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 .

Pedals & Effects

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.

Germanium Boost

  1. Boost Knob - Adjusts the boost level. 
  2. Bypass Switch - Engages or disengages the Boost. 
  3. Mix Knob - Controls the level of blend between the “dry” (clean) input signal and the “wet” (processed) signal. 

Germanium Fuzz

  1. Mix Knob -  Controls the level of blend between the “dry” (clean) input signal and the “wet” (processed) signal.
  2. Volume Knob -  Adjusts the output level of the pedal.
  3. Gain Knob -  Sets the input gain and the amount of distortion.
  4. Impedance Knob -  Emulates the effect of rolling down the guitar volume to get that tight sparkly sound without adjusting your guitar volume.
  5. Bypass Switch - Engages or disengages the Germanium Fuzz.

Preamp

  1. Mix Knob -  Controls the level of blend between the “dry” (clean) input signal and the “wet” (processed) signal.
  2. Treble Knob - Adjusts the high frequency tone.
  3. Bass Knob - Adjusts the low frequency tone.
  4. Volume Knob - Adjusts the output level of the pedal.
  5. Drive Knob - Adjusts the amount of overdrive.
  6. Bypass Switch - Engages or disengages the Preamp.

 

Tall Bird

  1. Dry Bypass Switch - Engages and disengages the dry signal.
  2. Dry Knob - Controls the level of the dry signal.
  3. Wet Knob - Controls the level of reverb/wet signal.
  4. Dwell Knob - Adjusts the input level of the reverb.
  5. Bypass Switch - Engages or disengages the Tall Bird.

TIP: By default, the Benson Tall Bird is placed before the amp and cab modules in the Signal Chain resulting with a mono reverb. To use the Tall Bird component in stereo, drag and drop the “RVB” module to the last position in the Signal Chain. Also, make sure that the Mono/Stereo button is switched to “Stereo” in the top Utility Controls section.

Amplifier

Chimera

  1. Volume Knob - Adjusts the output level of the amplifier.
  2. Treble Knob - Adjusts the high frequency response of the amplifier.
  3. Bass Knob - Adjusts the low frequency response of the amplifier.
  4. Bright Switch - Adds extra brightness to the tone.
  5. Bypass Switch -  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)