2024 Best Audio Digital Mixer For Beginners - Mackie DLZ Creator XS Review

In this video I dive into the brand new Mackie DLZ Creator XS - a smaller brother of the audio mixer I use - Mackie DLZ Creator.
We are looking at all the features, set up process and try and answer the question of which audio interface is the one to get in 2024 and beyond!
Key Video Moments:
00:00 - Introduction
01:05 - Mackie DLZ Creator XS - Portable Audio Mixer
02:32 - Why Consider the Mackie DLZ Creator XS?
03:52 - Features of the Mackie DLZ Creator XS
05:08 - Setting Up the Mixer
07:05 - Setting Microphone Levels
10:08 - Additional Mixer Features
12:18 - Conclusion and Comparison
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Hi there! I'm Mike Russell from Music Radio Creative. I am an Adobe Certified Professional and my aim is to teach you the secrets you need to know to create better-sounding audio with the use of various techniques. From Adobe Audition tips and tricks to your choice of microphones, audio gear, home recording setup, and many more! Podcasters, Livestreamers, Filmmakers, and even KZbinrs can make use of what I am about to show!
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#podcasting #audiointerface #mackiegear

[@T3KDJ]

Thankyou for the excellent review , i requested this a while ago, and you did it thanks again. keep up the good work cheers Joe

[@MikeRussell]

You're very welcome, Joe!

[@bradleyc79]

Thanks from Chicago, IL

[@MikeRussell]

Thank you for watching!

[@mynusten]

Thanks for the overview and agree with you. I’ve used the GoXLR, Rode Duo, Roland Bridge Cast and so far, the Mackie DLZ Creator XS is the standout. If you are open to an additional video, I’d appreciate your input on how Mix Minus works and how to route more than two channels from the PC, e.g. Discord and Apple Music from the computer and using two different dial-faders.

[@Charlesfrausto]

I'm trying to figure this out too, I just bought the RC Duo and I route Discord,Games,Music to there own channels on there, I want to know if the Mackie can also do that

[@MikeRussell]

Thanks so much! Mix minus is so easy on the DLZ. You just go to the channel tab and enable it for your computer input channel. No worries or tech to worry about!

[@mynusten]

@@Charlesfrausto I think there is only one extra chanel for outing PC audio out and into the Mackie DLZ. For the 9/10 stero virtual channel, I routed Discord. Outside of that, there is no additional channel available for music.

[@mynusten]

@@MikeRussell thanks and found the mix minus. This helped eliminate the looped fedback go into the PC when playing games.

[@_Zerth0]

I'm looking to get a Roland Bridge Cast because its on my budget and seems to have everything I need. What are your thoughts on it ?

[@aftertheshowmoviepodcast]

Thanks Mike will the automix feature fix mic bleed on both of our mics? We record a podcast in the same room.

[@MikeRussell]

Hi there! Yes, the Mackie DLZ Creator XS's automix feature should help minimise mic bleed when recording in the same room.

[@jerryh898]

I’m considering this unit for a small home studio. Currently using the SM7B or Heil PR40 with a Cloudlifter, dbx286s and FocusRite 2ii2. From a sound quality standpoint, will the Creator XS match up to what I’m currently using? Mostly use this for broadcasting/vocals for radio commercials and the occasional voice track.

[@MikeRussell]

Based on your setup with the SM7B or Heil PR40, the Mackie DLZ Creator XS should provide comparable sound quality for broadcasting vocals in your home studio setup.

[@jerryh898]

@@MikeRussell Thanks, Mike. Appreciate your input.

[@TheGaymingCompletionist1]

One thing I need to know is if you listen to a channel through solo does it mix the audio into mono like it does on the pro FX mixers of theirs? That was my only major grievance…

[@MikeRussell]

No, the Mackie DLZ Creator XS digital mixer does not mix the audio into mono when listening to a channel through solo.

[@bradleyc79]

easy to use I lke it

[@MikeRussell]

Thank you for the feedback! I'm glad you found the Mackie DLZ Creator XS easy to use.

[@bradleyc79]

You are welcome @@MikeRussell

[@musicislife704]

What camera you using for this video? Very clear sub!!!

[@MikeRussell]

Thanks for the compliment! I used the Sony A6400 for this video, glad you liked the quality!

[@doanitos2428]

Hi! Can I connect this device to iPad Pro M2 with usb c? Or is this designed just for mac/pc? Can’t find any info online :/ thx!

[@MikeRussell]

No, the Mackie DLZ Creator XS can only connect to computers.

[@finn.hermansen]

Hi Mike. Why not do a video on your studio DLC creator? So that we can have/get an idea of how that works?

[@MikeRussell]

Hi! Thanks for your suggestion.

[@T3KDJ]

deos The Mackie DS have auto ducking adjustment for the music when speaking on the mic. cheers or deos the Automix button do that for you ?. Cheers again

[@MikeRussell]

The Mackie DLZ Creator XS Automix will take care of levels really well for you!

[@T3KDJ]

@@MikeRussell Thanks for your quick reply ,cheersc

[@Hassanakora]

It can work for live program on stage? Is sound delay will be noticeable in events or only noticeable in headphones?

[@MikeRussell]

Yes, the Mackie DLZ Creator XS is suitable for live programs on stage, and while sound delay may be noticeable in headphones, it is unlikely to be noticeable in events.

[@Hassanakora]

@@MikeRussell thanks for reply

[@DannyBrownPodcasts]

I have to say, I'm tempted by this. I currently have a Rodecaster Pro 2, but the amount of issues via their firmware updates is making me consider switching away from them. It's that bad, the recent 1.3.4 firmware update completely bricked my RCP2, and many others, going by Reddit, and other online communities. Thankfully it's under warranty, so it's being repaired/replaced, but because I'm in Canada, my closest service centre is in another province altogether, so it looks like I'll be without for at least 2-3 weeks. Not great. My only concern is, with RODE now owning Mackie, will these quality issues now come on to Mackie's hardware...

[@MikeRussell]

I understand your concerns about firmware issues, but it's important to note that RODE's ownership of Mackie does not necessarily mean that Mackie's hardware will also be affected. Mackie has a strong reputation for producing reliable audio equipment, and their DLZ Creator XS digital mixer is a great option for beginners.

[@DannyBrownPodcasts]

@@MikeRussell That's what I'm hoping, that independence remains. We'll see, I guess. :)

[@zandtussenjetenen]

Master Channel does not have a knob but can only be controlled by using the touch screen! Thats a huge turnoff! Thanks for the vid.

[@MikeRussell]

Thanks for watching! It may be a drawback for some for sure.

[@CaptainBuba]

I wonder how you have your personal settings for the mackie DLZ Creator

[@MikeRussell]

I'll be sharing a walkthrough of my personal settings for the Mackie DLZ if it’d help?

[@Milkkyyzz]

itll help yes, i just got it and i need settings and cant find a video w anyones personal settings@@MikeRussell

[@BizantyjskiBorsuk]

Mike one million dollar question, can it record multitrack like GOXLR in OBS? if it does I'll buy it if it doesn't it's as useless as rodecaster pro2 or duo to me. Thanks in advance for answear

[@MikeRussell]

Yep 👍 The Mackie DLZ Creator XS digital mixer supports multitrack recording through OBS.

[@BizantyjskiBorsuk]

Mate thank you well I guess between this and Rode Duo I am going all in on Mackie thank you Mike @@MikeRussell

[@BizantyjskiBorsuk]

Please if its possible woudl you be able to do a video on how this would work? As in like a tutorial video, I would highly appreciate it and I know for a fact lots of people are looking for this solution as I can't have 3-4 channels squashed in to one signal when making my videos and I am not the only one out there 🙏@@MikeRussell

[@TheRockPilePodcast]

I’m looking to up my game podcasting but the tech side is not my strength. I’m torn between the Mackie vs Rodecastor Duo.

[@MikeRussell]

Based on your comment, the Mackie DLZ Creator XS would be a great choice for beginners because of their easy mode.

[@TheRockPilePodcast]

@@MikeRussell thanks for the response. Are you able to upload your shows from the dlz to the computer ?

[@latonyacrawford8236]

So I have my Windows lap top my audio-technica mic, DT 770 head phones, how will having this gadget make my VO recording better?

[@MikeRussell]

Having the Mackie DLZ Creator XS digital mixer will enhance your voiceover recordings by providing you with great audio processing and control over your mic and headphone levels.

[@CRE8VALU]

@latonyacrawford8236 this question can't be answered unless you state how you currently have your AT mic connected to your Windows laptop when recording VOs. Is it a USB mic or standard audio mic? If it's a USB mic, for example, you wouldn't even be able to use the Mackie for VO without getting a standard non-USB mic.

[@latonyacrawford8236]

@@CRE8VALU Yes it is USB connected.

[@CRE8VALU]

@@latonyacrawford8236it won’t help you the. Because it doesn’t have USB mic inputs. You would need to get a traditional audio mic.

[@CRE8VALU]

@@latonyacrawford8236 it won’t help you then because it doesn’t have USB mic inputs. You would need to get a traditional analog mic for this.

[@roxanne1987r]

How do i get ahold of you to help guide me fix my issue? It would mean so much

[@MikeRussell]

You can reach out to me directly through the contact information provided in the video description.

[@roxanne1987r]

@@MikeRussell alright thanks!

[@Twosevenboy1]

rode really bought mackie ....that actually sucks Im sick of these monopolies just absorbing the comp

[@MikeRussell]

Although it may seem like a monopoly the acquisition could potentially lead to innovative audio products that combine Rode's expertise with Mackie's technology for creators like us to enjoy. Here’s hoping!