This knowledge base article will discuss and explain the GA-FC EX functionality as it relates to the KATANA-100/ARTIST MK2 amps. We will also discuss some peripheral connectivity with other foot pedals like the older GA-FC, EV-5, EV-30, FV-500H/L, as well as 1/4" TRS BOSS Stereo Cables.
The GA-FC EX adds sophisticated control and flexibility when paired with the KATANA-100/ARTIST MK2 amps.
NOTE: The GA-FC EX is not compatible with the KATANA-50 MK2 because it lacks a back panel GA-FC input jack for compatibility. Also, the older series KATANA-100/ARTIST MK1 amps are not compatible with the GA-FC EX. Only the KATANA-100 MK2 and KATANA-ARTIST MK2 amps are compatible with the GA-FC EX.
At this time, [Sept. 2022], the GA-FC EX is limited to the KATANA MK2 series, however other BOSS amps/devices may also be considered for future compatibility.
The new GA-FC EX features many foot-switchable options along with value, and takes the original GA-FC concept and foot switchable options further.
GA-FC EX what's included?
- GA-FC EX foot controller
- Owner's Manual
- One 1/4" TRS stereo cable for connectivity from the GA-FC EX to the amp.
Summary of GA-FC EX Functionality:
When one GA-FC EX is used, you'll have access to three pedal/ function modes, and each can be toggled between using the on-board FUNCTION switch.
When viewing the GA-FC EX's top panel, the labeling is as follows:
- Bold pale-gold colored block labels [BOOSTER, MOD, FX, DELAY, REVERB].
- Bold white block labels [CH 1 - 4 /PANEL].
- Smaller white labels [CONTROL 1, CONTROL 1/2, CONTROL 2, TAP 2, FUNCTION].
FUNCTION MODE 1:
FUNCTION LED DIM = CHANNEL 1-4 + PANEL (RED LEDs) footswitch between CHANNELS. Also added in this mode, you can long-press PANEL for BANK A or BANK B toggle (white bold block labels below LEDs).
This allows for full access to all channels and expands foot switching for all BANK A/B and all 8 CHANNELS+PANEL of the KATANA MK2 amps.
NOTE: KATANA-100/ARTIST MK2 have the following design: BANK A: CH1-4 and BANK B: CH1-4 + PANEL.
FUNCTION MODE 2:
FUNCTION LED flashing red (Accessed by long pressing FUNCTION switch for 2 seconds):
BOOSTER SOLO: ON/OFF, PEDAL FX: ON/OFF, LOOP:ON/OFF (FX: SEND/RETURN, ON/OFF, not a looper!), TAP1: Tap Tempo, TAP2: Tap Tempo for DELAY 1 or DELAY 2. (small white labels below LEDs).
This allows easy access to several foot-switchable options, which were a bit more complicated to access when using the GA-FC.
FUNCTION MODE 3:
FUNCTION LED lit green = EFFECTS ON/OFF (green LEDs) foot switching, for BOOSTER: ON/OFF, MOD: ON/OFF, FX: ON/OFF, DELAY: ON/OFF, REVERB: ON/OFF (gold bold block labels above LEDs).
This allows for more of the standard EFFECT CATEGORY ON/OFF functionality, similar to the GA-FC.
Additional Expanded Controls and MODE SWITCH:
The MODE SWITCH allows for options of EXP PEDAL 3 / FOOT CONTROL 2 / EXPAND GA-FC LINK.
- 1st Mode switch option: "EXP PEDAL 3" for 3rd EXP pedal.
- 2nd Mode switch option: "FOOT CONTROL 2" (for foot switching a 2nd KATANA-100/ARTIST MK2 amp.
- 3rd Mode switch option: Set to "EXPAND GA-FC LINK" for connecting an older GA-FC with a newer GA-FC EX.
1st MODE SWITCH SET TO "EXP PEDAL 3":
Allows for up to three (sold separately) EV EXPRESSION pedals to be connected via 1/4" TRS stereo cable for each. We recommend using our BOSS EV-5, EV-30. The FV-500H/L can be used as well.
https://www.boss.info/global/products/ev-5/
https://www.boss.info/global/products/ev-30/
https://www.boss.info/global/products/fv-500h_500l/
2nd MODE SWITCH SET TO "FOOT CONTROL2":
Use the MODE switch set to "FOOT CONTROL2." This allows the single GA-FC EX to control 2 - KATANA-100/ARTIST MK2 amps simultaneously. Connect FOOT CONTROL1 to AMP1: KATANA-100/ARTIST MK2, then connect FOOT CONTROL 2 to AMP2: KATANA-100/ARTIST MK2.
For both connections use a 1/4" TRS STEREO CABLE.
The functions will be the same for both AMP1 and AMP2: KATANA-100/ARTIST.
Control of AMP1/AMP2 is dictated by the CONTROL1, CONTROL 1&2, CONTROL2 dual foot switch press on the GA-FC EX.
This allows the user to control either AMP1 or AMP2 or AMP1+AMP2 simultaneously with a single GA-FC EX footswitch!
*3rd MODE SWITCH SET TO "EXPAND GA-FC LINK":
Using the EXPAND GA-FC LINK selection, it expands the GA-FC EX to be used and connect with an older GA-FC.
This is for users that have already been using the older GA-FC and want to expand their foot switching possibilities and setup. Set the MODE switch to "EXPAND GA-FC LINK."
The older GA-FC is connected from its FOOT CONTROL jack to the EXPAND GA-FC LINK jack via 1/4" TRS STEREO cable.
The GA-FC EX is then connected to the KATANA-100/ARTIST MK2 via FOOT CONTROL1 > GA-FC jack on back of amp.
The addition of the GA-FC EX with the GA-FC offers additional foot control options.
The older GA-FC = will be for EFFECTS SWITCHING.
The newer GA-FC = will be for CHANNEL SWITCHING.
RELATED BOSS EXP/ FS MISC. ACCESSORIES:
The GA-FC or GA-FC EX include a 1/4" TRS STEREO cable for connection from footswitch to amp.
All other external foot controls and cabling are sold separately:
https://www.boss.info/global/products/ev-5/ (Hardwired1/4" TRS cable).
https://www.boss.info/global/products/ev-30/ (Included 1/4" TRS cable).
https://www.boss.info/global/products/fv-500h_500l/ (Cabling sold separately)
https://www.boss.info/global/products/fs-6/ (Connects using 1/4" TRS cable).
https://www.boss.info/global/products/fs-7/ (Connects using 1/4" TRS cable).
BOSS 1/4" TRS cable example for EV-30 or FS-6/FS-7 connectivity:
https://www.boss.info/global/products/bcc-3-tra/
PLEASE SEE OUR GA-FC EX SUPPORT INFO AND WEBLINKS BELOW
https://www.boss.info/global/products/ga-fc_ex/