Whoopsie! Several times in the video, I talk about the stereo cable to use for connecting things. To confirm, this is a TRS cable. NOT a TRRS cable as I mistakenly mention a couple of times. Sorry and thanks to the Geeks that pointed this out. ❤ Links to purchase the GA-FC EX here : UK (Andertons) - bit.ly/3YlSFNM EU (Thomann) - thmn.to/thoprod/549935?offid=1&affid=288 US (Sweetwater) - imp.i114863.net/rn6y1B
No more tap dancing for me!!! Thanks for another awesome video. I have been trying to find out what the difference was between these two pedals so I appreciate the info!!!
This would be convenient for gigging but I feel like they missed the opportunity of adding effects nobs like they're available in the software making it basically the same as having an actual pedalboard
The absence of clear and simple instructions on how to use BOSS products is awful. BOSS user manuals are generally... complicated. Thank you Andy for this tutorial. I feel like I should have 3 feet 🤨 No more tap dancing for me 🙂
Thank you for this video on how to setup GA-FC EX Katana foot controller. Could not have been able to without this video. What is the name of the first patch on the video would like to download this patch? (The GA-FC EX katana guide that Boss should have made on you tube) Thanks Charles
Hey Andy, I don't know if you saw the latest update to the tone studio? (No idea when it came out, but I updated yesterday) Now there are a whole bunch of new assign options that may fix the problem you are having with/your suggestions about expanding your GA-FC EX with a GA-FC... But I don't know, I haven't had the time yet to figure it all out (and not sure if I can haha)
No more tap dancing for me 😂 - I’d go a step or two further mind, on your wish listing. This would appear to be all sysex messaging the way the LED’s are updated live. If you change the fx on the panel itself, I’m assuming the GAFCEX leds follow suite so this is a midi controller in every sense of the word? What’d be great is to just expand the midi implementation and open up usage of EVERY midi controller to the Katana Range, every modeller on earth could then communicate directly, those with scribble strips, etc.
What you have there is a TRS cable. Not TRRS. TRS is Tip Ring Sleeve, there is one ring on that cable. The GA FC and the EX work with standard stereo cables = TRS.
Only ppl who take wood that is arguably shaped like a female , string tightened wire across said wood, and hold that wood over their pelivic area to strum and hammer-on and arpeggiate and etc would have a separate type of cable called Tip, Ring, Sleeve.
@@TheMasonator777 TRRS cables do exist, they have an extra ring, and are usually used for headphones with an inline microphone, and usually on mobile phones. But yeah, what he has is a standard TRS cable.
It's super impressive how much you can do with the GAFC but honestly man, it sounds like you just need to get a real MIDI controller like the morningstar MC8. It would give you 8 switches and you can then program each switch to do literally anything you want. No more fumbling between switching modes. I have the Morningstar MC6 and have it setup to toggle on/off delay, chorus, solo boost and 3 more switches to toggle between 3 different presets and those presets can be in bank A or B. Also, the MC8/MC6 take up less space on the pedal board and you can have the LCD strips label what their function is. The new MC6 gives you full color scratch strips.
I’m finding that the Katana is more crazy cramped with features than I ever imagined! I’m also pretty impressed with how far and wide the tone go! It’s so amazingly impressive!
Andy, you never disappoint, Sir! Very informative and answered many of my questions. I have the original GA-FC and will be keeping it when I add the GA-FC-EX. Again, thank you so much for the great video on this product and upgrade. And with that, no more tap dancing for me, brother!
Andy didn't mention that when you are in channel select mode (red lights on) by re pressing the button used to select the channel and holding it down , you go into Solo mode. The volume of solo mode can be set by using the PC software that you can download for free to a laptop or PC. Re pressing and holding removes solo mode. There are lots of other features that I am still getting to grips with ! The PC software really unlocks the features available and is worth getting. Also pressing the PANEL switch gives direct control to the control knobs on the Katana
Hey Brian, I'm usually pretty good with this stuff but this thing is driving me nuts. Are you saying that if I am in Channel 1 and I repress channel 1 and hold it down it will kick in the solo boost? Thanks in advance!
Yes it will. I forgot to say that the red light will flash to tell you that you are in solo mode. Of course you will have to have the solo level set to the volume that you want to use. Try it and see. It won't hurt anything .
It seems to me that the functions that work on the GA FC-EX also work on my GA FC!! They do have a color change of the LEDs. Which, by the way, add little and some extra connections. No major changes for me that require a new purchase.
I do feel like I'm tap dancing sometimes going after all the pedals and switches. Another vote for tri-color LEDs. Just got my first Katana (MKII) and EX footswitch, so I appreciate the run- through vids you have. thanks!
Mono cables (aka guitar cables) are TS (tip/sleeve). For the GAFC you need a TRS stereo cable (tip/ring/sleeve). You do NOT need a TRRS cable (tip/ring/ring/sleeve) - these cables are used for stereo connections with an extra function, usually an inline microphone. The presenter says he is using a TRRS cable, but this is incorrect, he is using a TRS cable.
Well no more tap dancing for me... I think the 50W ex with the ex pedal is a solid choice - but my concern, as you have experienced, is that SO MANY BUTTONs and lights that do multiple things means mistakes will occur.. I mean one is not focusing on the pedal lights when one is trying to play something complex and well. So, I think Boss needs to work on that (simplicity). Helpful videos well done - thanks.
Thanks! I'm considering getting a Katana to have a more versatile amp and would also get a footswitching pedal for it, and Boss's website and the manual for this basically said "plug it in here and it switches some things on the amp". This new one seems like it would be worth the extra money
Great vid thanks! My only real wish is for the wah to auto engage from moving the expression pedal. At present I need to turn it on with the footswitch and then operate the expression pedal.
No more tap dancing for me. They have done a great job here. The Katana is a fantastic product. Having said that they need to speak to you before they do updates right?
@@TheGuitarGeek apparently, "The Airstep Kat Edition" Foot switch can do it (cycle) but limited to the Boost/Mod/FX. It cannot cycle the delay and reverb. According to the demos. So I'm guessing it is midi controlled.
Hi Andy, I got quick question for you is Boss Katana Artist have more Bottom end in the amp and is it Closed Back ? I had Katana 100 watts and I did not like open back cabinet. Thumbs 🆙 for Great video I am think buying The Artist and this pedal. Thank you,
Would love to see a set up with the gafc ex, gafc, 2 expression pedals, and 2 fs7. So you can have banks, effects, expression 1 and 2 on and off, and solo on/off all on one pedal board
No more tap dancin for me! Currently have the gafc and kat Airstep, but never gigged. Yet. I think the gafc ex and gafc is tidier option. But like how the Airstep can change the different effect… ie the 3 different mod effects etc. how could all 3 work together ??
The EX is €40 more expensive in Europe than the standard GA FC.. €110 VS €150. If you run no pedals and like to routinely switch effects then it's worth it. No matter how good your amp, most of us are still pedal junkies, at least for the basics. I'll let you decide if you prefer tinkering with your amp or your pedal fetish. I should add, I have the Boss Katana Mk2 with the GA FC and a decent compressor and overdrive pedal. I regularly go into Tone Studio to mess with channels on the amp and find I don't actually use them that much when playing... sure, nice to have, but not that much use.. your call.
I would pay double price for a pedal twice as large with ALL THE BUTTONS AVAILABLE. For instance, banks A and B would be available on the face as 1-8. No long presses, just simple taps to get to other menus/modes. I also agree with the lights being more different colors, and for christ sakes make the tap tempos blink in real time. Also have expression mode choices. I'd be game up to $300
So, ANDY and BOSS, i love my Katana Mk 2 100, and got the GAFCEX pedal and love how it functions. i learned a couple things from your vid, but what i had hoped for was to be able to get the second GAFCEX, (which i purchased) and get bank A on one pedal and Bank B on the other, AND be able to operate two Katanas together for live stereo sound...BUMMER!!!! THE PROBLEM IS THAT I HAVE TO PICK WHETHER TO PLAY THROUGH 2 MK 2 100s with one GAFCEX or only one amp with 2 pedals. KINDS SHORT SIGHTED ON BOSS WAZA TO BUILD IN THIS LIMITATION. SO, BOSS, IF YOU'RE LISTENING.....I AM THINKING TWICE ABOUT BUYING THE SECOND KATANA AMP....
Thank you! Just bought the 50w II and foot switch for my kids to use at home and the instructions are next to useless (to me anyway). You managed to hit on all the confusing bits and explained them so well that we’re now getting somewhere! It’s actually quite intuitive once we got our feet in the door, so thanks again. And no more tap dancing for me anyway - I’m a 65yo non-guitar playing Aussie drummer who needs to conserve his available energies for carrying the bloody traps case..
If I connect the old GAFC to the EX, can I connect 4 expression pedals? 2 for each GAFC? I hope that's possible then that's no more tap dancing for me.
Question: Is it possible to bank thru the 3 different overdrive (or FX/MOD/DELAY) settings (Green,Red,Amber) Seems silly to setup different pedals on a patch and not be able to get to them without reaching for the amp. Only way i can think of doing it now it to setup multiple banks using a different overdrive.
Just so happens, I own a Katana KTN-100 Mk II and also one of the original GA-FC Foot controllers, my KTN-100 Mk II is the 1 X 12 combo version, wonderful little amp, and very loud too.
Hi Andy, How have you got the 2 katanas rigged up when you control both separately? Is this via an ABY or the stereo expand function? Boss seem to suggest you can do this without an ABY but there are no instructions on how to set up the signal chain. If you have 2 artists this isn’t a problem but I’m using an artist and 100 together without any success. Thanks!
I admit i was ready to smash my 50 mk 2 ex up i have the 100mk2 head to which is a bit better on its own , i got them to link them , but warned they would blow instantly , getting info on here is limited , im sat outside the postwoman turned up handed me a bag ! In it theres 2 stereo 1/4 leads with a note off a friend. DO IT ! YOU KNOW YOU WANNA ● So i plugged my speaker out on my kat 100 mk2 head into my kat 50 mk2 EX .. power amp in , powered volumes to min, turned on the stereo expand and pop ! Then the console lit up OMG , THE EX Came totally alive , like its never sounded before with the controlls of the 100 head powering it absolutely awesome sounding like it was made for this long lost partner , the pedal now lingers longer and sharper , cant believe how tighter and responsive my 50 ex has turned into an amp sounding infinately better , (i was ready to trash it rock n roll style ) it came to life with a ferocity i cant believe the power on almost no volume lowest power setting )
Great video! I’m still not seeing how to actually save configurations on the Katana as Channels 1-8. That seems to be the missing link in utilizing my new Katana 50 MKII EX and the GA-FC EX controller. Would love anybody’s input how to create the Channels 1-8. Thanks very much!
The footswitch should be Doubled Up - 1st row for Channels ... 2nd row for effects with an added expression/ volume pedal On The Board - Why Not?? Because NO MORE TAP DANCING FOR ME!!
Great video!! I own 2 - 100 mk2 amps I use in stereo expand mode. I’m interested in using the EX in dual amp mode for blended tones, but how do I get the actual guitar tone into both amp inputs? Is an ABY pedal required? Thanks
Hi bro, thanks as always. I just came to know about the XSonic Airstep footswitch...and so far it blew my mind...please what are your thoughts? Regards!
" No more Tap Dancing for me. " I'm thinking of getting 2 Katana MK ii Amps for Stereo Rig, Both Controllers, and finding 'someone' who can Put them in One Box, adds some LEDs, so I know Where I'm at. The Bank Suggestion with Both Units makes Sense. A Lot of Good Ideas. How about a Blue LED for Tap Tempo, that Flashes the TEMPO...?? Thanks!!
GuitarGeek --- You reinforced my opinion regarding the two foot controllers. I have eMail to my retailer (Sweetwater / Fort Wayne, Indiana) asking my Account Rep to take back the 1st pedal and exchange it for the EX. I'll let you know results......JimInCincy
I just got the 110 and the FX pedal, and I'm COLOR BLIND !!!!! ... so I can't see anything !!! LOL I wish there at least was a blue color or something that's not red or green, because that's what myself and many people are. Red/green color blind... Seriously, they all look exactly the same, not even a little bit of a difference. Maybe the one looks a little bit lighter, but that's it... Haaaaaaaa Figures...lol I'll just have to deal with it, or just get a multi pedal, but that defeats the purpose. Or keep asking my band mates on stage what colors they are before every song.... Hahahahahahaha My first gig will be tomorrow, Friday night at Bally's in Atlantic City, so I have my fingers crossed...lol After a week of gigs I'll know if I'm sending everything back. Hopefully not...lol I only need it for stage volume, so.... Probably keep it and bring out the pedals again... :-/ Thanks for the review !!! :-)
Is it possible to reverse the functions of the two switches so that the EX controls the effects and the original GAFC controls the channels? The reason I ask is that it seems more practical to use multi-expression pedals, such as a volume and a wah pedal, with the EX switch turning the wah on and off. If this isn't possible, can the two linked switches be used to press a button combo on the original switch to toggle the pedal FX on and off? Additionally, using the EX functions to access booster or solo modes becomes problematic once the two are connected, as there's no way to press the function button on the EX to access the enhanced features. While there are some great advancements, it seems like they haven't fully considered real-life scenarios. The new switch has excellent features, but without purchasing two, you can't fully utilize the add-ons with the legacy device. If you had two EX devices, you could make full use of the new functions, with the second one exclusively controlling the effects like the legacy device.
“No more tap dancing for me” Very informative vid thanks for all the info. Dose this work with the Katana 50mk2? It was my understanding that he GA-FC only worked w/ the 100w. Is this an firmware update?
Would you recommend to order the original GAFC as my first footswitch or should I immediately aim for the GAFC-EX? I am afraid that the options might overwhelm me a bit as a 'Katana beginner'
Thanks for all the info, I'm really considering a Boss katana 100 mkii , when I get the money that is of course! an no more tap dancing for me! obviously { ; - )
Nice video. I didn’t realize some of the capabilities of that pedal. Has anyone run into the problem where the “Assign” button isn’t on the software? It’s not on mine and I can’t figure out why. Any help would be appreciated. Katana Artist MK2 head. No more tap dancing for me!
great video!!! can i use an expresion pedal on the second gafc? please explain if possible 5 pedals would be awesome !!! but confuding and fun to explore the options!!!!!!
No more tap dancing for me! Long-time viewer, first-time commenter here. Love your content! Around the 9:35 mark, you get a really cool tone from different effects on the head and cab. Are you playing through the little 5 inch speaker on the head and the 12in on the combo as well? I have an artist combo and I'm interested in buying an artist head, but I don't think the artist head has the little speaker in it (just the regular 100w head from my understanding,) so I'm wondering if I would need another cab or to go with a 2nd combo. Just want to see how you're achieving this sound. Thanks!
No more tap dancing for me. Just got the artist and the gafc switch tonight, and I'm a little unimpressed. In clean tones it's so muddy that I've got the bass all the way down, middle and treb all the way up and it doesn't sound horrible. It still sounds a bit bassy. I thought i had rolled off the guitar tone knobs. I've got a katana 50 and i love it. I do have the 50 set to somewhat low bass and higher mid and treb but not as extreme as the artist, and the 50 sounds more trebly than the artist. I'm confused. Is this normal where the artist is really bassy, muddy? The first thing is I played the beginning bass riff to ramble on on regular guitar and it sounds sick!! Next question, I'm a huge Schecter fan, have an Omen Extreme and a Banshee Mach 6 and I'm curious how you like your Schecter strat you were playing? Thank you! I understand this video is a couple years old and you likely don't monitor comments any more, but i had to try...
No more tap dancing for me! Quick question for you: I own two Katana 100w 1x12's, which enable me to link the amps for stereo effects and also allows me to have an amp in different rooms of the house, when I feel like practicing in front of the tv. I currently own one GA-FC Ex and am looking buy a second controller. If I buy another EX, will it link to the first EX and function in the same way that the regular GA-FC does in the video? Or, am I better off buying the regular GA-FC as the second controller?
No more tap dancing for me now, ha ha… Thx dude, quick question I’m running the GAFCex with the original GAFC and am a bit confused how I get my tap delay going on which unit??
No more tap dancing for me LOL Well technically you are with having to hold own a mode change then back to whatever else you need to switch to then back to whatever effect or boost you want. I don't understand Boss. Why don't they just partner with someone like Melo Audio. Brand their midi pedal as the Katana-Midi make a reasonable easy to use software for programming all of it. Now outside of this, I woul hate to have to stack 2 or 3 GA-FC's together just to get all the function control it would look like that dumb M9 board from Line6 LOL
Not to nitpick but that is a TRS jack, not a TRRS. The only place you typically see TRRS is on headphones for cell phones that also have a mic. The cable you need for this footswitch is a TRS.
I use a latching foot-switch to change banks on the GA-FC original. It also has a blue LED for Bank B to avoid confusion. Works well and no long pressing.
I wish they would let you do the 3 different modes for each effect with the same colors the amp uses for each. Right now, I use my phone with the katana app and a M-Vave chocolate with each switch, switching between the 3 effect options but would be nicer if the GA-FC did that.
Hello, I'm looking for a solution to use the Bank A and B in the same Time, not have to select the panel button on the GAFC, is it possible if i use the GAFC EX with GAFC?
GC-FC -- one color LED GC-FC EX -- two color LED GC-FC EXX -- three color LED (set to release in 2024) GC-FC LCD -- LED's and LCD Display panel (set to release in 2025) MARK III will be released in 2026 making it all obsoleted 😁😁👍👍
I only wanted a wah pedal , had to buy the boss tat to work with the 50 mk2 ex , iv no intention of adding computers to the mix , i have a boxed mk2 head , i was told they can stereo expand , link to each other via a cable ,(then warned not to try it) iv got 20 days left to figure it out or return the lot , the affects are gimmicky , you spend more time fiddling with buttons knobs than playing guitar , not my thing , an amp and pedal is fine . You buy anything boss theres a mk3 out within a week with another gimmick button on it , but you need an app for it 👀, and it wont couple with your other new gear ,even though instructions say otherwise , the stereo expansion they say works with most katana amps , doesnt . Confusing and frustrating ,
It will be very helpful to see a video demo for the two pedals plus a fs-6 and expression pedals, all working together in a live situation. After buying the expression pedal I realize that there is not on/off switch. I got to create a patch without the pedal enabled. Or add a fs pedal to turned off.
Im new to the katana range and i have question regarding this footswitch. These new features are compatible with the M2 amps, does this include the Katana 210 bass?
Whoopsie! Several times in the video, I talk about the stereo cable to use for connecting things. To confirm, this is a TRS cable. NOT a TRRS cable as I mistakenly mention a couple of times. Sorry and thanks to the Geeks that pointed this out. ❤
Links to purchase the GA-FC EX here :
UK (Andertons) - bit.ly/3YlSFNM
EU (Thomann) - thmn.to/thoprod/549935?offid=1&affid=288
US (Sweetwater) - imp.i114863.net/rn6y1B
Yup. TRS Tip Ring Sleeve = 3 wire. TS Tip Sleeve = 2 wire for the guitar.
Was about to say, Tip Ring Ring Sleeve cable it is!
@@Mdjagg what?
Thanks you Limey devil ,you have sold me on the Katana .
No more tap dancing for me!!! Thanks for another awesome video. I have been trying to find out what the difference was between these two pedals so I appreciate the info!!!
I’m glad I could help, Cathy!
This would be convenient for gigging but I feel like they missed the opportunity of adding effects nobs like they're available in the software making it basically the same as having an actual pedalboard
The absence of clear and simple instructions on how to use BOSS products is awful. BOSS user manuals are generally... complicated. Thank you Andy for this tutorial. I feel like I should have 3 feet 🤨 No more tap dancing for me 🙂
Thank you for this video on how to setup GA-FC EX Katana foot controller. Could not have been able to without this video. What is the name of the first patch on the video would like to download this patch? (The GA-FC EX katana guide that Boss should have made on you tube) Thanks Charles
Hey Andy, I don't know if you saw the latest update to the tone studio? (No idea when it came out, but I updated yesterday) Now there are a whole bunch of new assign options that may fix the problem you are having with/your suggestions about expanding your GA-FC EX with a GA-FC... But I don't know, I haven't had the time yet to figure it all out (and not sure if I can haha)
No more tap dancing for me 😂 - I’d go a step or two further mind, on your wish listing. This would appear to be all sysex messaging the way the LED’s are updated live. If you change the fx on the panel itself, I’m assuming the GAFCEX leds follow suite so this is a midi controller in every sense of the word?
What’d be great is to just expand the midi implementation and open up usage of EVERY midi controller to the Katana Range, every modeller on earth could then communicate directly, those with scribble strips, etc.
A fully powered wireless version of this would be exceptionally groovy.
What guitar is the red one with the black pickguard in the background?
What you have there is a TRS cable. Not TRRS. TRS is Tip Ring Sleeve, there is one ring on that cable. The GA FC and the EX work with standard stereo cables = TRS.
Well I was wondering if I had the wrong TRS cable. I was trying in vain to find a TRRS. Must be a European thing.
Only ppl who take wood that is arguably shaped like a female , string tightened wire across said wood, and hold that wood over their pelivic area to strum and hammer-on and arpeggiate and etc would have a separate type of cable called Tip, Ring, Sleeve.
@@justpray365 No he just got it wrong. There is no such thing as a TRRS.
The “expanded” TRS cable isn’t different other than it comes with an additional letter R so that you can say its name in stereo.
@@TheMasonator777 TRRS cables do exist, they have an extra ring, and are usually used for headphones with an inline microphone, and usually on mobile phones. But yeah, what he has is a standard TRS cable.
It's super impressive how much you can do with the GAFC but honestly man, it sounds like you just need to get a real MIDI controller like the morningstar MC8.
It would give you 8 switches and you can then program each switch to do literally anything you want. No more fumbling between switching modes. I have the Morningstar MC6 and have it setup to toggle on/off delay, chorus, solo boost and 3 more switches to toggle between 3 different presets and those presets can be in bank A or B.
Also, the MC8/MC6 take up less space on the pedal board and you can have the LCD strips label what their function is. The new MC6 gives you full color scratch strips.
Look into the new MC6 Pro with color LEDs for the switches, and more.
I’m finding that the Katana is more crazy cramped with features than I ever imagined! I’m also pretty impressed with how far and wide the tone go! It’s so amazingly impressive!
Andy, thanks for your clear explanation. Mine's on order. While I may still cha cha cha, no more tap dancing for me!
I'm still working on understanding how to use the first GA-FC
I can understand that. Hopefully this helps a little bit
Congrats on the BOSS sponsorship, man! I know I'm late to the party when it comes to this video, but it doesn't make that any less impressive. 🤙
Ugh. I'm red/green colorblind.
Andy, you never disappoint, Sir! Very informative and answered many of my questions. I have the original GA-FC and will be keeping it when I add the GA-FC-EX. Again, thank you so much for the great video on this product and upgrade. And with that, no more tap dancing for me, brother!
Andy didn't mention that when you are in channel select mode (red lights on) by re pressing the button used to select the channel and holding it down , you go into Solo mode. The volume of solo mode can be set by using the PC software that you can download for free to a laptop or PC. Re pressing and holding removes solo mode. There are lots of other features that I am still getting to grips with ! The PC software really unlocks the features available and is worth getting. Also pressing the PANEL switch gives direct control to the control knobs on the Katana
Hey Brian, I'm usually pretty good with this stuff but this thing is driving me nuts. Are you saying that if I am in Channel 1 and I repress channel 1 and hold it down it will kick in the solo boost? Thanks in advance!
Yes it will. I forgot to say that the red light will flash to tell you that you are in solo mode. Of course you will have to have the solo level set to the volume that you want to use. Try it and see. It won't hurt anything .
No more tap dancing for me, I guess I am getting a second foot switch.
It seems to me that the functions that work on the GA FC-EX also work on my GA FC!! They do have a color change of the LEDs. Which, by the way, add little and some extra connections. No major changes for me that require a new purchase.
also no worky on the MKII 50
I do feel like I'm tap dancing sometimes going after all the pedals and switches. Another vote for tri-color LEDs. Just got my first Katana (MKII) and EX footswitch, so I appreciate the run- through vids you have. thanks!
If you use two GA-FC EX; the second one running effects uses the green LEDs, making it easy for me to know which one is doing what.
Thank you for confirming that. This is what I had hoped for
Mono cables (aka guitar cables) are TS (tip/sleeve). For the GAFC you need a TRS stereo cable (tip/ring/sleeve). You do NOT need a TRRS cable (tip/ring/ring/sleeve) - these cables are used for stereo connections with an extra function, usually an inline microphone. The presenter says he is using a TRRS cable, but this is incorrect, he is using a TRS cable.
Well no more tap dancing for me... I think the 50W ex with the ex pedal is a solid choice - but my concern, as you have experienced, is that SO MANY BUTTONs and lights that do multiple things means mistakes will occur.. I mean one is not focusing on the pedal lights when one is trying to play something complex and well. So, I think Boss needs to work on that (simplicity). Helpful videos well done - thanks.
Thanks! I'm considering getting a Katana to have a more versatile amp and would also get a footswitching pedal for it, and Boss's website and the manual for this basically said "plug it in here and it switches some things on the amp". This new one seems like it would be worth the extra money
Great vid thanks! My only real wish is for the wah to auto engage from moving the expression pedal. At present I need to turn it on with the footswitch and then operate the expression pedal.
Does the GA-FC EX come with the cable to connect it to the Katana amp?
Yes it does
Thanks for this. Been playing with my GAFC and your videos help me remember how it works - no more tap dancing for me
No more tap dancing for me. They have done a great job here. The Katana is a fantastic product. Having said that they need to speak to you before they do updates right?
I still wished they can switch between the 3 variations of the effects (green,red,yellow)
Yes that would also be very cool. I’m not sure how they’d do it easily. Any suggestions?
@@TheGuitarGeek apparently, "The Airstep Kat Edition" Foot switch can do it (cycle) but limited to the Boost/Mod/FX. It cannot cycle the delay and reverb. According to the demos. So I'm guessing it is midi controlled.
No more tap dancing for me????????????? Cheers from Oz. Great Video, just bought 212 + gafc ex. Lucky me.
Another fantastic video, I think the idea of two foot switches is incredible. No more tap dancing for me!
😂 Thank you. One would think that Boss would have better info.
Hi Andy, I got quick question for you is Boss Katana Artist have more Bottom end in the amp and is it Closed Back ? I had Katana 100 watts and I did not like open back cabinet. Thumbs 🆙 for Great video I am think buying The Artist and this pedal. Thank you,
Would love to see a set up with the gafc ex, gafc, 2 expression pedals, and 2 fs7. So you can have banks, effects, expression 1 and 2 on and off, and solo on/off all on one pedal board
No more tap dancin for me! Currently have the gafc and kat Airstep, but never gigged. Yet. I think the gafc ex and gafc is tidier option. But like how the Airstep can change the different effect… ie the 3 different mod effects etc. how could all 3 work together ??
Hi…. Can i use the Boss fs6 (with the ga fc) in order to switch from bank A -and bank B? Thank you😊
That’s good cause I have two mk2 100’s and I run them in stereo expansion side by side. It would be cool to control both of them separately
Thank you! How do you change the FX presets on the function?
Very enjoyable video ;)
Now I´m pissed, because of owning a Katana 50 II :(
I think I have to change this...
No more tap dancing for me 🎉!!!!
I have the MK2 50 - defo gonna get the EX version of the pedal. Don't have the old version anyway!!!
can you still have other external stomp boxes connected while using the gafc ex >?
Yep!
@@TheGuitarGeek gafc goes to the gafc port and the other pedals into the input on the top?
mkII 100
Are you sure you didn't mean TRS cable rather than TRRS cable?
Just ordered this for my Katana Artist MK II. This was a GREAT instructional video, no more tap dancing for me!!
No more tap dancing for me! currently using a GAFC with an FS6 for expansion options. Will definitrly upgrade having watched this
Sir, kindly do a tutorial for MK2Ex using GA-FC...Please..thanks
I bought a GA-FC because our local music store does not have GA-FCEx.
The EX is €40 more expensive in Europe than the standard GA FC.. €110 VS €150. If you run no pedals and like to routinely switch effects then it's worth it. No matter how good your amp, most of us are still pedal junkies, at least for the basics. I'll let you decide if you prefer tinkering with your amp or your pedal fetish. I should add, I have the Boss Katana Mk2 with the GA FC and a decent compressor and overdrive pedal. I regularly go into Tone Studio to mess with channels on the amp and find I don't actually use them that much when playing... sure, nice to have, but not that much use.. your call.
I would pay double price for a pedal twice as large with ALL THE BUTTONS AVAILABLE. For instance, banks A and B would be available on the face as 1-8. No long presses, just simple taps to get to other menus/modes. I also agree with the lights being more different colors, and for christ sakes make the tap tempos blink in real time. Also have expression mode choices. I'd be game up to $300
So, ANDY and BOSS, i love my Katana Mk 2 100, and got the GAFCEX pedal and love how it functions. i learned a couple things from your vid, but what i had hoped for was to be able to get the second GAFCEX, (which i purchased) and get bank A on one pedal and Bank B on the other, AND be able to operate two Katanas together for live stereo sound...BUMMER!!!! THE PROBLEM IS THAT I HAVE TO PICK WHETHER TO PLAY THROUGH 2 MK 2 100s with one GAFCEX or only one amp with 2 pedals. KINDS SHORT SIGHTED ON BOSS WAZA TO BUILD IN THIS LIMITATION.
SO, BOSS, IF YOU'RE LISTENING.....I AM THINKING TWICE ABOUT BUYING THE SECOND KATANA AMP....
Thank you! Just bought the 50w II and foot switch for my kids to use at home and the instructions are next to useless (to me anyway). You managed to hit on all the confusing bits and explained them so well that we’re now getting somewhere! It’s actually quite intuitive once we got our feet in the door, so thanks again.
And no more tap dancing for me anyway - I’m a 65yo non-guitar playing Aussie drummer who needs to conserve his available energies for carrying the bloody traps case..
If I connect the old GAFC to the EX, can I connect 4 expression pedals? 2 for each GAFC? I hope that's possible then that's no more tap dancing for me.
membah when footswitches were included with the amp?
💩💩💩
Really helpful, many thanks! And no more tap dancing for me, sir!
Question: Is it possible to bank thru the 3 different overdrive (or FX/MOD/DELAY) settings (Green,Red,Amber) Seems silly to setup different pedals on a patch and not be able to get to them without reaching for the amp. Only way i can think of doing it now it to setup multiple banks using a different overdrive.
Does the solo functionality work the same in the GA-FC-EX as the the GA-FC? (by long pressing the channel you are currently on, the solo turns on)
Just so happens, I own a Katana KTN-100 Mk II and also one of the original GA-FC Foot controllers, my KTN-100 Mk II is the 1 X 12 combo version, wonderful little amp, and very loud too.
Hi Andy,
How have you got the 2 katanas rigged up when you control both separately? Is this via an ABY or the stereo expand function? Boss seem to suggest you can do this without an ABY but there are no instructions on how to set up the signal chain. If you have 2 artists this isn’t a problem but I’m using an artist and 100 together without any success. Thanks!
Why didn't boss make the Katana Bluetooth connectable like the GT 1000?
I admit i was ready to smash my 50 mk 2 ex up i have the 100mk2 head to which is a bit better on its own , i got them to link them , but warned they would blow instantly , getting info on here is limited , im sat outside the postwoman turned up handed me a bag ! In it theres 2 stereo 1/4 leads with a note off a friend. DO IT ! YOU KNOW YOU WANNA ● So i plugged my speaker out on my kat 100 mk2 head into my kat 50 mk2 EX .. power amp in , powered volumes to min, turned on the stereo expand and pop ! Then the console lit up OMG , THE EX Came totally alive , like its never sounded before with the controlls of the 100 head powering it absolutely awesome sounding like it was made for this long lost partner , the pedal now lingers longer and sharper , cant believe how tighter and responsive my 50 ex has turned into an amp sounding infinately better , (i was ready to trash it rock n roll style ) it came to life with a ferocity i cant believe the power on almost no volume lowest power setting )
Great video! I’m still not seeing how to actually save configurations on the Katana as Channels 1-8. That seems to be the missing link in utilizing my new Katana 50 MKII EX and the GA-FC EX controller. Would love anybody’s input how to create the Channels 1-8. Thanks very much!
The footswitch should be Doubled Up - 1st row for Channels ... 2nd row for effects with an added expression/ volume pedal On The Board - Why Not??
Because NO MORE TAP DANCING FOR ME!!
Great video!! I own 2 - 100 mk2 amps I use in stereo expand mode. I’m interested in using the EX in dual amp mode for blended tones, but how do I get the actual guitar tone into both amp inputs? Is an ABY pedal required? Thanks
Hi bro, thanks as always. I just came to know about the XSonic Airstep footswitch...and so far it blew my mind...please what are your thoughts? Regards!
" No more Tap Dancing for me. " I'm thinking of getting 2 Katana MK ii Amps for Stereo Rig, Both Controllers, and finding 'someone' who can Put them in One Box, adds some LEDs, so I know Where I'm at. The Bank Suggestion with Both Units makes Sense. A Lot of Good Ideas. How about a Blue LED for Tap Tempo, that Flashes the TEMPO...?? Thanks!!
Hi Andy, How about using a Boss-ES8 with the Katana to control all of the functions. Will that work?
Here's my wish. Put a tuner in the Boss Tone Studio software. IMO, any solid state modeling amp should have an onboard tuner. Just saying.
GuitarGeek --- You reinforced my opinion regarding the two foot controllers. I have eMail to my retailer (Sweetwater / Fort Wayne, Indiana) asking my Account Rep to take back the 1st pedal and exchange it for the EX. I'll let you know results......JimInCincy
I just got the 110 and the FX pedal, and I'm COLOR BLIND !!!!!
... so I can't see anything !!!
LOL
I wish there at least was a blue color or something that's not red or green, because that's what myself and many people are.
Red/green color blind...
Seriously, they all look exactly the same, not even a little bit of a difference.
Maybe the one looks a little bit lighter, but that's it...
Haaaaaaaa
Figures...lol
I'll just have to deal with it, or just get a multi pedal, but that defeats the purpose.
Or keep asking my band mates on stage what colors they are before every song....
Hahahahahahaha
My first gig will be tomorrow, Friday night at Bally's in Atlantic City, so I have my fingers crossed...lol
After a week of gigs I'll know if I'm sending everything back.
Hopefully not...lol
I only need it for stage volume, so....
Probably keep it and bring out the pedals again...
:-/
Thanks for the review !!!
:-)
No more tap dancing for me.
Also, the current led's will give you amber. You just turn on both red and green together.
Does the Airstep Kat compatible with Boss Katana 50Ex? Thanks
Is it possible to reverse the functions of the two switches so that the EX controls the effects and the original GAFC controls the channels? The reason I ask is that it seems more practical to use multi-expression pedals, such as a volume and a wah pedal, with the EX switch turning the wah on and off. If this isn't possible, can the two linked switches be used to press a button combo on the original switch to toggle the pedal FX on and off?
Additionally, using the EX functions to access booster or solo modes becomes problematic once the two are connected, as there's no way to press the function button on the EX to access the enhanced features. While there are some great advancements, it seems like they haven't fully considered real-life scenarios. The new switch has excellent features, but without purchasing two, you can't fully utilize the add-ons with the legacy device. If you had two EX devices, you could make full use of the new functions, with the second one exclusively controlling the effects like the legacy device.
“No more tap dancing for me”
Very informative vid thanks for all the info. Dose this work with the Katana 50mk2? It was my understanding that he GA-FC only worked w/ the 100w. Is this an firmware update?
Would you recommend to order the original GAFC as my first footswitch or should I immediately aim for the GAFC-EX? I am afraid that the options might overwhelm me a bit as a 'Katana beginner'
Great job, thanks. Still no way to cycle through each of the three banks (Red/Amber/Green) that each Boost/Mod/FX has, via footswitch?
Thanks for all the info, I'm really considering a Boss katana 100 mkii , when I get the money that is of course! an no more tap dancing for me! obviously { ; - )
Nice video. I didn’t realize some of the capabilities of that pedal. Has anyone run into the problem where the “Assign” button isn’t on the software? It’s not on mine and I can’t figure out why. Any help would be appreciated. Katana Artist MK2 head. No more tap dancing for me!
I have the original Katana 100/212 (not the Mk ii), can I still use the GA-FC EX and GA-FC as an extension or does that only work for the Mk ii?
great video!!! can i use an expresion pedal on the second gafc? please explain if possible 5 pedals would be awesome !!! but confuding and fun to explore the options!!!!!!
No more tap dancing for me! Long-time viewer, first-time commenter here. Love your content!
Around the 9:35 mark, you get a really cool tone from different effects on the head and cab. Are you playing through the little 5 inch speaker on the head and the 12in on the combo as well?
I have an artist combo and I'm interested in buying an artist head, but I don't think the artist head has the little speaker in it (just the regular 100w head from my understanding,) so I'm wondering if I would need another cab or to go with a 2nd combo.
Just want to see how you're achieving this sound. Thanks!
No more tap dancing for me. Just got the artist and the gafc switch tonight, and I'm a little unimpressed. In clean tones it's so muddy that I've got the bass all the way down, middle and treb all the way up and it doesn't sound horrible. It still sounds a bit bassy. I thought i had rolled off the guitar tone knobs. I've got a katana 50 and i love it. I do have the 50 set to somewhat low bass and higher mid and treb but not as extreme as the artist, and the 50 sounds more trebly than the artist. I'm confused. Is this normal where the artist is really bassy, muddy? The first thing is I played the beginning bass riff to ramble on on regular guitar and it sounds sick!! Next question, I'm a huge Schecter fan, have an Omen Extreme and a Banshee Mach 6 and I'm curious how you like your Schecter strat you were playing? Thank you! I understand this video is a couple years old and you likely don't monitor comments any more, but i had to try...
Here’s an improvement for all manufacturers. Quit using red and green . 1 in 12 men are red/green deficient. Aka color blindness
Ok you are my boss amp channel of choice. Have you seen the new Boss Katana AIR EX? I'd love your thoughts.
Just wanted to +1 to your first firmware update request. That would be a much better way to do it.
No more tap dancing for me! Quick question for you: I own two Katana 100w 1x12's, which enable me to link the amps for stereo effects and also allows me to have an amp in different rooms of the house, when I feel like practicing in front of the tv. I currently own one GA-FC Ex and am looking buy a second controller. If I buy another EX, will it link to the first EX and function in the same way that the regular GA-FC does in the video? Or, am I better off buying the regular GA-FC as the second controller?
No more tap dancing. Just trying to figure the katana out. Learning curve ha.
No more tap dancing for me (thanks to my GA-FC plugged into my GA_FCEX)
No more tap dancing for me now, ha ha… Thx dude, quick question I’m running the GAFCex with the original GAFC and am a bit confused how I get my tap delay going on which unit??
Are you, perchance related to Quinns from Shut Up & Sit Down? I can't unsee it.
It sounds like there’s no cabinet simulation or something going on with the tone coming out of the Katana? It sounds very shrill.
No more tap dancing for me LOL
Well technically you are with having to hold own a mode change then back to whatever else you need to switch to then back to whatever effect or boost you want.
I don't understand Boss. Why don't they just partner with someone like Melo Audio. Brand their midi pedal as the Katana-Midi make a reasonable easy to use software for programming all of it.
Now outside of this, I woul hate to have to stack 2 or 3 GA-FC's together just to get all the function control it would look like that dumb M9 board from Line6 LOL
I am going to get the artist mkII head. I already own an ES-8 switcher. Does anyone know if I can use this instead of the GAFCEX?.
Not to nitpick but that is a TRS jack, not a TRRS. The only place you typically see TRRS is on headphones for cell phones that also have a mic. The cable you need for this footswitch is a TRS.
I use a latching foot-switch to change banks on the GA-FC original. It also has a blue LED for Bank B to avoid confusion. Works well and no long pressing.
I wish they would let you do the 3 different modes for each effect with the same colors the amp uses for each. Right now, I use my phone with the katana app and a M-Vave chocolate with each switch, switching between the 3 effect options but would be nicer if the GA-FC did that.
Hello,
I'm looking for a solution to use the Bank A and B in the same Time, not have to select the panel button on the GAFC, is it possible if i use the GAFC EX with GAFC?
GC-FC -- one color LED
GC-FC EX -- two color LED
GC-FC EXX -- three color LED (set to release in 2024)
GC-FC LCD -- LED's and LCD Display panel (set to release in 2025)
MARK III will be released in 2026 making it all obsoleted 😁😁👍👍
See you here in 2026!
No more tap dancing for me. They need to make the Variation button foot switchable. That would be massive.
I only wanted a wah pedal , had to buy the boss tat to work with the 50 mk2 ex , iv no intention of adding computers to the mix , i have a boxed mk2 head , i was told they can stereo expand , link to each other via a cable ,(then warned not to try it) iv got 20 days left to figure it out or return the lot , the affects are gimmicky , you spend more time fiddling with buttons knobs than playing guitar , not my thing , an amp and pedal is fine . You buy anything boss theres a mk3 out within a week with another gimmick button on it , but you need an app for it 👀, and it wont couple with your other new gear ,even though instructions say otherwise , the stereo expansion they say works with most katana amps , doesnt . Confusing and frustrating ,
It will be very helpful to see a video demo for the two pedals plus a fs-6 and expression pedals, all working together in a live situation. After buying the expression pedal I realize that there is not on/off switch. I got to create a patch without the pedal enabled. Or add a fs pedal to turned off.
Im new to the katana range and i have question regarding this footswitch. These new features are compatible with the M2 amps, does this include the Katana 210 bass?