Is the Line 6 Catalyst STILL Worth Buying? Year Review
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- Опубліковано 14 жов 2024
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The Line 6 Catalyst is a little over a year old, and I haven't seen too much chat about it lately. I've actually been using mine a bit more recently, and wanted to share some thoughts on it, and some of my disappointments, but also the things that I really like about it....Feel free to share yours in the comments, would like to know if you've had any issues with reliability etc!
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/ johnnathancordy get my backing tracks here
www.buymeacoff... - if you like what I do and
only if you wanted, you could buy me a coffee!
Thanks for all the shout outs John!
I bought the 60w when they first released. It's now my only amp. So far no issues and it gets close enough to the real ones in my opinion for my use. Thanks for all the content!
I use it on the clean as a pedal platform or as a power cab with my helix stomp and hx, then i get any amp i want! I now use it more than my valve amps. Love it!
I have the 60 and have gigged with mid volume drums no problem. I play clean to mid gain. The best thing about it to me is the ability to get a tube-like singing lead tone at a lower DB level than a tube amp. I like the chime for rhythm, crunch/dynamic for leads. I find the clean is ok - good enough. I have the Katana artist and I like its clean better - but you have to play it pretty loud to get that glorious clean - a lot of that is the nice speaker, bigger cab, and the class AB power amp. However, because of cabinet size (and different rated speakers), the clean sounds different on the catalyst 100 and 60 models. Better on the 100 - more open and realistic. But you get a better vowel like singing lead on the 60 at a lower volume than on the 100, and the 60 is super light. I think all 3 are great products with their light weight, and built in effects, and I have nice tube amps.
I still like mine. Not a single update yet though... Loading HX models would be pretty sweet! Edited edit: I would love to see your review of a Tone Master Deluxe Reverb. Or any of them actually.
I still use mine as my primary gigging amp/pedal platform for my country gigs. Works well.
I also plan on using it as an FRFR with my new Helix for everything else
How does it work as an frfr?
@@pb25193 honestly, I’ve not had an opportunity to test it yet. I switched to a Revv D25 as a gigging amp and am very pleased with the results. The Catalyst is still terrific bang for the buck and is my backup amp right now.
However, I do plan on doing that test sometime this month. I’ll check back in when I’ve got the testing done.
I’ve seen these on sale now and have to say that at the sale price it’s worth it. I wouldn’t pay full price for one at this time but I’ve seen the 100 watt for pretty cheap on sale. I bought the 100 watt right when it came out and it’s not bad but it’s not revolutionary and that’s why it didn’t sell that great but at the cheaper price point I think it’s not a bad option compared to katana.
I find the Catalyst works better as an FRFR replacement. I use the Tonex pedal through the loop with cabs and it sounds way more like a traditional amp than the FRFR speaker, which gives it a better feel. When I want to plug and play, I use the onboard clean and boutique models and happy with that.
I have to try that out, never crossed my mind to use it as FRFR speaker, Thanks!
I found the same thing and the frequency response of the Catalyst seems better when comparing both in a live setting. The Catalyst has a fuller sound that cuts through better. I felt there was a pretty obvious difference between the two. The loop fx input for pedal purposes sounds better in my opinion.
Doing exactly the same with the Tonex, it's really working well especially if you like clean/crunch with quite a lot of bottom end (the 12 inch HP really helps here). The Dumble ODS pack sounds amazing on the Catalyst, it feels and sounds like a valve amp (and I play on valve amps since a long time).
@@ceciliaeyes That’s rad! How do like the tonex and have you played other Multi-fx pedals? If so how does it compare?
@@danielgreenberg4751 hey Dan, yes I have had other units and currently still have an helix LT and Stomp. Also had the Irridium and an old GSP1101 🙂. The Tonex shines when it comes to reproduce a clean/crunch valve amp sound, and a valve amp feel when hitting a 12inch cab like with the Catalyst. FYI my reference valve amp sound is an AC15H1TV, one of the best amp released by VOX combining the channel of the AC15 and the AC30. It has been my main amp on stage for more than 15 years 🙂...
I have a Boss Katana. The only reason I would consider buying a Catalyst would be for the clean tones and boutique amps. These are quite appealing to my ear. I hardly ever need an overdriven tone, but a classy clean one is something I always seek.
I bought the 60 watt version,I have it a little over a month and I love it. I picked this over the katana simply on looks. I think the catalyst looks a little more classy. IMHO. I like all the models. For me the hi gain is nice if you don’t try to get to loud. Then it just gets muddy.
The Katana is probably the ugliest amp I've ever seen. I really don't know what Roland/Boss was thinking.
The same piece of plastic fell off very quickly on mine. I use it either as a rehearsal tool as a monitor for my Helix - straight into the effects loop, or without the Helix if I'm lazy and don't want to carry everything to a rehearsal. It's so flexible.
When you run the Helix through the power amp in, do you keep cab sims on? Cheers
That plastic piece was broken on one side the day I got mine home. Not sure if it happened before I bought it or on the drive home. Not a big deal, just a little annoying. Otherwise, very happy with my catalyst!
I use mine daily. I play mine in stereo with a Blackstar silverline. I love the catalyst. I'd buy it again in a heartbeat. I gigged with it a couple weeks ago. Sounds great. The cleans and hi gain to me are the hallmarks of the catalyst. I have the 60 w version.
Thoughts on Silverline Vs Catalyst?
@@adrianyong3805 the silverline is similar to the catalyst, but I think you can get more tones from the silverline. I prefer the catalyst alone over the silverline, however when they're singing together using an ABY switch, it's music to my ears. I have the silverline standard (10 inch). The catalyst def takes pedals better in the clean channel, but the silverline has this compression on clean that I dig. It's all personal preference anyway. Go try one before you buy. They are a bit pricey compared to catalyst
I would LOVE to send John Cordy to Woodshed in August, Andy Wood puts it on, Eric J, and Andy timmons both are going to be there, 4 days with those guys and Andy Wood too. In the RURAL Tennessee Nashville area. I would go myself but do not have that kind of money. And it is a PLAY and Jam and Learn with those Guys.
Yes. Owned my Catalyst 100 for 1 year or so, maybe more. I use it as my effects platform with my HX-Effects, 4CM and MIDI to change amp presets, and turn the amp boost on/off, works great.
I haven't used in awhile, so need to revisit, enjoying my tube amps at home, and my PolyChrome DSP McRocklin Suite plugin.
The Catalyst crunch is ok, as is the hi gain, but I usually use the crunch channel or a clean and HX Effects gain staging for rhythm; and hi gain and HX Effects for leads.
Small, versatile, lightweight rig that sounds great IMO.
Starting at 2:53, what are your settings for that? It sounds like the "just answers" from my Guitar Rig 7 plugin as an example. I just got the amp and can't find anything other than basic effects. Sounds amazing however! I use it for quick and convenient practice.
I bought the 60 watt version to use at home. I don't like high gain tones anyway, so like you, I mainly enjoy the low/mid gain tones. Boutique, Chime, Dynamic all work well for me. Have not taken it out of the house, but if I ever do, I will be very interested in seeing how the 60 handles a rock drummer. If its not sufficient, I could see myself selling it and buying the 100. As for other options on the market, I don't think the Katana sounds as good, and I don't care about the effects (I would use my HX Stomp for effects).
John, great subject matter and video and great playing as usual. You have me pretty close to signing up for TrueFire!
By the way, do you still have and use the Henriksen Bud? I would buy one, but I really want to have stereo available which means 2 amps - in today's video you put forth the idea of using a couple of Catalysts. Buds aren't cheap. They are around $1200 US.
Here is my question: have you ever used the Roland Jazz Chorus - the 22, 40 or 120 - with a modeler? What intrigues me is that the JC is a solid state amp like the Katana and Catalyst and it is a stereo amp. The goal here would be to achieve the stereo effect produced by the modeler. The bonus would be to have a high quality, clean stereo amp with the guitar plugged straight in. Any feedback appreciated.
I just bought a Catalyst 60(since Line6 is knocking a bit of money off the price) to use as a stage monitor for my Helix and Fractal since it's a bit cheaper than the FRFR stuff now-a-days. It has a power amp input to bypass the tone stack, so I'm hoping it serves.
Think you will Frank.. Using a Kemper stage with a line out to house and a line out to a Boss katana Artist turned to me. Works great!
Hey! Did it work? I have a catalyst and I'm wondering whether I can buy modelers to augment the catalyst?
@@pb25193 Yeah, it works great. The Catalyst 60 is just barely enough for some gigs, so the 100 is probably better. But it really works great. A real guitar speaker is much better than the FRFR.
One thing I noticed is just like with the Katana, most people bought the cheapest model of the Catylist. That's why there's tons of used ones for sale. I've yet to see a single demo of the Katana 212 vs. the Catylist 212. I don't care for the sound/tones from any of the single 12" combos either of them sell. IMHO the 212's just sound better.
Dude, nice demo intro. That little run from 2:30-40 was lovely
I'd love a stereo 2x12 Catalyst with a stereo fxloop return like the Blackstar IDCore 100
Line6 wanted to grab some of the huge Katana market. So they came up with this thing. But it's too little, too late. Katana is still the "Boss" of this category. ( Affordable, Swiss-Army knife amp. )
Nah mate they didn't or they would of made a transistor amp like the katana not a digital amp
@@theonetruehellolaf So, what exactly is the power-amp section of a Catalyst? If it's class-D, class-D sucks. Class-D is great for bass amps, but not guitar amps. Class-A/B is better for guitar amps.
@@TheCyberMantisheadrush is class D
@@pb25193 Which is why I will never own a Headrush.
@@TheCyberMantis hope you will never attend any concerts either. They use D for their speakers too.
I subbed for the intro alone; Lord in Heaven that was beautiful.
Hi John, love your style brotha! do you notice any latency?
I really like the dynamic channel as well. I haven't tried it at gig volume or compared it my tube amp yet, but sounds great at moderate volumes.
Consider me among the interested in your findings when you do.
I'd like to hear your thoughts on the new Blackstar Debut 50. I like that it's analog
I hat a spider a katana and a catalyst. Sold the katana and catalyst. If line6 were to put a little bit of that helix and pod go magic into the spiders (which wouldn’t take much, like a firm ware update) they could revive a stain product without have to retool any thing.
8:50 - IS it an FRFR speaker?
I thought the idea wasn't to ever MIC one of those speakers BUT just to take the DI out from it instead?
I watched both your videos on the Catalyst and I don't know what wattage you have? Not in the comments or discussion that I recall. Is it 60 or 100 watt?
He mentions it about halfway through, believe it’s the 100 watt version
I’ve got the HX stomp so I felt like a PA would be more versatile. I ordered the JBL eon 712 which has EQ that you can control from your phone apparently which should be a neat trick imo.
If it sounds good to your ear it sounds good. Brands like Line6 and Zoom came a long way (Zoom 505). And one should always consider the value for money. A Boodie Mark V is nice but a 10" 25w at $2200 is a bit steep, at least for me.
I am saving up a bit to get the 200w 2x12 version. I am thinking for practice I might just bring the amp solo and for gigs, I plan to use it as just the power amp for my HX stomp pedalboard.
I use it with a 335, jazz and r n b. Great amp for that
Love your content! 🖤
I made the effort to go try the range when it came out, there okay, but not as good in any sense as the katana range which in turn arent as good as a great valve amp - but its good at making you think it is for most occasions haha
I’ve been enjoying this amp at my local store, would consider buying one if I needed some stage volume at a gig. Would be curious to hear how it will sound with a speaker upgrade.
When you say you use it for a frfr, do you just go into the clean amp
Or do you use the power amp
In?
Both are useful depending on what sound you’re going for. So try both 😀
the slow legato ''according to what Allen plays'' seems much more difficult as fast legato. Anyway I will get a Line 6 Catalyst 60w next week (found a 2nd hand / new practically unused) i only need it for home use, will give feedback. Thanks for your input !
I think the catalyst is missing and needs an FBV floor board foot switch to really get in the door of being a competitor of tube amps
I think the Postive Grid amps are way better but unfortunately they only make small amps , for now at least
Completely agree. The interface is sooooo intuitive and seems to do a great job of modelling the effects/amps etc. The best thing they ever did was the eq update to get rid of the excessively overdone bass that seemed to be present in the early-release versions.
I’ve also got a Katana 100 mk2 which produces an amazing variety of tones, but the Tone Studio interface is crap, in comparison. A 100/10/0.5W Spark head would have my money in a heartbeat.
@@bengibson3955 Me too, that's really almost the only thing I have to complain about from them, is not having an amp that is much bigger, their interface is one of the best including the effects.
I don't know if you've seen it, but not long ago they were teasing us for a new amp and all that only for me to realize yesterday or the day before that they were actually releasing an even smaller amp than the mini🫤
This company could go so far if they wanted to.
Do you still have that blue Revstar? If you do I would love to see some more of it :)
I have and had
various tube amps. The 100 Watt Catalyst has been fantastic in clubs that hold around 150 people. And that’s not miked
Hey John, I had the same issue with my Catalyst 60 (the plastic ring fell off). I dabbed some clear silicone caulk on a few spots and reattached and it's been fine since.
For gigging I've bee using a '68 Princeton RI, Catalyst combination and it sounds wonderful. Line 6 M9 for the stereo split. My band plays Blues and old R&B stuff so not too loud.
I sometimes run the M9 into the return on the Catalyst and that works very well also. Cheers from the West Coast of Canada.
Greetings, have you ever tried this with a Boss multi fx.
my guy can you please make a tutorial on creating thedooo's current line 6 hx tone? i love that tone but can't dial it in on my hx native
I'm currently trying to decide if I should switch my katana 50 MK2 for a Catalyst 60 for the built in FX loop. I don't need the 100 watt katana way to big for my space. What should I do. I like the katana sounds but I cant loop and layer different sounds
Drive to a GC and try the sounds.. if you play clean, or EoB, catalyst is better
Got catalyst 200, it's light years better than katana, amp sounds and feels boutique
I tried the Catalyst 100 as an all-in-one gigging solution for R&B/funk..it was okay. the Boss Nextone Special (although more expensive) turned out to be the better amp for my needs. In addition to a more robust build, the Boss sounds better overall and, when playing, "feels" more like a tube amp. Decent editor too.
Agreed - the Nextone is just a terrific amp. On the other hand, I use my Catalyst to gig with most of the time. Is it perfect? No? Can the audience tell? No. Gets the job done though
💯!! I loved my Catalyst. Was excited for where it COULD have been taken. Found some “bugs” Right off the bat. Reported them. 1 year later, nothing was said or done. No updates. Seemingly ZERO support for the product. Sold it.
I absolutely love mine...
Im in that weird camp that absolutely hates the Katana, it just sounds awful to me. tried to get on with it for ages and didnt get any tones I liked. Catalyst instantly sounded great.
The Catalyst sounds a lot more natural and smooth, i think the speaker is better, I like the power amp out, i like the effects more and I like the channels more.
I think it has more variation in tone compared to the Katana if you took away the effects.
No complaints about mine in the slightest, I have an HX Stomp so I don't really mind if they never update it, it sounds good how it is, and anything extra i can get from the stomp!
how does the Catalyst compare to the DT-50?
Not an amp-guy. I'm just here for the playing. You didn't disappoint.
Theyre curenetly £150 new in the xmas sale. I have so many chaep amps i cant justify another but thsts almoat tok good to pass on
Yeah, and the 60 is only £115 - I just picked one up for my son.
Yo compré un catalyst 60 y es la peor compra que he hecho en mi vida. Quiero pensar que es mi amplificador en sí porque realmente suena bien pero se apaga al cuarto de hora. Lo he llevado al SAT de Yamaha, me han cambiado la placa me volvió a fallar, luego me cambiaron el cono y también falló en lo mismo. He cambiado los jacks por si ese fuera el problema. Y no es por el volumen por qué lo mismo falla al 30 % que al 90% y no me dan solución. No sé si a alguien le ha pasado lo mismo y encontró la solución, de ser así estaría agradecido que lo dejara en comentarios😅. Deja de sonar pero no se apaga. Creo que puede ser el termistor pero aún cambiando la placa base sigue con el mismo fallo. Si alguien puede echarme un cable sería genial
I really want to by a Line 6 amp of some sort.
This one is 60 w or 100 w??
Get a spider 5.. way better