The Aguilar DB316 Mid EQ Micro Pedal is a midrange EQ for bass in a micro-sized enclosure. Announced in January 2025, it is inspired by the preamp of the company's Tone Hammer Series, and it is aimed at players who want dedicated midrange control without giving up pedalboard space. Aguilar describes it as "a versatile and compact solution for perfecting your midrange tone"1.
What it does
The DB316 gives bass players a dedicated midrange control in a small footprint. Aguilar says it can serve as an "always-on" EQ, shaping your core tone throughout a set, or provide a quick switch to a secondary tone profile for varying playing styles1. That second role makes it a footswitchable midrange change: one setting for fingerstyle, another for slapping or picking, switched as the song demands.
Aguilar frames the pedal as filling a gap left by onboard electronics. It is described as ideal for basses with two-band preamps and for passive instruments where nailing the midrange is key1. A two-band preamp typically offers bass and treble only, so the DB316 adds the midrange band those instruments lack.
Where it came from
Aguilar announced the DB316 Midrange EQ Pedal in a press release dated January 26, 2025, with availability listed as 1/23/20251. The circuit draws on the Tone Hammer Series preamp, the family behind Aguilar's Tone Hammer preamp pedal. Jordan Cortese, Brand Manager at Aguilar, tied the two together:
"By leveraging the tonal DNA of our Tone Hammer Series, this micro pedal ensures you're always equipped to achieve that perfect midrange tone."
The design intent, in Cortese's words: "We designed the DB316 for bassists who wants simple and flexible midrange control without taking up valuable pedalboard space"2.
Price and availability
The DB316 carries a MAP of $99.99, according to both press announcements from January 202512. It sits at the compact, single-purpose end of Aguilar's bass pedal line, alongside effects such as the Aguilar TLC compressor, the Aguilar Octamizer octave pedal and the Aguilar Agro Bass Overdrive. For more on the category, see Equalization Pedals and Bass Pedals.
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Questions
What circuit is the Aguilar DB316 based on?
Aguilar describes the DB316 as inspired by the preamp of the Tone Hammer Series, the same tonal DNA as its Tone Hammer preamp pedals. Jordan Cortese, Brand Manager at Aguilar, said the pedal draws on that series so players can dial in midrange tone in a micro-sized enclosure.
Can the DB316 be left on all the time?
Yes. Aguilar says the DB316 can serve as an always-on EQ, or it can provide a quick switch to a secondary tone profile for varying playing styles. That makes it usable either as a permanent part of your signal chain or as a footswitchable midrange change mid-song.
Is the DB316 meant for passive basses?
Aguilar describes the DB316 as ideal for basses with two-band preamps and for passive instruments where nailing the midrange is key. In other words, it is aimed at players whose bass does not already give them detailed midrange control.
How much does the Aguilar DB316 cost?
The DB316 carries a MAP of $99.99, as stated in Aguilar's January 2025 press announcement.
When was the Aguilar DB316 released?
The DB316 reached availability on 1/23/2025, with the announcement following on January 26, 2025.
Sources (2)
- Aguilar Introduces the DB316 Mid EQ Micro Pedal, Bass Magazine, 2025-01-27
- New Gear: Aguilar DB316 Mid EQ Micro Pedal, Bass Musician Magazine, 2025-01-27
