right before you here is raving about how wonderful the Gen 3 is. For every guy I've heard whining about it, I've heard at least two raving about it- I think Boss did just fine.
@@stoneysdead689well if the comment section said it then it must be correct 😂
@@stoneysdead689and you'll find the ones raving about it are also the ones that put their hand in their pocket and bought it.
@@johnelcanrab2114 I didn't buy it- nor do I plan to- but that doesn't change the fact that it sounds great. But hey- you tell yourself whatever soothes your chapped bottom sunshine- I know how delicate you Boss haters can be- almost as delicate as the Boss fanboys. Who you actually have a lot in common with- they love it for stupid reasons, you hate it for stupid reasons- you guys should have dinner or something.
I think the only disappointment with the Katana Gen 3 is people complaining about cost and facilities, like lack of FX loop on the 50W model, GAFC compatibility, and the fact you have to buy the BT adaptor separately.
I've not seen anyone who liked the previous versions complaining about the tones from the Gen 3.
In today's day and age of attention deficit, boss really killed it on getting a decent tone, not much learning curve, very intuitive and simple layout without much frills. I see this amp geared towards thoes who want a little "more" flexabilty. The high gain through my good headphones sounded very "line 6s" spyder vibes. I'm sure you could get a decent tone with some tweaking, but the brown and lead settings out of the box on katanas is 2nd to none for a digital amp. The katana mk1 was the first digital amp when it came out in 2016 that I plugged in and said "wow, for a digital amp, this is the first time I'm saying this is usable/good tone within seconds" seems the market is trying to minick the wild ly successful katana line
Yes, usable tone within seconds, ie millisecond attention span Genz and Millennials is who it’s marketed towards.
Line 6 and boss have the market cornered. I wonder what Marshall is working on regarding modeling amps?? Of course fender, and blackstar as well..
When is he coming down with helix v2
I’m ready for a Helix V2 right when it is released
I own a Spider V Mark II as a practice amp, and would like to upgrade. My biggest beef with it is no effects loop. None of Katana 50 have one.
I don't want to get the 100W model just for the effects loop, and still no built in tuner. The Catalyst 60 would be great, and much less expensive.
Rick with Line 6 here - All the Catalyst models have a built in tuner as well as an effects loop.
I’m not sure the Catalyst would be an upgrade. The Spider V ii amps sound great.
So, Catalyst CX, or 3rd Gen Katana??
Consider VOX Valvetronix 40W as well ;)
I think the Katana is better and has a better speaker.
Ok chat…..tell me as I’m new to amp shopping seriously, if you have a pedalboard, is there any point buying an amp that has reverb, gain etc etc in the amp itself? Or should I just get something that just turns on and then get everything from the board?
If you have all the pedals I'd suggest a single channel, cleanish tube amp. Your pedals will provide better effects than most digital amps (if you're pedals aren't absolute trash)
Turn the 60 into a slant FRFR for the Helix, or better add a more powerful HX Stomp XL integrated
I love my Katana but I've never tried a Catalyst... has anyone played a lot of each amp? I'm just curious how the two stack up.
I sold my Katana shortly after trying (and subsequently buying) the Catalyst, if that helps.
@@lionelhutz3170 lol point taken... alright, its on my piled up list of "must try" gear now 😂
I’d like to hear some Ramones style power chording!
Lee doesn’t look too excited vs his excitement in the gen 3 Katana video.
Beating the successful race horse. Boss got it success in their katana line and now seems they are just trying to continue that saga.
Just leave the boost on, people
Nice timing Line 6…
This is not a brand new thing. Andertons just haven't done a video
These amps were released back in marts .
@@JoormodeIt’s in the same ballpark, still great timing regardless lmao
@@VioletSerenade Surely you realize that's not an accident- right? They knew when Boss was releasing the Gen 3 Katana- and that's their real competition, and they know it. The Katana sounds better to me- and that's coming from a completely neutral party- I don't use either, I use UAFX pedals. Nor do I really care which sounds better but- the Boss does.
@@stoneysdead689 That’s kind of the point i was making. I used to own two Katanas, a 50w and an Artist MK1. The 50 was good for rehearsals but IMO the Katana series are way way overhyped. Good for practicing but anything else, eh. (I play modern metal mainly though so that may just be me)
To my ears and tastes, the Line 6 sounds better but i haven’t played a Catalyst so i can’t really comment on the matter.
Does it include the INSANE model from the Spider?? 😅
Why no bass amp?
Ok next video is an honest unbiassed Line 6 catalyst vs Boss katana vs Fender vs Marshall
And Vox!
That video was dumb.
Lack of iPad editing for this is a big downer from me. I don’t use an awkward laptop editor. Such a shame…Even my phone should be able to edit it if it wants to work for me.
the editor is quad platform, and works with Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android.
I edit with my ipad
Forgot that line 6 is a yamaha company now, seems like its been a good thing for them.
I dumped my Katana MK2 100 after the power supply died. Got a Catalyst and never looked back.
I feel if they added to the FX section a distortion, overdrive, eq, they would sell a lot more amps.
Did you even watch the video?
Catalyst has bigger cab than Katana so will always sound fuller next to you in room and at lower volumes , live , this doesn't matter so much as the Katana seems to be voiced to cut through band at gig volume , and yes , back in the day I had a Spider 75 , worse gigging amp ever , but honestly sounded fine in shop ... We are so lucky in 2024 to have so much choice , for me , Catalyst for home , jams and rehearsals , Katana 100 for gigs 👍
I think he might have done this amp a disservice by demoing all the models with too much gain+bass and effects always turned on. The whole too much bass+gain squish thing on every model with reverb and delay always turned on felt like a throwback to a time when the consensus was amp modelling sucks and only sounds good on clean models and they always use too much effects to try and hide the sucky amp models. Feature wise I really want to like this amp because I really like how it works but in this video I really didn't like the sound of it. And because I know that Helix stuff sounds good I think this demo perhaps gave a unnecessary false impression.
I‘ll have the stereo head, then… oh, wait!
How cool !
Line 6 built a super duper digital amp and forgot to make it compatible with their FBV control pedalboards ... Sorry, I keep my Spider IV and Spider V, at least I can gig with them without needing anything else but the FBV control (volume, wah, FX on-off, etc, etc, all under the foot ... no other device required), and when you really know how to fine tune everything, they sound more than good enough to blend in.
I got my old Spider IV 150 fixed (bad capacitors), and it's good to go for another decade trouble free, and by then we'll all be playing guitar through laptops plugged in mixing consoles or FRFR loudspeakers, and any well maintained Spider will maybe be a "collectible".
Lee can’t even pretend to like the sound of these things even when he runs a store tasked with trying to sell as many as possible . The look on his face and saying that sounds ok is just so dang funny.
Lee rocking what looks like a pair of Timberlands.
Yep Paul you look younger than Lee .
"Its all about Doing Demos on your own " that was a little harsh .
I have the 1st Gen Catylst 100 combo and a Boss Katana MkII 100. The Boss is much more natural sounding to me and the better choice. I will likely sell the Catylst soon for another Boss Katana.
I want to see Variax renewed…Bloody fantastic guitars for a gigging covers band guitarist…Please Yamaha….Make more of them….
I think Pete should do these videos that have any modelling amps or amp modellers that is not from Boss. Lee looks disinterested always. You NEVER see so much scrutiny on a Katana video or any BOSS product.
There was an issue with using the direct output into an audio interface. The signal is too hot. So you have to turn down the channel volume, which affects the tone. The only solution is to use the USB interface on the amp, but then you have to switch back if you want to monitor through your own interface. P.S. I can't place Paul's accent. Sometimes I think he's from around Newcastle, and other times I think he's from Scotland. To be fair, I suppose the further north you go, they might sound similar. Don't tell people from Newcastle I said that. 😉😂
Thanks for saying this. I haven't watched the video yet, but have watched other catalyst videos recently and this seems to be the one big universal complaint. I was kind of hoping maybe in this video the guys addressed that or mentioned a software update so I could consider buying one of these for fun. I feel the reason Yamaha keeps the "Line 6" name around is to label all their non top quality products because if this thing was the "Yamaha Catalyst" a feature to solve this would have been added in an update within a quarter year of the product launch.
Good news. I saw another video that confirmed that the direct out has been changed to line level and is no longer controlled by the channel volume. 😁👍🏾
Great! Line 6 wants us to buy this, but are they going to abandon us like they did with the Firehawk 1500? That thing was a shit ton of money to get cut off and ignored.
They have launched a new version of the Catalyst but unlike Boss, you can have the same functionalities on the first gen with a firmware update instead of having to buy a new amp.
That’s a win for me
@@martiboucatexactly! I just bought a 2 year old Catalyst 60 for pennies on the dollar, and then installed the latest firmware, DOUBLING the number of amps to 12 and offering more FX flexibility. If that’s abandonment, give me more!
They tell you what booster you will use. Because as guitarrists we can't and shoulden't think or select by ourselves. "Welcome my son. Welcome to the machine"
What a song ❤
It’s just an amp? It’s not the Line 1984 amp.
Yep- you're being oppressed by "the man". Stand up, be counted, let the rabbits wear glasses- can I get an amen?
Katana Gen 3 for the win. More easily tweakable. More easy and useful top panel. More memory locations for stored settings on all the amps above the basic 50.
Yeah the Gen 1 is better
@@MrC9Oh3 I use the Katana Artist Mk1 and don’t need anything else. I got it used like new for $250 and it’s been great! Add the GAFC pedal and you’re golden.
@denmar355 yeah that's what I have, that and a Fender Super Champ XD. It's all I need. I do think the Katana is a little over rated though. The high gain just isn't there.
By FAR!!!!!!!
Doesn't sound very well to my ears. Given to the fact that Lees intro rhythm playing is on a P90 neck pickup I would expect much more warmth, body and less ice-pickiness. Or did he play in the middle position? Anyway, it sounds overall thin and bright.
Now I'm very excited for the comparison with the new Katanas which BOSS should win. BOSS better has to win, the Katana 100 with footswitch costs 650,- which is a different price league.
A very bold change of prices in my humble opinion.
And I'm wondering if BOSS can stick to these prices or if they have to lower it as with the Dual Cube LX.
There’s a new thing they invented called “EQ”. Look into it.
AMPS That have Foot-switch Facility Should Come With The Amp Not be an EXTRA ! You wouldn't buy a Car if the Steering Wheel was Extra would you ?
uat?
You know that Boss charges extra for a foot controller on the Katana, right?
@@steverolfeca Yes I do ... Disgraceful I understand The 4 button one to be an Extra
I hear a lot of piercing fizz and fart and often a lack of deep mids or upper lows. Since I`ve heard better demos, I wonder if they made this demo intentionally bad, or if the amp really sounds like this.
They’re not fully tweaking each setting, just flicking through the models. This is my main criticism of 99% of review videos. They simply don’t put the work in. This isn’t a ‘57 Fender tweed Deluxe with 2 knobs… you need to tweak and make a lot of adjustments.
@@joeltunnah Well in this case I found out that the video is very honest. I tested the amp thoroughly and really had to fight it trying to get a tolerable tone.
@Bgt3 I don't know what genre you play, or what a "tolerable tone" sounds like to you. Most critics of modeling amps play heavy metal, doom, death metal, etc.
It would be better if it had a control panel in the front like the Katana artist. Sounds good for sure but I think I’ll stick with my Marshall Jubilee.
Terrible terrible terrible terrible review. Play 3 seconds of blues licks then next .
I returned my Line 6 because it sounded very boxy. Got its " competitor" amp and love it
Which is?
Katana?
That’s funny because I see an equal number of comments that the katana sounds “boxy”.
Rlly? I just bought the older one
Still pissed at the way they abandoned the amplifi line so quickly
I couldn’t stand the UI on the Amplifi. Completely useless for anyone who grew up with conventional amps.
I had am old line 6 spider years ago, absolutely hated it. It just sounded too clinical, too digital. No amount of reverb could soften it. Very popular at the time, but my laney gc30 pissed all over it. Really wish i still had it!
How is that relevant to this Catalyst review? I’ve played Peavey’s, Marshalls, and Fenders that sucked too.
andertons needs someone to do digital products demo, Lee has too much bias towards digital/emulation. u can see it and hear it from how he speaks about the sounds. totally impartial about these products
Yeah, you keep putting up their subscribe. I’ve been subscribed since Rob Chapman had a long ass hair. I’m probably for five years before that.
This sounds good to me but you have to know what ur doing.
These style of amps sound good... until you put them next to a valve amp IMHO.
Disagree, and I build tube amps. They’re different, not better or worse.
Why does this guy say you can save 12 presets and use the footswitch to go through the banks if your are on a gig,, but everyone that I have seen owning one says it is BS?? Did this guy just not understand his product? Also, did anyone else notice that the Bass in up to almost 3/4 the entire time??? WTF? Never owned an amp that needed such a bass boost to sound half decent. I will pass.
I'm sorry, but I disagree. I bought the Catalyst CX60. I have several amps, mostly tube. The CX60 sounds awful. I've tried several times to get a good tone out of it. All types of guitars. Strat,tele,SG,Les Paul. I thought it was going to be something different. It sounds anemic. I've had it for 2 months. I've waited for digital to catch up. It hasn't.
Am I the only one that thinks the captain's guitar sound on the intro sounds like doo doo?
The Catalyst series from Line 6 is known for not sounding particularly good, probably due to the speaker rather than the modeling itself.
This is very unfortunate because I had the Spider Valve Mark III combo in collaboration with Bogner, and I also have the head amp, which is amazing. I don't understand why Line 6 can't do better when they have the experience and talent.
I still remember when I started playing guitar at 17 or 18. It was the beginning of modeling, and this brand was really the best at that time, producing some incredible products.
I haven't had the chance to test this particular amp, but from what I hear and the comments, even the Fender GTX sounds better than this.
Are there people here who have tried it and have a more nuanced opinion on the new models? I'm curious to hear.
“The Catalyst series… is known for not sounding particularly good…”
Known by who?? I’ve seen and read tons of positive reviews. Is it going to please German death metal enthusiasts? Probably not, and they’re very vocal about it. And Boss Katana owners seem to love posting negative comments on Line6 videos, or Boss is using bots.