Boss releases KATANA-AIR EX system program Ver.1.03

November 1, 2024 · 1 sources

Boss released version 1.03 of the KATANA-AIR EX system program in November 2024, listed on its support page as "[ Ver.1.03 ] NOV 2024"¹. The update is described under the heading "Bug Fix" as improving "Operation improved when using the BOSS TONE STUDIO app"¹.

The download is a compressed file named katana_air_ex_sys_v103.zip, which unarchives to a folder containing two files, KTNAIREX.BIN and ROMINFO.TXT¹. Boss instructs users not to rename either file¹. The update requires the KATANA-AIR EX, a USB cable sold separately, and a computer with a USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 port running Windows or macOS¹.

Owners can check the installed version by turning all knobs fully counterclockwise, powering off, then turning the power on while holding the [CH A] and [CH B] buttons¹. The [BST/MOD], [DELAY/FX] and [REVERB] buttons then indicate the version by color, with R for red, G for green and O-FL for blinking orange¹. Version 1.03 shows green on [BST/MOD], red on [DELAY/FX] and green on [REVERB]¹.

To install, the unit is powered on while pressing [CH A] and [PANEL], then connected to a computer by USB cable, at which point a BOSS_KATANA drive appears¹. The two files are copied to the root of that drive, the drive is ejected and the cable disconnected, and the update begins when the blinking [PANEL] button is pressed¹. Boss advises connecting the included AC adapter or using brand new alkaline or fully charged Ni-MH batteries during the update¹. When the update completes, the [BST/MOD], [DELAY/FX] and [REVERB] buttons turn a slowly blinking green; if it fails, they blink rapidly, and Boss directs owners to the nearest Roland Service Center or dealer for repair¹.

Boss also states that inquiries about operating procedures for updating the system program are not supported¹.