Catalyst Edit vs Katana Librarian
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Catalyst Edit
Control and customize your Line 6 Catalyst amplifier directly from your iOS device. Save and load presets, tune your guitar, and access advanced DSP parameters for a more personalized sound.
- Load and save presets
- Store presets on amp
- Guitar tuning
- Access DSP parameters
- iOS device control
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Use your iOS device to unlock the full potential of your Line 6 Catalyst amplifier. Load and save presets from your iOS device, store presets on your Catalyst Amp, tune your guitar, and access DSP parameters that cannot be edited directly on your Catalyst amplifier.
Katana Librarian
Unlock the full potential of your BOSS Katana amplifier by connecting wirelessly via Bluetooth. Manage, edit, and organize your amp's patches, effects, and settings. Access advanced features and emulate pedal functionality for a seamless playing experience.
- Download and manage amp patches
- Edit patch parameters and effects
- Organize patches into groups and setlists
- Import/export TSL files
- Emulate GA-FC pedal functionality
- Access undocumented amp features
- Hands-free switching with MIDI/HID footswitch
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Katana Librarian allows you to connect your phone or tablet to your BOSS Katana amplifier via a Bluetooth adapter (sold separately), unlocking your amp’s full potential! The free version of the app allows you to test your connection and load the built-in demo patches. A one-time in-app purchase is offered if you wish to unlock the full feature set, which will allow you to: - Download patches from your amplifier. - Modify the patch parameters; includes support for all effect types; the editor also changes in real-time as you adjust the parameters on your amp. - Organize your patches into groups. Tag your favorite patches, or create a set list for a live performance. - Import and export MkI, MkII, Gen3 and GO .TSL files. - Rename and delete patches. - Write patches to the amplifier's channels - Emulate the functionality of a GA-FC pedal (even on a KATANA-50 or KATANA:GO) - Use the hotkey feature in combination with a MIDI or HID foot switch for hands-free patch and effect switching. - Access undocumented Katana features like hidden amps and multiple simultaneous effects (where supported). What you need: - An iPhone or iPad running iOS/iPadOS 15.0 or later - A supported Bluetooth adapter* - One of the following amplifiers: • KATANA-50 • KATANA-50 MkII • KATANA-50 Gen3 • KATANA-50 MkII EX • KATANA-50 EX Gen3 • KATANA-100 • KATANA-100 MkII • KATANA-100 Gen3 • KATANA-100/212 • KATANA-100/212 MkII • KATANA-100/212 Gen3 • KATANA-HEAD • KATANA-HEAD MkII • KATANA-HEAD Gen3 • KATANA-Artist • KATANA-Artist MkII • KATANA-Artist Gen3 • KATANA-Artist MkII HEAD • KATANA-Artist HEAD Gen3 • KATANA:GO * Currently supported Bluetooth adapters: MkI and MkII amps: - CME WIDI Uhost (https://amzn.to/3RKnXdy) - XSONIC AIRSTEP (https://amzn.to/3QCzJoO) - XSONIC AIRSTEP Kat Edition (https://amzn.to/3RZaUV2) - XSONIC AIRSTEP Kat EX Edition (https://amzn.to/3T1Rly2) Gen3 amps: - BOSS BT-DUAL (https://amzn.to/3AxrHLB) - XSONIC AIRSTEP Kat EX Edition (https://amzn.to/3T1Rly2) See our Frequently Asked Questions here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/19G4j_bk8c8OZ3vBvZKWHnuXg9ZEpKbkx/view Note: This app is not affiliated with or endorsed by Roland Corporation in any way. BOSS is a registered trademark of Roland Corporation. We may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this listing.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: Catalyst Edit at 4.7 against Katana Librarian's 4.1. Catalyst Edit also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 1) and ratings volume (264 vs 52). Katana Librarian's advantage is review sentiment (63% vs 27%). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Katana Librarian sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Catalyst Edit asks for nothing beyond the download.
Catalyst Edit holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.1. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Catalyst Edit has 264 ratings behind it against 52, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 27% of Catalyst Edit's written reviews are positive against 63% of Katana Librarian's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.
Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly monthly. The most recent releases landed on November 12, 2026 and November 7, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Catalyst Edit | Katana Librarian |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.7 (264 ratings) — better | 4.1 (52 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 27.3% of reviews | 63.4% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 264 — better | 52 |
| Update frequency | Monthly | Monthly |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Free — better | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 10.0 — better | 15.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 25 MB | 6 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Line 6 | 1000452063 ONTARIO INC. |
Customer experience
Catalyst Edit
Katana Librarian
Bugs and requests
Catalyst Edit
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
Katana Librarian
Reported bugs
18 issues- App stops working after iOS update
- App freezes when accessing content or connecting to amp
- Cannot download tsl files
- App constantly hangs and needs restarting
- App is highly unstable, crashing frequently
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- Cannot change patch from within a group
- Slow to change patches on USB connection
- Cannot return to librarian when using Bluetooth connection
- Unable to restore purchase/license
- No USB connection, requires Bluetooth adapter purchase
- Disconnects Bluetooth permanently while using Airstep (iOS 17)
- Cannot use via cable (Lightning to USB)
- Last update problematic, disconnects amp and Bluetooth
- Cannot upgrade in-app
- Doesn't work with older iPhones 8 and earlier
- Doesn't save pedal settings
- Not connecting with CME Widi uhost
- Cannot access iPad Pro with USB C adapter
Requested features
10 requests- Support for Katana Go
- Support for Bass Katana combos (KTN210B)
- More rhythm patches and genre variety
- Support for new devices (Bass, Go)
- Improve VoiceOver compatibility
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- Add Katana Go to Librarian App
- Support for Bass Katana amps (110 or 210)
- More cleanly organize patches
- Edit patches without amp connected
- Dark mode option
In-app purchases
Catalyst Edit
No in-app purchases
Katana Librarian
- Unlock All Features$15.95
Questions
Is Catalyst Edit free?
Is Katana Librarian free?
Which has better reviews, Catalyst Edit or Katana Librarian?
Do Catalyst Edit or Katana Librarian have ads?
Which is updated more often, Catalyst Edit or Katana Librarian?
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