I'm an audio-engineer and a note-to-color music theorist, and I I must say, I DO recommend this to the general podcaster. Because of it's intuitive ease of use and function. Concepts like compression and limiting are highly abstract things that can take years to fully feel comfortable using. I'd consider this mixer a blessing. This unit has just come out, so its slightly more expensive than it's competitors, the Rode Podcaster Pro, or the Zoom PodTrack. But the prices should level out soon. If you have the cash, this this seems like a no-brainer for those who have little or no experience with working with audio and recording. Even I, myself want one! I want to savor that giant screen while I'm compressing my worst enemy during one of my podcasts! - The Acoustic Rabbit Hole
Great review! I have a Zoom LiveTrak L-8 and I really love it. It spawned a whole new genre of more specialized products that are very similar, yet broke the mold in terms of what you'd expect from a "basic mixer" by combining a bunch of functions that are commonly used together. The DLZ here looks like Mackie has just upped the ante again by showing us what a dedicated computer filled with a well curated collection of related tools and functions can look like. I love the fact that they chose to build three different UIs into it based on the user's experience level. I've been around computers since the birth of PCs, and one of the simplest things that has ever been done was to make every plug different so it was impossible to get things mixed up. The audio world is similar, and yet it baffles me how easily some people get totally confused trying to figure out how to plug something like a dynamic mic with an XLR connector into their phone without realizing there's a reason (several, actually) why you can't do that. Simply handing them even something like a LiveTrak L-8 doesn't help because they still have to learn this stuff. But having something like the DLZ that has a "newbie" mode that takes them by the hand and explains what to plug where is just genius! I've been in Guitar Centers when people come in and ask for help after buying even a simple mixer and they can't figure out how to make some mic or outboard pedal work with it. I don't know how much detail is provided by the DLZ, but I suspect that just this feature alone will make a lot of newbies far more comfortable by not having to get help from friends or at a store while trying sound like they know what they're doing. And it will spare them many hours of watching videos on RUclips!
@@MikeRussell Yes, I’ve watched many of them. It would be nice to have a head to head video though! Either way, this was a great video and looks like a great bit of kit.
Great walkthrough Mike! If I didn't own a Rode Caster Pro II already, I'd went for this. Been using Mackie mixers for my live shows for ages, the latest two I still own, a VLZ 8 channel and an FX8 are amazing axes. Out of sheer practicality, this new unit is much larger than the Rode Caster although that 10” screen os gorgeous, also there are no tech specs on their website to show if there's a Vesa mount undeneath which is a very important option for many. Bottom line and without even touching this, I'd recommend it over Røde to every new user who's just starting to livestream or podcasting
Hi Mike, When it comes to using the mic settings using the Mackie DLZ (Processing), is it better than the RCP2 (using Apex Processing), when setting up your ElectorVoice RE20 or Shure SM7B mic? Which unit is better, or are they both great to use? Let me know what you can. Thank you.
Thanks for the detailed review! I am considering buying the DLZ but have heard some people talking about this mixer does have some latency up to 5ms. Have you experienced any noticable latency? And how does this mixer do for music production / karaoke?
There's a bit of latency but no more than other digital mixers of this genre. As it's working with a DSP inside it you would expect something but it's nothing that throws me off. It'd be great for karaoke and music production as it has great effects including a reverb that is awesome.
Glad to hear you're satisfied with the DLZ mixer's performance in your podcast setup. Every detail seems to have been meticulously addressed in your experience.
I bought one, and loved all the features of the mixer, Onyx Mic inputs, the versatility the effects and all the stuff..........But realized I cannot edit the sound wave on the device its self. There is no wave form or editing tools on board to do this. So I have to utilise it as a mixing desk only, and use an outboard DAW, to edit the wave file. In my case Audition. This is not clearly explained in the info of this product, and IT SHOULD BE, as you are marketing it to so called "beginner" thru experienced producer types. Put a bloody wave form editing software into the updates, so that realistic editing on the DLZ can be achieved.
While the Mackie DLZ mixer is an excellent choice for improving audio quality in your podcast, adding multiple cameras for a podcast with four or more people would require a different solution, such as a video switching software or a multi-camera recording setup.
Mike I recently purchased this item. I have some questions when coming to connect the mackie to the FCC ENDEC Sage digital. What is the correct output that I should follow? We’re a broadcasting fm station and are required to transmit fcc required alerts. Thank you
Excellent video. Small question, if we occasionally have 5 or 6 people on our podcast, is it possible to connect a USB mic to the USB input, and a mic to the Left Right line, as with an XLR to L+R adapter? Thank you 🙌
@@MikeRussell Thanks for your reply, it's a great help. And since there's a left and a right input, do you think it's possible to connect an XLR to Line mic on the L and another on the R? That way, we'd have two tracks on one stereo track, which we can then split into two mono tracks if there's any editing (adding gain, for example) to be done on one track independently of the other? If not, we've also thought of just adding an XLR splitter to one of the XLR inputs, although the tracks will be mixed into one… Thanks 🫡
Hey Mike, I just bought a DPA 2011 twin diaphragm microphone and I cant make it work together with my DLZ Creator. Any ideas? Its complete silent.... Greetings from Sweden. Kind regards Ulf
Double check that the DLZ has switched over to the microphone preamp then play with the gain and phantom power as condenser mics like the DPA 2011 require 48V to function properly.
I'll get one but only when a firmware update incorporates an automatic mute for the monitors when the mics are on. This is so it can be used for radio outside broadcasts.
I bought one of these at full price on release. Thought it would be a great upgrade from the Rodecaster Pro. Looks great and looked full of features. Reality, build quality for a mixer at a near £800 price point was terrible. It rocked on the desk and didn’t sit flush. The faders are really cheap plastic and not built for purpose. The touchscreen was very slow and unresponsive. The microphone processing sounds dreadful. (Neumann TLM 103 and U87) not the I need the mixer for processing as I use TC Finalizer 96k but tested it. The sound pads are small and unresponsive and no onboard storage means you have to use an SD to store your sound files which is so fiddly. Mix minus on this is awful, I record into a professional online radio software and the levels were horrendous. I had massive high hopes when I first saw it, I want something a bit more substantial than a Rodecaster with all the features. Sadly this isn’t up to it and thankfully returned the next day. Maybe the DLZII will be much better. Please improve as I really think the vision is right. I see you aren’t using it as your main mixer.
I am in the same boat I want to get DLZ create I have rodecaster pro 2 but after reading this I might hold off as I love rcp2 but thought this would be an upgrade. This was very informative
Hi thank for your video lot of help. I want to buy my first Podcast station, like lot of people i not sure about my choice. Mackie DLZ or Rode Caster. I prefer the big screen of Mackie. But i love the option Depth, Sparkle and Punch of the Rode. Can i do the same with the Mackie ? Thank sorry for my bad english
Thank you for the great review. I dont really understand how Ducking works on the Device. If I want the Background Musik or Game Musik to Duck if I speak into the Mic
Hi Mike. Would this be a good choice for voicetracking ? Mix minus would be required.. and how easy is it to allocate jingles/ effects to the pads.. for voicetracking is this better than the RodecasterPro2. Thanks Peter
Dear Mick, thanks for your "classes" in DLZ and Adobe Audition 😊 I just bought an American Audio DB Display Mk 2 for the fun of it. How do you recommend this to connect to my DLZ Creator? Thanks in advance/ Ulf
Thank you for your support, Ulf! To connect your American Audio DB Display Mk 2 to your Mackie DLZ Mixer, you can use the DLZ's AUX Sends or group outputs to send the audio signal to the display unit. Feel free to reach out if you need further assistance!
@@MikeRussell Thanks :-) Not really sure how you mean. I have two phono female plugs for monitors which are occupied. Do you mean the connection direct on the side of the monitor outputs (5/6)?
I have to say this is one glaring ommision that I couldn't see an answer for in my experience. Not great but perhaps can be fixed by firmware update. Also open to the fact I overlooked the feature and it does exist.
I have one problem with the DLZ Creator. I cannot play media files on the machine. I record the media on USB, but only can play on another device. Anyone has any idea of what I am missing?
Great video as always… how do you feel about this the sound quality from a stereo audio (standard music) based on this video when you used the iPhone for your loop… it sounded very muffled (Radioish) while typically Mackie (even the cheapest mixers) provide excellent stereo audio quality with great dynamics etc… For the record, I’m one of those who don’t like the stereo audio out of the rodecaster. Thanks
I love the audio quality coming out of this unit. Remember the audio from my phone was playing wirelessly via Bluetooth technology and there can always be some quality loss via this method so don't take that as a true representation of the stereo music capabilities of this.
Hey Mike, I appreciate your knowledge about Mackie and their commitment to maintaining excellent stereo audio sound quality. Could you provide me with a website where I can find a short audio sample? I'm in search of a mixer that offers podcast features while also delivering high-quality sound for music. While most mixers excel in microphone performance, many disappoint when it comes to basic audio stereo. I'm extremely grateful for your assistance. Thank you so much!
Omg, Went to listen to your jingles. Those are perfect for my real estate videos. But man, they are pricey but really really great quality. Are your music available from any subscription services?
I apologize in advance if you covered this detail but I'm wondering about the ability to record and edit using SD card media / do you get individual tracks that you can edit in your DAW? I was looking at a Tascam podcast model that was limited to so many minutes per recording per track - any issue such as that with this Mackie? Thanks!
Hey there! Yeah, the DLZ Creator's pretty cool! It can record up to 12 tracks at once (4 mono, 4 stereo, plus the main mix). You can then edit these tracks individually in your DAW. Recording length? Mostly depends on your microSD card's storage and the recording quality. Just make sure to use a Class 10 or better microSD card and format it using the DLZ Creator. And yep, you can also play back and process recorded audio directly from the device. Hope this helps! 🎵👍
I wanna use this for recording vocals and maybe record some instruments...mainly for FL studio and making music! Do you think this will be good for me or is there something better for that? Great review BTW!😁
How would this interact with a DAW such as Ableton? I am curious if it work as a multitrack mixer that can be assigned to multiple channels in Ableton?
This I am unsure about as I've not tried myself but I imagine you can assign different faders/sources to different tracks in Ableton as in Audition etc.
What I need are 4 input streams coming from 4 different PC's all with their own USB Mics attached.... sent across ethernet into a switch, and then from there into the Stream PC where they are mixed together on a real computer monitor with software wit mute, fader bars, and equalizers, and sent out to the internet (RUclips). How do I do this? Neither the Mackie nor Rodecaster seem suitable to do this...
Absolutely! The Mackie DLZ Creator lets you create your own presets. It has ready-made presets, but you can also make custom ones for input channels, output channels, EQ, gate, compressor, and FX. You can tweak a factory preset to your liking and save it as your own. It's easy to load, save, rename, or delete presets. You can create presets for channels and effects. And don't forget, you can also make presets for output settings like EQ, compressor, reverb, and delay. Enjoy the flexibility!
@@MikeRussell sorry for asking another question ^^;; but since there's only one pc output on the dlz mixer, does that mean it won't be able to do a dual pc setup like the GO XLR where it has a line in and out so a 2 pc setup is possible?
Ciao pensi possa andare bene in ambito musicale per registrare tracce come sax o tastiere ? ha opzioni interessanti che mi piacciono , lo schermo e opzioni easy /enhanced/ pro , ... non faccio podcasting ! grazie mille !
Absolutely, it can be versatile for recording musical instruments like sax or keyboards. The different screen options offer varying levels of customization depending on your needs...
I've just saved up enough money to get one, so hopefully by next week it will be in my hands? This will save me having to load my GOXLR settings up in Windows, then booting into Linux. Mackie should work out of the box with Linux, connecting it through to OBS should be a breeze. I've also just made some content on AI voice overs, but need this Mackie DLZ to really give me that professional sound, that I cannot get through the GOXLR.
Hey Mike. Great vid, thanks. Would this be good for voiceover? Can you apply the effects (eq, noise gate etc) and record the effected take into adobe audition?
I know this is a paid video but Def I can see this product as huge easy sell....make that affiliate game mate. 😅🎉 That's a product even I'm interested in. Neat and intuitive
Thanks! I appreciate your input. Yeah, the Mackie DLZ Mixer is definitely awesome. It's extremely user friendly and has some fantastic features. I've been using it as my main studio mixer recently and I couldn't be happier with it. Highly recommended!
what would be the video equivalent of this device that does not break the bank? i am looking for a video switcher with a large screen. something like yolobox with physical controls like the mackie . any suggestions?
Hi i was wondering if you can help me with a doubt I have , I’m currently using a maonocaster e2 connected via live output to my mixamp pro (Xbox) so I can use my microphone in chat, it works great, but I want to upgrade to the mackie , I was wondering if it also have a live output option like the maonocaster , Hope you can help
Hi ! With my RodeCaster Pro 2 I can manage 3 stereo inputs and 3 stereo outputs to my computer (using the 2 USB-C ports). With this DLZ how many "sound cards" can I have with a pc connected. Just one input/output ? Or many ? Is it mix-minus option in this case ?
It enables multitrack control as far as I'm aware so you should be able to individually record all the tracks available. Mix-minus is available on channels 5/6, 7/8 & 9/10 so this should be a possibility if configured correctly.
@@MikeRussell Yes but for my part it's to play 3 different sources coming from the pc, like 3 sound cards. It's what I do with RCP... But by reading the user manual it's seems to be possible to simulate 2 sound cards only and not 3... sor for my job I can't use it...
I have a question about the DLZ creator, when I record it on multi track on the SD card. It splits the audio after 18 minutes of recording an hour podcast can be split into four different portions. Have you found out to be an issue or work around for it?
I saw another review that demonstrated how LOW the volume of the 'low priority' channel when used in AutoMix. It was so low that it was practically unusable, and it appears to not be gain sharing at all, it's just low volume. Have you experienced this?
I love it. But I can't afford it. I had to get the RCP on a payment plan through American Music Supply. I make my last payment next month. Would love it...but 800.00 is way out of my budget.
Ok, however it is not clear to me how many channels can be assigned to the pc, only one? I see that they are fixed channels? that is, 4 channels for microphones? And what if I only need two channels and I want to take advantage of the other two to play audio from the PC? could you assign those two channels to the pc?
@@MikeRussell That is, you can't reassign each channel to personal configuration needs, it's a pity, not all people need to have 4 fixed channels for microphones.
@@MikeRussell Okay, it's incredible and I like everything else, the quality is perceived, maybe in the future they will add the option I need to have the configuration required for the project, I will follow the progress of this team.
It sounds like you might have some interference or grounding issues that could be causing the hissing noise with your speakers - try checking your cables, connections, and power sources to troubleshoot and eliminate the issue.
I got the Rodecaster Pro with a podmic microphone, they work amazing and its very easy to use it. On my headphones everything sounds very nice and loud but when I export it and hear it on my computer the volume is quiet low from what I was listenind on my headphones. Any suggestions?
READ THIS BEFORE YOU BUY 1. The fact that this unit records in FAT 32 file format is going to ruin SOME people's days. be careful out there. if you are recording a 1-hour long podcast, just note that this will break down the 60-minute-long recording show into 5 different files....yes, you read that correctly...5 different files of 2.15GB each...if you don't want to be manually aligning your audio at the end of the recording sessions, do not buy this. i sometimes record 3 hour long podcasts and I do not like MANUALLY ALIGNING my audio, only because this can throw off SYNC with video throughout the show at some point if not properly and precisely aligned (And no, it won't SNAP into place PRECISELY). 2. Also, MACKIE has not yet fixed the file name issue they have. every file is recorded and stamped with the same date, ALWAYS, and you won't be able to change that. it records every file with the 8th of MARCH of 2023...so finding out which file is which is a nightmare. 3. The media pads are HORRIBLE in my opinion. as a music producer, I have not yet encountered stiffer pads. it isn't light to the touch or anything close to that. you have to hard press them to trigger them. 4. Cannot connect it to the internet to update firmware or date settings, you have to manually place the firmware file into a flash then install it inside the machine and etc...not a huge inconvenience, but then again $800 ?! 🤷♂ 5. The unit does not automatically give you separate stems in various files. instead, it records them in one single file which you then have to open it in your DAW to extract the stems from...not all DAWs have the MULTITRACK functions to break these files down (Studio One 6.6 doesn't). Customer support is not great at all. the guy there is rude and it's like he doesn't want to help you at all. answers you with attitude for no reason, especially after you just dropped $800 on this thing. look, at the end of the day, to each their own. to some this may be helpful and to others this might upset them. At the end of the day, for me, this is 100% not better than the RODECASTER pro 2...even though RODE just acquired them 😄
@@MikeRussell you’re videos are always informative Mike. Thank you. I’ve had many disappointing experiences with machine over the years. This unit could be so so sooo much better if only they cared to fix the small little things. Instead their support is rude and just a fail. Once again, keep up with the amazing work! We all appreciate it!
While the Mackie DLZ Mixer may not have the Aphex Exciter or Big Bottom features I personally find the detailed audio processing and large screen to be more than enough to make up for the lack of Aphex or "specialist" effects.
A game changer would be a device you could actually make money with creating content. An ocean of content out there that people created that never earned a dime for anybody but Google, RUclips, and Comcast/ISPs. Not the creators.
Say thanks by visiting my store: musicradiocreative.com/ voice overs, royalty free music, audio presets and much more!
Camera couldn’t face the power of the Mackie DLZ Creator 😅- apologies for the red cross at some of the footage!
I'm an audio-engineer and a note-to-color music theorist, and I I must say, I DO recommend this to the general podcaster. Because of it's intuitive ease of use and function. Concepts like compression and limiting are highly abstract things that can take years to fully feel comfortable using. I'd consider this mixer a blessing. This unit has just come out, so its slightly more expensive than it's competitors, the Rode Podcaster Pro, or the Zoom PodTrack. But the prices should level out soon. If you have the cash, this this seems like a no-brainer for those who have little or no experience with working with audio and recording. Even I, myself want one! I want to savor that giant screen while I'm compressing my worst enemy during one of my podcasts! - The Acoustic Rabbit Hole
Very well put 👍
Hi Mike
The Elephant in the room, Latency ??
Mackie just took the lead over Rode! I have a Rodecastor and will add this to the studio ASAP!
Good choice
Great review! I have a Zoom LiveTrak L-8 and I really love it. It spawned a whole new genre of more specialized products that are very similar, yet broke the mold in terms of what you'd expect from a "basic mixer" by combining a bunch of functions that are commonly used together. The DLZ here looks like Mackie has just upped the ante again by showing us what a dedicated computer filled with a well curated collection of related tools and functions can look like. I love the fact that they chose to build three different UIs into it based on the user's experience level. I've been around computers since the birth of PCs, and one of the simplest things that has ever been done was to make every plug different so it was impossible to get things mixed up. The audio world is similar, and yet it baffles me how easily some people get totally confused trying to figure out how to plug something like a dynamic mic with an XLR connector into their phone without realizing there's a reason (several, actually) why you can't do that. Simply handing them even something like a LiveTrak L-8 doesn't help because they still have to learn this stuff. But having something like the DLZ that has a "newbie" mode that takes them by the hand and explains what to plug where is just genius! I've been in Guitar Centers when people come in and ask for help after buying even a simple mixer and they can't figure out how to make some mic or outboard pedal work with it. I don't know how much detail is provided by the DLZ, but I suspect that just this feature alone will make a lot of newbies far more comfortable by not having to get help from friends or at a store while trying sound like they know what they're doing. And it will spare them many hours of watching videos on RUclips!
Mike you're my new BFF! I've been trying to find a mini desk like this for months. Brilliant. Hi from Perth Australia
Enjoy 👌
Awesome!
Would love to see a comparison video of this and the RCPII!
There's full videos on this now, the RCP and the RCP II 👍
@@MikeRussell Yes, I’ve watched many of them. It would be nice to have a head to head video though!
Either way, this was a great video and looks like a great bit of kit.
This was a brilliant overview. Really enjoyed it. you've just gained yourself a new Subby!
Manners & Respect 🙏🏾
Thank you, I really appreciate the kind words and support!
Great walkthrough Mike! If I didn't own a Rode Caster Pro II already, I'd went for this. Been using Mackie mixers for my live shows for ages, the latest two I still own, a VLZ 8 channel and an FX8 are amazing axes. Out of sheer practicality, this new unit is much larger than the Rode Caster although that 10” screen os gorgeous, also there are no tech specs on their website to show if there's a Vesa mount undeneath which is a very important option for many. Bottom line and without even touching this, I'd recommend it over Røde to every new user who's just starting to livestream or podcasting
Thanks for taking the time to comment
Hi, would you please create a video tutorial how to connect a camera to Mackie dlz mixer for video livestreaming.
Absolutely, I'll add that to my list of upcoming tutorials! Thank you for the suggestion.
Does it have any audio routing like the rode on the Mac or PC?
Yes it does
Great
Can you compare it with the Rode caster pro II, just to see what the difference is. What is the price comparison
There's already a full review of the Rodecaster which you can use for feature comparison and pricing will depending on the retailers
Hi Mike, When it comes to using the mic settings using the Mackie DLZ (Processing), is it better than the RCP2 (using Apex Processing), when setting up your ElectorVoice RE20 or Shure SM7B mic? Which unit is better, or are they both great to use? Let me know what you can. Thank you.
Hey there! The Mackie DLZ has some great processing. Same with the RCP2. Aphex does add some punch if that’s what you need.
Great review! 👍
Thank you, I'm glad you found the review helpful!
You are a riot. Subscribed.
Thanks!
this is a voiceover …. AND THIS IS A VOICEOVER
Thanks for the detailed review! I am considering buying the DLZ but have heard some people talking about this mixer does have some latency up to 5ms. Have you experienced any noticable latency? And how does this mixer do for music production / karaoke?
There's a bit of latency but no more than other digital mixers of this genre. As it's working with a DSP inside it you would expect something but it's nothing that throws me off.
It'd be great for karaoke and music production as it has great effects including a reverb that is awesome.
This is an incredible mixer. Every I dotted and T crossed.
Glad to hear you're satisfied with the DLZ mixer's performance in your podcast setup. Every detail seems to have been meticulously addressed in your experience.
I bought one, and loved all the features of the mixer, Onyx Mic inputs, the versatility the effects and all the stuff..........But realized I cannot edit the sound wave on the device its self. There is no wave form or editing tools on board to do this. So I have to utilise it as a mixing desk only, and use an outboard DAW, to edit the wave file. In my case Audition. This is not clearly explained in the info of this product, and IT SHOULD BE, as you are marketing it to so called "beginner" thru experienced producer types. Put a bloody wave form editing software into the updates, so that realistic editing on the DLZ can be achieved.
Thank you for sharing your experience and perspective!
@@MikeRussell Yes Thanks for that Mike, but er...editing?....on board ???
Great unit! Thanks for the great review.
You're welcome
Can I connect my phone to it and accept calls and mix this like I can on the Rodecaster pro ii?
This does have a bluetooth channel
What about adding Multiple Cameras ? ? ? My Podcast is 4+ People
While the Mackie DLZ mixer is an excellent choice for improving audio quality in your podcast, adding multiple cameras for a podcast with four or more people would require a different solution, such as a video switching software or a multi-camera recording setup.
Mike I recently purchased this item. I have some questions when coming to connect the mackie to the FCC ENDEC Sage digital. What is the correct output that I should follow? We’re a broadcasting fm station and are required to transmit fcc required alerts. Thank you
Hey there! I’ve not had much experience with the FCC ENDEC Sage digital. Hope you can figure out the best way.
@@MikeRussell could you at least help me know what the correct output be.
Excellent video. Small question, if we occasionally have 5 or 6 people on our podcast, is it possible to connect a USB mic to the USB input, and a mic to the Left Right line, as with an XLR to L+R adapter? Thank you 🙌
No on the USB mic and possible on the line inputs but watch the gain levels.
@@MikeRussell Thanks for your reply, it's a great help. And since there's a left and a right input, do you think it's possible to connect an XLR to Line mic on the L and another on the R? That way, we'd have two tracks on one stereo track, which we can then split into two mono tracks if there's any editing (adding gain, for example) to be done on one track independently of the other?
If not, we've also thought of just adding an XLR splitter to one of the XLR inputs, although the tracks will be mixed into one… Thanks 🫡
Great review. Any info on bringing in Zoom meeting, taking calls, mix minus?
Mix minus is all included and you can bring in Zoom and calls either via USB ot the Bluetooth connection. It's great!
Hey Mike, I just bought a DPA 2011 twin diaphragm microphone and I cant make it work together with my DLZ Creator. Any ideas? Its complete silent.... Greetings from Sweden. Kind regards Ulf
Double check that the DLZ has switched over to the microphone preamp then play with the gain and phantom power as condenser mics like the DPA 2011 require 48V to function properly.
I'll get one but only when a firmware update incorporates an automatic mute for the monitors when the mics are on. This is so it can be used for radio outside broadcasts.
Maybe that will happen
What's with the big red Xs on the B-roll shots?
Great question! The big red Xs on the B-roll shots are a plugin error. Thanks!
Cool Product Mike. Will you do a comparison between this and the Rodecaster or even the Tascam and the zoom one?.
Thanks
There are videos on lots of mixers on the channel and hopefully they'll help you draw your conclusion on which one is best suited to your needs
I bought one of these at full price on release. Thought it would be a great upgrade from the Rodecaster Pro. Looks great and looked full of features.
Reality, build quality for a mixer at a near £800 price point was terrible. It rocked on the desk and didn’t sit flush. The faders are really cheap plastic and not built for purpose. The touchscreen was very slow and unresponsive. The microphone processing sounds dreadful. (Neumann TLM 103 and U87) not the I need the mixer for processing as I use TC Finalizer 96k but tested it.
The sound pads are small and unresponsive and no onboard storage means you have to use an SD to store your sound files which is so fiddly.
Mix minus on this is awful, I record into a professional online radio software and the levels were horrendous.
I had massive high hopes when I first saw it, I want something a bit more substantial than a Rodecaster with all the features.
Sadly this isn’t up to it and thankfully returned the next day.
Maybe the DLZII will be much better.
Please improve as I really think the vision is right.
I see you aren’t using it as your main mixer.
I am in the same boat I want to get DLZ create I have rodecaster pro 2 but after reading this I might hold off as I love rcp2 but thought this would be an upgrade. This was very informative
Hi thank for your video lot of help. I want to buy my first Podcast station, like lot of people i not sure about my choice. Mackie DLZ or Rode Caster.
I prefer the big screen of Mackie. But i love the option Depth, Sparkle and Punch of the Rode. Can i do the same with the Mackie ?
Thank sorry for my bad english
The Mackie DLZ mixer offers similar audio quality to the Rode Caster but you’d need to dial in manually using EQ and compression on the unit.
Thank you :) @@MikeRussell
Is this a Rodecaster killer??
The first question that popped into my head also!
I'll leave it for you to decide as there's videos on both the original Rodecaster Pro and the Pro II as well to decide based upon
Thank you for the great review. I dont really understand how Ducking works on the Device. If I want the Background Musik or Game Musik to Duck if I speak into the Mic
It's all automatic and made to work with very little input from you. That's one of the things that makes this mixer so good.
I have both RCP and RCP2. But this thingy impressed me a lot.
It's an impressive piece of kit
Hi Mike.
Would this be a good choice for voicetracking ? Mix minus would be required.. and how easy is it to allocate jingles/ effects to the pads.. for voicetracking is this better than the RodecasterPro2.
Thanks
Peter
It depends on what software you're using to voicetrack
Many podcasts nowadays tend to interview guests over Zoom/GMeet etc. How does this mixer work in that scenario? Does it have clean feed outputs?
You can setup mix minus with this mixer
Great review! I was skeptical when I saw it, thinking it was their version of the Rodecaster. Looks like it has a ton of additional features though!
It's a great product
Dear Mick, thanks for your "classes" in DLZ and Adobe Audition 😊 I just bought an American Audio DB Display Mk 2 for the fun of it. How do you recommend this to connect to my DLZ Creator? Thanks in advance/ Ulf
Thank you for your support, Ulf! To connect your American Audio DB Display Mk 2 to your Mackie DLZ Mixer, you can use the DLZ's AUX Sends or group outputs to send the audio signal to the display unit. Feel free to reach out if you need further assistance!
@@MikeRussell Thanks :-) Not really sure how you mean. I have two phono female plugs for monitors which are occupied. Do you mean the connection direct on the side of the monitor outputs (5/6)?
Hi Mike, can you recommend good studio Monitors for radio production, please? Might be a topic for a video too :) Thanks in advance.
Have a look here mrc.fm/equipment
whats with the red X over your B roll
The red X was a mistake. Thanks!
Does it have monitor mute when mics are active?
I have to say this is one glaring ommision that I couldn't see an answer for in my experience. Not great but perhaps can be fixed by firmware update. Also open to the fact I overlooked the feature and it does exist.
If I did not have the OG Rode caster pro I would go for this one, then again who knows might get it anyway !!
The original RCP is still a good desk
I have one problem with the DLZ Creator. I cannot play media files on the machine. I record the media on USB, but only can play on another device. Anyone has any idea of what I am missing?
Yes. Thanks for making those points.
WHAT CORD IS NEEDED TO PLUG IN IPHONE 12 13 OR 14 ? 15 IS USBC TO ?
To plug in an iPhone 12, 13, or 14, you can connect audio via Bluetooth.
@@MikeRussell what does this via Bluetooth iPhone feature allow u to do ?
Great video as always… how do you feel about this the sound quality from a stereo audio (standard music) based on this video when you used the iPhone for your loop… it sounded very muffled (Radioish) while typically Mackie (even the cheapest mixers) provide excellent stereo audio quality with great dynamics etc…
For the record, I’m one of those who don’t like the stereo audio out of the rodecaster.
Thanks
I love the audio quality coming out of this unit. Remember the audio from my phone was playing wirelessly via Bluetooth technology and there can always be some quality loss via this method so don't take that as a true representation of the stereo music capabilities of this.
Hey Mike, I appreciate your knowledge about Mackie and their commitment to maintaining excellent stereo audio sound quality. Could you provide me with a website where I can find a short audio sample? I'm in search of a mixer that offers podcast features while also delivering high-quality sound for music. While most mixers excel in microphone performance, many disappoint when it comes to basic audio stereo. I'm extremely grateful for your assistance. Thank you so much!
I don't have a sample I'm afraid other than what's in the video
Omg, Went to listen to your jingles. Those are perfect for my real estate videos. But man, they are pricey but really really great quality. Are your music available from any subscription services?
The MRC Jingles are exclusive to us
@@MikeRussell I see, thanks for sharing, will purchase them when a project deserve it haha.
Good to hear 👍
I apologize in advance if you covered this detail but I'm wondering about the ability to record and edit using SD card media / do you get individual tracks that you can edit in your DAW? I was looking at a Tascam podcast model that was limited to so many minutes per recording per track - any issue such as that with this Mackie? Thanks!
Hey there! Yeah, the DLZ Creator's pretty cool! It can record up to 12 tracks at once (4 mono, 4 stereo, plus the main mix). You can then edit these tracks individually in your DAW. Recording length? Mostly depends on your microSD card's storage and the recording quality. Just make sure to use a Class 10 or better microSD card and format it using the DLZ Creator. And yep, you can also play back and process recorded audio directly from the device. Hope this helps! 🎵👍
I wanna use this for recording vocals and maybe record some instruments...mainly for FL studio and making music! Do you think this will be good for me or is there something better for that? Great review BTW!😁
This may not be the desk for you depending on how many instruments you want to record
@@MikeRussellim thinking just my mic...midi keyboard...guitar and maybe somethimg else in the future
Do you have a link to this awesome peace of tech? I run a podcast and this is just what i need!
You can get full details on their website
How would this interact with a DAW such as Ableton? I am curious if it work as a multitrack mixer that can be assigned to multiple channels in Ableton?
This I am unsure about as I've not tried myself but I imagine you can assign different faders/sources to different tracks in Ableton as in Audition etc.
Hey, Mike. You may want to back to your NLE and license whatever video plug-in that is creating those watermarks on your insert shots.
Thanks, that's a whoops, appreciated 👏
Looks like it maybe better for some people than the Rodecaster Pro.... Nice work
Thanks
What I need are 4 input streams coming from 4 different PC's all with their own USB Mics attached.... sent across ethernet into a switch, and then from there into the Stream PC where they are mixed together on a real computer monitor with software wit mute, fader bars, and equalizers, and sent out to the internet (RUclips). How do I do this?
Neither the Mackie nor Rodecaster seem suitable to do this...
I’d suggest you drop a post in our community community.musicradiocreative.com/
Does the Mackie DLZ Creator allow the user to create presets or is it limited to the built in presets?
Absolutely! The Mackie DLZ Creator lets you create your own presets. It has ready-made presets, but you can also make custom ones for input channels, output channels, EQ, gate, compressor, and FX. You can tweak a factory preset to your liking and save it as your own. It's easy to load, save, rename, or delete presets. You can create presets for channels and effects. And don't forget, you can also make presets for output settings like EQ, compressor, reverb, and delay. Enjoy the flexibility!
Do you think theyll have audio routing options on the dlz creator like the GO XLR by chance?
Surely it could be possible. Let's watch this space for more!
@@MikeRussell sorry for asking another question ^^;; but since there's only one pc output on the dlz mixer, does that mean it won't be able to do a dual pc setup like the GO XLR where it has a line in and out so a 2 pc setup is possible?
Hi! How many input channels can be set to NDI out at the same time?
There’s only one NDI feed at present.
Ciao pensi possa andare bene in ambito musicale per registrare tracce come sax o tastiere ? ha opzioni interessanti che mi piacciono , lo schermo e opzioni easy /enhanced/ pro , ... non faccio podcasting ! grazie mille !
Absolutely, it can be versatile for recording musical instruments like sax or keyboards. The different screen options offer varying levels of customization depending on your needs...
Would this work for a radio station console?
Yes, the Mackie DLZ Mixer is well-suited for a radio station console setup, with its advanced features and intuitive control layout.
I've just saved up enough money to get one, so hopefully by next week it will be in my hands? This will save me having to load my GOXLR settings up in Windows, then booting into Linux. Mackie should work out of the box with Linux, connecting it through to OBS should be a breeze. I've also just made some content on AI voice overs, but need this Mackie DLZ to really give me that professional sound, that I cannot get through the GOXLR.
Best of luck with your new device
CAN YOU DOWNLOAD MORE SOUND EFFECTS INTO THIS MACKIE ? IF SO WHERE CAN YOU BUY SOUND EFFECTS PACKS ?
Yes, you can download and incorporate more sound effects into the Mackie DLZ Mixer using the SD card. Check out
@@MikeRussell effectively no drops ?
@@MikeRussell where is a good place to get sound effects ?
Hey Mike. Great vid, thanks. Would this be good for voiceover? Can you apply the effects (eq, noise gate etc) and record the effected take into adobe audition?
Unless you’re live streaming or broadcasting I’d always recommend recording raw audio and processing in post production.
@@MikeRussell
Thanks for letting me know. Much appreciated 👍🏻
I know this is a paid video but Def I can see this product as huge easy sell....make that affiliate game mate. 😅🎉
That's a product even I'm interested in. Neat and intuitive
Thanks! I appreciate your input. Yeah, the Mackie DLZ Mixer is definitely awesome. It's extremely user friendly and has some fantastic features. I've been using it as my main studio mixer recently and I couldn't be happier with it. Highly recommended!
what would be the video equivalent of this device that does not break the bank? i am looking for a video switcher with a large screen. something like yolobox with physical controls like the mackie . any suggestions?
You could consider the Stream Deck
Hi i was wondering if you can help me with a doubt I have , I’m currently using a maonocaster e2 connected via live output to my mixamp pro (Xbox) so I can use my microphone in chat, it works great, but I want to upgrade to the mackie , I was wondering if it also have a live output option like the maonocaster , Hope you can help
The Mackie device has outputs for studio monitors and headphones.
Hi ! With my RodeCaster Pro 2 I can manage 3 stereo inputs and 3 stereo outputs to my computer (using the 2 USB-C ports). With this DLZ how many "sound cards" can I have with a pc connected. Just one input/output ? Or many ? Is it mix-minus option in this case ?
It enables multitrack control as far as I'm aware so you should be able to individually record all the tracks available. Mix-minus is available on channels 5/6, 7/8 & 9/10 so this should be a possibility if configured correctly.
@@MikeRussell Yes but for my part it's to play 3 different sources coming from the pc, like 3 sound cards. It's what I do with RCP... But by reading the user manual it's seems to be possible to simulate 2 sound cards only and not 3... sor for my job I can't use it...
What sd card can I use with this device????
A standard SD card from SanDisk.
I have a question about the DLZ creator, when I record it on multi track on the SD card. It splits the audio after 18 minutes of recording an hour podcast can be split into four different portions. Have you found out to be an issue or work around for it?
I'm checking on this will let you know if I find a solution but, right now, it seems to be default behaviour.
@@MikeRussell because it encodes it in fact 32 when formatting the SD or USB instead of fat EX that handles bigger file sizes.
I saw another review that demonstrated how LOW the volume of the 'low priority' channel when used in AutoMix. It was so low that it was practically unusable, and it appears to not be gain sharing at all, it's just low volume. Have you experienced this?
It's not something I've experienced
I love it. But I can't afford it. I had to get the RCP on a payment plan through American Music Supply. I make my last payment next month. Would love it...but 800.00 is way out of my budget.
You can still have lots of fun with your current desk.
Can you use this on windows 10?
Yes, the Mackie DLZ mixer is compatible with Windows 10.
USB port for computer? I'm a broadcaster who uses USB chord from pc to my current mixer.
I'm not quite sure what you're asking?
Can I add vocal effects?
Absolutely, the Mackie DLZ Mixer allows you to add vocal effects through its built in effects processor.
@@MikeRussell nice! Thanks man!
Can I record music with voice?
Yes, this mixer would work well for recording both music and vocals.
How does it compare to the gigcaster?
That's not a comparison I can make I'm afraid
Sar how to remove movies dialogues background music in mobile 📲 sar please tell me
Ok, however it is not clear to me how many channels can be assigned to the pc, only one? I see that they are fixed channels? that is, 4 channels for microphones? And what if I only need two channels and I want to take advantage of the other two to play audio from the PC? could you assign those two channels to the pc?
The channels are fixed.
@@MikeRussell That is, you can't reassign each channel to personal configuration needs, it's a pity, not all people need to have 4 fixed channels for microphones.
For the price it is an amazing kit. You’d be spending a lot more to get a configurable desk like you describe.
@@MikeRussell Okay, it's incredible and I like everything else, the quality is perceived, maybe in the future they will add the option I need to have the configuration required for the project, I will follow the progress of this team.
Good piece of gear but the RCP 2 has more advantages and it’s $100 less.
Thanks 🙏
They're both very capable desks with their own strengths
What"s the price..?
Contact your local dealer for the price
Is it made to run 24/7
I’ve been using it a bit and no issues so far.
Is their time code built in?!
No
Anybody got unusable hissing noise with the speakers?
It sounds like you might have some interference or grounding issues that could be causing the hissing noise with your speakers - try checking your cables, connections, and power sources to troubleshoot and eliminate the issue.
You know when something is
Pro as it doesn’t need to mention it in the name. Shame it came out after I purchased RCP2 Mackie are veterans in mixers
Good point on the naming 😉
I got the Rodecaster Pro with a podmic microphone, they work amazing and its very easy to use it. On my headphones everything sounds very nice and loud but when I export it and hear it on my computer the volume is quiet low from what I was listenind on my headphones. Any suggestions?
It is 800. If they had added Dante I would have bought one up to 1200
Will NDI do thie trick? Check out their latest firmware update (v1.1) which is now live on their site. New video about this coming soon!
@@MikeRussell will have a look into it. Looking forward to the video 😁
Great!
Garcia Michael Perez Brian Thompson John
Thank you for watching! If you have any questions about the Mackie DLZ Mixer or any other audio gear, feel free to ask.
What this think can do the RC2 cant...just a copie man
Check the videos on both products and you can make your decision from there 👍
@@MikeRussell OK I LL MIKE
Does this have a ducking feature?
This has Automix 👍
@@MikeRussell Yes but it’s only between the microphone/line channels.
READ THIS BEFORE YOU BUY
1. The fact that this unit records in FAT 32 file format is going to ruin SOME people's days. be careful out there. if you are recording a 1-hour long podcast, just note that this will break down the 60-minute-long recording show into 5 different files....yes, you read that correctly...5 different files of 2.15GB each...if you don't want to be manually aligning your audio at the end of the recording sessions, do not buy this. i sometimes record 3 hour long podcasts and I do not like MANUALLY ALIGNING my audio, only because this can throw off SYNC with video throughout the show at some point if not properly and precisely aligned (And no, it won't SNAP into place PRECISELY).
2. Also, MACKIE has not yet fixed the file name issue they have. every file is recorded and stamped with the same date, ALWAYS, and you won't be able to change that. it records every file with the 8th of MARCH of 2023...so finding out which file is which is a nightmare.
3. The media pads are HORRIBLE in my opinion. as a music producer, I have not yet encountered stiffer pads. it isn't light to the touch or anything close to that. you have to hard press them to trigger them.
4. Cannot connect it to the internet to update firmware or date settings, you have to manually place the firmware file into a flash then install it inside the machine and etc...not a huge inconvenience, but then again $800 ?! 🤷♂
5. The unit does not automatically give you separate stems in various files. instead, it records them in one single file which you then have to open it in your DAW to extract the stems from...not all DAWs have the MULTITRACK functions to break these files down (Studio One 6.6 doesn't).
Customer support is not great at all. the guy there is rude and it's like he doesn't want to help you at all. answers you with attitude for no reason, especially after you just dropped $800 on this thing.
look, at the end of the day, to each their own. to some this may be helpful and to others this might upset them. At the end of the day, for me, this is 100% not better than the RODECASTER pro 2...even though RODE just acquired them 😄
Thank you for sharing your detailed experience with the product.
@@MikeRussell you’re videos are always informative Mike. Thank you.
I’ve had many disappointing experiences with machine over the years. This unit could be so so sooo much better if only they cared to fix the small little things. Instead their support is rude and just a fail.
Once again, keep up with the amazing work! We all appreciate it!
No, DEE ELL ZED sounds right.
It just depends where you come from I guess 🤷♂️
@@MikeRussell Britain! I hate unnecessary Americanisations.
@@videolan but Mackie is North American, so you might to pronounce it their way. Like North Americans would pronounce Leicester the British way.
Exactly that
Sir please tell me
Such a Big Box and no Aphex Exciter / Big Bottom, disapointing
While the Mackie DLZ Mixer may not have the Aphex Exciter or Big Bottom features I personally find the detailed audio processing and large screen to be more than enough to make up for the lack of Aphex or "specialist" effects.
$799!!!!! That’s a hard pass for me.
I mean in Europe it’s just €70 more than the RCPII. But you Americans had the RCPII for $699 so I understand it is shocking
Pricing is often different in different regions
Essta consola es mejor que la rode caster pro11
Comparing audio consoles can be subjective, but if you're looking at alternatives to the Rodecaster Pro take a look at my Mackie DLZ vids.
Quiero saber si se puede usar para emisora por internet
Sure it can.
A game changer would be a device you could actually make money with creating content.
An ocean of content out there that people created that never earned a dime for anybody but Google, RUclips, and Comcast/ISPs.
Not the creators.
The device is potentially you. You create the content, not the device
Can you use this with davinci resolve?
Yes, the Mackie DLZ series mixers can work with DaVinci Resolve for multichannel audio mixing.
@@MikeRussell thank you good sir
Sar how to remove movies dialogues background music in mobile 📲 sar please tell me
Sar how to remove movies dialogues background music in mobile 📲 sar please tell me
Sar how to remove movies dialogues background music in mobile 📲 sar please tell me