Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $294
High-end/Boutique
$70
$201+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 6 merchants for "Aguilar AG Preamp/Direct Box". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Imagine capturing the essence of the renowned Aguilar AG preamp in a sleek, portable package. The Aguilar AG Preamp/Direct Box is a masterclass in combining studio-quality sound with on-the-go convenience. Designed for bass enthusiasts who crave the celebrated AG tone, this pedal effortlessly delivers tight, responsive performance with a myriad of tonal options.
The 4-band EQ is your playground for sculpting sound, while the footswitchable deep and bright controls add layers of depth and presence to your bass. Whether you're aiming to shock the audience or perfect your silent practice, the AG Preamp has got you covered. It includes a dedicated headphone output for those late-night sessions and an aux input for seamless DI integration.
This pedal is not only about sound quality but also about reliability and practicality. The 18-volt operation ensures ample headroom for a clean, transparent sound that remains true to your original tone. Plus, with pre/post and ground lift controls, you can eliminate noise and ground loops, making it a versatile choice for any gig or studio session.
Elevate your bass guitar performance with the Aguilar AG Preamp/Direct Box, where compact design meets expansive sound possibilities.
Key Features:
- Iconic AG preamp sound in a compact pedal format
- 4-band EQ with footswitchable deep and bright controls
- 18V DC power supply for optimal headroom
- Studio-quality DI output with pre/post and ground lift controls
- Headphone output and aux input for silent practice and balanced DI
- Sturdy metal housing for durability
Owner's manual
Aguilar AG Preamp/Direct Box User ManualProduct specs
| Type | Preamp/DI |
| Form Factor | Pedal |
| Analog/Digital | Analog |
| EQ | 4-band EQ, Bright/Deep Switch |
| Inputs | 1 x 1/4", 1 x 1/8" (aux in) |
| Outputs | 1 x 1/4", 1 x XLR (direct out) |
| Headphones | 1 x 1/8" |
| Power Source | 18V DC power supply (sold separately) |
FAQs
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What features does the Aguilar AG Preamp/Direct Box offer for tone shaping?
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The Aguilar AG Preamp/Direct Box features a 4-band EQ along with foot-switchable broadband Deep and Bright controls, allowing for versatile tone shaping to suit various musical styles.
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Can the Aguilar AG Preamp/Direct Box be used with headphones?
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Yes, the Aguilar AG Preamp/Direct Box includes a 1/8" headphone output, making it convenient for silent practice or monitoring.
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What types of inputs and outputs are available on the Aguilar AG Preamp/Direct Box?
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The Aguilar AG Preamp/Direct Box includes a 1/4" input, a 1/8" aux input, a 1/4" output, and an XLR direct out, providing flexible connectivity options for different setups.
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Does the Aguilar AG Preamp/Direct Box require a specific power supply?
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The Aguilar AG Preamp/Direct Box requires an 18V DC power supply, which is sold separately, to operate effectively.
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Is the Aguilar AG Preamp/Direct Box suitable for both live performance and studio use?
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Yes, with its robust EQ and DI capabilities, the Aguilar AG Preamp/Direct Box is well-suited for both live performances and studio recordings, offering high-fidelity sound and versatility.
Videos
The Bass Channel
How Does the Aguilar AG Preamp Compare to the Tone Hammer?
Reviews
PROS
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Clean and transparent sound with low noise
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Handy aux in and headphone out for practice
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Compact size, ideal for pedalboard integration
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Well-voiced 4-band EQ with bright/deep switch
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Robust build quality and design
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Offers clean headroom with 18V operation
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Smooth and precise adjustments
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Flexible usage as practice tool or DI box
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Great for maintaining true bass tone without excessive color
CONS
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18V power supply not included
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Lacks battery or phantom power options
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No unaffected output thru-channel
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Small size can lead to instability without a pedalboard
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Aguilar AG Preamp/Direct Box.
Comparisons
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The AG Preamp is noted for a clean, transparent sound, whereas the Tone Hammer adds coloration, appealing to those seeking a more vintage vibe.
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The EBS Microbass 3 is suggested for its compatibility with funk, city pop, and synth wave styles, contrasting with the Aguilar AG's transparency.
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The Markbass Vintage Pre is noted to clip easily, which might be problematic for those seeking clean headroom.
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The Warwick Gnome amp head is preferred by some for its warmer, more characterful sound compared to the TC BAM200, which is described as cold and soulless without additional processing.
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Features and functionality
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AG features a 4-band EQ with fixed high/low mids and "deep" and "bright" switches, providing extensive tone sculpting options.
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Tone Hammer's 3-band EQ includes a mid-sweep control, ranging from 180Hz to 1kHz, offering significant flexibility in shaping midrange frequencies.
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The DSM Humboldt Simplifier is praised for its gain control when used with a Nano Battalion, providing precise dirt blending capability.
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Micro amp heads like the Warwick Gnome deliver full power only into 4-ohm cabinets, which users note as important for achieving optimal performance.
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User experience
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Owners of the DSM Humboldt Simplifier note the small controls are manageable since it's not a pedal, but the LED can be overly bright and text hard to read on stage.
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Owners find micro amp heads like the Warwick Gnome useful for versatility, as they can be used without a cabinet purely as preamp-DI solutions.
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Use cases and applications
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The v2 Sadowsky preamp pedal lacks an XLR out but is recommended for its price point; a passive DI can be added for stage use.
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The Aguilar AG Preamp can be an effective choice for gigging bassists who rely on venue PA systems, offering improved tone clarity and reducing noise compared to a direct mixer input.
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Preamp pedals, particularly for genres like pop, neosoul, jazz, and Latin, help translate the musician's sound more accurately when direct to the front of house.
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Critic Reviews
Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
Brandon Giffin confirmed his use of the Aguilar AG Preamp/Direct Box in an Instagram post, stating, "Stoked on this awesome care package from @aguilaramp #aguilaramp upgrading my preamp pedal and getting ready to practice more on the road," accompanied by a photo showcasing the gear.
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
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