GFHG Benson Chimera Helix Stadium Pack
Your support means the world to my family and me. I truly hope you find the captures helpful in your service to the Lord and His people.
Goal: I dial these in with the worship player in mind, because that’s the lane I primarily stay in. We’re after a particular tone, and it takes some intentionality to dial in amps to behave well with all the drives, wet effects, and modulation we throw at them.
When I capture, I’m working toward three main goals:
- Capture the amp in the tonal character it’s best known for, using a balanced EQ.
This is about letting the amp be what it naturally is, with an honest representation of its core voice, the way most people would recognize and expect it to sound. - Capture that same core tone with a bit more top-end presence.
This opens it up slightly while staying true to the amp. It gives you a version that sits a little more forward in a mix and makes the capture feel a bit more lively. This isn’t better than method 1; it’s different. - If possible, and if the results are favorable, capture one or two variations that sit just left or right of that familiar center.
This takes the tone in a slightly different direction without losing its core identity. I’ll do this by introducing subtle EQ changes and other variables during the capture process, experimenting with different approaches that bring out a different side of the amp. These aren’t drastic changes, just alternative starting points that can feel better depending on your guitar, your rig, etc. These often end up being some of my favorites, especially when I’m looking for something a little different from what I’d normally reach for.
What’s Included
- One all-in-one preset with drives, modulation, multiple reverbs, multiple delays, and snapshots dialed in and ready to go.
- 24 captures based on the Benson Chimera, covering clean/clean-ish tones to edge-of-breakup/breakup tones.
The Chimera has become a modern classic. It’s warm, round, and has that unique grind people have really come to love. With these captures, I had a few goals in mind. First, to capture the original warmth it’s known for. Then, to offer versions with a bit more sparkle. And finally, to process the sound during the capture process to clean up some low end and add some more sheen.
Naming Convention
GFHG [Amp Name] [Character] [Tone Profile] [Gain Level]
Example: GFHG BENCHIM A SPRKL 2
Character: A, B
For this pack:
- A = Warm and round, the signature sound of this amp.
- B = Subtle roll-off of the low end and low mids, with more presence in the top end.
Tone Profile: Balanced, Sparkle, Mid Push, Shaped
- Balanced / Bal = Even response across the spectrum.
- Sparkle = Added top-end presence and a little extra shine without getting harsh.
- Mid Push = Push in the low mids/mids. I would lean toward these for big rhythm tracks.
- Shaped = “Shaped” is where I shift the EQ during the capture process, bringing out a slightly different character. It still feels like the Chimera, just from a different angle.
Gain Level: 2, 3, 4
- Higher number = more breakup from the start.
Where To Start
Here are two examples to help guide where to start. There are no rules, but this framework should give you a helpful starting point.
“I have a single coil guitar, and I’m looking for edge of breakup, warmth, and balance.”
- Character: Start with A.
- Tone Profile: Start with a Balanced tone profile, because you don’t want too much high end.
- Gain Level: Since you play single coils, you’ll likely need a capture with a bit more gain, so start with Gain Level 3 and see how that treats you.
“I have PAF-style humbuckers, and I’m looking for high-end bite and nice breakup.”
- Character: Start with B.
- Tone Profile: Start with a Sparkle tone profile.
- Gain Level: Level 2 will be a nice starting point, but I wouldn’t dismiss starting with 3 and backing down the gain a touch.
See below for best practices for making adjustments within the capture.
Making Adjustments
These captures respond really well to adjustments inside your unit. You can shape them using the parameters inside the Helix Stadium.
- Prefer a little more presence and high end? Start by reducing the bass slightly. If it still needs clarity, add a bit of treble.
- Prefer a little more warmth? Start by lowering the treble.
Working with Gain Levels
Here’s the approach I recommend:
Want more drive/saturation?
Step 1: Increase the Pre Gain on the capture itself, but don’t go crazy. If there’s not enough gain available in the current capture, move to Step 2.
Step 2: Move up to the next gain level capture and, if it’s a bit too much, reduce the Pre Gain to match your desired feel.
Tip: This is a really great way to increase the headroom of a capture while still keeping the amount of gain where you want it. A lot of players end up preferring this approach.
Want less drive/saturation?
The opposite applies as well. If you need to clean up a capture and reduce the amount of overdrive, lower the Pre Gain and compensate for the volume loss by increasing the capture’s Post Gain control. For example, if you want something in between Gain Level 1 and 2, start with a Level 2 capture and reduce the Pre Gain to taste.
Level Matching
To balance volume between captures, use the Post Gain control inside the capture block, or use the Merge Mixer block and adjust the A Level, left amp, and B Level, right amp. Just don’t forget you’ve done this, because if you start swapping amp blocks, it might drive you nuts trying to level things if you forget. 🤪
As always, I am here to help. If you have questions, do not hesitate to reach out.
Coram Deo,
Troy
GuitarforHISGLORY
troy@guitarforhisglory.com
