Line 6 Catalyst 60

Some modelling amps can scare off potential purchasers by being too complicated, and with that audience in mind Line 6 have taken a very streamlined approach with their Catalyst range, while still managing to provide all the features needed for stage, studio and home practice. There are three models in the series, and we were sent the smallest in the range, the Catalyst 60, whose price is lower than that of most multi‑effects pedals! There are six Line 6 Original Amp Designs that cover all the essentials from pristine clean to uber‑filth, with some nice crunch and classic rock sounds along the way. You also get a generous selection of effects, which are drawn from the company’s HX and Legacy effects libraries, plus a basic tuner.

Equipped with a single 12‑inch speaker, the MDF cabinet is open‑backed, and its black leatherette covering and dark speaker grille give it a very traditional appearance. At just under 11.8kg, measuring 444 x 503 x 262mm and with a top‑mounted strap handle, it’s easy to move around, and an optional cover is available.

The gain, volume and tone controls will be instantly familiar to guitar players, and the control panel is arranged to offer two channels comprising A and B presets plus a manual setting. There are also six banks of channel presets that you can access from the front, each bank holding a Channel A and Channel B setting. A rotary selector switch is used to choose presets, the amplifier type or effect type, and there’s a switchable Boost with its own level control. There are 24 onboard effects, an effects loop, a power amp input, a power level control, and a balanced XLR output with cabinet emulation and...