# BTS for KATANA-AIR — BOSS TONE STUDIO: KATANA-AIR

> Bluetooth amp editor and tone librarian for BOSS KATANA-AIR/EX. (iPhone/iPad app by Roland Corporation.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bts-for-katana-air/id1336823491 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Roland Corporation](https://appshunter.io/developer/387333694)
- Category: Music, Utilities
- Price: Free
- Rating: 2.30/5 from 69 App Store ratings · 87 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 11.0 · 26 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2018-06-05
- Data updated: 2026-08-16
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bts-for-katana-air/id1336823491/reviews.md

## What is BTS for KATANA?

BOSS TONE STUDIO dedicated for KATANA-AIR/KATANA-AIR EX

●Connect the BOSS KATANA-AIR series and your iPhone/iPad via Bluetooth to use this app.
* BOSS KATANA-AIR/KATANA-AIR EX is necessary to use this app.
* Set up the Bluetooth connection in the Connection window displayed after the app is launched.

●BOSS TONE STUDIO incorporates convenient functions; ‘Download Function of Additional Tones (Livesets)’, ‘Tone Edit Function’, and ‘Tone Librarian Function’. 

●Version 2.0 adds a Session feature that lets you enjoy a KATANA-AIR session with YouTube videos and music stored on your iPhone/iPad.

●This app provides an integrated access to the BOSS TONE EXCHANGE. Support share your original Livesets and download users Livesets around the world.
* An active internet connection is required to access the BOSS TONE EXCHANGE.
* To use BOSS TONE EXCHANGE, iOS15 / iPadOS15 or later is required.

* This app requires KATANA-AIR system program version 2.0.0 or later. KATANA-AIR EX can be used as is.

## Key features

- Bluetooth amplifier connection
- Download additional tones (Livesets)
- Tone editing functionality
- Tone librarian for preset management
- Session feature for playing along
- Access to BOSS TONE EXCHANGE

## What do users think of BTS for KATANA?

Overall sentiment: negative

**Pros**

- 🎶 Great amp sound
- 💡 Innovative wireless amp
- 🎛️ Extensive effect library
- 🔋 Wireless convenience

**Cons**

- 🐛 Frequent connection issues
- 🧽 Clunky and outdated UI
- 📉 Poor usability
- 🚫 Lack of updates
- 😵 Confusing interface
- 📱 Portrait mode only on iPad
- ⏳ Slow connection process
- ❓ Difficult to find support

**Commonly reported bugs**

- App won't connect
- Lost all tones
- Firmware update issues
- Stopped working with Airstep
- Bluetooth connection unreliable
- App doesn't work now
- Technical issue on App
- Won't even connect
- Bluetooth won't function
- App won't pair
- Bluetooth won't function
- Stopped showing up for Bluetooth connection
- Bluetooth mode not working
- Communication error
- Bluetooth device selection screen whites out
- App freezes up
- App crashes
- UI doesn't scale properly
- Write button unpressable on iPhone 12 Pro
- App crashes every time on iOS 14
- Constant clicking noise
- App stalls and won't connect
- Bluetooth not connecting via MIDI Bluetooth

**Most requested features**

- Add McRocklin patches to Tone Exchange
- Add firmware update via the app
- Landscape mode for iPad
- Run app on MacBook
- Improve UI and graphical interface
- Add voice over support
- Make compatible with regular Katana
- Power off function in the app
- Better file system for transferring files
- Auto connect to amp on launch
- Auto rotate with device on iPad
- Update to look like a modern app
- Auto convert feature for all Katana presets
- Support USB for other Katana models
- Add Bluetooth to all Katana amps
- Dedicated iPad app with landscape mode
- More frequent app updates
- New downloadable sounds
- Edit sound from library and save to liveset
- Push current panel preset to liveset
- Record guitar and backing track within the app
- Fix popping noise from amp
- Make app more intuitive and powerful
- Add wireless expression pedal and foot controls
- Improve connection reliability
- Add support for newer iOS versions
- Fix UI scaling issues on iPhone 12 Pro
- Improve Tone Studio Desktop compatibility

## Recent user reviews (10 of 87)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bts-for-katana-air/id1336823491/reviews.md

### 1/5 — McRocklin Patches?

*2025-09-25, version 2.1.0*

Thanks for adding the old Blues patches. Can we have the McRocklin patches added to the Tone Exchange too, please?

### 1/5 — No connection

*2025-07-04, version 2.1.0*

It would be nice if this app would connect. I have tried with my phone and my tablet. Neither one will connect.

### 1/5 — Very poor outdated app

*2025-06-25*

I’ve been using the app with a katana air amp for 4 years now. Amp is fine but the app is pretty rubbish to be honest. I’ve had a few occasions where it just wont connect and updating it….well I don’t even know how to do this, it’s just all really clunky. I’ve now lost all my tones and for the life of me I cannot work out how to download them again. Just try finding how to contact Boss to do this on their website is just impossible, so I’m going to ditch the amp and buy a spark amp which just seems so much more advanced and easy to use

**Developer response:** We’re sorry to hear you’re having trouble. Thank you for leaving a review. Here is a link to our customer support portal.

https://www.roland.com/cloud/contact-us/

### 1/5 — No Firmware Update

*2025-06-11, version 2.1.0*

It’s painful to update the firmware. I have Windows 11, installed the driver, and it is still not displaying the Katana drive. I followed the instructions on how to enable the amp to update the firmware, but no luck! They should add the firmware update using this app.

### 1/5 — Worst app ever used

*2025-05-09, version 2.1.0*

This is the worst app I have ever used.  So many problems it would take hours to describe.

### 2/5 — Stopped working with Airstep

*2025-05-09*

Nothing changed unless the App has updated. Now I can’t connect to katana and airstep , not showing up in Bluetooth devices , no help online

**Developer response:** ​Sorry to hear you are having trouble and thank you for leaving a review. Feel free to reach out through our customer support portal and we would be happy to assist you further.

https://www.roland.com/cloud/contact-us/

### 1/5 — Cannot connect and support not helpful

*2025-03-05, version 2.0.2*

A great amp made useless by very poor software support. Bluetooth connect very unreliable and no way to use it via USB

### 4/5 — Landscape mode, fix session videos and MacBook.

*2025-01-17*

The session  view on iPad has a serious flaw as video window takes up too much of the screen. This then only leaves room to see 1 song title - the iPhone version is much better. A landscape view for effects better arranged would be better. The k air midi app does a better job..  if app could run on MacBook , this would be a big bonus !

**Developer response:** ​Sorry to hear you are having trouble and thank you for leaving a review. Feel free to reach out through our customer support portal and we would be happy to assist you further.

https://www.roland.com/cloud/contact-us/

### 2/5 — About ready for a major update

*2024-11-07*

The app is starting to get left behind by its competitors in terms of usability and graphical interface. Come on Boss your just being lazy

**Developer response:** Thank you for the review. Your feedback is very much appreciated and I'll make a note of it for you and pass it along.

### 1/5 — Technical issue on App

*2024-07-06, version 2.0.2*

The app doesn’t work now. Want me change to librarian and tone center. That’s bad thing. And even trying to connect librarian. Still not work on the app. Please give explanation

## Frequently asked questions about BTS for KATANA

### What does the BOSS TONE STUDIO app do?

This app allows you to wirelessly connect to your BOSS KATANA-AIR or KATANA-AIR EX guitar amplifier via Bluetooth. You can then use its functions to download new amplifier tones (Livesets), edit existing ones, and organize your personal library of presets.

### What are the key features of this app?

Key features include Bluetooth connectivity to your amplifier, a download function for additional tones, a tone editing function for sound customization, a tone librarian for managing presets, and access to the BOSS TONE EXCHANGE for sharing and downloading user-created Livesets. Version 2.0 also adds a Session feature for playing along with music.

### Is this app free to use?

Yes, the app is free to download and use. However, it requires a BOSS KATANA-AIR or KATANA-AIR EX amplifier to function. There are no in-app purchases or ads mentioned.

### What are the compatibility requirements for this app?

To use this app, you need a BOSS KATANA-AIR or KATANA-AIR EX amplifier. For the BOSS TONE EXCHANGE feature, iOS 15 / iPadOS 15 or later is required, and your KATANA-AIR amplifier must have system program version 2.0.0 or later. KATANA-AIR EX can be used as is.

### How can I use this app with my music or YouTube videos?

Version 2.0 of the app introduces a Session feature. This allows you to enjoy a KATANA-AIR session by playing along with YouTube videos or music files stored on your iPhone or iPad, providing an integrated experience for practice and jamming.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 2.1.0 — 2025-05-01

Support BOSS TONE EXCHANGE.

### 2.0.2 — 2023-10-19

- The Bluetooth settings screen has been changed to show all Bluetooth MIDI devices.  
- Fixed an issue where some videos could not be displayed on the Session screen.

### 2.0.1 — 2023-09-23

In version 2.0, the following features were added:
- Support for the new KATANA-AIR EX.
- The Editor screen has been improved.
- Added the Session feature.
* Some videos cannot be imported in the session screen. (Revised version to be released)

In version 2.0.1,
- Minor bug fixes.

### 2.0.0 — 2023-09-21

In version 2.0.0, the following features were added:
- Support for the new KATANA-AIR EX.
- The Editor screen has been improved.
- Added the Session feature.
* Some videos cannot be imported in the session screen. (Revised version to be released)

### 1.2.0 — 2022-11-10

Compatible with wireless foot switch FS-1-WL.

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All apps by Roland Corporation: https://appshunter.io/developer/387333694

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-16.*