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Based on price data from 1 merchant for "MixWave Benson Chimera". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Experience the legendary Benson tone in a digital format with the MixWave Benson Chimera, a comprehensive amp simulator plugin that brings the coveted sound of Portland's boutique amplifiers to your home studio. Designed with precision and endorsed by Christopher Benson himself, this plugin captures the essence of Benson’s renowned craftsmanship. Whether you're looking for vintage warmth or modern versatility, this plugin offers an impressive array of tools to shape your sound.

The MixWave Benson Chimera is more than just an amp simulator; it’s a full-fledged suite of sonic possibilities. Dive into the lush textures of the Benson Tall Bird Reverb, expertly modeled to emulate the original’s all-tube spring reverb with stunning accuracy. For those seeking fuzz with a twist, the Benson Germanium Fuzz offers a unique thermal bias feature, accurately mimicking the temperature-sensitive nature of Germanium transistors for an authentic gritty sound.

For those who crave depth and character, the Benson Preamp and Germanium Boost plugins provide rich harmonics and dynamic saturation, ensuring every note you play is infused with the signature Benson warmth. The Chimera amp itself is a masterpiece, allowing you to explore a wide range of tones with its detailed speaker and microphone modeling.

Key Features:

  • Faithful emulation of classic Benson amplifiers and effects
  • Includes Tall Bird Reverb, Germanium Fuzz, Germanium Boost, and Chimera amp
  • Versatile speaker and microphone configurations for diverse tonal options
  • Supports mono and stereo recording with high-quality output
  • Compatible with Mac/PC VST3, AU, AAX, and Standalone formats

Product specs

Software Type Benson Chimera Collection
Platform Mac, PC
Upgrade/Full Full
Download/Boxed Download
Bit Depth 64-bit
Format AAX, VST3, AU, Standalone
Software Player Kontakt Player 6.5.3+
Authorization Type iLok Account Required
Hardware Requirements - Mac Intel Core i3 or higher, 4GB RAM or more recommended
Hardware Requirements - PC Intel Core i3 / AMD Quad-core or higher, 4GB RAM or more recommended
OS Requirements - Mac macOS 10.11 - macOS 12
OS Requirements - PC Windows 7 SP1 or later

FAQs

What platforms is the Mixwave Benson Chimera compatible with?

The Mixwave Benson Chimera is compatible with both Mac and PC platforms, supporting formats like AAX, VST3, AU, and can also run as a standalone application.

Does the Mixwave Benson Chimera require any special software for use?

Yes, the Mixwave Benson Chimera requires Kontakt Player 6.5.3 or higher and an iLok account for authorization.

What are the system requirements for running the Mixwave Benson Chimera on a Mac?

To run the Mixwave Benson Chimera on a Mac, you need macOS 10.11 to macOS 12, an Intel Core i3 processor or higher, and at least 4GB of RAM.

Is the Mixwave Benson Chimera suitable for use on a Windows PC?

Yes, the Mixwave Benson Chimera is suitable for Windows PCs running Windows 7 SP1 or later, requiring an Intel Core i3 or AMD Quad-core processor or higher, and at least 4GB of RAM.

What is the bit depth supported by the Mixwave Benson Chimera plugin?

The Mixwave Benson Chimera plugin operates at a 64-bit depth, ensuring high-quality audio processing.

JayLeonardJ

JayLeonardJ

Can This Plugin Do Justice to One of My All-Time Favorite Amps? | Mixwave Benson Chimera Collection

Video thumbnail for Can This Plugin Do Justice to One of My All-Time Favorite Amps? | Mixwave Benson Chimera Collection by JayLeonardJ

Can This Plugin Do Justice to One of My All-Time Favorite Amps? | Mixwave Benson Chimera Collection

JayLeonardJ

JayLeonardJ

Video thumbnail for Benson Chimera Plugin - Plugin From MixWave by The Studio Rats

Benson Chimera Plugin - Plugin From MixWave

The Studio Rats

The Studio Rats

Video thumbnail for MixWave: Benson Chimera Collection by MixWave

MixWave: Benson Chimera Collection

MixWave

MixWave

Video thumbnail for Can a $180 plugin suite sound like a boutique amp? The Benson Chimera Plugin from Mixwave by Get Offset

Can a $180 plugin suite sound like a boutique amp? The Benson Chimera Plugin from Mixwave

Get Offset

Get Offset

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about MixWave Benson Chimera.

Features and functionality

  • Component pedals and effects are available as standalone plugins, allowing for easy signal path customization without the constraints of archetype designs.

    Source
  • The Benson Chimera has been described as delivering a "Led Zeppelin I/II" sound, appealing to fans of early rock tones.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Download sizes for each plugin are nearly 1GB, indicating a substantial software package that may require significant storage.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The MixWave Benson Chimera excels in providing natural clean tones to the edge of breakup, which are often challenging for amp simulators, appealing to experimental and jazz players.

    Source
  • Works effectively with a Boss BD-2 as a buffer into a Tascam X8 interface, highlighting its compatibility with specific gear setups.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Users find the Benson Chimera's breakup/blues tones superior to Neural DSP's Tone King, highlighting its strength in classic rock and blues styles.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners praise the component-level modeling for its detailed sound quality, comparable to high-end plugins like those from Neural DSP.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Significant discounts during sales events make the Benson Chimera a more attractive purchase for budget-conscious buyers.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Mixwave - Benson Chimera Collection Review — SINESQUARES

sinesquares.net

Mixwave's Benson Chimera Collection is a breathtaking plugin that captures the essence of boutique guitar tones with striking fidelity. Each module—from the Germanium Boost to the Tall Bird reverb—stands out for its musicality and responsiveness, making it a joy to use. The user interface is intuitive, allowing for seamless tweaking that mimics the hands-on feel of real pedals. However, the Achilles' heel remains the unavoidable latency associated with digital processing, which can disrupt the flow for some users. Despite this, the rich tonal palette and versatility make it an essential tool for musicians, whether you're a guitarist or not. With a competitive price and the option for a trial, this collection is a worthy investment for those looking to enhance their sound.

positive

Can a $180 plugin suite sound like a boutique amp? The Benson Chimera Plugin from Mixwave - Get Offset

getoffsetpodcast.com

The Mixwave Benson Chimera plugin delivers an impressive emulation of a boutique amp experience, making it a standout in the crowded realm of amp simulators. Its rich tones and versatility shine, allowing musicians to create professional-sounding recordings with ease. However, the plugin may not cater to everyone’s needs, particularly those who prefer the tactile feel of physical gear or seek extensive customization options. While its price point is attractive, some users might find it lacks the depth of higher-end alternatives. Overall, the Chimera plugin is a fantastic tool for modern musicians, but its suitability will depend on individual preferences.

positive

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Artist usage

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See how Andrew Huang uses MixWave Benson Chimera

Andrew Huang

Singer, Guitarist

First Of October

...
Verified via YouTube

(@11:35) "I've got this amp simulator adding just a little bit of crunch"

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use MixWave Benson Chimera, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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1

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