Mackie DLZ Creatorchat_bubble_outlineFrom real comments

Users wanted more than the four preamp inputs, additional virtual channels for streaming, and a second USB port for dual-PC setups, feeling the routing options and 'Creator' branding fell short for serious streamers and musicians.

@Thinkingman72

I took a that $799 spanking getting \"new shiny\" despite already owning a Tascam Mixcast 4 which was doing what I needed. Sadly to date Mackie DLZ Creator is still on firmware 1.2 and nothing looking like updates in the works. It's not exactly useless but, it's not $799 useful either. Most retailers are dropping the price and honestly Rode, Tascam and Roland have better options for less money with far more active support/updates. DLZ can be put to work in some creative ways, it hasn't really had the impact or game changing influence of the Rodecaster P2. As OP mentioned simple missed opportunities like a \"transfer mode\" and \"clock setting\" would have made real difference. No \"MIDI\" was a miss, no \"companion software\" another miss, routing options are basic \"another miss\". Major wins would be screen size, user friendly modes and preamp output level. NDI almost was a win but the implementation is too clunky. If this device was easy to pair or sync with video hardware it would have been slam dunk but they had great marketing paired with an under performing device.launch

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April 27, 2025

@CoffeeTalkandTechJohnRyan

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.launch

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March 12, 2024

@MusicWizard85

I like the Mackie DLZ Creator. I like the user interface and Easy - Enhanced - Pro options. However I wish Enhanced mode had just a little more specific tweaking capability. It seems like just a hair more than Easy mode. \n\nDLZ Creator also supports audio over USB as an input as well as Bluetooth which is great. However, it only has 4 inputs with preamps...Mackie Onyx 80 preamps which came out 18 years ago in 2005...😬🤷‍♂️ More of a \"mini mixer\" than a true mixer. I'd like to see at least 10 combo jack inputs, all with better preamps. There's a rumor I heard that Mackie is working on a bigger, more expensive version of this but I have no idea of when it will come out or if true. \n\nAnother new digital mixer that's a peg up from these is the new Yamaha DM3S ($1,699) and DM3D ($1,999). More inputs and supports up to 96kHz. However, I much prefer the UI of the DLZ Creator. Digital mixers have really come a long way. If I had to buy right now I'd probably get the Yamaha DM3S or DM3D but if Mackie makes a bigger, better version I'd lean in their favor.launch

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July 12, 2023

@marilyto

Oh man i was waiting for this review… \nSadly that second usb port it was a must have for a dual pc streaming podcast setup, Mackie i had hopes! \nThey need to revive the DL series with dual usb ports and updated preamps cause thos mixers are legendary.launch

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May 21, 2023

Several buyers described cheap plastic faders, a unit that rocked on the desk, and a slow, unresponsive touchscreen for a near-$800 device. One reviewer returned it the next day over these issues.

@YanisLu

This is a paid review. The device is actually total bullshit. I bought it based on reviews and returning it today. Do UX is just incredibly bad. And you can’t use it as your audio interface because it doesn’t even have a physical main volume knob. Yes it does have bigger screen than Rroadcaster duo but the screen is actually very laggy and not much you can do since the interface is so bad.launch

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April 21, 2025

@Griffomedia

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. \nReality, 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) \nThe 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.\nMix minus on this is awful, I record into a professional online radio software and the levels were horrendous.\nI had massive high hopes when I first saw it, I want something a bit more substantial than a Rodecaster with all the features.\nSadly this isn’t up to it and thankfully returned the next day.\nMaybe the DLZII will be much better.\nPlease improve as I really think the vision is right.launch

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July 11, 2023

@GadesChannel

This device is huuuuuge! 😮 I see also it has a quite unrensponsive screen, but in general I'm impressed by the features, especially automix 😃 One problem - I have no enough space on my desk for this monster 🤥 I use RodeCaster I and this is the limit of the size...launch

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May 19, 2023

Multiple users reported the unit failing to be detected by PCs, distorted or unusable audio from computer sources, and constant disconnects that sometimes only partially resolved on Mac or iPad.

@tminusoftexas3224

I Just found your video and I'm having a usb nightmare. I downloaded the usb drivers and it still doesn't see it . When you pull it up in the computer it shows the name of the unit and has a yellow triangle on it. I have updated everything on PC and nothing. My mixcaster4 no issues. If anyone have any ideas to fix let me know or tag a video.launch

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January 11, 2026

@mfigeroux

The DLZ Creator has been a frustrating experience. The system constantly disconnects, failing to be detected on any PC. It’s clearly a USB-related issue, and surprisingly, it only seems to work on Mac or iPad—but even then, the problem persists. I’m constantly unplugging and restarting my Mac just to get it working. This device is in serious need of a recall or a complete redesign.launch

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February 10, 2025

@stefanski8287

Someone wrote this as a feedback on Amazon... have you tested or experienced this?\n\nWhen I read about the Mackie DLZ Creator I ordered it on the spot. I was very excited for all of the features and it’s possibilities. Everything worked great except one key feature, it would not record audio from my MacBook. We have a podcast studio and need to record audio from zoom, YouTube, and other internet sites. The audio would be distorted and high pitched. I called tech support but all they said was it was because of the sampling rates and that I needed to make sure they were the same as the Mackie. I have never had an issue with my Rode Caster 1 or 2. I may have gotten a bad unit but I had the return it because I have employees who need plug and play and are not tech savvy.launch

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August 2, 2023

Commenters noted the absence of a proper line out for feeding cameras or broadcast equipment, causing distortion when connecting via mic-level workarounds and missing an opportunity to serve as a budget radio studio mixer.

@ToviaSinger1

How do I run audio out of a DLZ into my Canon XF605 pro video camera, 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 youlaunch

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November 21, 2023

@iziwacu-h8x

Great piece of gear there! But I think they forgot one important thing : a line out just in case someone needs to route sound from the DLZ. Doing so would have transformed the DLZ into a budget digital radio studio mixer. I said the same thing about RCP2. Only Tascam put the line out on Mixcast 4.launch

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June 10, 2023

@DocFUNKist

Hi, quick question… at 9:50 you said that there was no line out for consumer level camera input… you then mentioned that middleware box… I was curious… why not have used 2 6.3mm JACK to a single 3.5MM? any particular reason why would the box be helpful or necessary? Many thanks and great video as always.launch

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June 5, 2023

Some users found the unit too large for their desk setup compared to smaller alternatives like the RodeCaster, limiting where it could realistically be placed.

@thejasontlewis

I've been using this for a while and find that it's somewhere in between super powerful and not quite there, as you point out here. I love the idea of it, but it is too big and the overall flexibility lacks. I also do music in addition to content creation and I would love to use it for both, but I just don't trust the quality for music.launch

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July 22, 2024

@GadesChannel

This device is huuuuuge! 😮 I see also it has a quite unrensponsive screen, but in general I'm impressed by the features, especially automix 😃 One problem - I have no enough space on my desk for this monster 🤥 I use RodeCaster I and this is the limit of the size...launch

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May 19, 2023

One buyer noted the device remained on firmware 1.2 with no updates in the works, and another said Mackie tends to stabilize a product then move on, leaving hoped-for improvements unaddressed.

@TheMixClub

Ya Mackie kinda Dropped the ball on this. Mackie has never had strong effects and they are in mono to. Good vid. I think its gonna be a paper weight soon. no updates in a year., this is kinda Mackies thing. Get it stable for the most part and then move on to new things. I was hoping when Rode Took over we would see some cool things. Looks like we are SOL..launch

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June 25, 2025

@Thinkingman72

I took a that $799 spanking getting \"new shiny\" despite already owning a Tascam Mixcast 4 which was doing what I needed. Sadly to date Mackie DLZ Creator is still on firmware 1.2 and nothing looking like updates in the works. It's not exactly useless but, it's not $799 useful either. Most retailers are dropping the price and honestly Rode, Tascam and Roland have better options for less money with far more active support/updates. DLZ can be put to work in some creative ways, it hasn't really had the impact or game changing influence of the Rodecaster P2. As OP mentioned simple missed opportunities like a \"transfer mode\" and \"clock setting\" would have made real difference. No \"MIDI\" was a miss, no \"companion software\" another miss, routing options are basic \"another miss\". Major wins would be screen size, user friendly modes and preamp output level. NDI almost was a win but the implementation is too clunky. If this device was easy to pair or sync with video hardware it would have been slam dunk but they had great marketing paired with an under performing device.launch

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April 27, 2025

A commenter who studied the feature closely found the automix only applies post-mix level ducking with fixed priority settings, rather than genuine automatic gain sharing like the Zoom F8's Dugan-style processing.

@ntchi

Thanks for clarifying the automix features and USB layout 13-14... I'm disappointed with the automix implementation.\nThis 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.\nAnd you really clarified it. True gain sharing don't have priority setting, it's actually automatic!\nIn it's current state it's \"fake\" automix. \nIt seems to only be a post-mix level adjustment... mid -3db and low -12db\nThat's a real bummer, that was one of it's key selling point in my opinion.launch

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June 21, 2023

Long recordings are broken into multiple 2.15GB FAT32 files that must be manually realigned, and every file is stamped with the same incorrect date, making organization a nightmare for frequent podcasters.

@Leele0

READ THIS BEFORE YOU BUY\r\n1. 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).\r\n\r\n2. 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.\r\n\r\n3. 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.\r\n\r\n4. 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 etc...not a huge inconvenience, but then again $800 ?! \r\n\r\n5. 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).\r\n\r\nCustomer 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.\r\nlook, 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 themlaunch

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April 19, 2024