Aguilar Revamps Tone Hammer and AG Bass Amps for 2024
Aguilar has updated its product lineup with a new generation of the Tone Hammer and AG series amplifiers. The revisions include the introduction of the Aguilar Cabinet Suite, dual XLR outputs, expanded connectivity, and power section upgrades.
The Aguilar Cabinet Suite lets players load custom SL/DB cabinet impulse responses (IRs) or their own IR files. It’s available through XLR and headphone outputs.
“Musicians can now tailor their tone and utilize cabinet IRs for their monitor mix, while also sending a pre-EQ ’d signal directly to the front-of-house. This dual functionality ensures optimal sound for both the artist and front-of-house. The new amplifiers include auxiliary input and headphone output options for silent practice. They also feature mix controls to fine-tune the listening experience, ideal for both practice and performance.”
As far as the power upgrades, the power sections for each model support a 2.67 ohm load, which was previously only on the Aguilar 700. They also have universal mains to support international touring.
The new Tone Hammer and AG Series bass amps are out now. The 500-watt amps are $999.99, and the 700-watt amps are $1,099.99.
Aguilar Tone Hammer 500 Bass Amp Features:
| Power Output: 500 watts |
| Preamp Section: Solid State |
| Power Section: Class D |
| Transformer: Switching mode power supply (SMPS) |
| EQ Section: Bass: +/- 17 dB @ 40 Hz, Mid Level: +/- 16 dB, Mid Frequency: 180 Hz – 1 kHz |
| Treble: +/- 14 dB @ 4 kHz, |
| Drive Control: Fully adjustable, featuring Aguilar’s proprietary AGS (adaptive gain shaping) circuit |
| Effects Loop: Series operation. Adds 6 dB of additional gain, making it useful for a broad range of effects units. |
| Inputs: One 1/4? input jack, compatible with all active and passive basses |
| Speaker Outputs: One Neutrik Speakon speaker outputs |
| Balanced Output: XLR balanced output with pre/post-EQ and ground lift switch |
| Tuner output |
| Cooling: Two high-quality whisper fans with thermal speed control |
Aguilar Tone Hammer 700 Bass Amp Features:
| Power Output: 700 watts @ 2.67 or 4 ohms, 350 watts @ 8 ohms |
| Preamp Section: Solid State |
| Power Section: Class D |
| Transformer: Switching mode power supply (SMPS) |
| EQ Section: Bass: +/- 17 dB @ 40 Hz, Mid Level: +/- 16 dB, Mid Frequency: 180 Hz – 1 kHz |
| Treble: +/- 14 dB @ 4 kHz, |
| Drive Control: Fully adjustable, featuring Aguilar’s proprietary AGS (adaptive gain shaping) circuit |
| Effects Loop: Series operation. Adds 6 dB of additional gain, making it useful for a broad range of effects units. |
| Inputs: One 1/4? input jack, compatible with all active and passive basses |
| Speaker Outputs: One Neutrik Speakon speaker outputs |
| Balanced Output: XLR balanced output with pre/post-EQ and ground lift switch |
| Tuner output |
| Cooling: Two high-quality whisper fans with thermal speed control |
Aguilar AG 500 Bass Amp Features:
| Power Output: 500 watts |
| Preamp Section: Solid State |
| Power Section: Class D |
| Transformer: Switching mode power supply (SMPS) |
| EQ Section: Bass: +/- 17 dB @ 40 Hz, Deep: +6 dB <250 Hz, Low Mid: +/- 15 dB @ 300 Hz, High Mid: +/- 14dB @ 800 Hz, Treble: +/- 14 dB @ 4 kHz, Bright: +6 dB >3 kHz, shelving |
| -10dB input pad |
| Tuner output |
| Inputs: One 1/4? input jack, compatible with all active and passive basses |
| Speaker Outputs: One Neutrik Speakon speaker outputs |
| Effects Loop: Series operation. Adds 6 dB of additional gain, making it useful for a broad range of effects units |
| Balanced Output: XLR balanced output with pre/post-EQ and ground lift switch |
| Cooling: Two high-quality whisper fans with thermal speed control |
Aguilar AG 700 Bass Amp Features:
| Power Output: 700 watts @ 2.67 or 4 ohms, 350 watts @ 8 ohms |
| Preamp Section: Solid State |
| Power Section: Class D |
| Transformer: Switching mode power supply (SMPS) |
| EQ Section: Bass: +/- 17 dB @ 40 Hz, Deep: +6 dB <250 Hz, Low Mid: +/- 15 dB @ 300 Hz, High Mid: +/- 14dB @ 800 Hz, Treble: +/- 14 dB @ 4 kHz, Bright: +6 dB >3 kHz, shelving |
| -10dB input pad |
| Tuner output |
| Inputs: One 1/4? input jack, compatible with all active and passive basses |
| Speaker Outputs: One Neutrik Speakon speaker outputs |
| Effects Loop: Series operation. Adds 6 dB of additional gain, making it useful for a broad range of effects units |
| Balanced Output: XLR balanced output with pre/post-EQ and ground lift switch |
| Cooling: Two high-quality whisper fans with thermal speed control |
With only a $100 difference between 500 and 700 models and less than a 2dB difference, I’m missing the point of having the two models. Keeping the 350 and 700 would’ve made much more sense all around. I don’t need as much power as the 500 or 700 so why pay for it along with the added size I don’t want? Also, I’d much rather have 2 Ohm capability than a headphone jack and AUX input I’ll never use.