BOSS announces three new models in the best-selling lineup of Katana guitar amplifiers. The Katana-50 MkII EX is an expanded version of the entry-level Katana-50 MkII, offering enhanced performance features derived from higher-end Katana models. The Katana-Artist MkII Head provides the premium sound and features of the flagship Katana-Artist MkII combo in a powerful 100-watt amplifier head. The Katana Cabinet 212 is the ideal companion for the companion for the Katana-Artist MkII Head, offering ultimate rock tones in a 2×12 configuration loaded with custom Waza speakers.

Katana-50 MkII EX

Armed with 50 watts of stage-ready power, the Katana-50 MkII EX expands on the capabilities of the popular Katana-50 MkII model, providing more live performance versatility in the same portable design. Support for the dedicated BOSS GA-FC and GA-FC EX foot foot controllers allows users to select Tone Setting memories, turn effects on/off, and more. There’s also a line output for sending mix-ready tone to a house PA, plus the ability to link a second Katana-50 MkII EX or 100-watt Katana MkII model with the Stereo expand feature.

Katana-Artist MkII Head

The 100-watt Katana-Artist MKII Head comes with all the core features of the acclaimed flagship Katana-Artist MkII combo amplifier. Five unique amp characters and five variations provide 10 different tone options, while five simultaneous effects categories put the sound-shaping power of a massive pedalboard inside the amp. And with BOSS Tone Studio, users can customize the effects with over 60 different types and dive deep into internal parameters to craft their personal sound.

The Katana-Artist MkII Head offers many features for extended performance control, each with customizable options accessible with the editing tools the BOSS Tone Studio. A foot-controllable, post-amp Solo boost function is available, with a front-panel knob for fast adjustment plus dedicated delay and EQ. Users can directly shape the cab emulation on the line output with selectable Air Feel settings on the rear panel, including three presets and two custom setting. And it’s also possible to adjust the middle setting of the amp’s Power Control in 10-watt increments via the editor for different performing needs.

Katana Cabinet 212 Waza

The Katana Cabinet 212 Waza is precisely turned to support the massive range of the Katana-Artist MkII Head. This robust cab features a 2×12 configuration loaded with custom Waza speakers, delivering sought-after rock tones inspired by the benchmark British stack speakers from the 1960s. Two cabinets can be stacked to create a clean 4×12 setup, and the versatile design features a removable panel for closed-back or open-back operation.

Availability & Pricing

The BOSS Katana-50 MkII EX, Katana-Artist MkII Head and Katana Cabinet 212 Waza will be available in the U.S. in January for $399.99, $569.99 and $599.99, respectively.

BOSS announces the FS-1-WL Wireless Footswitch, a versatile multi-function foot controller for a wide range of applications. Users can control digital music score apps, YouTube videos, DAWs, and supported BOSS and Roland gear wirelessly over Bluetooth.

It’s also possible to connect a MIDI cable to operate multi-effect processors, pedals, and other MIDI hardware. And with the dedicated editor/librarian app, the FS-1-WL can be customized to control nearly any software application or MIDI device.

Compact and durable, the FS-1-WL is an essential wireless partner for all types of creative situations. It can send keyboard commands over Bluetooth to smartphones, tablets, and computers and comes with three pre-loaded setups for popular apps. Users can also change presets, control effects, and more on Bluetooth-equipped BOSS products like Pocket GT, Katana-Air, and Waza-Air, or the GX-100 via the Bluetooth Audio MIDI Dual Adaptor.

In addition, the FS-1-WL supports communication with Roland’s WM-1 Wireless MIDI Adaptor and WM-1D Wireless MIDI Dongle to control MIDI hardware devices and computers without built-in Bluetooth support.

With the FS-1-WL editor/librarian app on a Mac/Windows computer or iOS/Android mobile device, users can assign custom keyboard commands to the footswitches, either single keystrokes or combinations with modifier keys like shift and control. And in MIDI mode, custom PC and CC messages can be assigned. The app software also provides the ability to save and organize configurations for different needs.

Backed by decades of BOSS design expertise, the FS-1-WL is comfortable to use and built to last. The three onboard footswitches are quiet and easy to press. Status LEDs provide high visibility and can be set to different colors with the editor app. Two AAA alkaline batteries offer up to 14 hours of operation on the move, and AC poser is supported with an optional BOSS PSA adaptor.

Up to two external footswitches can be connected to the FS-1-WL for expanded control, both with MIDI messages and keyboard commands. An external expression pedal can also be connected for continuous parameter control of any device that responds to MIDI CC messages. The FS-1-WL features a TRS MIDI jack for wired operation of MIDI hardware devices. It also functions as a plug-and-play MIDI input device for computers and mobile devices over USB.

BOSS announces the DS-1W Distortion, the latest addition to the acclaimed Waza Craft family of premium compact pedals. Based on the legendary DS-1 Distortion, the DS-1W fuses the look and character of the standard pedal with two modes and a newly revised discrete analog circuit for more range and versatility.

Introduced in 1978 among the earliest models in the BOSS compact series, the DS-1 redefined the sound of distortion and remains as influential today as ever. Its hard-edged attack and smooth sustain of distortion and remains as influential today as ever. Its hard-edged attack and smooth sustain have made it the best-selling compact effect, with over 1.5 million units sold to date. The iconic orange stomp is behind the signature sounds of a long list of rock, alternative, and fusion legends, and its aggressive tone can be heard on countless famous tracks. Filled with artful Waza Craft refinements, the DS-1W expands the DS-1 experience for a broader range of styles and applications.

Standard mode on the DS-1W delivers the authentic sound of the original in every way. Its innovative two-stage gain circuit is a critical part of the fullness and definition that so many guitarists love about the DS-1. The versatile tone control affects low and high frequencies, simultaneously boosting and cutting each end of the frequency spectrum as the knob is turned. This allows players to dial in the sound for any application, from sharp rhythms and searing solos to maintaining low-end clarity when boosting amps and other drive pedals.

The DS-1W’s Custom mode introduces a bold new voice that takes the unmistakable DS-1 character to the next dimension. A thick, mid-focused tone provides more fatness and cut to stand out in the mix, and the tone control is tuned to maximize the mode’s richness and presence. The available level has been increased by 6dB, providing a wider range of gain boost for driving amps and pedals. And with more input sensitivity, players can conjure up all sorts of distortion colors with picking dynamics and volume control adjustments on the guitar.

Like all Waza Craft models, the DS-1W features a premium buffer for clean and clear tone when bypassed and comes with the standard compact series five-year warranty.

BOSS announces the GA-FC EX, a new foot controller for select BOSS amplifiers. The GA-FC EX provides enhanced floor control features and expanded functionality for supported amplifiers, which currently includes four models in the Katana MkII series.

Housed in a rugged metal chassis, the GA-FC EX features six heavy-duty footswitches, that provide direct control of ten unique functions. It maintains the simple setup and intuitive workflow of the standard BOSS GA-FC Foot Controller while offering new features for greater performance flexibility.

Status LEDs with two colors make it easy to see changes when switching. And along with two dedicated expression pedal jacks, there’s an additional control jack with a three-way mode selector. It allows players to connect a third expression pedal or use the GA-FC EX for expanded applications.

The mode selector on the GA-FC EX opens up powerful capabilities with supported Katana MkII models. EXPAND mode supports the connection of an additional GA-FC EX or a standard GA-FC for even more control, giving players instant switching access to all memories and effects at once. FOOT CONTROL 2 mode is for using two Katana MkII amps together, providing the ability to select memories and effects on both amps from a single floor controller.

Current BOSS amplifiers that support all GA-FC EX features include the Katana-100 MkII, Katana-100/202 Mkll, Katana-Head MkII, and Katana-Artist MkII. More BOSS amplifier models will be supported in the future.

The GA-FC EX can be used with other BOSS and Roland amplifiers that support the GA-FC, but only standard GA-FC control functions are available.

BOSS introduces the FZ-1W Fuzz, the latest member of the acclaimed Waza Craft family of compact effect pedals. Realized through deep analysis of many legendary fuzz pedals and detailed Waza craftsmanship, the all-analog FZ-1W delivers the inspiring tone, feel, and vibe of classic fuzz in a reliable modern design. And like all Waza Craft pedals, the FZ-1W features premium components for top-quality performance and different operation modes for maximum tonal versatility.

When introduced in the 1960s, fuzz pedals changed the game for electric guitarists, giving them a bold and aggressive new voice that reshaped the sound of rock music forever. The simple circuits of the most sought-after vintage fuzz units produce bright and aggressive tones with long sustain, and they’re very sensitive to playing dynamics and input volume as well. But these classic pedals are also famously inconsistent—even between models of the same design—and variables like age, battery type, temperature, and more can have a dramatic effect on their sound and performance.

Backed by Waza innovation, the FZ-1W offers all the great musical characteristics of vintage fuzz without the downsides. While inspired by historic circuits, this pedal presents an all-new approach fueled by BOSS’s forward-thinking perspective and deep knowledge of effect design. Using top-quality silicon transistors, BOSS engineers have created a unique circuit that provides authentic tone and response while maintaining stable performance in any temperature or operating condition. The sound possibilities have also been expanded over vintage designs, offering higher gain, lower noise, deeper tone-shaping control, and more.

With the FZ-1W’s Vintage mode, BOSS has redefined the classic fuzz voice with more gain and wider expressive range. The sound character is raspy and assertive without being harsh, and the player can smoothly transition from heavy fuzz to crunch to crystal clean simply by riding their guitar’s volume. The powerful Tone knob simultaneously adjusts the high and low frequencies to produce a variety of different fuzz colors. And by turning down the Fuzz knob and cranking the Level, the FZ-1W works great as a boost for amps and other gain pedals.

Modern mode on the FZ-1W delivers a more refined and versatile fuzz voice with focused midrange and fatter tone, making it ideal for all types of current music styles. The gain range is even wider than Vintage mode, and dialing the Fuzz knob past three o’clock conjures rich, singing sustain for inspired solo playing. The Tone knob also offers a different tuning that lets players tweak the brightness without altering the midrange, ensuring their sound always cuts through. And when used as a boost, Modern mode dishes a heap of girth with rich, mid-driven character.

The FZ-1W Fuzz will be available in the U.S. in early November for $199.99.

BOSS announces the RC-505mkll and RC-600, two new flagship models in the renowned Loop Station product lineup. The five-track RC-505mkll brings next-generation power and flexibility to the world’s most popular tabletop looper, giving performers an expanded range of inspiring and customizable tools for hands-on music creation. The RC-600 takes floor-based looping where it’s never gone before, offering six stereo tracks, advanced foot control, and highly configurable operation. Both new Loop Station models feature class-leading 32-bit sound, a massive onboard effects selection, built-in rhythms, versatile connectivity, external control support, and USB for interfacing with computers.

Introduced in 2013, the tabletop RC-505 has been the go-to looper for beatboxes, vocalists, instrumentalists, and other looping artists around the world. The RC-505mkll retains everything that made the original so loved and adds a wealth of new features to make the looping experience even more creative and free flowing.

Each of the RC-505mkll’s five stereo tracks now includes customizable FX and Track buttons, making it easier to color and control loops in the heat of the moment. Users can set up various parameters and trigger them with a press, hold, or double-click. Pressing the Undo/Redo button reveals a secondary layer to double the control options. Two external control jacks are also available for connecting footswitches or expression pedals and each has its own dedicated set of parameters. And with the Assign function, users can set up 16 additional targets for hardware control and MIDI operation.

The RC-505 also provides a greatly expanded FX palette to process sounds during recording and playback. There are 49 Input FX and 53 Track FX types to choose from – including new vocal harmony effects – and it’s possible to use up to four in each section at once. Groups of four Input FX and Track FX can be stored in four banks for quick recall, and a step sequence function is available in some FX to create dynamic real-time movement.

The RC-505mkll’s expanded connectivity and onboard audio processing allow performers to do more with less external gear. There are two XLR mic inputs and two mono/stereo line input pairs, plus an input mixer with two mic compressors and independent challenge EQs. Three stereo output pairs, a headphones output, and an output mixer are also available, complete with assignable routing options, and master reverb and compressor effects. In addition, the RC-505mkll’s panel faders have longer throw for more precise adjustments and rigid construction for a more solid feel.

Loaded with evolved features and customizable functions, the floor-based RC-600 Loop Station ushers in a new era of creative power for guitarists, singer/songwriters, multi-instrumentalists, and other looping musicians. Users can capture multiple mics and instruments with six stereo phrase tracks and take full command with nine freely assignable foot switches, three pedal modes, and deep external control support. There’s also a large, circular loop indicator and seven top-levels LCD screen variations to provide visual feedback on current operations.

With the RC-600’s 49 input FX and 53 Track FX types, users can process sounds before and after loop capture to bring color, variation, and excitement to performances. Included are versatile effects from the vast BOSS library, a guitar-to-bass simulator, and powerful vocal FX. The Track FX selections also include cool DJ-style effects like Beat Scatter, Vinyl Flick, and more. Up to four Input FX and Track FX can be used at once, and banks of four can be stored in each section for quick recall.

The RC-600 comes with the same connectivity and mixing features as the RC-505mkll, giving performers powerful and versatile tools for working with mics and instruments, mixing and monitoring sounds, and interfacing with other gear.
The BOSS 505mkll Station will be available in the U.S. in January 2022 for $599.99.

The BOSS RC-600 Loop Station will be available in the U.S. in December of this year for $599.99.

BOSS announces the Waza-Air Bass Wireless Personal Amplification System, a unique and inspiring over-ear playing solution for electric bassists.

Equipped with breakthrough BOSS spatial technology first introduced with the Waza-Air system for guitarists, Waza-Air provides a rich and immersive playing experience with dynamic 3D sound, premium bass-tuned amps and effects, and onboard rhythms. All-wireless connectivity enables freedom of movement, remote sound editing, and the ability to jam with music from mobile devices via Bluetooth audio streaming.

Launched in 2019 to wide acclaim, Waza-Air forever changed the landscape for practicing guitarists, bringing immersive “amp-in-room” sound and feel to playing with headphones for the first time. Now, Waza-Air Bass makes this revolutionary experience available to all electric bass players, complete with a feature set perfectly tailored for their specific needs.

Practicing bass at home through an amp can be problematic because low frequencies can travel through walls and disturb others. Using headphones is often a necessary solution, but the sound lacks the depth of the in-room experience. Waza-Air Bass changes that, restoring the natural dimension, resonance, and “moving air” feel that’s lost with traditional phones. An integrated gyro sensor tracks head movement as the user plays, driving sophisticated 3D algorithms that produce an immersive sound field with extraordinary spatial realism.

Waza-Air Bass comes with loads of amps and effects specifically tuned for bass, with full customization and ready-to-play presets available via the free BOSS Tone Studio app. Five different bass amp types provide everything from clean and punchy modern sounds to vintage and driven tube-style voicing, and over 30 effects are available from the vast BOSS bass effects library. And with six onboard memories, users can store favorite setups and scroll through them with dedicated buttons.

With a wide range of onboard rhythms, daily practice sessions, with Waza-Air Bass are always fun and productive. Ten acoustic drum patterns are available, with easy BPM and reverb control in the BOSS Tone Studio app. There’s also a metronome with 32 rhythm variations, including triplets and odd meters like 5/4 and 7/4.

All audio connectivity with Waza-Air Bass is 100-percent wireless, allowing users to move and play in complete freedom. Advanced wireless tech from BOSS’s renowned WL series provides premium sound quality, effortless set up, and great playing feel with low latency. The headphones and included transmitter also features auto standby and wake functions, conserving the life of their built-in rechargeable batteries between playing sessions.

Boss announced the EV-1-WL, the world’s first MIDI expression pedal with Bluetooth wireless connectivity. The EV-1-WL provides wireless MIDI foot control for BOSS products like the EURUS GS-1, Waze-Air, and Katana-Air, music apps on mobile devices, and anything that can receive MIDI Control Change (CC) messages via Bluetooth MIDI.

USB and MIDI TRS jacks are also available for wired control of computer music software and standard MIDI devices. And with the free EV-1-WL Editor app for iOS and Android mobile devices, users can fully customize the pedal for their needs over Bluetooth.

The EV-1-WL is the ideal creative partner for the growing range of BOSS products and other music performance hardware with Bluetooth wireless support. It provides cable-free foot control for the synthesizer engine in the new EURUS GS-1 Electronic Guitar, allowing players to operate pitch bend, filter, and other functions.

And with external foot switches connected, the EV-1-WL become a mini Bluetooth pedalboard for the was a-Air Wireless Personal Guitar Amplification System and Katana-Air Guitar Amplifier, providing patch selection, wah/volume control, and more. In addition, the EV-1-WL can communicate wirelessly with a standard 5-pin MIDI device that has the Roland WM-1 Wireless MIDI Adaptor installed.

The EV-1-WL can also pair Bluetooth with Mac computers, smartphones, and tablets to interface with music ads that support remote operation with MIDI CC messages. The wireless connection brings easy real-time control to all types of applications from guitar amp simulators and effects to virtual instruments and music production software.

Over USB, the EV-1-WL functions as a plug-and-play MIDI controller for music software on Mac and Windows computers. The class-compliant interface means there are no drivers to install – just connect to the computer with a USB cable and configure the software as needed for external MIDI input.

With its space-saving TRS MIDI output, the EV-1-WL us a powerful accessory for all types of MIDI music hardware, from effect pedals and multi-effects processors to keyboards, drum machines, and beyond. It’s perfect for use with BOSS pedals equipped with TRS MIDI, including 200 series effects and the RC-5 and RC-500 Loop Stations. And with the BOSS BMIDI-5-35 adaptor cable, the EV-1-WL can connect to any device that has a standard 5-pin input jack.

The EV-1-WL Wireless MIDI Expression Pedal will be available in the U.S. in October 2021 for $149.99.

BOSS announces the EURUS GS-1 Electronic Guitar, an inspiring new instrument for modern guitarists. The EURUS concept presents a bold creative path for adventurous sonic explorers, expanding the traditional guitar experience with powerful and expressive BOSS technologies.

Born from this breakthrough approach, the EURUS GS-1 infuses a premium instrument premium instrument with advanced guitar synthesis technologies refined over more than four decades. The guitar also features onboard Bluetooth, allowing players to customize synth sounds and control multiple performance parameters with the convenience of wireless connectivity.

The EURUS GS-1 fully leverages BOSS’s vast expertise in guitar technology bring endless musical possibilities to forward-thinking players. Crafted in Japan with pro-quality details and components, the instrument provides smooth playability and top-quality sound for any guitar style. And with the flip of a switch, players can engage a polyphonic BOSS synth engine to access a stunning analog-flavored sounds to launch their music into a new dimension.

The synth engine of EURUS GS-1 delivers exceptional sonic quality and natural touch response realized through 40-plus years of BOSS guitar synthesizer development. The six onboard memories come filled with ready-to-play sounds, and there’s a synth control knob for hands-on dynamic expression. Every synth sound seamlessly responds to normal guitar techniques, with no latency or triggering issues to disturb the musical flow.

Using the free GS-1 Editor app for iOS and Android mobile devices, players can fully customize synth sounds over Bluetooth. May different synth types and variations are available for crafting sounds, along with tone, resonance, and other adjustable parameters. In addition, a range of target parameters can be assigned to the guitar’s synth control knob and favorite sound combinations and be saved for quick loading before performances.

The EURUS GS-1 has a stylish offset body design and a slim-profile, 24-fret neck with a compound radius fretboard for playing comfort. High-performance Gotoh hardware delivers smooth tremolo action and solid tuning stability with a two-point fulcrum bridge and staggered-height locking machine heads. Custom designed for the EURUS GS-1, the two humbucking pickups provide wide-range tone plus split-coil voicing at two stops of the five-way switch.

The newly released EV-1-WL Wireless MIDI Expression Pedal is a powerful creative partner for the EURUS GS-1, bringing cable-free external control to the synth engine via Bluetooth. With the GS-1 Editor, parameters such as pitch bend, hold, filter depth, and more can be assigned to the EV-1-WL’s pedal, toe switch, and up to two external footswitches. Each sound can contain its own set of assignments, allowing players to preform octave bends on a synth lead, slow filter sweeps on a pad sound, and nearly anything else they can dream up.

BOSS announced CUBE Street II, a battery powered stereo amplifier for mobile music performers and anyone who needs high-quality sound on the go. Evolved from the best-selling Roland CUBE Street – and newly rebranded with the BOSS name – the compact CUBE Street II features two input channels for mics and instruments, onboard effects, looper, and harmony functions, and more.

The amplifier also includes support for the optional BOSS Bluetooth Audio MIDI Dual Adaptor (BT-DUAL), a new product that allows users to wirelessly stream backing tracks and control CUBE Street II functions with a dedicated app for iOS and Android mobile devices.

First introduced in 2007, the groundbreaking Roland CUBE Street was an instant hit among mobile musicians. Offering a high-quality, battery-powered sound solution for street gigs and other intimate performing situations, it quickly became a mainstay in the busking world and continues to be used daily by performers everywhere.

In 2014, the series expanded with the CUBE Street EX, a more powerful and feature-rich model for larger audiences. Starting with the CUBE Street II, all newly developed products in the CUBE Street series will carry the BOSS brand name.

CUBE Street II is even lighter and more durable than its predecessor, thanks to a modern ABS injection-molded cabinet design. The output has also been doubled, providing 10 total watts of loud and clean stereo sound to cut through street traffic, train arrivals, and other noise challenges on the gig. In quieter situations, users can engage Eco mode to reduce the power and extend battery life.

With two ultra-versatile input channels, CUBE Street II supports all types of musicians and performers. The Mic/Instrument channel features a combo act for either an XLR balanced mic or an instrument such as a keyboard or Roland’s Aerophone. Equipped with a standard 1/4 inch jack, the Guitar/Mic channel provides plug-and-play sound for guitarists with seven acoustic and electric amp types, as well as settings for a line-level instrument or unbalanced mic.

CUBE Street II also includes many great features to take performance to the next level. Each channel provides three-band EQ and reverb, and there’s a chorus/delay effect on the Guitar/Mic channel. An automatic harmony function allows users to create impressive vocal harmonies based on the guitar chords they play or a preset key, and there’s also a built-in looper for creating backing tracks on the spot.