Gadget Watch: KATANA:GO, personal Headphone Guitar Amplifier dongle

It’s been a while since I’ve done a Gadget Watch, and it’s even longer since I’ve played a guitar… Who knew you can now get practice amp dongles that plug into the guitar and transmit to your own headphones?

Practice loudly with peace and quiet for everyone else. How neat.

Check out the KATANA:GO, from Boss (Roland Corporation). The device promises a personal headphone amp with “premium guitar and bass tones from stage-class Katana amplifiers”.

The makers write:

“This powerhouse headphone amp puts authentic sounds from the stage-class Katana amp series at your instrument’s output jack, paired with a host of wireless music streaming, sound editing, and learning tools on your smartphone. Advanced spatial technology provides a rich 3D playing experience, while BOSS Tone Exchange offers an infinite sound library to explore any style. Whether you’re a developing hobbyist or a pro keeping up your chops, KATANA:GO keeps you inspired everywhere you play.”

KATANA Features

In terms of the features of the device, you can record or playback tracks in music production software via USB-C. And you can even have wireless external foot control (via the optional EV-1-WL Wireless MIDI Expression Pedal and FS-1-WL Wireless Footswitch).

Other features of the device include:

Guitar mode with 10 amp types and over 60 effects
Bass mode with three amp types and over 60 effects
Stage Feel function provides an immersive headphone experience with advanced BOSS spatial technology
30 user memories in each mode filled with ready-to-play sounds
View memory names and the onboard tuner with the OLED display
Wirelessly edit sounds and play along with music from your mobile device via Bluetooth
Companion BOSS Tone Studio app with tools for sound editing, memory organization

Also, the dongle supports the import of Tone Setting data from Katana guitar and bass amplifiers, and – for the social side of things – you can download and share your playing at BOSS Tone Exchange

It runs on a rechargeable battery with up to five hours of continuous runtime promised.

It’s not cheap, of course – the KATANA:GO is priced at $120.