UPDATE: I just had a call with Mackie about post-fader recording. As I was explained, if recorded in multitrack, only the stereo L+R is muted if the master fader is down, but the multitrack channels are not affected, they are still going to be recorded at their fader positions. The issue I have mentioned with post-fader recording only affects the stereo main recordings. Still I think auto-muting speakers if mics are active is a must-have, but from what I heared, Mackie thinks the same. :)
Wow, an impressive, thorough, and very helpful review. Especially appreciate the cons...two of which are deal-breakers for my workflow. Maybe Mackie can fix them in a firmware update? I'll wait on this one. Thank you for all your hard work!
Thank you! I think Mackie is pretty committed, they are actively seeking user feedback. I do hope that firmware updates will be regular on this one - let’s see. It would be a shame if it won’t, as I was impressed with the audio quality and the UI.
Thanks for clarifying the automix features and USB layout 13-14... I'm disappointed with the automix implementation. This is not a true "automix" like found on the zoom F8 or any Dugan style process... That "priority" setting raised my doubt when it was announced. And you really clarified it. True gain sharing don't have priority setting, it's actually automatic! In it's current state it's "fake" automix. It seems to only be a post-mix level adjustment... mid -3db and low -12db That's a real bummer, that was one of it's key selling point in my opinion.
Thanks for the review, I would say epic, yes! Comprehensive in a fairly short amount of time. I am seriously considering purchasing this product and your pros and cons are fair and honest based upon your experience with the unit. The Podtrak P8 I am using now makes me feel like I am guessing on the gain settings and Zoom does not appear to have any desire to update the firmware. I love the DLZ interface and the user modes which would allow me to “grow into” the more complicated settings as I learn and progress. As long as I can get files into the DLZ and back out into my Mac then I’m okay. As long as I can host a phone call then I’m okay. But I think the ultimate point you made was that there is a lot of headroom for improvement by Mackie and from what I understand they won’t let their customers down. I wish I could say the same about Zoom. I will continue to research the RCP2 but if you are confident in your assertion that Mackie will take care of the shortcomings you mention, then I just may go ahead and go for the DLZ. One thing I don’t think you mentioned was the Auto-Ducking feature which is really cool. Thanks again!
That is so interesting about channels 13/14 which most conferencing apps won't recognize. That is huge, thank you. Can I ask, what would the difference be between sending a multitrack through USB or stereo through to a conferencing app? What would the difference in what people and I hear be?
It's actually quite common to use the last channels as your audio output however most software is dumb and only expects to have two channels left and right. What most manufacturers do to get around this is give you a routing matrix or selectable modes. One of those selectable modes is 2 channel only mode. It's an annoying problem right now. Although I am using a XR18 which lets me route.
Love your videos mate. I have a rode aster pro 2 but now I'm gonna buy this. I have a question though. Does the DLC also export each channel individually for each mic channel? Instead of just summing everything into a stereo bounce?... The rode aster pro 2 does this quite well, and I read online someone complaining that the dlz doesn't give you that option. I want to be able to export each channel separately so I can later import them into my DAW for further tweaking.
I know it i a lot to ask...but midi DAW control (at least a certain amount...like the Rodecaster Pro has) would be a nnice added feature. Maybe in future firmware updates? :)
Thank you for this detailed video! At min marker 11:15, although I like the advanced audio settings you can set up for your mic, I STILL prefer using the RCP2's Aphex Processing far better. As it has a few more features not found with the MDLZ unit. Plus, the RCP2 1/3 smaller and fits my desk perfectly. For those two reasons alone, I'm definitely sticking with the RCP2. Also, I have a FULL 2 Year Warranty and had an issue with one of my RCP2 units (three of the pad lights would not shut off for some reason), and sent the unit into RODE and they replaced it with a Brand New one. That only took 8 days, from the time I shipped it out, to the time I received the Brand New unit. Lastly, their phone tech support service is AMAZING! As well as their Firmware Updates keep getting better and better. Hope this helps anyone else who's on the fence with choosing the RCP2 or the MDLZ unit. Again, thanks for the review!
The general advice there is that you shouldn’t wait for something that’s not even been announced yet. I honestly don’t know if a Mixcast 5 is coming - if I have to guess, it makes more sense for Tascam to create a smaller device, like the Zoom Podtrak p4 (P5?) than get another big one out to where it seems quite crowded already. This is a great sounding device, I really enjoyed using it: if you are OK with its current shortcomings, I have no hesitation recommending it over a “Mixcast 5”.
Oh you have a video abou ploy wave files that's nice. I am fairly experienced around Audio however all the advice I was finding online was just drag it into your software and it will read it… No nothing I opened it and could understand it but then again was I was dealing with a 32 channel recording and not a lot of Software handles that. and I think that something rather recent that everything has been upgraded to. It is useful for keeping all the tracks together in one file In a way helpful for the user rather than having 32 individual tracks files for every recording.
1 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 just now trying to decide between the Boss Gigcaster or the Mackie DLZ. I have a show with mostly streaming guests, but I also want to record piano or voice into the mixer.
Great video! I was excited for the review. Something that I haven’t found very clear: do we, like on the RCPII USB1 connection, have 4 USB audio input channels (5-6 and 7-8) and 4 USB audio output channels? Or is there only two (L-R) output channels?
Hi, and thanks! There are 4 USB input-output channels in stereo mode (1-2 and 3-4, so 2 stereo inputs/outputs) but only USB 1-2 appears out of the box (or after you’ve installed the drivers on windows). You can manually configure USB 3-4 though and then, as on the RCP2’s USB1 port, you’ll have 2 stereo input/outputs. If in multitrack, you have 14 USB send channels into your DAW (the stereo mix will then be on USB 13-14).
@@PodcastMeister okay, thank you for that very clear answer. So it’s just like RCPII’ USB1 connection then. And what do you mean by manually configure the second stereo channel?
@@clemradio I mean that it does not appear on the computer out-of-the-box, like the RCP Main and RCP Chat virtual audio devices, but only as a single “DLZ Creator” audio device. Then, on the Mac, you need to go to the Audio-Midi Settings, create a new aggregate device, set up speaker output for this to usb 3-4, and then you’ll have a second virtual audio device that you can select as an audio input or output wherever it is allowed.
…and then you can select it also as a source to either to the 5/6 or to the 7/8 input, so that you can control it with their faders and switch on mix-minus if needed.
Best review I've seen so far. Most just get a free one from Mackie and say it's just wonderful. We need actual tests from knowledgeable people. What do you think about the Boss Gigacaster series?
Thank you! I haven’t had the chance to test the Gigcasters, but I think that it’s the 8 what’s worth considering (the SD card-recording is a must have and the 5 does not have it). Also it is much more suited to musicians, especially guitarists and vocalists due to the quality BOSS effects, but otherwise the Mackie DLZ and the RØDECaster series seem more refined and easier to use as audio consoles from the reviews I’ve seen so far.
Can you please update this post now that the new firmware v1.1 has been released? I'd like to know how many of the items on your list have been addressed?
I found a big fail under my point of view in case you need use it on obs (for example), how we can control each channel separated of the rest of other channels? I cannot to have all the audio outputs at the same channel (as NDI). Any idea about how I could solve it? thank you!
How do I run audio out of a DLZ into my Canon XF605, which has XLR inputs? When I connect a 1/4 TRS cable to the XLR, the sound is distorted because of the mic level vs. line level. How can I overcome this and run my sound from the DLZ directly into the Canon XF605? Thank you
Hey, since you're familiar with both, how would you say the noise of the preamps compares to the Mixcast? I know the DLZ has more gain, but curious how different the noise levels are at similar gains.
@@PodcastMeister I went ahead and bought one to test myself haha. I agree with your assessment. If Mackie adds an auto mute function, it will be perfect.
I just bought one! I am a person who sees a color-shape for each note. This led to begun studying many disciplines from anywhere neuropsychology, to chakra meditation. I began documenting my findings which culmunated into the creating of a new keyboard and notation system. I call it the Musicolor Matrix. I also began pinpoint reasons composers and songwriters choose specific keys for specific emotive effects and themes. I call this my Theory of Pitch Psychology. Anyway, my point is that as I began to share my new discoveries on my RU-vid channel, I realized its time to talk to others and get some real-time feedback and dialogue about my findings. Being that I have been a musician all of my life, and also have been recording my own A432 Hz compositions, I have already a generally strong understanding of how advanced recording features. I just wanted to share that for me, chose this unit over the Rode Podcaster because of it's elegance, ease of use, and large touch-screen editor. It may be "overpriced" (mabye $150 to $175 more) than it's competitors, but I see it as paying for the miracle of technology itself. I will also be using it to record my piano with voice. I wanted to mention the Boss "Gigcaster 8" podcast mixer. While it is not as feature-rich as the Rode Gigacaster or the Mackie DLZ, for those content creators who want to use it for more serious recording. More options, and well as excellent effects by Boss. Hope this input helps. Also, if any one does want to check out my work, it's here on uToob at The Acoustic Rabbit Hole. God Bless.
I am the guy u replied to àn hour ago on the Zoom mixer video. Im just wondering how are things regarding the firmware updates since u made this video and whether they already addressed any of the problems. I sent a reply to ue message under the Zoom L video but u may not have seen it... Marcus
Hi Marcus, I‘m still waiting for the DLZ CS to test the latest fw. It seems that the smart pads have more functionality, but I need to test the other features to be able to tell.
ANY company that offers only a 90 day warranty for their product obviously knows just how unreliable it is‼️If they have no faith in their product, WHY SHOULD WE❓
I get the joke And it was very good, you had me skip back to check if I heard that right (was doing something else on the side) But Paganini was supposed to have absolutely MASSIVE hands allowing him to easily play 12ths (I can just about do 10ths, and I have pretty long fingers) I know I’m fun at parties, no one needs to tell me
I'm still on the fence for getting this for my radio show so my only question is 1. Can i use this with broadcasting software and 2. Can i play backround music while recording with this device?
While I‘m not familiar with broadcasting software, I see no reason why you could not use the DLZ with it. You can play background music while recording (ie from a phone through Bluetooth or via the 1/8“ port, or from your computer looped back into the DLZ. I’m not sure if you can record to the SD card/USB drive while playing back music from it), but it will make it into the recording. If you are recording in multitrack though, that‘s not really a problem, only if you are recording in stereo, as then you won‘t be able to remove that background music track later.
@@PodcastMeister Yes it can do both. I own the DLZ just picked it up one week ago and use it to stream Radio Boss internet radio station. Background music is played while person is speaking on mic. Music play back, RU-vid, sounds pads too. This machine is awesome for my needs. Auto ducking is awesome!
@@proclaimgospelradio just got mines in the mail can you tell me what software you used for it because i use mixxx and I'm getting nothing for sound, other than that this thing works beautifully for the playback on my speakers from the recording since I'm using multi track recorder.
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 😄
I get so confused...Rode put out the rcp2 without virtual channels. Now the dlz creator has almost no routing??? I know now you can use ndi through the ethernet but many streamers want more virtual channels then rode offers. I think calling this the creator 🤔 was a mistake as again you just left out the streaming maket without having multiple virtual channels.😮 many musicans want that ability too. Wouldn't you agree.
