Tone Hammer question...

[smeet]

Recently picked up a used Aguilar Tone Hammer, and I really like the eq.

The AGS circuit is a little wierd though. I can't get a clean sound out of it even with the gain control all the way down. It sound a bit saturated and muted no matter what I do. Also, the distortion loses a lot of bass, to the point where it seems to get lost in the mix.

Is there something wrong with the unit? I was hoping to use the AGS for my overdrive sound, but it sounds way too thin and nasal.

[thedrummer]

I purchased one when they first came out, but I got rid of it after a couple of weeks. I didn't like the tone at all. The clean tone was bland, and the AGS mode was weak. I'll stick with the M-80.

[Chronicle]

Originally Posted by smeet

Recently picked up a used Aguilar Tone Hammer, and I really like the eq.

The AGS circuit is a little wierd though. I can't get a clean sound out of it even with the gain control all the way down. It sound a bit saturated and muted no matter what I do. Also, the distortion loses a lot of bass, to the point where it seems to get lost in the mix.

Is there something wrong with the unit? I was hoping to use the AGS for my overdrive sound, but it sounds way too thin and nasal.

Sounds fine to me. The AGS is meant for a distorted sound so of course it'll be distorted no matter what gain setting you have. When I have mine around 9oc, it only gives some grit which is nice.

Try adjusting your mid freq and mid level so you don't get lost in the mix...

[smeet]

It just distorts more than I would expect from the reviews, very fuzzy sounding rather than slight breakup at lower settings.

I have midrange (significant boost) but I lose a lot of bass compared to turning off the AGS. I really wish this box had a separate volume control or clean blend for the AGS signal.