Aguilar Tone Hammer Preamp V2 Pedal: The Essential Bass Direct Box Upgraded
The Aguilar Tone Hammer Preamp V2, released in 2024 at $299, upgrades one of the most popular bass preamp pedals ever made with a wider gain range, a separate drive control, a headphone output, and a redesigned pedalboard-friendly chassis. For bassists who need the Tone Hammer sound in pedal format for direct gigs, fly dates, or as a front-end for a power amp, the V2 delivers Aguilar’s signature warmth and AGS drive in a more capable and flexible package than ever before.
Aguilar Tone Hammer Preamp V2 Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Bass Preamp/DI Pedal |
| Street Price | $299 USD |
| EQ | 3-band |
| Drive | AGS with separate drive control (V2 upgrade) |
| Gain | Wider range than V1 |
| Outputs | XLR balanced, 1/4″ output, 1/8″ headphone |
| Input | Active/passive compatible |
| Chassis | Redesigned pedalboard-friendly enclosure |
Separate Drive Control
The most significant V2 upgrade is the addition of a dedicated, independent drive control for the AGS circuit. The original Tone Hammer Preamp combined gain and drive into a single interaction, which limited how much overdrive you could add without also increasing overall signal level. The V2 separates these functions, letting you dial in exactly the amount of AGS drive character you want independently of the input gain. This simple change dramatically expands the usable range of the pedal.
Headphone Output and Expanded Gain Range
The addition of a 1/8-inch headphone jack transforms the Tone Hammer Preamp V2 into a self-contained practice rig. Plug in headphones, connect a bass, and the full preamp tone is available for silent practice anywhere. The wider gain range accommodates everything from low-output passive basses to hot active instruments without the signal clipping that could occasionally occur with the original model at extreme settings.
Who Should Buy the Aguilar Tone Hammer Preamp V2
The TH Preamp V2 is essential for bassists who go direct at gigs and need a high-quality preamp/DI, players who want the Tone Hammer sound on their pedalboard, session musicians who need a consistent tone between different amp rigs, and anyone looking for a premium practice solution with headphone monitoring. At $299, it costs significantly less than any Aguilar head while delivering the same fundamental tonal character.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What changed in the Tone Hammer Preamp V2?
The V2 adds a separate drive control for independent AGS overdrive adjustment, a wider input gain range, a 1/8″ headphone output, and a redesigned pedalboard-friendly chassis. The core Aguilar tone remains the same.
Pair the preamp with an Aguilar Tone Hammer 500 power section or use it standalone as a DI. More at our amps section.