Katana 500 BH, Cabinet 112 and ME-90B Processor: the Boss Bass Package

Boss Katana 500 Bass Head

The amplifier brings bassists a new generation of sound with clear, punchy and dynamically responsive expression, also achieved by a newly designed Class-D power amp with Cab Resonance, using high-tech calibration to internally tune the output power section for the preferred speaker. Each cabinet has its own characteristic impedance curve and frequency response, and these elements influence the behaviour of the connected amplifier.

The Cab Resonance function, at the touch of a button, calibrates the amp’s reactive output stage circuitry to match the unique characteristics of the selected cabinet. The patented system analyses a number of parameters, including the lowest frequency the cabinet can produce, or conversely the resonance of the highest frequencies, and many other factors. Based on this information, the output is dynamically improved, providing optimal response, powerful bass and detailed presentation.

The single-channel preamp is equipped with a four-band active EQ with a choice of three Amp Feel modes, a Bottom potentiometer for low bands, a trio of Hi-Cut modes and a Shape parameter affecting the mids. There's an integrated compressor, overdrive, Blend and FX control, and three more alternative effects can be loaded into the amp via the Boss Tone Studio app. Connecting the GA-FC or GA-FC EX footswitches allows control of many of the amp's functions, including front-panel user memory and two additional presets. Price: approx. 850 euros.

Boss Katana Cabinet 112 Bass

Measuring 534 x 456 x 380mm and weighing 16.5kg, the cabinet delivers powerful, assertive, clearly articulated sound thanks to its solid construction, 12-inch Eminence neodymium magnet woofer, switchable tweeter with dual modes and rear circular bass reflex. The Katana Cabinet 112 Bass (250 W RMS / 500 W peak) with 8-ohm impedance has been given two speakers connected in parallel, so there is the option of connecting a second cabinet if required. Price: approx. 830 euros.

Boss ME-90B

The floor preamp/multi-effect follows in the footsteps of its guitar sibling ME-90, which means it offers a similar concept with straightforward editing, 8 multi-function footswitches, expression pedal, XLR line output, USB-C port, effects loop, main stereo outputs and AD conversion working at 24-bit/48kHz resolution, while DA conversion and processing are both 32-bit. There are 10 emulations of different instruments on board, created with AIRD technology, a number of effects divided into 5 sections, a looper and also 3 slots for IRs.

The Blend function for setting the ratio of original and effect signal is practical and quickly accessible, the expression pedal can be instantly selected from a total of 11 modes, the DSP unit can handle a set of preamp and up to 6 effect blocks, the bank contains 36 factory and 36 user presets, there is a Bluetooth adapter connector, the processor can be powered by four AA batteries and the system is compatible with the Boss Tone Studio app. Price: approx. 400 euros.