Headphone amps - Boss Katana:Go vs Fender Mustang Micro vs Vox Amplug vs NUX Mighty | Better Music

Summary

In this video, Tom and Jason review several guitar amp simulators, including the new Boss Katana Go, Fender Mustang Micro, and Line 6 Helix Nano. They compare features like ease of use, sound quality, and battery life. The Boss Katana Go stands out for its comprehensive features, including a built-in tuner and USB-C connectivity. The Fender Mustang Micro offers classic Fender tones, while the Line 6 Helix Nano impresses with its sound quality. The Vox amPlug is noted for its simplicity and value, excelling in specific genres. The hosts provide a hands-on demonstration of each device, offering insights for guitarists seeking portable and versatile practice tools.

Takeaways

• 🎸 The video features a comparison of guitar amplifier simulators, including the Boss Katana Go, Fender Mustang Micro, and Line 6 Helix Nano.
• 🔌 The Boss Katana Go stands out for its USB-C connection, future-proofing, and intuitive app for easy setup and control.
• 🎶 The Fender Mustang Micro is praised for its classic Fender clean sound and user-friendly interface with physical controls.
• 📱 The Line 6 Helix Nano requires an app for setup, which might be less convenient for quick adjustments compared to devices with physical controls.
• 🎵 The Boss Katana Go offers a tuner built into the device, providing convenience and eliminating the need for a separate tuner.
• 🔋 All devices except the Vox amPlug use a micro USB for charging, while the Katana Go also supports USB-C.
• 📈 The Boss Katana Go has the longest battery life of the group, lasting up to 5 hours.
• 🎚️ The Vox amPlug is the most basic and budget-friendly option, offering a single sound type with minimal controls.
• 🎛️ The Line 6 Helix Nano lacks a master volume control, which might be a drawback for some users preferring physical knobs.
• 🏆 The Boss Katana Go is considered the most comprehensive and premium product among the ones tested, offering the most features and flexibility.

Q & A

What are the main products being compared in the video?

The main products being compared are the Boss Katana Go, the Fender Mustang Micro, the Fender Mustang LX, and the Vox amPlug.

What is the primary difference between the Boss Katana Go and the other products mentioned?

The Boss Katana Go is more comprehensive, featuring a built-in tuner, USB-C connection, and an intuitive app for controlling various settings. It also has a larger battery life and a more premium feel compared to the others.

How does the Fender Mustang Micro compare to the new Fender Mustang LX in terms of controls?

The Fender Mustang Micro has a more basic interface with fewer controls and buttons, while the Mustang LX, also known as the 'new X', requires an app to change settings and doesn't have a master scroll wheel on the device.

What is the significance of the USB-C connection on the Boss Katana Go?

The USB-C connection on the Boss Katana Go is significant as it allows for future-proofing, easier charging, and the ability to use the device as an audio interface for direct recording into a PC.

How does the Vox amPlug compare to the other products in terms of functionality?

The Vox amPlug is more limited in functionality, offering a single type of sound per model and fewer options for changing effects or amp types compared to the Boss Katana Go or the Fender products.

What is the advantage of the Boss Katana Go's built-in tuner?

The built-in tuner on the Boss Katana Go provides convenience by allowing the user to tune their guitar without needing a separate tuner, which can be an added cost and less convenient than having it integrated.

How does the user interface of the Fender Mustang LX differ from the Boss Katana Go?

The Fender Mustang LX lacks a physical master scroll wheel for adjusting settings, which is present on the Boss Katana Go, making the latter more user-friendly and intuitive for quick adjustments.

What is the battery life of the Boss Katana Go mentioned in the video?

The Boss Katana Go has a 5-hour battery life, which is noted as being the largest among the products being compared.

What additional features does the Boss Katana Go offer that the others do not?

The Boss Katana Go offers additional features such as Bluetooth connectivity, headphone and line out options, and compatibility with the Boss Tone Studio, Tone Central, and Tone Central Exchange apps.

How does the video presenter rank the products in terms of preference?

The video presenter ranks the products as follows: Boss Katana Go, Vox amPlug, Fender Mustang Micro, and then the Fender Mustang LX (new X), based on their sound quality, functionality, and convenience features.

Outlines

00:00

🎸 Introduction to Guitar Amp Simulators

Tom and Jason introduce a video comparing different guitar amp simulators, focusing on the Boss Katana Go, Fender Mustang Micro, and the Line 6 Helix. They discuss the basic features of these devices, such as the interface, controls, and connectivity options. The video aims to provide an overview of each product's capabilities, including the ease of use, sound quality, and additional features like USB charging and audio interface capabilities.

05:02

🔌 Detailed Comparison of Amp Simulators

In this segment, the duo delves deeper into the features of each amp simulator. They discuss the Boss Katana Go's comprehensive package, including a built-in tuner, USB-C connectivity, and an intuitive app for controlling various settings. They also touch on the Fender Mustang Micro's classic Fender sound and the Line 6 Helix's modern approach with its app-based configuration. The discussion highlights the convenience and sound quality of each product, providing a nuanced comparison for viewers.

10:02

🎵 Sound Demonstrations and User Experience

The video continues with sound demonstrations of each amp simulator, showcasing the variety of tones and effects available. Tom and Jason play different styles of music to highlight the versatility of each device. They also discuss the user experience, including the ease of changing settings, the quality of the sound, and the practicality of the design. The segment emphasizes the importance of functionality and user-friendliness in choosing an amp simulator.

15:03

🏆 Conclusion and Recommendations

In the final part of the video, Tom and Jason summarize their findings and provide recommendations based on the features and performance of the amp simulators. They discuss the value for money, the sound quality, and the specific use cases for each product. They conclude that the Boss Katana Go stands out for its comprehensive features and user-friendliness, while the Fender Mustang Micro and Line 6 Helix also offer solid options for different user preferences. The Vox Boutique is praised for its specific sound quality but noted for its limited functionality compared to the others.

Keywords

💡Boss Katana Go

The Boss Katana Go is a portable guitar amplifier featured in the video. It is highlighted for its comprehensive features compared to other products in the market. The term is used to describe a device that offers a wide range of sound options and is equipped with a tuner, USB-C connection for future-proofing, and an intuitive app for easy control. It's positioned as a premium choice for guitarists looking for versatility and convenience in a compact package.

💡Box Amp

A 'box amp' generally refers to a type of amplifier that is compact and designed for practice or small gigs. In the context of the video, it is used to compare the Boss Katana Go with other products like the Vox amPlug. The term is important as it sets the stage for discussing the portability and functionality of different amplifier models.

💡Mighty Plug Pro

The Mighty Plug Pro is another portable amplifier mentioned in the script, likely from the same series as the Vox amPlug. It is part of the comparison to showcase the variety of options available to guitarists. The term is used to emphasize the different features and sound profiles that guitarists might prefer, such as the Fender's clean sound versus the Boss Katana Go's more comprehensive offerings.

💡Fender Mustang Micro

The Fender Mustang Micro is a digital modeling amplifier discussed in the video. It is noted for its basic interface and the classic Fender sound that many guitarists seek. The term is used to illustrate the variety of digital modeling options available and to compare the simplicity of the interface with the more feature-rich Boss Katana Go.

💡New X

In the script, 'New X' seems to refer to a newer model of a portable amplifier, possibly from Fender, that is compared with the other products. The term is significant as it introduces a newer product in the market and sets the stage for a discussion on its features, such as the need for an app to control it, versus the more straightforward physical controls on other devices.

💡USB-C

USB-C is a type of universal serial bus connection that is highlighted in the video for its use in the Boss Katana Go. The term is significant as it represents a step up in technology, offering faster data transfer and charging capabilities. In the context of the video, USB-C is presented as a feature that makes the Boss Katana Go more future-proof and versatile, as it can be used to connect the device to a computer for recording.

💡Tuner

A tuner is a device that helps musicians ensure their instrument is in tune. In the video, the Boss Katana Go is praised for having a built-in tuner, which is a convenient feature for guitarists. The term is used to highlight the added value and practicality of having a tuner integrated into an amplifier, allowing for quick and easy tuning without needing a separate device.

💡Bluetooth Connectivity

Bluetooth connectivity is a feature that allows devices to communicate wirelessly. In the video, the Boss Katana Go's Bluetooth capability is mentioned as a way to switch between guitar and bass modes, enhancing its versatility. The term is significant as it showcases the modern, wireless capabilities of the product and how it can adapt to different musical situations without physical adjustments.

💡Effects and EQ

Effects and EQ (Equalization) are terms related to sound processing. In the video, they are discussed in the context of the various sounds and tonal adjustments that can be made using the different amplifiers. The terms are important as they illustrate the level of customization and sound shaping that guitarists can achieve with these devices, with the Boss Katana Go being praised for its intuitive controls over effects and EQ.

💡Vox amPlug

The Vox amPlug is a series of portable amplifiers that are mentioned in the video. It is used to compare the simplicity and sound quality of different models. The term is significant as it introduces a product known for its classic Vox sound and its role in the market as a more affordable and straightforward option compared to the feature-rich Boss Katana Go.

💡Boutique

In the context of the video, 'boutique' refers to a specific model or version of a product that is designed to deliver a unique or specialized sound. The term is used to describe the Vox amPlug Boutique, which is noted for its big, full sound. The keyword is significant as it highlights the appeal of specialized products for guitarists seeking a particular tone or style, even if it means sacrificing some versatility for focused sound quality.

Highlights

Introduction to Boss Katana Go and comparison with other products like Fender Mustang Micro, Fender Mustang LT-25, and Vox.

Overview of Fender Mustang Micro's basic interface and classic Fender tones.

Discussion on Fender Mustang LT-25's newer features and the necessity of an app for control.

Comparison of Boss Katana Go's intuitive app and USB-C connectivity with other products.

Demonstration of Boss Katana Go's metal riff and effect adjustments.

Evaluation of Boss Katana Go's ease of use and sound quality with different patches.

Mention of Boss Katana Go's tuner built into the front for convenience.

Comparison of control layouts and battery life among the tested products.

Highlight of Boss Katana Go's large battery life and USB-C connection for future-proofing.

Discussion on the ease of use and functionality of Boss Katana Go's app.

Comparison of sound quality and functionality between Vox, Fender, and Boss Katana Go.

Opinion on the value for money provided by Vox's Boutique model versus other options.

Final thoughts on the Boss Katana Go as a comprehensive and user-friendly product.

Recommendation for guitarists of all levels to try the Boss Katana Go for its versatility.

Conclusion and agreement on Boss Katana Go being a jack-of-all-trades amplifier simulator.

Transcripts

welcome back better music customers

today I'm here with Jason and my name is

Tom and we're trying out a couple of

different products today mainly the new

boss Katana go going to be comparing it

against the Box am plug the mighty plug

pro then we've got the fandom Mustang

micro you want to tell us a little bit

about these ones Jay yes lot of people

probably know the Mustang micro it's

been around for a little while uh you

know pretty pretty basic interface but

all the sort of Fender sounds that that

people know and and look for the new X

is a little bit newer um that's not why

they called new X but it is a little bit

newer um similar features and

functionality not so many controls and

buttons on there you know the fender

lets you sort of Select things on the

side a little easier uh so newx you need

an app to run this really so you know

you can't really change too many things

um but if you're kind of you know

looking for basic one two once you set

up it's it's not too bad and then you

know the Old Faithful Fox and plug uh so

so it's a bit more simple a little bit

more rudimentary of a product battery

powered two aaa's both of these two

units here use a micro USB to charge

along same with this new Katana go as

well little bit USBC by the way oh USBC

yeah living in the future great step up

and you know you can use this as an

audio interface so you can record direct

into your PC um and it's got a really

intuitive app I use this app for about

10 seconds and CU you know I'm used to

that simple Katana interface yeah it's

it's really easy all right so let's

start off with uh metal Rift so it's

pretty easy here we just select a patch

um we got amp here which is cool uh we

can also just jump straight to EQ from

here okay uh and then we can mess with

effects so if you start playing and I'll

mess with

[Music]

effect

[Music]

[Applause]

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not bad very John Patricia oh very cool

so yeah so through here I mean it's it's

so easy you know like you pick your

patch we'll go for an ambient clean now

yeah get some a little bit cleaner and

then yeah it's just effects EQ amp it's

really intuitive basic to go through

[Music]

this can we make it not as thin a little

bit more body to it

oh yeah go back oh do we have another

preset another clean that's just a

little bit fatter off let's see basic

blues basic

[Music]

Bo oh no did you make a mistake leave

that

[Music]

in

got a nice kind of bluesy Blues touch to

it let's try something a bit crazier a

little bit more maybe octave rotary

octave ask and you shall receive and

these are all just set straight away so

we have to Ed any patches they're just

ready to go like

[Music]

this

[Music]

bit octave in there give us a pretty

clean yeah let's go to clean chorus and

then we'll try and we'll mess with a

little bit this be the last one then

we'll talk about some of the stuff in

here

[Music]

very cool

Kanye that's pretty good man I I don't

even know what to show you like it's

such a nice basic all round device let's

get some real heavy okay we'll go real

heavy High game something a bit more

[Music]

modern and do we have a gate in here as

well that's the question definitely

do an S so give it a run turn your

volume up and try and make it

there we go there we go real

[Music]

shot

all right so I feel like the boss Katana

go is a much more comprehensive product

than what we've seen on the market

previously I mean having the tuner built

into the front of it so it's just

plugged into your guitar here take a

look down you're ready to go that's a

little bit more convenient than well

headstock tuna having a go by ear we do

retain the same kind of controls on the

sides however a little bit more than

what we're getting with the Mustang

micro or the new X or even the a plug

that we've got down here it's just a

little bit more satisfying to use it

does share the same big knob as what

you've got with the fender it just feels

a that little bit more premium using

using the USBC connection as well just a

little bit more future proof I feel like

if you're used to most of the katana

products if you've used the tone studio

with home before you're going to be very

familiar with this it's pretty simple to

use the phone app's even easier than

what you're getting with the desktop app

I mean I should ask Jason you're the one

driving this one today so yeah really

like like the whole Katana range it's

really intuitive the the workflow to get

to the start of the amp type down to

your effects and outputs is really basic

it does have the largest battery life

out of 5 Hour battery life on this bad

boy um and yeah so I guess the Highlight

re is just you know you got the display

on the front uh you got ABC to switch

between patches really easy if you got

your top three patches so the cool thing

with this as well if we turn on WE holy

on the Bluetooth button it switches from

bass to guitar so it's really easy if

we're if we're in the studio or we're

jamming at home we're doing some bass

and guitar You Know M around writing

stuff or just just playing around you

know you can just switch between each

and the Apple just switch around and do

that automatically so if you editor guys

when I clap just put K in a

[Music]

about

[Music]

it's a perfect Workhorse accessory if

you need to do a bit of writing on the

go if you're on holidays and don't

aren't able to take most of your gear

all you need is a guitar this one just

here and you're ready to go to start

practicing if youve got a computer with

you you can record with it as well get a

few demos done when you're not in the

studio condition but maybe we can run

through them all quickly we'll just do a

few Patches from each of them just to

get some demos just to yeah let's give

him a test maybe we'll go with the

fender

[Music]

[Music]

first cool very Fender Fender I mean I

think that's what Fender do uh do well

is that their products they emulate that

clean fend the sound kind of well across

the board if that's what you're really

looking for just let F the sound again

so we got a couple of buttons on the

side if

we changing a few amp

[Music]

types so let's have a look at a couple

of different

models can you do us a favor and just

Chuck a couple of these

buttons

[Music]

I mean look I think the thing is if you

want something basic to practice with

you know the fenders they're all going

to do a similar option if you're not

looking for more than your classic

Fender cleans classic Fender gain the

fender can be a good option it's a

competitive product it they're doing a

very similar thing both they're using

the I apps to control a lot of your amp

models and things inside the unit here

they're both very convenient for someone

like myself a little bit more in the

High Gain realm I feel like the BOS

Katana is going to be a little bit

better for me personally but if you're

more into Blues Jazz then maybe the

fender is going to be a little bit

better of an option for yourself all

right let's give a go of this newx but

this time you're going to have a play

okay so immediately off the bat not

having the scroll wheel on the front of

it that's a turnoff for me however the

Buton changing the profiles is

convenient but no master scroll wheel no

deal yeah I think so I prefer that even

with the master W there some crazy stuff

going on

[Music]

here so

chucking on that bridge get a real

Spanky T

[Music]

[Applause]

[Music]

yeah look it's it's not bad straight out

of the box to be fair I haven't really

you know the the new X is very popular

in the market so we get a lot of

customers coming in looking for newx um

design wise it's not too bad again I

don't like that there's no volume after

the button but not having the volume not

having the volume knob on the front it a

bit of a turn off for me but I think

immediately you feel the

newor to me feels the cheapest the

housing is not quite as robust as what

we're getting with the fender or the

boss yeah I think it's um I think it

might also price point may not be um the

the cheapest in general day in day out

we'll have to double check that one but

I feel like it's what they usually sell

for is a bit above the other ones but

yeah we don't have tuner on here we

don't have really any option to change

amps or effects on here it's all set up

in up prior and we can just hit that to

cycle through um so again I think the

sounds really legit but just

functionality operating wise for me

let's give it a go with the sir and it

might just be the single coils that

you're using but maybe maybe this Custom

Shop sucks another for spender

[Music]

wow

[Music]

[Applause]

[Music]

it's bit nicer for hucker I don't mind

[Music]

it

um I think the newx is is really viable

I think the sounds sit above Fender uh I

think the the quality of those effects

and stuff is probably really close to

the guitana to go they're getting close

there's not there's not as many options

in this I just don't have no

functionality here that's what kills it

for me and why I haven't really done

newx before is that that's that there's

it's volume up and down and then press

to change patch for me that kind of just

kills it I can't do other stuff with it

the newx isn't a bad product by any

means and it sounds great through this

Sur I feel like the sounds out of the

boss Katana go are just a little bit

more familiar we all know how to use it

and it's the most premium out of the

three products that we have here the

fact that it has the tuner built into

the front of it is essentially puts it

above everything else well also I'd say

you spending like 40 50 bucks on a tuna

in

addition we're about having less is more

just getting the things that you need

yeah let's go the AAA Battery Vox this

is like the least

expensive um in the market you know

basic wheels for uh operation on top

you've got a whole bunch of different

flavors with the Vox so you got blues

clean drivers bass and they're all

individual we're currently going through

the boutique at the moment yeah this is

a boutique one yeah so there are some

effects in this one actually on that

fourth wheel you can switch between some

effects um but yeah if you wanted four

or five different ant types with the Box

you'd have to buy four or five different

an plugs which would then exceed the

cost of these

[Music]

so that's got a very solid sound for

what it is yeah this

[Music]

is

[Music]

hold it all the way out to

[Music]

[Applause]

[Music]

10

[Music]

right so there's not really much to say

about these voxes right um one trick

pony basic sounds good for what it is

it's this particular Boutique one sounds

great look they only do one thing right

so you got rock metal Blues bass and

it's basic got you got volume gain um

this one has a little bit of Reverb

effect um and you know they'll only do

one type of sound but they really ac5

sound they sound fantastic sounds great

however for essentially double the price

you getting maybe five times the product

with either the fender or the boss to me

I like the sound of this particular

Boutique box over the fender it sounds

so big it sounds like you're actually

playing through like the fender cleans

are okay but this actually sounded like

a nice big full sound of bouque well

that that's where all these products

kind of come into each other cuz we're

all we're all up against similar

products here yeah so yeah the Vox is

limiting your options by being you know

a basic single thing if you want like a

metal a blues and a rock if be you know

spending you know a few hundred do you

want to have three versions of the same

product or would you rather have one

that has multiple options within it

again it's use cases right so if I just

want to sit there and bang out Blues I

have that Boutique so maybe I'm happy

with that I can spend a little bit less

if I wanted to have all the operation

all the effects you know all the stuff

for me if I was going to put them in

order I'd probably

boss Fender I know Fender and newx to me

are kind of similar both got pros and

cons and then you know the Vox is in a

world its own cuz it's just it does in

terms of the te list for me I'm going to

go boss I'm going to go the Vox then I'm

going to go the fender then the new X I

feel like the boss jack of all trades

and does everything Well the box sells

it 100% for what it does I in my opinion

the sound is just better than what we're

getting out of the fend off that's just

my thoughts on it and the nux feels a

little bit on the cheapest side you

haven't got a lot of the same

convenience features the just quality of

life things that you're going to get out

of the boss product or you're going to

get out of the fender as well you do

have the phone app which everyone but

the Vox does uh they all have a very

similar kind of feature set to me that's

the kind of it feels a bit forc like it

doesn't seem legit where you know these

guys I mean this is a real surprising

one right this Boutique yeah yeah this

one's to you know if you just want that

one thing the boutique

yeah it it it rocks for 70 80 bucks the

boutique's very good but in the same

note you spend double the price you get

five times the product with the boss

yeah they really it with this if I'm

going to spend 70 bucks on a guitar amp

simulator then I'm going to spend I'll

jump up to that next bit to get those

things like a added tuner USBC headphone

in and out Bluetooth connectability

works with the boss tone Studio tone

central tone central theone Central

exchange it um you know whether you're

just starting to play guitar you're Pro

or you know you've been playing guitar

for years and you want to experiment

with different sounds and and that sort

of thing I think you know it's it's not

like you have to be a fully crazy Tech

Guy to work out how to use this and open

the app and and change things you know

so if you get into better music we'll

have a demo of this in store so you can

come check it out have a play what do

you think tdbs I'm happy with it newest

addition to the lineup of miniature

guitar ramps and having the tuna built

in that's a yes from me catch you a

better music guys

out