WAZA-AIR Wireless Personal Guitar Amplification System Headphones

I own the Katana 100, but absolutely love using these. I watched so many videos on YouTube about them and saw nothing but good reviews so naturally I had to try them out for myself.The only drawback for me, and it's quite possible that it's user error, is I can't seem to get patches to import like I can with the Katana amp. Even the Katana took a lot of figuring out since I'm a Mac user. However, once I got it working...piece of cake. I can import and use patches all day long. Either the patches made with the Katana amps aren't compatible with the WAZA Air or I'm doing something wrong.All that being said, the companion app for iPhone is awesome. I love that I can pair them like normal bluetooth headphones and with the WAZA Air app, dial in my tones and jam along ... MoreI own the Katana 100, but absolutely love using these. I watched so many videos on YouTube about them and saw nothing but good reviews so naturally I had to try them out for myself.The only drawback for me, and it's quite possible that it's user error, is I can't seem to get patches to import like I can with the Katana amp. Even the Katana took a lot of figuring out since I'm a Mac user. However, once I got it working...piece of cake. I can import and use patches all day long. Either the patches made with the Katana amps aren't compatible with the WAZA Air or I'm doing something wrong.All that being said, the companion app for iPhone is awesome. I love that I can pair them like normal bluetooth headphones and with the WAZA Air app, dial in my tones and jam along with my favorite songs in my Apple Music library.The transmitter doesn't quite fit perfectly in my PRS Silver Sky, but it still works. You don't even have to take it out of the guitar when you're done! Auto shutoff and auto movement detection!! Bravo Boss, brav-O!!!

Exceptional Convenience and Good Sound

I recently a BOSS Katana Artist MkII amplifier (which I have reviewed elsewhere) and love it. However, it is somewhat of a pain to connect my phone and studio headphones to it to do a little nighttime jamming - both of those require cables, which makes setup and teardown enough pain that I don't want to do it.When I heard of the WAZA-AIR, I found it is almost exactly a Katana in convenient headphone shape. To be clear, I love this thing. It sounds good enough that I will play it and it is a snap to get started. I traded a Fender Mustang Micro for the WAZA-AIR, and the two are not even in the same ballpark. To be fair, the Mustang is about a third the price, so I'm not surprised, but if you are struggling to get a good sound from a Mustang - and if you have the ... MoreI recently a BOSS Katana Artist MkII amplifier (which I have reviewed elsewhere) and love it. However, it is somewhat of a pain to connect my phone and studio headphones to it to do a little nighttime jamming - both of those require cables, which makes setup and teardown enough pain that I don't want to do it.When I heard of the WAZA-AIR, I found it is almost exactly a Katana in convenient headphone shape. To be clear, I love this thing. It sounds good enough that I will play it and it is a snap to get started. I traded a Fender Mustang Micro for the WAZA-AIR, and the two are not even in the same ballpark. To be fair, the Mustang is about a third the price, so I'm not surprised, but if you are struggling to get a good sound from a Mustang - and if you have the cash - the WAZA-AIR is likely to do what you need.The software and firmware are...finicky at times. There are a few oddities that I can't explain that differ from the Katana software. For instance, it appears that I cannot use both a Booster and the Modulation at the same time. I don't get that. I can still connect a wireless MIDI controller to the WAZA-AIR, and that might open up more possibilities. It's also another investment, and I'm still trying to determine if being able to hit a pedal is worth it.Overall, I do recommend the WAZA-AIR. It sounds great, the convenience can't be beaten, and it is just very solid and feels right. There are a couple of strange parts that - so far - do not detract enough from the experience for me to try to change them. If you are reading this now, I recommend you give it a try. You'll probably be impressed.

Great for practice

I upgraded from a Blackstar Fly headphone amp which was okay but pretty low sound quality. The Boss headphones are expensive but when I need to keep the noise levels down these headphones a brilliant. They sound great and the wireless connectivity is pretty seamless. The app is pretty easy to use and doesn't really have any glitches to speak of.The quality of the headphones is great and everything feels pretty solid.I'd say the only downsides are that they are quite pricey and it's a shame that you have to charge the transmitter and the headphones separately.

Overhyped.

Overall:There are a few issues here. The build quality isn't all that impressive. These phones don't come with a case, but BOSS sells one for more $$$. The sound is typical BOSS in that the presets begin over-processed and dialing in a more natural sound is a bit difficult. The controls are many but finicky to dial in. The main feature - the amazing "3D amp in a room" thing? ..pans way too hard so sounds unnatural, and the amp position drifts all over the place which is distracting while seated and actually stresses your neck as you find yourself continually trying to center the amp position by moving your head. I would say that for practice when seated, turning off the gyro enabled 3d effects is the way to go. Pairing with an android device, for me, that was easy ... MoreOverall:There are a few issues here. The build quality isn't all that impressive. These phones don't come with a case, but BOSS sells one for more $$$. The sound is typical BOSS in that the presets begin over-processed and dialing in a more natural sound is a bit difficult. The controls are many but finicky to dial in. The main feature - the amazing "3D amp in a room" thing? ..pans way too hard so sounds unnatural, and the amp position drifts all over the place which is distracting while seated and actually stresses your neck as you find yourself continually trying to center the amp position by moving your head. I would say that for practice when seated, turning off the gyro enabled 3d effects is the way to go. Pairing with an android device, for me, that was easy enough. Though I do sometimes get disconnected when loading patches from the librarian. Switching from midi editor to audio and back again can require me to restart the app, my bluetooth connection, even the headphones to more quickly accomplish that. You cannot listen to backing tracks and adjust the sound to fit in. You have the choice of Either listening to backing tracks OR adjusting the sound. which makes that whole process of dialing in sounds kinda tedious. In a nutshell, this product is a little disappointing and a little overpriced as-is IMO. If it worked without all the flaws THEN it would probably be worth the price-tag. But, it doesn't. The amp drift is just terrible for seated practice - my neck still aches as I write this after playing just 45 minutes with the thing. The Good.. It sounds okay enough to practice with. It really does. Portable. But this thing is not quite as special as it's cracked up to be. A lot of flaws for this price point.

Review of BOSS Waza-Air Wireless Guitar Amp Headphones

Previously used a Tascam GB10 which I thought was good, but the Boss Waza Airs are much better. Better effects and tone. Also, I'm not sure why, but the separation between guitar and backing track is a lot better. With the Tascam either the guitar or backing track was too dominant no matter how I tweaked the controls. For me the Waza gyro is just a gimmick, so I turned that off. Fortunately I've only experienced a few minor Android Bluetooth connectivity problems which seem to have been a serious issue for others. The Waza Air software app could and should be improved. The user interface design is poor and could be much more intuitive and I would guess more could be made of the effects. Also a means of converting tsl files for the Katana and other Boss products ... MorePreviously used a Tascam GB10 which I thought was good, but the Boss Waza Airs are much better. Better effects and tone. Also, I'm not sure why, but the separation between guitar and backing track is a lot better. With the Tascam either the guitar or backing track was too dominant no matter how I tweaked the controls. For me the Waza gyro is just a gimmick, so I turned that off. Fortunately I've only experienced a few minor Android Bluetooth connectivity problems which seem to have been a serious issue for others. The Waza Air software app could and should be improved. The user interface design is poor and could be much more intuitive and I would guess more could be made of the effects. Also a means of converting tsl files for the Katana and other Boss products would be good because very few are available for the Waza Air. Overall I'm really pleased although I think the price is still a little high.

Super handy practice tool

Practice makes perfect. In order to pursue it on a daily basis in our busy lives guitar playing should be made as easy as it possibly can be. That’s were these headphones from Boss Waza enter the game. I bought them as a replacement for my Yamaha THR10 II and it was a good decision. Nothing wrong with the THR. Arguably, it sounds a little more natural and it has more leeway on the cleans, but I never managed to get it connected properly through bluetooth headphones. And I got tired of fiddling with the cables. And fiddling with all the possible amplifier options. It wasn’t plug and play enough. This is.So the Boss has a lower threshold. You’re of for a guitar feast in the blink of an eye. The presets are (immediately) very usable over a wide spread of genres and ... MorePractice makes perfect. In order to pursue it on a daily basis in our busy lives guitar playing should be made as easy as it possibly can be. That’s were these headphones from Boss Waza enter the game. I bought them as a replacement for my Yamaha THR10 II and it was a good decision. Nothing wrong with the THR. Arguably, it sounds a little more natural and it has more leeway on the cleans, but I never managed to get it connected properly through bluetooth headphones. And I got tired of fiddling with the cables. And fiddling with all the possible amplifier options. It wasn’t plug and play enough. This is.So the Boss has a lower threshold. You’re of for a guitar feast in the blink of an eye. The presets are (immediately) very usable over a wide spread of genres and easy to dial in, the sounds and effects - that’s where it excels over the Yamaha - make you feel a hero in an instant, and in many ways this piece of kit motivates you to play more. For me, it’s a lot more fun. You play along easier instead of spending time in the rabbit hole of switching between all those different sound options through different cabinets. And moving around the room playing afoot is an advantage. This concept will be followed, without doubt, by others.The headphones sit comfortably, the overall sound is really good and connectivity is not an issue - though it is not flawless. The range of effects is really wide. And, of course, there’s the option of having a stage and surround effect, aiming to give you that amp in the room sensation. Yes, they’re gimmicks. They’re cool. They’re a unique selling point, but they remain gimmicks. Which does not nothing with the fact that these headphones do exactly what you expect them too: lifting your practice routines. Immersing you with grand tones.Because no product is perfect I never give five stars. The main issues with these headphones is that I find that. the ear covers, and the buttons, are a bit cheap, while there’s no hard case for travel (boooh!) and as an interface the app for smartphone/tablet is too complex and over-engineered. You notice that they did their best, but it could have been made so much more ergonomical. There’s a learning curve there which might be steap.After all, they are exactly what I was craving for. I would easily recommend them.

These headphones are like a miracle

I am not sure, but I don't think anyone has ever invented this. It's just headphones that connect to your electric guitar wirelessly, right? In fact, I was just thinking of this, before I discovered these on Sam Ash - because i was sitting there, tangled in headphone wires, guitar cables, and I wondered - can't somebody do this wirelessly? So I did a search, and voi la!Here's the other thing - inside the phones, it sounds like outside the phones. In other words, these are not JUST wireless guitar headphones - they are wireless amplifier headphones.The one thing I don't like - and maybe someone knows the answer - but, the controls, through the app, are pretty limited. Or at least, it's not like a amp modeler, like Spark. But then, Spark is not like Amplitube - ... MoreI am not sure, but I don't think anyone has ever invented this. It's just headphones that connect to your electric guitar wirelessly, right? In fact, I was just thinking of this, before I discovered these on Sam Ash - because i was sitting there, tangled in headphone wires, guitar cables, and I wondered - can't somebody do this wirelessly? So I did a search, and voi la!Here's the other thing - inside the phones, it sounds like outside the phones. In other words, these are not JUST wireless guitar headphones - they are wireless amplifier headphones.The one thing I don't like - and maybe someone knows the answer - but, the controls, through the app, are pretty limited. Or at least, it's not like a amp modeler, like Spark. But then, Spark is not like Amplitube - actually models hundreds of real amplifier setups - from the real world.If the WAZA could pair up with something like Amplitube, it would be over the top.

Very useful and inspiring

Being from the analog camp I instinctively want to dislike this product but I'm unable to do thatWhen editing patches I'm quickly reminded of all the things I dislike about digital modeling and fx in generalFirst and foremost, just way too many choicesSo many choices that someone with lots if experience will not bother to use more than 5% of what's available. They'll quickly patch a program thats in linw with their real rig and playHowever someone not familiar with gear or new players will often fall deep into this rabbit hole of overkill. This can slow down your progress dramatically if your not carful.As for the sound it's definitely digital and nothing like a tube amp. Harmonics cant live in a chip as they do in a vacuum tube so notes will never bloomOn the ... MoreBeing from the analog camp I instinctively want to dislike this product but I'm unable to do thatWhen editing patches I'm quickly reminded of all the things I dislike about digital modeling and fx in generalFirst and foremost, just way too many choicesSo many choices that someone with lots if experience will not bother to use more than 5% of what's available. They'll quickly patch a program thats in linw with their real rig and playHowever someone not familiar with gear or new players will often fall deep into this rabbit hole of overkill. This can slow down your progress dramatically if your not carful.As for the sound it's definitely digital and nothing like a tube amp. Harmonics cant live in a chip as they do in a vacuum tube so notes will never bloomOn the other hand Every Time I pick these up I'm inspired.This inspiration has led me to push my own technically and creative limits when I use the Waza Air headphonesSo yes I really want to hate these but just can'tIt's an excellent solution for anyone that needs to practice without audibly intruding on roommates or neighbors and the sound is definitely good enoughMind you I have a huge tube amp collection vintage and modern. Good enough to me is going to be amazing to most

Waza headphones are worth it!

Overall:I never leave reviews but I’m this instance I think it might help others like me that labored over the decision to by these expensive headphones! First off, I’m a retired pro musician and have been playing guitar for over 45 years. I’ve been using a variety of headphone-based practice solutions for decades. My biggest beef about headphone practice is all the wires! These headphones solve all that. I can’t over emphasize this enough. I can even use my full pedalboard with these phones, again wireless. Plug the bug into the guitar (or board output), Bluetooth your phone and you’re jamming. I walk around freely with the phone in my pocket! Great for performance rehearsal.So far as the sound quality is concerned, it is excellent like all high end Boss products. ... MoreOverall:I never leave reviews but I’m this instance I think it might help others like me that labored over the decision to by these expensive headphones! First off, I’m a retired pro musician and have been playing guitar for over 45 years. I’ve been using a variety of headphone-based practice solutions for decades. My biggest beef about headphone practice is all the wires! These headphones solve all that. I can’t over emphasize this enough. I can even use my full pedalboard with these phones, again wireless. Plug the bug into the guitar (or board output), Bluetooth your phone and you’re jamming. I walk around freely with the phone in my pocket! Great for performance rehearsal.So far as the sound quality is concerned, it is excellent like all high end Boss products. The patches are very good, and fully tweakable in the app. I’ve had the headphones for over a month now and I’ve had zero issues with Bluetooth or midi syncing. Build quality is excellent, they’re lightweight and stay on your head. I take care of my stuff and I have gear that’s been around for 40 years. I bought a case to protect them so they should last a long time.So, if you have the monetary means and would use them like I do just buy’m, I don’t think you’ll regret it. For their intended purpose they blow away any other headphone practice method I’ve ever used.

Worth every penny!

I have a six-month old baby in the house as well as a wife who really hates loud noises. These headphones provide an immersive experience that allows me to play my guitars and really hear them with my wife not having any idea. The ear-pieces fit so well against the ear, that no matter how loud I play through the headphones, my wife has never been able to hear anything other than the sound of an electric being played without an amp.I will say that you shouldn't buy these because you have seen the video and think the idea of the "position-shifting" feeling will be so cool. I mean, it works, but it's really more gimmick to me than anything else. That being said, it shouldn't detract at all from your decision to buy these.My playing time has skyrocketed since I ... MoreI have a six-month old baby in the house as well as a wife who really hates loud noises. These headphones provide an immersive experience that allows me to play my guitars and really hear them with my wife not having any idea. The ear-pieces fit so well against the ear, that no matter how loud I play through the headphones, my wife has never been able to hear anything other than the sound of an electric being played without an amp.I will say that you shouldn't buy these because you have seen the video and think the idea of the "position-shifting" feeling will be so cool. I mean, it works, but it's really more gimmick to me than anything else. That being said, it shouldn't detract at all from your decision to buy these.My playing time has skyrocketed since I bought these. It takes 3 seconds to plug in the adapter, put on the headphones and start jamming. You can even go find jam tracks on youtube and play them on your phone. The sound will go to your Waza Headphones and you can play right over top of the tracks using all of the effects you've got going on through the app.Speaking of the app... there's a learning curve. I have found it a bit clunky and so I didn't invest a lot of time in learning to use it. I'm sure it's good once you figure it out, though. There are a lot of effects options.Lastly, while the headphones don't sound as good as a nice tube amp right next to you on the floor, they sound way better than you just plugging headphones into your amp. The Waza Airs were designed to improve upon that experience. And on top of that, you don't have to be anywhere near your amp to use them.