@@jaxchiro you'll need to download the updated editor. As far as on the top of the amp goes, the A and B buttons pressed together access group 1 or 2 of the amp models. You know how you change the effects on fx1? You can now do that in FX 2 in the same way.
It's nice that now, you could have chorus and delay at the same time - something you couldn't do before. You're absolutely right - the Katana's multiple EQs are a must. One thing I'm a little shocked by, is, I would have thought they'd have provided a MIDI foot controller. Having direct access to all 12 sounds would have improved it greatly.
John that amp sounds amazing and you are an awesome player. i love the catalyst and it's chocked full of original amps. i love it! John thank you so much for making these videos brother. you are always an inspiration.
Don't forget that the catalyst uses the same DSP software platform as the helix variants - well maybe a smaller performance version, but overall the same architecture ....
When I demoed the Catalyst I thought it was way better than the Katana for classic rock tones and low again "D" style tones because it had a warm slightly compressed singing overdrive that's harder to get out of the Katana... at least it was for me.. I like the Catalyst !!!
Looks good glad they updated it! Mainly use my one as a Helix to poweramp in though. Someone needs to make a cheap/good poweramp cab only for modeller users who don’t want frfr
@chakakhan3751 I heard a powered Kemper run directly into a EVH cabinet with the cab sim turned off on the Kemper and I was shocked .. It was exceptional ! You might try a regular guitar cab and turn the cabinet simulator off on your Helix and see what you get, you never know ... !
Thanks for the review. Do you know if it is now possible to use an looper pedal in the fx loop and adding delay or reverb without changing the tone of the loop
I'm still dialing my cat 100 after the update. I really enjoy the 12 choices and finally have an A/B setup that seems to be my new go-to set for what I play. I also have an hxfx, connected 4cm,with a midi cable between. So, yes, much experimentation going on
Looking for input on the Catalyst vs Yamaha THR 30 II for home (studio) use ... e.g. regarding versatility, tones, recording ? I understand the difference in price and size, but if you were to pick ... ?
Had the catalyst offered an acoustic preamp as well, I think it would have been an absolute winner. And so it’s a bit of a missed opportunity with the updated model.
This is hands down the best demo of this new product. Your tones are always impeccable as well as your playing sir. But I'm not digging this amp so far. Some of the tones I have heard out of some of the other demo's have really not sounded good. I'm convinced you can make anything sound good.
Interesting thought. I’ve never owned a modeling “amp” but I do have an HX Stomp. I like the Stomp quite a bit as it also serves as a multi effects unit on my pedalboard for playing through my tube amps. I think using the Stomp for the entire rig through studio monitors can be frustrating with the time it takes to tweak, but once you set up some decent presets I find that can sound pretty good and for me the most inspiring aspect of it is stereo effects, which I never experienced playing through my tube amps.
Wow such an amazing rip off money hungry upgrade. Gee I must trade my version one in just for this. How pathetic are Line 6 they make the same exact amp and call it a new version and nothing has changed except for looks and some screws. Just shows you why version one didn’t sell very good.
I think there are doing better than most companies. They actually listened to a lot of customer feedback and made the changes without increasing the price at all. They also offered Gen 1 catalyst owners a free update that makes the firmware exactly the same as Gen 2. So as a gen 1 owner I have zero incentive to buy Gen 2 other than the cosmetic upgrades. Doesn’t really seem like a cash grab to me.
@@BaldingElephantI was going to say this dude is on something because his point is non existent. 😂 Offering an upgrade on the firmware to bring over pretty much every feature is not what I expected. I was assuming the Mk1 Catalyst amps would just get left in the dust. They actually did something a bit pro consumer… only thing that could improve that is an eventual price drop on Mk1 (if they still sell them) as well as Mk2. 🤷🏽♂️
Line 6 just keeps on innovating and above all giving value. So refreshing during times when everything cost more. Best investment I've made long term and for the future. Thank you Line 6.
Got a 200 watt and a pod go maybe I add the FR12 or FR10 from fender so that I have another option for FR tones and a stereo capability with my modeler but the FM9 is next on my list. I play a nautilus from Korg as well and need to use a PA type of speaker to play them so I am considering a PA speaker for my stereo and if I can get by with the catalyst I may not add an FR12 or 1o so what would you guys do? Should I add an FR12 or 2 with my Catalyst 200
Dealbreaker because you STILL don’t have a proper foot controller for live settings! 😵💫 I’m selling my original Catalyst 200 because of it… an A/B footswitch is useless when you need to access at least 3-4 patches for live gigs!
Looks like they added a pre and post setting on the effects, and a Gate on the Boost. Unless they just clarified the controls? No USB-C, no bluetooth (app connectivity)?! Come....on! IMO, a very lazy update
Catalyst is trash. I had one for a while and hated it. The distortion sounds SUPER fake and buzzy in the room. It might record well but it sounds aweful in the room. Katana, by comparison, felt alive and present in the room. Much more "authentic."
Have to say, it sounds terrible. A clean amp base and a few pedals through a solid amp (transistor or valve) would sound better. Will be worthless in 5 years.
I opted to use it for my last two gigs over my Carol Ann, so hard disagree on that one. It sounds nothing like a most transistor amps imho. Have you even tried it?
No I haven't but wouldn't record with it after hearing this demo. It will have a resaleable value of the atrocious Bogner/Line 6 amp. I have tried many Line 6 amps and you would be better with a DI'd modeller. Only my opinion, we all have different requirements from amps. @@newcomer87
Great news. I'm pleasantly surprised that my "old" Catalyst received the update as well.
Line 6 has a very good track record of long term firmware support for its devices ...
Me too! Especially since I've only had mine for two weeks!!!
@@keithbenedict8764 Same here really enjoying playing my LGB30 Archtop guitar on this amp nice clean warm tones after some tweaks
@@Andreas_StraubI performed the update today. How do I actually access the additional features?
Thanks for any help you may provide.
@@jaxchiro 6 new amp models and the capabilitiy to use two effects in parallel ... try the readme of the firmware update!
Just did the update.. they did really well. The 'new' Amps aren't brittle and have more heft to them. Really happy !
I just want to make sure I’m understanding correctly.. Did you update your older Catalyst solid state amp?
@@danielgreenberg4751yeah the first generation of catalyst amps received the update.
How do we access the new features after we update the old amp?
@@danielgreenberg4751 yeah there was an update that basically makes it functionally exactly the same as the new CXs.
@@jaxchiro you'll need to download the updated editor. As far as on the top of the amp goes, the A and B buttons pressed together access group 1 or 2 of the amp models. You know how you change the effects on fx1? You can now do that in FX 2 in the same way.
It's nice that now, you could have chorus and delay at the same time - something you couldn't do before. You're absolutely right - the Katana's multiple EQs are a must. One thing I'm a little shocked by, is, I would have thought they'd have provided a MIDI foot controller. Having direct access to all 12 sounds would have improved it greatly.
I have Alex Liefson presets now!
@@manuelhe46oh wow!
I have a midi foot controller and it does give me access to all 12 presets wish there were more. Future update?
That's cool. I was annoyed at first since I just bought the Catalyst 100 in December. Glad to hear I can get the update.
I'm with you on that.
Received mine as a xmas/60th birthday gift.
Celebrated with it on Xmas, will celebrate the update on my birthday.
Yeah yeah!
Fair play to Line 6......maybe not surprising to us Helix owners but good to know it can be done with their amps too now.
John that amp sounds amazing and you are an awesome player. i love the catalyst and it's chocked full of original amps. i love it! John thank you so much for making these videos brother. you are always an inspiration.
i've been using a lot of the ported catalyst models in my helix. great to see that the hardware versions are awesome as well.
Don't forget that the catalyst uses the same DSP software platform as the helix variants - well maybe a smaller performance version, but overall the same architecture ....
You know, that's the way to do a demo, so refreshing..thank you
Elmsley is the best amp in the Helix btw. Nice they included it here.
When I demoed the Catalyst I thought it was way better than the Katana for classic rock tones and low again "D" style tones because it had a warm slightly compressed singing overdrive that's harder to get out of the Katana... at least it was for me.. I like the Catalyst !!!
I just got the katana artist and im returning it for the Catalyst 2/12.The katana cannot put out lows at ALL!! The sound is soo thin its frustrating!
@@Mike-kw3xu I agree, was not impressed with the Katana's overdrive tones ! The cleans are ok but like you said it sounds thin !
I'm not sure what you mean John by onboard EQ only on the Katana. Doesn't it have bass, mid & treble controls like this Catalyst has?
Looks good glad they updated it! Mainly use my one as a Helix to poweramp in though. Someone needs to make a cheap/good poweramp cab only for modeller users who don’t want frfr
@chakakhan3751 I heard a powered Kemper run directly into a EVH cabinet with the cab sim turned off on the Kemper and I was shocked .. It was exceptional ! You might try a regular guitar cab and turn the cabinet simulator off on your Helix and see what you get, you never know ... !
I’m very happy with the Fender FR-10
The Catalyst 100 is only $200 cad. It’s dirt cheap already!
I really like the catalyst way better than the katana
Same here. I kept comparing both and the Catalyst always sounded way better. I love mine 😎🤘🏻
Wow absolutely inspiring. That really moved me. Loved every second of this.
John Cordy & Chris Buck - my two fave (non studio) youtube guitar players. That intro 🔥
still need an speaker out for choice speakers are a big thing is that hard to do?
Thanks for the review. Do you know if it is now possible to use an looper pedal in the fx loop and adding delay or reverb without changing the tone of the loop
I played one at guitar center. Liked it so much I picked one up
The catalyst edit software is easy to use ?
Compared to katana very easy
I'm still dialing my cat 100 after the update.
I really enjoy the 12 choices and finally have an A/B setup that seems to be my new go-to set for what I play.
I also have an hxfx, connected 4cm,with a midi cable between.
So, yes, much experimentation going on
They were going crazy cheap at PMT, £150 for the 2x12 version I think, even at that price I couldn't justify a 4th amp
It seems that they have made the selection of effects much easier and more logical. That was the main reason I got rid of my original Catalyst.
Looking for input on the Catalyst vs Yamaha THR 30 II for home (studio) use ... e.g. regarding versatility, tones, recording ? I understand the difference in price and size, but if you were to pick ... ?
Damn dude you rock. I've been trying to play lead like since 1989
Could the step up from 50w to 100w be more about headroom rather than volume? Or, it could be a fault as you said.
Had the catalyst offered an acoustic preamp as well, I think it would have been an absolute winner. And so it’s a bit of a missed opportunity with the updated model.
This is hands down the best demo of this new product. Your tones are always impeccable as well as your playing sir. But I'm not digging this amp so far. Some of the tones I have heard out of some of the other demo's have really not sounded good. I'm convinced you can make anything sound good.
Great move ! Sounds convincing. I always like an amp better than modeling through monitors.
Interesting thought. I’ve never owned a modeling “amp” but I do have an HX Stomp. I like the Stomp quite a bit as it also serves as a multi effects unit on my pedalboard for playing through my tube amps. I think using the Stomp for the entire rig through studio monitors can be frustrating with the time it takes to tweak, but once you set up some decent presets I find that can sound pretty good and for me the most inspiring aspect of it is stereo effects, which I never experienced playing through my tube amps.
Noticed they put some screws to hold that plastic trim that broke off on you at the gig. Nice little addition.
Wow such an amazing rip off money hungry upgrade. Gee I must trade my version one in just for this. How pathetic are Line 6 they make the same exact amp and call it a new version and nothing has changed except for looks and some screws. Just shows you why version one didn’t sell very good.
I think there are doing better than most companies. They actually listened to a lot of customer feedback and made the changes without increasing the price at all. They also offered Gen 1 catalyst owners a free update that makes the firmware exactly the same as Gen 2.
So as a gen 1 owner I have zero incentive to buy Gen 2 other than the cosmetic upgrades. Doesn’t really seem like a cash grab to me.
@@BaldingElephantI was going to say this dude is on something because his point is non existent. 😂 Offering an upgrade on the firmware to bring over pretty much every feature is not what I expected. I was assuming the Mk1 Catalyst amps would just get left in the dust. They actually did something a bit pro consumer… only thing that could improve that is an eventual price drop on Mk1 (if they still sell them) as well as Mk2. 🤷🏽♂️
I’m sure we’ll see some clearance sales as retailers run low on stock and want to move the mk1 quickly. 2nd hand market will go down as well.
@@BaldingElephant I’m hoping to get the 200 if I can find one on sale somewhere.
Is the same upgrade available for the 60?
Nice jam John!
So if i order the black catalyst will it already be updated? Or do i have to do that with a laptop???
the blackface Catalyst is the earlier version, but you can download the software which provide the features of the new "CX"version.
I dont know if these new amps only have one sound to them . Because every demo video on here sounds exactly the same .
You have a misspelling in your thumbnail..though I’d totally buy a Calatyst! 🤘🏼🤘🏼
I think it’s a thing going around for people to misspell stuff on purpose to get more clicks or comments about it which boost the algorithm. 😂
Great demo. I wish they would make a head like the Katana.
Lol I just bought the pod express and this happens don’t know now if I need it since I have the cat😊
Machete got a brief cameo.Thanks.
Biggest question is how long is that guitar strap?
yes
Still sounds digital and fuzzy to me. I will stick with the Katana
Katana is still great - and having the EQ is a bonus PARTICULARLY for high gain tones
Line 6 just keeps on innovating and above all giving value. So refreshing during times when everything cost more. Best investment I've made long term and for the future. Thank you Line 6.
What do you mean no eq? Yes it does.
It has a tone stack. No EQ options that you would have in a modeler/Katana. I.e. Graphic/Parametric EQ
Got a 200 watt and a pod go maybe I add the FR12 or FR10 from fender so that I have another option for FR tones and a stereo capability with my modeler but the FM9 is next on my list. I play a nautilus from Korg as well and need to use a PA type of speaker to play them so I am considering a PA speaker for my stereo and if I can get by with the catalyst I may not add an FR12 or 1o so what would you guys do? Should I add an FR12 or 2 with my Catalyst 200
Proving once again that it’s always 90% player and 10% amp. (Not knocking the amp at all)
Calatyst 😊😊
buy an „old“ catalyst!
(for 259€ at thomann)
Dealbreaker because you STILL don’t have a proper foot controller for live settings! 😵💫 I’m selling my original Catalyst 200 because of it… an A/B footswitch is useless when you need to access at least 3-4 patches for live gigs!
What were those weird jazz chords you played at 10:17?
😂😂😂
Those are weird jazz chords 😂
Sheesh what bridge pick up is in that strat
…
Looks like they added a pre and post setting on the effects, and a Gate on the Boost. Unless they just clarified the controls? No USB-C, no bluetooth (app connectivity)?! Come....on! IMO, a very lazy update
Honest question: why do you review Line 6 products 90% of the time ?
Chill, man. It's been three whole days since the last one
@@almightyguitarnerd 😂
Just like when Fender gave their garbage Mustang GT a cosmetic makeover and called it the GTX. Still crap!
😂😂
Catalyst is trash. I had one for a while and hated it. The distortion sounds SUPER fake and buzzy in the room. It might record well but it sounds aweful in the room. Katana, by comparison, felt alive and present in the room. Much more "authentic."
Have to say, it sounds terrible. A clean amp base and a few pedals through a solid amp (transistor or valve) would sound better. Will be worthless in 5 years.
I opted to use it for my last two gigs over my Carol Ann, so hard disagree on that one. It sounds nothing like a most transistor amps imho. Have you even tried it?
No I haven't but wouldn't record with it after hearing this demo. It will have a resaleable value of the atrocious Bogner/Line 6 amp. I have tried many Line 6 amps and you would be better with a DI'd modeller. Only my opinion, we all have different requirements from amps. @@newcomer87
Still the Katana is much better
why would you say so? I dont own either but they have both in the place I rehearse, they both feel quite similar to me.
@@RenanSilva-ue5jpIt's just my personal opinion. The Katana sounds less artificial to my ears, if that makes sense
Hard disagree, the katana has more bells and whistles but doesn’t sound as natural and tube like imho