Recording your KATANA MkII via USB provides a wider range of routing options compared to using the analog LINEOUT or PHONES/REC OUT jacks connected to an audio interface.
Different DAWs (Digital Audio Workstation), and computer operating systems, will vary on how they present the KATANA MKII's USB audio inputs, when the KATANA MkII is used as an audio interface for your computer. In each case, you will need to ensure your Katana MkII is running the latest firmware version, and the relevant USB device driver for your specific Windows/macOS operating system has been installed.
All the applicable, and necessary downloads for the Katana MkII Amp Series can be found on any one of the KATANA MkII amp model Download web page. Go to the BOSS Amplifiers page, click on the image of your model amp, you'll arrive at the KATANA MkII amp model's Product Page, from here navigate down to the middle menu bar, and select and click the Downloads page link. On the Downloads page you'll find all the necessary downloads for your KATANA MkII amp.
NOTE: All KATANA MkII amps currently share the same firmware version, USB drivers, and BTS for KATANA MkII software editor.
For example: KATANA-50 MkII
KATANA-50 MkII Product page:
https://www.boss.info/global/products/katana-50_mk2/
KATANA-50 MkII Downloads page:
https://www.boss.info/global/products/katana-50_mk2/downloads/
What you'll need, and have completed for proper connectivity:
- KATANA MkII amp, updated with the latest firmware version.
- USB 2.0 A to B data/printer cable.
- WINDOWS/macOS computer with a compatible USB 2.0 A port.
- If no USB 2.0 A port is available, please use a sold separate, USB 2.0 A adapter or USB Hub with a compatible USB 2.0 A port.
- Have installed the correct KATANA USB Driver for your specific WINDOWS/macOS computer operating system version.
- 3rd party DAW audio software package installed on computer, for example:
DAW audio software for WINDOWS: Reaper, Cubase, Ableton, Audacity, etc.
DAW audio software for macOS: Garageband, Logic Pro, Cubase, Reaper, ProTools, Ableton, etc.
Once connected with your KATANA MkII amp, WINDOWS/macOS computer, and DAW audio software.
In the DAW audio software, go into the PREFERENCES menu, and if necessary set and adjust the audio input source to be configured for INPUT AUDIO to be sourced from the KATANA.
A generic overview of the available inputs, as per operating system, and DAW audio software will be similar to the following:
USB
-Primary (Windows)
-Input 1,2/Stereo Out(1,2) (macOS)
USB
-Secondary (Windows)
-Input/Output 3,4 (macOS)
For example, in Cubase, when selecting your INPUT, you will see the following (this may differ per appearance depending on DAW audio software package used):
Important Note:
You can not monitor the DAW software and computer output audio, from your KATANA MkII amp's internal speaker/s.
If using the Katana MKII as the output interface for DAW software computer audio output, the signal can be monitored from the PHONES/REC OUT only, using headphones or adapt with an Insert-Y cable for output to reference monitors/speakers.
Alternatively, (if your computer, and audio software allow for it), you can set up the KATANA MkII as the INPUT audio interface, and route the audio to your chosen 3rd party OUTPUT audio interface connected to your nearfield reference speakers/monitors.