The following article is a condensed version of the user guide. You can learn about more features under the Plugin Interface Overview .

Overview

The Coil Audio CA-286S is a modern homage to the iconic European two-stage amplifiers of the 1950s and 60s, inspired by legendary brands like Telefunken™, Langevin™, Collins™, and Gates™. While the CA-70s delivers a deep, massive tone, the CA-286S offers a more mid-forward, high-fidelity character, while capturing the rich, detailed tones typical of vintage EF86 tube-based preamps.

Using our proprietary component-level modeling technology, we’ve meticulously recreated the classic CA-286’s sound, bringing its timeless warmth and texture into the modern studio environment.

Introducing, MixWave: CA-286S.

Artists Presets

The plugin includes artist presets from Ari Morris, Calin Enache, Daniel Escobar, David Gnozzi, Ekzakt, Eric Emery, Javon G4000 Gant-Graham, Joey Raia, Johnny Morgan, Joseph Chudyk, Keith Ross, LaGuil, Maddox Maddmix Chhim, Maor Appelbaum, Matt Good, Matt Huber, Migui Mololes, Nacho Molino, and Nathan Salefski, and more. The presets can be accessed through the plugin preset menu.

Global Plugin Features

The top section of every MixWave plugin interface includes a range of global plugin features, detailed in the Mixing Plugin Global Features article . Additionally, it features a preset browser, which is explained in the Plugin Presets and Locations article .

CA-286S

1. Line/Mic Switch - Toggles between the Line and Mic amplifiers. Mic has a higher gain resulting in a more saturated sound.

2. Phase Reverse Switch - Flips the phase of the incoming signal.

3. Input Knob - Sets the input level of the unit with a 4 pad network of -19db, -12db, -6db, or 0db.

4. Low Knob - Reacts with the NF (Negative Feedback) knob, boosting or cutting low frequency while moving the low end from front to back in the sound stage.

5. NF Knob - Varies the amount of negative feedback present in the circuit. Counter-clockwise (left) brightens and moves the sound forward while raising harmonics and sensitivity. Clockwise (right) increases negative feedback producing a darker tone with a smooth, dampened harmonic structure.

6. Output Knob - Sets the output level of the CA-286S.

7. Bypass Switch - Engages or disengages the CA-286S unit only. This will not affect the Input/Output volumes or filters. The full plugin can be bypassed or enabled via the plugin toolbar in your DAW.