The Aguilar DB599 is a bass compressor pedal built in the USA, following the same micro format as Aguilar's DB925 Bass Preamp and occupying a reduced footprint compared to standard pedal dimensions1. It carries just two controls, Compression and Gain, and uses pre-selected compression ratios and attack and release parameters rather than exposing those settings directly1. Aguilar lists it at $169 USD in the US as of 20261.
What the DB599 does
The DB599 is a compressor for bass players who want the effect without a deep menu of parameters. Guitar World's reviewer described the approach this way1:
"The DB599 simplifies the process somewhat by offering Compression and Gain controls, while utilizing pre-selected compression ratios and attack/release parameters"1
Guitar World, 20261
Aguilar's design philosophy, as the reviewer put it, is that the company creates products to be "musical" rather than offering parameter extremes1. For a player, that means the two knobs are meant to cover the useful territory without needing to dial in attack, release or ratio by hand. Scanning the QR code on the box displays the parameters for a variety of settings, which gives a starting point for different uses1.
The pedal is housed in a rugged metal chassis that, in the reviewer's words, "should certainly withstand life on the road", with a solid stomp switch that operates without any obvious issues1.
The controls
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Compression | With the Gain control turned down, increasing the Compression control results in a volume reduction1 |
| Gain | With no compression applied, the Gain control can be adjusted so the pedal acts as a volume control or signal boost1 |
That second behavior is worth noting: the DB599 can double as a clean volume control or boost when the compression is not engaged, which widens its use on a board beyond compression alone1.
Jacks and power
The DB599 runs on a 9 volt DC power supply, with the adaptor connection at the top of the pedal and the input and output connections located on the sides of the chassis1. The side-mounted jacks and top-mounted power suit a compact pedal that sits close to its neighbors on a board1.
How it compares
The DB599 shares its micro format with the DB925, an all-FET broadband bass preamp that Guitar World called "an impressive new release from Aguilar" that "can transform your passive bass performance, or act as an always-on tone sweetener"21. The two pedals are close in size: the DB925 measures 95mm (3.74") x 42.5mm (1.67") x 50mm (1.96"), against the DB599's 3.66" x 1.77" x 1.96"12. Both run on 9 volt DC and are made in the USA12. Players wanting more control over compression from Aguilar can look to the TLC Bass Compressor, while the DB316 Mid EQ Micro Pedal covers EQ in the same compact family.
What reviewers said
Guitar World's overall verdict on the DB599 was that it is "a well-sized, sensibly designed and musical compressor"1.
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Questions
Where is the DB599 made?
The DB599 is made in the USA, according to Guitar World's review of the pedal. It sits alongside Aguilar's other compact pedals, such as the DB925 bass preamp, which is also listed as made in the USA.
Does the Aguilar DB599 need a 9V power supply?
Yes. The DB599 runs on a 9 volt DC power supply, with the adaptor connection located at the top of the pedal. The input and output jacks sit on the sides of the chassis.
Can the DB599 work as a boost instead of a compressor?
It can. Guitar World notes that with no compression applied, the Gain control can be adjusted so the pedal acts as a volume control or a signal boost, which makes it a flexible always-on tool as well as a compressor.
How big is the Aguilar DB599?
The DB599 measures 3.66 x 1.77 x 1.96 inches, a reduced footprint compared to standard pedal dimensions. It follows the same micro format as Aguilar's DB925 Bass Preamp.
Does the DB599 have adjustable attack and release?
No. The DB599 simplifies things by offering Compression and Gain controls while using pre-selected compression ratios and attack and release parameters, rather than giving the player direct control over those settings.
Sources (2)
- Aguilar DB599 Bass Compressor pedal review, Guitar World, 2022-05-10
- Aguilar DB925 Bass Preamp review, Guitar World, 2020-08-26
