The Aguilar DB 316 is a midrange EQ pedal for bass, built around the preamp of Aguilar's Tone Hammer Series. Aguilar describes it as a pedal "to perfect your midrange tone," giving players a single sweepable band that covers 180 Hz to 1 kHz with up to 17 dB of boost or cut1. It uses Aguilar's micro-sized steel chassis, which the maker says makes it "a welcome addition to even the tightest of pedalboards"2.
Controls
The DB 316 keeps things simple: two knobs cover the whole job. The Freq knob sweeps the center of the midrange band anywhere from 180 Hz to 1 kHz, and the Level knob applies up to 17 dB of boost or cut at that frequency1.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Freq | Sweepable midrange frequency control, range from 180 Hz to 1 kHz1 |
| Level | +/- 17 dB of boost or cut1 |
That sweep range is the heart of the pedal. Low settings reach into the low mids where a bass sits in a mix, and higher settings reach the upper mids where attack and definition come from. Aguilar describes the pedal as "ideal for basses with two-band preamps and passive instruments where nailing the midrange is key," which makes it a natural fit for adding a midrange band to a bass whose onboard preamp only has bass and treble controls1.
Always-on EQ or a second setting
Aguilar frames the DB 316 as having two roles: "It can be an always-on EQ for every situation or a convenient tool for quickly switching to a second EQ setting when you" need one2. As an always-on pedal, it shapes the midrange of your core tone all night. As a switchable tool, it is engaged for particular songs or sections where a different midrange character is wanted.
Chassis, power and connections
The DB 316 uses Aguilar's micro-sized steel chassis, which the maker says makes it "a welcome addition to even the tightest of pedalboards"2. Construction is heavy duty steel1. Power is nine-volt DC1, and both the input and output are a single 1/4" jack2.
Warranty
Aguilar Amplification's products are covered by a three year limited warranty to the original owner against defects in materials and workmanship2.
Where it sits on a board
As a midrange EQ, the DB 316 belongs to the broader family of equalization pedals and, given its Tone Hammer preamp heritage, sits close in spirit to preamp pedals. It is aimed at bass players, and you will find it discussed alongside other bass pedals.
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Questions
Can the Aguilar DB 316 stay on all the time?
Yes. Aguilar says the DB 316 can be an always-on EQ for every situation, or a convenient tool for quickly switching to a second EQ setting when you need one. In practice that means some players leave it on as a permanent midrange shaper, while others kick it in for solos, choruses or a different tone on a particular song section.
What voltage does the Aguilar DB 316 need?
The DB 316 runs on nine-volt DC power, according to Aguilar's product page. Use a standard nine-volt DC pedal power supply, and check the polarity and current draw requirements of your supply before powering other pedals from the same outlet.
Does the Aguilar DB 316 work with guitar?
Aguilar positions the DB 316 for bass, describing it as ideal for basses with two-band preamps and passive instruments where nailing the midrange is key. The pedal is a midrange EQ, so the controls work on any signal you feed them, but Aguilar's own description and the Tone Hammer Series it is based on are aimed at bass players.
How long is the Aguilar DB 316 warranty?
Aguilar Amplification's products, including the DB 316, are covered by a three year limited warranty to the original owner against defects in materials and workmanship, according to the maker's product page.
What is the Aguilar Tone Hammer?
The Tone Hammer Series is Aguilar's preamp line, and the DB 316 is described by Aguilar as a midrange EQ pedal based on the preamp of that series. The DB 316 takes the midrange shaping approach of the Tone Hammer preamp and puts it in a micro-sized steel chassis pedal.
Sources (2)
- DB 316 Mid-EQ Pedal, Aguilar (aguilaramp.com)
- DB 316 Mid-EQ Pedal, Aguilar Shop (aguilaramp.com)
