Line 6 has a new batch of amplifiers out! The Catalyst
What is the Catalyst?
Line 6 just released a new amplifier the Catalyst which is a solid state combo amplifier. It comes in three different wattage options; 60-watt, 100-watt, 200-watt.
These new amplifiers are perfect for practicing, recording, and playing live.
Special features of the Catalyst amplifiers
The three models are basically identical except for the wattage. The 60-watt & 100-watt are 1x12s, and the 200-watt is a 2×12.
The Catalyst is a two channel amp, however there are memory bank slots for 12 different sounds to save your favorite settings.
One of the really cool things is Line 6 created six different amp simulators. This is basically like having six different amps in one package.
The six different amp simulators include: Clean, Boutique, Chime, Crunch, Dynamic, and High Gain.
First the Clean or clarity amp simulator gives you pristine cleans even when you have the amp fully cranked.
Next is the Boutique or aristocrat which is inspired by iconic hand-crafted tones.
Third we have Chime or carillon which is a classic chime only bigger and better!
Fourth is Crunch which is a voltage simulator and it serves up crunchy tones with a British accent.
Fifth is Dynamic which is a kinetic simulator. This boosts the mid-gain tones and is highly touch responsive.
Finally we have the High gain or oblivion which is a contemporary high gain simulator with extended lows. Perfect for modern metal!
The Catalyst also has a great Boost. Depending on which amp simulator you are on the boost will have a different voicing. So the boost will sound different if you are on the Clean vs Crunch simulator.
This amplifier doesn’t stop there! It is jam-packed with awesome features.
The Catalyst also comes with 18 different effects loaded into the amp.
To start there are six different modulation effects: phaser, tremolo, chorus, flanger, u-vibe, and rotary.
Next there are six different delay effects which include: echo, vintage digital, simple delay, analog delay, dual delay, and dynamic delay.
Finally there are six different pitch effects which include: pitch harmony, pitch shift, growler, octaver, octive fuze, and synth string.
I know what you’re thinking, they included 18 effects and not one is reverb?
Don’t worry! There is a dedicated reverb knob that also has six different settings which include: plate, hall, spring, chamber, modulated, and of course shimmer.
In addition to these the amp also has a gain knob, 3 band EQ, channel volume, presence knob, and master volume.
I love that they included a channel volume and master volume that is separate.
More features?!
In addition to all the amazing effects and modes you can choose from you can also plug the Catalyst into your computer using a USB and it will become a 4-channel audio interface for recording.
Line 6 also developed an app called the Catalyst Edit app that will allow you to get into more advanced settings either through your phone or computer.
The amp also comes with a power attenuator which is awesome! This means you won’t loose any tone whether you have the amp at 0.5-watts or the full wattage.
There is also an effects loop, and you can choose to leave it on or turn it off. This can allow you to send the return signal directly to the power amp if you wanted to use an outside modular and use the Catalyst as a powered speaker.
Line 6 also has the option to add on an LFS2 footswitch for even more flexibility. They also offer a cover to help keep your new amplifier protected.
Are you getting a Catalyst?
Overall I think Line 6 really outdid themselves with this amplifier.
They really went above and beyond to create an amplifier that any musician can use regardless of what kind of music they play.
I think with this amplifier the possibilities are endless for sound combinations that you could create.
To get a Catalyst amplifier for yourself head over to Line 6.
What were your favorite features? Leave a comment down below and let us know!
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