I sold my Fender Tonemaster Deluxe Reverb and for half of the proceeds received I bought a brand new Catalyst 200. It’s the older model, but upgrading to the latest firmware with the additional amp models was a diddle. I don’t miss the Fender. It also acts brilliantly with a modeller using the power amp in via the FX loop. No real need to buy a powercab or other FRFR powered cab with this. I do t need 200 watts, or will live on 1/2 watt 99% of the time but it only a few extra dollars over the price of a 100 so it made it a no brainer.
Thanks, John, for some catalyst love. I think this is an overlooked amp. I think one of the hardest type tones to emulate are the early breakup. Most digital amps turn me off when it comes to these tones, because they're brittle and not very three-dimensional. One thing I like to do is throw the joyo American pedal in the effects loop and run the amp on clean. It does a great job of getting a deluxe Reverb tone with zero noise and it blends the clean app with the joyo. I never see anyone use it in the effects loop. And I too, would have normally put that as the preamp before going into the amp, but it's a bit noisy and it just covers over the amp. Anyways, my two cents
I love my catalyst sooooooo much! Its so underrated, I use it with and without my stomp all the time, its the best in the price range in my opinion, i definitely prefer it over the Katana by a huge margin
100% agree, best in multiple times the price range, had and sold every Katana and recently put the valve amps back in the cupboard, the Cat is just too good
I've been impressed with it thus far. I actually bought it based on your recommendation, so to speak. I use it with a Boss GX-100 and the tones have been pretty damn impressive to me. I just got it though, so I suppose I'm still in the "honey moon phase".
Line6 is killing it in almost all the catagories. ESP when you think about the pricing. My personal beliefe is they are the best to do it and that has been the case since the RED BEAN (which I still own). I'd love to trade one of my original Katanas for a Catalyst like that. Especially since I got myself a Helix Floor a few weeks ago.
Very nice tone.. I play mostly on silent stages but occasionally I do play live in different venues. The Catalyst seems like a good platform for modelers. And, at a reasonable price.
I was deeply sorry to have missed John on 5 watt world, but i did watch it. Was surprised John did not have a couple questions for Ben Aidrien. Oh we may be seeing a demo of that Blonde Fender looking amplifier under the Catalyst, maybe.
@mariosoldano1 I'd be surprised if the presets didn't have an EQ block in them, but the Catalyst was never meant to replace a Helix or HX Stomp, etc. It's supposed to feel and act like a "real" amp.
I don't know if I'd like the EQ features being relatively hard to access like that. Also, I wonder if there is a battery deep inside somewhere, which must remain viable for all of the saved memories in the amp to be there for use. If the amp's lifespan is determined by how long some battery lasts, I would find that a definite turn-off. Appreciate the demo -
most at home guys or fellows who jam with friends for fun, or guys in cover bands or function bands, or young players on a budget or church players would do VERY WELL with their tone using these amps.
@@user-vv7hb8ok2f tube amps still have a place in music, and for very good reasons. I'm not a "boomer", and I love tube amps, but I also love ss and modeling amps. Having choices is good. In the 90s I played a Roland Jazz Chorus, at a time when you could get a vintage black face Fender head for $150.
As a working bassist, delivering great sounds to my audience is job #1, and cost be damned. As a hobby guitarist, budget is a big factor, along with portability, and getting at least a half dozen nice tones out of a compact rig. The only “real tube amp” I still have is my home-built 5E3, and I am very happy with what I’m getting out of a Tone Master Deluxe Reverb and a Catalyst 60 with the new 2024 firmware. There are many situations where my 5E3 is either too much or too little, and that’s where the other two shine for me.
John, can you borrow a Line6 Spider and compare it with the Catalyst? Would love to hear your thoughts. I'm wondering if/why I should switch from my Spider V-60 ii, aside from the 12" speaker obviously. Thanks.
If you update the latest firmware of the old model, it's like the new cx model. There are many places that sell the old model for cheaper, so it's more profitable to buy the old model.
For most, the 60 is sufficient. I played live recently and only used the Catalyst on the 30w setting. After the session, my friends told us we were too loud. At home, the 1/2w setting is great.
The 100 has midi where the 60 doesn't. You can just turn it down although to be honest if the speakers aren't doing some amount of work it won't sound quite right.
I bought a quad cortex recently and looking for a FRFR, will this do? Cause in India we only get Headrush and this, no fender FR12 or laney stuff which I want to buy. Currently I'm using Marshall Stanmore 2 for output for practice🥲.
I just got a katana instead but these things are going for pretty cheap now. Might just get a POD express used in the future or maybe around christmas if i can find one on sale, always wanted to try some line 6 stuff.
Seems to me, with modern technology, guitar Amps/Speakers should be more like good Headphones or Stereo Systems. I can play Rock, Classical, Metal, all kinds of different Genres on my Stereo equipment, and it all sounds good. I'd consider anything less wacky. I think guitarists should take the same approach when it comes to Guitar Amps. But, I'm more interested in how the music sounds than how Amps feel, or Nitro Finishes on guitars, or Relicing, etc.
Thanks. If you fancy, share your thoughts about using the Catalyst with a modeler like your Stomp or Helix Floor. Curious, in particular, about pushing the 'Always On' effects to the Catalyst to provide DSP resources from the Helix for the 'Per Song' effects. This topic can go much deeper and should. Why Yamaha/Line6 have yet to make their Wet/Dry and Wet/Dry/Wet statements in product for still baffles. Thanks John; carry on please! P.S. Thanks also for all of the inspiration from your time with Keith and Ben; superb.
The Catalyst series from Line 6 is known for not sounding particularly good, probably due to the speaker rather than the modeling itself. This is very unfortunate because I had the Spider Valve Mark III combo in collaboration with Bogner, and I also have the head amp, which is amazing. I don't understand why Line 6 can't do better when they have the experience and talent. I still remember when I started playing guitar at 17 or 18. It was the beginning of modeling, and this brand was really the best at that time, producing some incredible products. I haven't had the chance to test this particular amp, but from what I hear and the comments, even the Fender GTX sounds better than this. Are there people here who have tried it and have a more nuanced opinion on the new models? I'm curious to hear.
"...known for not sounding particularly good." That's simply not true. I've watched many "Catalyst vs..." comparisons, and in the comments many people like or even love it, and many people like the competition better. I played a Roland JC-77 for a decade, adored that amp. But would everyone love it, for every genre? Absolutely not. Same for any other amp. And it seems that most amp reviews on RUclips are done by metalheads doing chunka chunka stuff.
@@joeltunnah Yes, exactly, I mentioned in the comment that I don't really know anything; all I see are the RUclips videos and the comments. So you're saying you have one of the new ones, the CX, and you know it sounds great? As I mentioned in my previous comment, I love this brand, especially the Spider Valve in collaboration with Bogner, which was amazing. I still have the MKII as a head amp, and it still works well. But I'm tempted by the new Catalysts. If it really sounds as good as you say, I might be tempted to get one. I have an old Marshall combo, but otherwise, I only have a head amp at home. So, this would be a new modeling combo that could serve all my needs.
@alexdenton6586 I don't own a Catalyst CX yet, I'm also researching. But there are many commenters who seem to love it, and lots who don't. I build tube amps, I own a tweed Deluxe, Princeton, and a Vox AC4. I also have a Line6 Spider V, and to me it sounds great. Completely underrated amps.
The speaker's are great, but the best thing to do is whack an eq in it, cutting somewhere between 7 and 8k to correct for that weird high end ring. Once you do that, you fall in love with it.
@@joeltunnah Well, all gain/distortion sounds fake and buzzy. It grates the ears. It doesn't even give that "amp in the room" feel. It's like listening to a simulation played over a speaker. It's no fun to play, not responsive, and doesn't sound real at all with gain. As for clean? There are lots of clean amps. As always, any headline that asks a question can always be answered with "no."
I sold my Fender Tonemaster Deluxe Reverb and for half of the proceeds received I bought a brand new Catalyst 200. It’s the older model, but upgrading to the latest firmware with the additional amp models was a diddle. I don’t miss the Fender. It also acts brilliantly with a modeller using the power amp in via the FX loop. No real need to buy a powercab or other FRFR powered cab with this. I do t need 200 watts, or will live on 1/2 watt 99% of the time but it only a few extra dollars over the price of a 100 so it made it a no brainer.
Thanks, John, for some catalyst love. I think this is an overlooked amp. I think one of the hardest type tones to emulate are the early breakup. Most digital amps turn me off when it comes to these tones, because they're brittle and not very three-dimensional. One thing I like to do is throw the joyo American pedal in the effects loop and run the amp on clean. It does a great job of getting a deluxe Reverb tone with zero noise and it blends the clean app with the joyo. I never see anyone use it in the effects loop. And I too, would have normally put that as the preamp before going into the amp, but it's a bit noisy and it just covers over the amp. Anyways, my two cents
I’d be interested in how the Catalyst sounds recorded direct vs same models in the Stomp. That might be informative
It sounds really good.
I love my catalyst sooooooo much! Its so underrated, I use it with and without my stomp all the time, its the best in the price range in my opinion, i definitely prefer it over the Katana by a huge margin
100% agree, best in multiple times the price range, had and sold every Katana and recently put the valve amps back in the cupboard, the Cat is just too good
I've been impressed with it thus far. I actually bought it based on your recommendation, so to speak. I use it with a Boss GX-100 and the tones have been pretty damn impressive to me. I just got it though, so I suppose I'm still in the "honey moon phase".
Line6 is killing it in almost all the catagories. ESP when you think about the pricing. My personal beliefe is they are the best to do it and that has been the case since the RED BEAN (which I still own). I'd love to trade one of my original Katanas for a Catalyst like that. Especially since I got myself a Helix Floor a few weeks ago.
Very nice tone.. I play mostly on silent stages but occasionally I do play live in different venues. The Catalyst seems like a good platform for modelers. And, at a reasonable price.
I was deeply sorry to have missed John on 5 watt world, but i did watch it. Was surprised John did not have a couple questions for Ben Aidrien. Oh we may be seeing a demo of that Blonde Fender looking amplifier under the Catalyst, maybe.
I don't understand why you say it does not have an eq onboard. It has bass mid treble presense. What am I missing?
no software EQ
@mariosoldano1 I'd be surprised if the presets didn't have an EQ block in them, but the Catalyst was never meant to replace a Helix or HX Stomp, etc. It's supposed to feel and act like a "real" amp.
I don't know if I'd like the EQ features being relatively hard to access like that. Also, I wonder if there is a battery deep inside somewhere, which must remain viable for all of the saved memories in the amp to be there for use. If the amp's lifespan is determined by how long some battery lasts, I would find that a definite turn-off. Appreciate the demo -
most at home guys or fellows who jam with friends for fun,
or guys in cover bands or function bands,
or young players on a budget or church players
would do VERY WELL with their tone using these amps.
Boomers are stuck on "muh tubes" but new players don't know or care either way.
@@user-vv7hb8ok2f tube amps still have a place in music, and for very good reasons. I'm not a "boomer", and I love tube amps, but I also love ss and modeling amps. Having choices is good. In the 90s I played a Roland Jazz Chorus, at a time when you could get a vintage black face Fender head for $150.
The grammico is a great tone for me - I ended up with a Katana100 ( Biggest competition for the line6 )
As a working bassist, delivering great sounds to my audience is job #1, and cost be damned. As a hobby guitarist, budget is a big factor, along with portability, and getting at least a half dozen nice tones out of a compact rig. The only “real tube amp” I still have is my home-built 5E3, and I am very happy with what I’m getting out of a Tone Master Deluxe Reverb and a Catalyst 60 with the new 2024 firmware. There are many situations where my 5E3 is either too much or too little, and that’s where the other two shine for me.
EQ Pedal could well go into the FXLoop I guess. Would be a good combination since it's missing on-board EQing.
John, can you borrow a Line6 Spider and compare it with the Catalyst? Would love to hear your thoughts. I'm wondering if/why I should switch from my Spider V-60 ii, aside from the 12" speaker obviously. Thanks.
Best amp I can find for $300-$400 dollars. Editing software is good and easy to use also. Amp models are superb
That face lift makes the CX gorgeous. Keep that one!
I’m totally undecided whether to go for the old model or the new one (cx)
If you update the latest firmware of the old model, it's like the new cx model. There are many places that sell the old model for cheaper, so it's more profitable to buy the old model.
Hi. I need a piece of advice. For the same price, would you buy a Catalyst 100 first version ore a Catalyst CX 60 ?
For most, the 60 is sufficient. I played live recently and only used the Catalyst on the 30w setting. After the session, my friends told us we were too loud. At home, the 1/2w setting is great.
Thank you very much for your answer. 🙂
The 100 has midi where the 60 doesn't. You can just turn it down although to be honest if the speakers aren't doing some amount of work it won't sound quite right.
Thank you Crabfather
I bought a quad cortex recently and looking for a FRFR, will this do? Cause in India we only get Headrush and this, no fender FR12 or laney stuff which I want to buy. Currently I'm using Marshall Stanmore 2 for output for practice🥲.
Heyyy me and you in the same boat 😅 I don't think this is a true FRFR but I reckon it should function quite nicely as an amp for modellers.
I just got a katana instead but these things are going for pretty cheap now. Might just get a POD express used in the future or maybe around christmas if i can find one on sale, always wanted to try some line 6 stuff.
Seems to me, with modern technology, guitar Amps/Speakers should be more like good Headphones or Stereo Systems. I can play Rock, Classical, Metal, all kinds of different Genres on my Stereo equipment, and it all sounds good. I'd consider anything less wacky. I think guitarists should take the same approach when it comes to Guitar Amps. But, I'm more interested in how the music sounds than how Amps feel, or Nitro Finishes on guitars, or Relicing, etc.
Well that's the whole point of FRFR speakers and amps: full range flat response.
We used to call them "PA's", lol.
Thanks. If you fancy, share your thoughts about using the Catalyst with a modeler like your Stomp or Helix Floor. Curious, in particular, about pushing the 'Always On' effects to the Catalyst to provide DSP resources from the Helix for the 'Per Song' effects. This topic can go much deeper and should. Why Yamaha/Line6 have yet to make their Wet/Dry and Wet/Dry/Wet statements in product for still baffles. Thanks John; carry on please! P.S. Thanks also for all of the inspiration from your time with Keith and Ben; superb.
The Catalyst series from Line 6 is known for not sounding particularly good, probably due to the speaker rather than the modeling itself.
This is very unfortunate because I had the Spider Valve Mark III combo in collaboration with Bogner, and I also have the head amp, which is amazing. I don't understand why Line 6 can't do better when they have the experience and talent.
I still remember when I started playing guitar at 17 or 18. It was the beginning of modeling, and this brand was really the best at that time, producing some incredible products.
I haven't had the chance to test this particular amp, but from what I hear and the comments, even the Fender GTX sounds better than this.
Are there people here who have tried it and have a more nuanced opinion on the new models? I'm curious to hear.
"...known for not sounding particularly good."
That's simply not true. I've watched many "Catalyst vs..." comparisons, and in the comments many people like or even love it, and many people like the competition better.
I played a Roland JC-77 for a decade, adored that amp. But would everyone love it, for every genre? Absolutely not. Same for any other amp. And it seems that most amp reviews on RUclips are done by metalheads doing chunka chunka stuff.
@@joeltunnah Yes, exactly, I mentioned in the comment that I don't really know anything; all I see are the RUclips videos and the comments.
So you're saying you have one of the new ones, the CX, and you know it sounds great?
As I mentioned in my previous comment, I love this brand, especially the Spider Valve in collaboration with Bogner, which was amazing. I still have the MKII as a head amp, and it still works well. But I'm tempted by the new Catalysts.
If it really sounds as good as you say, I might be tempted to get one.
I have an old Marshall combo, but otherwise, I only have a head amp at home. So, this would be a new modeling combo that could serve all my needs.
@alexdenton6586 I don't own a Catalyst CX yet, I'm also researching. But there are many commenters who seem to love it, and lots who don't.
I build tube amps, I own a tweed Deluxe, Princeton, and a Vox AC4. I also have a Line6 Spider V, and to me it sounds great. Completely underrated amps.
The speaker's are great, but the best thing to do is whack an eq in it, cutting somewhere between 7 and 8k to correct for that weird high end ring. Once you do that, you fall in love with it.
I had one of them and I had to return it. It was really bad.
Bad in what way? Bad for what music? Bad for what application?
The sound was of very poor quality. It has nothing that differentiates it from other digital amplifiers.
@davidalvarez5150 I don't know what you mean by "very poor quality". What other amps do you own and think are good?
Nah… 😂
Nope….
No. It's a complete piece of trash.
Very useful comment.🤦🏻
@@joeltunnah Just the fact ma'am. Try one for yourself. It's trash. Don't believe youtube content creators.
@@iancurrie8844 but your comment has no facts in it, just your opinion without any justification. Enlighten us.
@@joeltunnah Well, all gain/distortion sounds fake and buzzy. It grates the ears. It doesn't even give that "amp in the room" feel. It's like listening to a simulation played over a speaker. It's no fun to play, not responsive, and doesn't sound real at all with gain. As for clean? There are lots of clean amps.
As always, any headline that asks a question can always be answered with "no."
@@iancurrie8844 which model did you own? Do you play doom/metal?
spider also
Spider amps are completely underrated. I think they sound great, are affordable, and have the same or even more functionality than a Catalyst.