The premier model in the Katana lineup, the Boss Katana-Artist MkII Combo Amplifier is designed to provide guitarists with gig-ready rock tones while minimizing reliance on a pedalboard. Packing more features, tones, and effects than its predecessor, the amp offers 100W into a 1x12' speaker cabinet, making it suitable for use in midsized venues and practicing at home.

As with the first version of this amp, five different amp characters are available but now with variations—providing 10 different tone options to choose from. Also, you can now select among five different onboard effects (Modulation, Booster, FX, Delay, and Reverb) with three variations each, giving you the sound-shaping power of a massive pedalboard right inside your amp.

Other sound-shaping options include a three-way Contour switch, Global EQ with three customizable curves, and a Solo boost with adjustable level. If you happen to love your particular stompbox amp modeler, you can use this combo amp for its cabinet only, plugging your rig into the new Power Amp input. This connection point lets you employ the cabinet as a delivery system for your multi-effects rig and amp-modeler stompbox.

Turn your attention to the rear of the amplifier chassis, and you'll notice a headphones/recording output, giving you the ability to direct your sound to headphones and recording devices with a minimal amount of maneuvering. A new Stereo Expand switch allows you to link and control two Katana-Artist MkIIs for massive, ultrawide tones.

An auxiliary input jack lets you play audio from compatible players through the amplifier. A footswitch input allows you to select between the channels or to implement an expression pedal without turning your back on the audience.