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

Overview

Sought after by guitarists, recordists and engineers all over the world, Benson Amps are some of the most coveted boutique amplifiers and effects in existence. Utilizing component level modeling, and with the aim to create a flawless replica that would satisfy Christopher Benson’s discerning ears, we were able to create a virtual model that brings the signature sound of these devices into a digital counterpart for the first time.

The MixWave: Benson Chimera Collection features the Benson Germanium Boost, Benson Germanium Fuzz, Benson Preamp and Benson Tall Bird within the amp plugin while including the pedal and reverb components as separate plugins additionally.

Global Plugin Features

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

The following pedals and effects are also available as separate plugins, that includes a slightly different global interface. To learn more about their shared global controls, see the Pedal Plugin Global Features article.

Delay

LFO Speed

Controls the rate of modulation applied to the delay time. Slower speeds create gentle movement, while faster speeds introduce more pronounced pitch modulation.

LFO Depth

Controls the intensity of the modulation. Lower values add subtle movement, while higher values introduce more noticeable pitch variation and instability.

Feedback

Controls how much of the delayed signal is fed back into the delay line. Lower settings produce a single repeat, while higher settings increase the number of repeats and can lead to self-oscillation.

Time

Sets the delay time interval between repeats from 30ms to 1250ms. Lower values produce tight slapback echoes, while higher values create longer, more spacious delays.

Mix

Blends the dry (clean) signal with the delayed (processed) signal.

Bypass

Engages or disengages the Delay pedal circuit.

Tap / Hold

Manually set the speed of the delay by clicking the Tap tempo button.

LFO Wave

Selects the shape of the modulation waveform.

• Sine: Smooth, natural modulation

• Square: Stepped, rhythmic modulation

• Random: Irregular, unpredictable modulation for more experimental textures

Ratio

Sets the rhythmic division of the delay time relative to tempo.

• Quarter: Standard tempo-based delay

• Dotted Eighth: Rhythmic, syncopated delay feel

• Eighth: Faster repeating delay pattern

Sync

Synchronizes delay time and/or modulation rate to the host DAW tempo. When enabled, timing-based controls follow the session BPM instead of free-running.

Florist

Intensity A

Adjusts the intensity of modulation for the first delay line.

Wet A

Adjusts the wet (processed) volume of the first delay line.

Dry

Adjusts the volume of the dry (clean) signal.

Wet B

Adjusts the wet (processed) volume of the second delay line.

Intensity B

Adjusts the intensity of modulation for the second delay line.

Bypass

Engages or disengages the Florist.

GHOSTS

Activates a feedback loop on the verge of feedback for each delay line.

Dry / Wet

Controls the level of blend between the dry (clean) input signal and the wet (processed) signal.

Germanium Boost

Boost

Adjusts the boost level. 

Bypass

Engages or disengages the Boost. 

Mix

Controls the level of blend between the “dry” (clean) input signal and the “wet” (processed) signal. 

Germanium Fuzz

Mix

Controls the level of blend between the “dry” (clean) input signal and the “wet” (processed) signal.

Volume

Adjusts the output level of the pedal.

Gain

Sets the input gain and the amount of distortion.

Impedance

Emulates the effect of rolling down the guitar volume to get that tight sparkly sound without adjusting your guitar volume.

Bypass

Engages or disengages the Germanium Fuzz.

Preamp

Mix

Controls the level of blend between the “dry” (clean) input signal and the “wet” (processed) signal.

Treble

Adjusts the high frequency tone.

Bass

Adjusts the low frequency tone.

Volume

Adjusts the output level of the pedal.

Drive

Adjusts the amount of overdrive.

Bypass

Engages or disengages the Preamp.

Tall Bird

Dry Bypass

Engages and disengages the dry signal.

Dry

Controls the level of the dry signal.

Wet

Controls the level of reverb/wet signal.

Dwell

Adjusts the input level of the reverb.

Bypass

Engages or disengages the Tall Bird.

Benson Chimera

Volume

Adjusts the output level of the amplifier.

Treble

Adjusts the high frequency response of the amplifier.

Bass

Adjusts the low frequency response of the amplifier.

Bright

Adds extra brightness to the tone.

Bypass

Turns the amplifier on or off.

Speakers & Cabinets

The cab module features a vertical dove-tailed pine 2x12 Chimera Cabinet, accompanied by four speaker options and 20 virtual microphones.

The speaker and cabinet section of every MixWave amp plugin interface includes a range of features, outlined in the Amp Plugin Speakers & Cabinets article.

Microphones

• Dynamic 57 – Punchy mids with a tight low end, a classic choice for aggressive guitar tones.

• Dynamic 7B – Smooth and warm with a natural midrange, great for taming harshness.

• Dynamic 409 – Fat and forward with a bit of bite, excels on crunchy and high-gain tones.

• Dynamic 421 – Thick low-mids with a smooth top end, great for adding weight to your tone.

• Dynamic R20 – Deep and warm with a tight low-end and reduced proximity effect, great for fuller tones.

• Tube 67 – Warm and smooth with a slightly rolled-off top end, perfect for a vintage, rounded sound.

• Tube 47 – Rich and full-bodied with a slight vintage warmth, great for adding depth.

• Tube 251 – Open and airy with a polished high end, adds clarity to darker tones.

• Tube C12 – Bright and silky with a smooth top end, ideal for modern high-fidelity guitar tones.

• Tube 800g – Crisp and present with an ultra-detailed high end, great for polished, articulate tones.

• Condenser Fet 47 – Solid low-end punch with a clear top-end bite, great for aggressive tones.

• Condenser 32 – Bright and detailed with a fast transient response, captures every nuance.

• Condenser 4011 – Neutral and natural with extended highs, perfect for a true-to-life cab sound.

• Condenser 2011 – Slightly forward mids with a clear and controlled top end.

• Condenser 4099 – Detailed and focused, ideal for capturing articulation and harmonics.

• Condenser 450 – Side-address condenser with a tight, present midrange, great for edge-of-cone positioning.

• Ribbon 122 – Warm and smooth with extended highs, retains the natural body of the cab.

• Ribbon 42Bn – Dark and vintage, smooths out high-end fizz while keeping a natural presence.

• Ribbon 84 – Classic ribbon warmth with a rich low-mid response and silky highs.

• Copper – Lo-fi, midrange-focused with a unique honky character, great for creative textures.

Speakers

• Benson Custom Ceramic (Top)

• Benson Custom Ceramic (Bottom)

• Celestion G12H30 Anniversary (Top)

• Celestion G12H30 Anniversary (Bottom)