Best small podcast and livestream sound mixer? Mackie DLZ XS
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- čas přidán 21. 07. 2024
- In this episode we review the Mackie DLZ Creator XS. This podcast/livestream/creator audio mixer competes most directly with the RODECaster Duo. It is nearly half the size of the Mackie DLZ, but has most of the same, amazingly powerful features. Let’s have a closer look and a listen!
Comparison of RODECaster Pro II, Mackie DLZ Creator, and Mackie DLZ Creator XS: airtable.com/appVVnGih7dAdxBD...
Video covering how to get audio from your podcast mixer to your livestream: • Getting Audio from you...
If you’d like to learn how to make great dialogue audio for your film and video projects, please have a look at my courses including processing dialogue audio in Adobe Audition and DaVinci Resolve/Fairlight, recording sound, how to use the Zoom F4, F6, F8, and F8n, and how to get the most from the Sound Devices MixPre series of recorders. Our latest courses cover Sound for Live Streaming with the ATEM Mini and an Intro to Izotope RX. See school.learnlightandsound.com for more info!
Support my work creating videos by donating at Ko-Fi.com: ko-fi.com/curtisjudd
Gear used or mentioned in this episode. The links below are Amazon.com, B&H Photo, Sweetwater, or other affiliate links. As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases:
Some of my other gear:
- Mackie DLZ Creator XS adaptive digital mixer - B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon geni.us/6lDtu69
- Mackie DLZ Creator adaptive digital mixer (the big brother) - B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon geni.us/42KrX0
- RODECaster Pro II digital mixer - B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon geni.us/iFlEMB
- RODECaster Duo digital mixer - B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon geni.us/ieTO
- RODECaster Steamer X USB audio and video interface - B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon geni.us/YW3LpSV
- Earthworks ETHOS microphone - B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon geni.us/8G8UdBB
- Impact Turtle-Base C-Stands - B&H, Amazon geni.us/8a8tt
- Aputure LS 600x Pro Bicolor LED Light - Aputure, B&H, Amazon geni.us/EreRQa
- Aputure Light Dome III Softbox - Aputure, B&H geni.us/AVHU1p
- Amaran 300c RGBWW Single-Point LED Light - geni.us/uGkDX
- Amaran Spotlight SE - Aputure, B&H, Amazon geni.us/4DuyTz
- Rosco Prismatic Glass Gobo in Cool Lavender - B&H geni.us/GWKt
- Canon C70 Cinema Camera - B&H geni.us/ABYB
- Canon RF 24-70 f/2.8 lens - B&H, Amazon geni.us/qwsEs
- Panasonic GH5 camera - B&H, Amazon geni.us/InspOl
- Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8 II lens - B&H, Amazon geni.us/gr47
The intro and outro music for this episode is from Musicbed - “Dynamo” by Virgil Arles. Take your films to the next level with music from Musicbed. Sign up for a free account to listen for yourself: geni.us/G7by
Copyright 2024, Curtis Judd
#Mixer #Mackie #DLZXS #Podcast #Livestream
Index
00:00 Intro
00:17 Easy, enhanced, pro modes
00:26 Automatic gain setting
00:34 Size comparison to DLZ and RODECaster Pro II & big screen
01:04 2 microphone, line, instrument inputs
01:24 Rotary knob faders
02:06 80 dB of gain for mic inputs, no cloud lifter NOT needed
02:36 Balanced outputs for monitors or line level
03:24 Pads for music, effects
03:49 NDI audio over ethernet
04:17 Automix for cleaner mixes
04:30 Effects - EQ, noise gate, compressor, de-esser
05:13 Contextual settings knobs
05:53 Audio delay up to 250 ms
06:17 USB Audio Interface
06:52 Mix minus for remote guests
07:20 Custom headphone mixes
07:28 Headphone outputs
07:38 Preamplifiers are clean - self noise measurements
08:154 Build quality
08:30 What’s included & price
08:45 No physical master fader
09:10 Latency from to ouputs/headphones
10:02 No 3.5mm output for cameras
10:25 No mounting taps or VESA
10:45 Not powered via USB-C
11:11 Which podcast mixer should I buy?
12:07 Which mixer I use for my livestreams 90% of the time?
12:53 Why do I choose the Mackie DLZ?
13:08 Detailed comparison of DLZ vs DLZ XS vs RODCaster Pro II
13:46 What the RODECaster PRO II does that the DLZ does not
14:46 DLZ vs ZOOM Podtrak mixers
16:06 My favorite podcast & livestream mixer
16:58 Summary
17:12 Please buy my courses
That comparison table is insanely helpful, thanks for another great review, Curtis!
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Curtis, you always do a great and thorough job - pointing out pluses and minuses. Thank you for your effort.
Thanks Mark 👍
Great job, I was waiting to see your take on all this new shiny and you didn't disappoint.
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Thank you for the fantastic video and your genuine thoughts! I'm really excited about the new Mackie mixer - it meets all my needs and is the perfect solution with its compact size. I've always admired Mackie's analog mixers, and this one seems like an excellent new addition.
Thanks! This isn't quite as advanced and flexible as some higher end digital mixers...yet. But they can update the firmware to add new flexibility as time goes on. So far, they've already added NDI audio.
Great review Curtis and as someone who not only lives near you but also works for one of the oldest/largest event production companies in UT, it's nice knowing there is an expert nearby who I can turn to for clear concise explanations.
As for this device, I personally use the Rodecaster Duo at home for podcasts and streaming because of the dual PC support via the 2nd USB. Now if Rode would just add more virtual channels, I'd be set.
👍 nice to meet a neighbor! Yes, the dual PC feature is a great asset.
Very useful video. Thanks Curtis. You empower my understanding of so much through your videos. Very grateful to you.
Fantastic review, transparent about the paid bits. Thank you for a detailed walkthrough and comparison of features. Very balanced and just the review I was looking for as an experienced DAW user. 🙌✊🔥🙏
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I think it's high time Curtis did a review of the Tascam Mixcast 4. Who's with me?! It's not a new product and many have reviewed it so far, but Curtis is THE MAN! Come on Curtis! I'm a Seattle guy and can run it by you if you're not getting a hold of one easily.
Drop it on by. 😉
I'm with you!
looks awesome! excited for the Mackie MainStream Live Streaming and Video Capture Interface review!!
Yes, looks neat!
Great Job! Your knowledge makes my experience just so much better. Thank you.
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Now that Rode has acquired Mackie. I want to see a combination of DLZ and the Rodecaster
Me too! Technically, it is RODE's parent company - Friedman group - who bought Mackie so they're sort of peers in a bigger company.
Do you know how many times I tried to clean the smudge on my screen and realized it's your account thumnail?? 🤣
@@The-Logician LOL
Personally the wireless mic and more custom assignable sliders would be a good pull over from Rode to DLZ
I’m excited to see what hits the market. Because the biggest reason why I chose the Rodecaster is because of the 2 usb ports. Getting support for 3 channels of audio to and from 1 computer or 2 computers with just 2 usb cables works great for my workflow when I livestream.
Awesome!
Another great review as always!!Thank you!
Thanks!
nice review video as always Curtis
Thanks Tim 👍
Great review. Had the Rode, the DLZ and the boss gigcaster. DLZ outperformed all of them. So in the market to buy the DLZ again. Saw the XS but not having a knob/fader for the master is a turnoff. So back to the DLZ again.. And the costs is juist €200 more so if you have the space.. Just DLZ Without the XS.. 🎉🎉🎉
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Keep up the great work from Chicago
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Sheesh this was concise. Loved it. Looking to phase my MOTU M4 from my desk, and slot in the mix pre 3-II in it's place for the noise assist and a sensitive stellar mic i have. This would work. I think mix pre updated the noise assist where you can now use it on multiple channels. I'd love if you could do an updated noise assist video or CZcams Short
If the NoiseAssist is a must have, the MixPre is a great option. I did make this video about 6 months ago and still stands (aside from the fact that you can now run it on both the Left and Right mix: czcams.com/video/zsIZPBxdhfE/video.html
@@curtisjudd never mind I just checked their website. So I purchased noise assist for $300 but to get it on two channels you have to buy another instance. So all inin it’s $600 but the mix pre can now handle two channels of noise assist
@@MarineX Yes. But if you're just working with dialogue/spoken word audio, you generally just need mono/a single channel.
I have been back an forth debating on whether to buy the duo or the Mackie and after this video I’m leaning Mackie for the simplicity
The effects are so much easier to dial in on the Mackie.
Seeing it side by side with the bigger boys really does the size!
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Hey Curtis! Always appreciate your in-depth reviews. You're THE authority when it comes to microphones and audio interfaces, right next to Podcastage. You're both awesome fellas.
I have a question, suppose you have the DLZ XS connected to your computer as your main audio interface, for both inputs and outputs. If you connect your phone via bluetooth, can you take calls so that you listen through the DLZ XS and use the microphone(s) on the DLZ XS to talk on your phone? I THINK that you can do this with the Rodecaster.
If this works, it would be an ideal setup for me as I wouldn't have to remove my headphones to answer calls on my phone.
Thanks in advance!
Yes, can do 👍
Excellent review as always! Interesting that Mackie is taking on Rode and now there owned by the same company (Correction to what you said in the review Rode didn't buy Machie, Rode parent company The Freedman Group and that is an important distinction bought it). I really wish they had a ¼" mount on the bottom. I like that it's small but it only $140 cheaper than the big brother. If I didn't own the Rodecaster I would get the Mackie (full sized) DLZ. That said the Rode Streamer X is what I use the most because It does everything I personally need.
If I was a betting man I would say that the Freedman group may move all of the mixers to Machie and have Rode work more on Mic's and headphones and the like
Thanks for the clarification on Friedman buying Mackie vs. RODE. That can make a substantial difference. 👍
I really love the XS, but the Mackie merger does leave me feeling a bit sad since they were really the only ones giving Rode genuine competition. But the device itself is phenomenal!
I hope they bring more of the mixer mindset to RODE. 😀
Think without Rode, mixers wouldn't have half the features given there wasn't much competition.
Alright, I need this. I love my DLZ but it’s a chonker. This would fit much more nicely in my setup.
I love my DLZ OG, but yeah, it's a big piece of kit.
Fantastic device. If this had a built in video capture I would buy it immediately.
I'm aware that the new device they released has built in video capture, but this has much more mixing capabilities.
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Nice Review as always.
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Im sorry if you went over this.. ive got this and the duo 2 in my cart im so torn between both ..I come from mainly using goxlr and before that wavelink software . Im wanting to split channels between my mic, game audio , and say a music source (CZcams,Spotify Etc.) i like to play music for my friends in Doscord char and would like to control the volume of each of those sources on here .. is that possible? I see there is only one usb c connected to computer with this device. That doesnt turn into multiple virtual channels does it?
If you had to choose between the Creator and the XS, which one would you go with? Thank you very much.
Awesome review 😎
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Nice.. must get my hands on one for test
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I noticed the power supply cable has a locking connector. Yay!
yes!
Following you for years and love your work. I have learned a great deal from you. Can you discuss parabolic microphones. And put some contact info somewhere.
I have very little experience with parabolics but the main thing to know is that the bigger the dish, the more isolating “reach” it can achieve.
The NDI feature is awesome. Wish the DM3 could do NDI as well as Dante.
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Hey Curtis! Thank you for what you do, this is an awesome resource. I currently have the Rodecaster Duo, but I do not like the DSP solution, I feel like the compression and the make-up gain does not actually do the job that well at all and I struggle to achieve the sound I really want out of the DSP, I see that the DLZ units offer much more expansion on the actual processing side which is awesome; however, is it a good implementation in comparison to what Rode offers on their side? I would love to know your thoughts on this, thank you for reading and keep doing what you do it has helped me and so many others out there!
Yes, I prefer the Mackie DLZ because I find it much easier to achieve the sound I want with the processing vs the RODECasters.
Have you had any experience with the Tascam Mixcast 4? I’m interested as it’s just over half the price of the DLZ creator and the rodecaster, and can take 4 XLRs… basically the price of Mackie/Rode’s 2 xlr versions.
I haven't, unfortunately.
Thanks anyways!
Thanks for the review Curtis. Can you clarify what you mean at 2:40 by balanced outputs into a camera that has balanced inputs? If I have a Sony A7iii, can I take a 1/4 inch to 1/8 inch and plug it in and it'll take that audio?
Balanced inputs are usually XLR inputs. The A7iii has one 3.5mm unbalanced mic input. You can convert the balanced to unbalanced, but that's another piece of gear...
Hi Curtis, great, competent and nicely executed review, as always - much appreciated!
Can you tell how many channels can the new DLZ accept via NDI ? Thx!
A stereo track is my understanding.
@@curtisjuddthat was quick - thanks a lot!-)
Thanks so much for this overview! So,a quick question... do you record to your 32-bit recorder for "safety" and then route out to your podcast mixer? I have a Zoom F6, but don't care for the interface that much... was thinking of using it as a safety device, though, in a podcast context. Thanks!
No, for spoken word recordings, I don't usually need 32-bit float and I prefer to keep the signal chain as simple as possible.
Nice video, I was interested in the multi track recording and play back. Maybe you can cover that subject if that’s ok with you.
It can record each input channel on its own track plus a stereo mic to microSD card, USB drive, or via USB to a computer. This works natively with macOS and you’ll need an ASIO driver for Windows.
@@curtisjudd Thank you 😊
Thanks for the video! Can the pads change OBS scenes, or are they strictly for triggering samples?
Currently for triggering playback or applying effects.
I want to see more talk about using these in a live mixing / live performance environment.
Example a small corporate townhall meeting with 4-8 mics with a small in house speaker system.
Is 5ms too much lag?
Do they work for something like that?
Also some of the more pro mixers like x32 or QLC Touchpad(?) Have great apps or ability to use Mix station iPad app (so you can control on a full size large iPad anywhere within WiFi range). And you can add an external WiFi router so have near infinite range.
Stuff like that.
Sounds like an x32 may be a better fit for what you’re trying to do.
Questions: What would you use the NDI for?
I’ve used NDI for cameras and remote access to audio mixer (like a Behringer X-Air). Can you set up an NDI audio source in something like OBS?
Is it ASIO compatible?
Yes, for sending audio to OBS on a computer, especially if the streaming computer is in a different room or, they say, at a different office, even. Yes, there are ASIO drivers for multitrack recording.
Can you assign Monitor out or headphone out to a physical knob?
That would be really important now. I’m not sure if that’s meant with „no physical master fader“. Want to use headphone and speakers separately
Headphone outs have their own dedicated knobs. The monitor outs are controlled by the on-screen master fader and as of the current 1.2 firmware cannot be assigned to a physical knob. But the OG DLZ has a dedicated, physical master fader.
Interesting about the line level output. I feed my Rodecaster Duo into my ATEM Mini extreme and the audio doesn’t sound nearly as good as what’s being recorded internally on the Duo. I have to then sync them in post which is a pain. Would the Mackie provide a better / cleaner audio signal to my ATEM? If it does, it might be worth switching for me.
Possibly. If you have one of the ATEM Minis, the audio input is not balanced so you’d have to convert from balanced to unbalanced. Not a huge deal, but another thing to do.
@@curtisjudd Ahhh, that's probably it. Thanks!!!
May i compare this dlz in the same audio quality/ audio converters/ preamps of audio interfaces like RME babyface / audio apollo twin ? Thank you in advance
I don’t have a sense for the difference, tbh.
Great Video! But does it have audience mix where i can seperate what im gonna hear and how loud the stream is hearing?
Yes!
Thanks for the video. Can you please advise if either the DLZ Creator or the DLZ Creator XS allow more than one USB input via virtual channels? For example if I wanted to separate my Discord and Spotify and assign them to separate faders on the Mackie?
Not natively and with the current firmware, from what I can tell.
Was going to buy the DLZ, now waiting to see what rode is going to do.
Nice that you can wait 👍
Since the power draw of both Mackie devices is 18V this can be handled with a USB-C -> DC barrel cable (there are premade ones on amazon and aliexpress) that negotiates 18V. You still need a beefy PD source and you'd better be handy with a power meter and I don't know what that does for your warranty but just throwing it out there as something to be researched.
The cables are simple enough since they do not do actual power conversion but just negotiate the voltage from the PD powerbank or powersupply with specific resistors wired to specific pins.
Yes, would love to see an official cable from Mackie for this.
I would really love to see a mixer of this size with 4 xlr jacks
That’d be neat but would require some tradeoffs.
Great review, was almost ready to buy a Rodecaster Duo but this Mackie release looks interesting. One question I do have on these devices is how do you control the overall output volume to your computer, is it by the faders/ fader knobs and do both the Rode and Mackie have sufficient output to give a strong signal for streaming without going through OBS or similar? Have seen reports of the Rode output being on the low side.
Yes, you control the levels with the faders and the overall level of the mix track with the on-screen virtual master fader. Works a charm.
@@curtisjudd , thanks for the reply.
Great work, brother :) Can the second USB output be used as a connection to a PC or just the USB-C one? With the RCP-2, if you connect both USB-C outputs to the PC, you end up with three sound sources: Main multitrack, chat, and secondary. How does that work for the XS?
Different here. The second USB port is for recording to USB drive, not PC. However, you can send a second mix from the DLZ to your PC via the ethernet port and NDI.
@@curtisjudd - thanks!
Hey Curtis, I have a question. You said it's easier to get the sound you want with the processing on the Mackie, how good is the noise gate compared to the RCP 2? I watched a Dark Corner Studio video recently comparing the regular Mackie DLZ Creator & the RCP 2 and he specifically mentioned when testing the processing between both units on an SM7B he didn't use the gate on the Mackie because it was "bad" is this true?
I find the gate on the Mackie to be quite effective and transparent, but I use noise gates rather gently. I don’t know what Dark Corner Studios does but I think it is great to get different perspectives.
Great video. Even the original Roadcaster Pro can be powered via USB+Power bank.
Yes, with an adapter they released after. I bet they could do the same for the DLZ XS.
Hi there, does anyone know if i can plug in and use 2 computers simultaneously? i use rode caster pro 2 for my stream
No, that’s one area where the RCP2 has an edge.
Two days ago I decided to purchase a b-stock DLZ original over the rodecaster pro ii mainly because of what you showcased on your channel(s) with the dlz. Getting it in tomorrow.
This xs seems great as well, though I prefer actual faders and I also feel more future proof with 4 xlr inputs on the dlz.
What are your thoughts on the limited file size fat32 recordings on the dlz? Does it bother you?
I’m very curious to see where this goes with Mackie now being Rode.
Thanks for the video!
Congrats on the new mixer!
I use these for live-streaming and far less often as a recorder so it isn't something I've had to deal with. However, for those who do use these as recorders, putting them together is fairly straightforward in most DAWs. But yes, good point, and not ideal.
@@curtisjudd Thanks!
Curtis, how does this compare to the original Rodecaster Pro vis a vis the amazing radio DJ preamps on the Rodecaster 1?
The preamps on the Mackie are a touch better in my experience.
Hi Curtis. Great review...great device. Just wondering if any of these Rodecaster clones can do 32 bit float?
Some say the BOSS Gigcaster can, but I haven’t tried it.
What I love about this one is the compact size...doesn't look so cartoony and the knobs in place of faders is a genius move. Faders are not necessary for podcasting...perhaps for audio recording/interface use, but I love the size.@@curtisjudd
How are you getting the audio out of the DLZ into the Atem?
I feed the audio from the DLZ XS monitor outputs to my camera. Then the camera sends the audio and video via HDMI to the ATEM.
Looks like a terrific device. Is it me or is the silver DLZ logo on the front slightly misaligned to the green stroke above it? I know it's goofy, but things like that drive my inner graphic designer a little bonkers. :)
It seems that was more of a camera angle thing, fortunately!
I have the DLZ Creator and love it. I've owned the RCP/RCPII/RCD as well, and honestly the DLZ Creator from Mackie is superior to anything that Rode has released. Now with that said, Rode has purchased Mackie and that does worry me about the future of this great product.
What if you had to choose one between Rodecaster Duo and DLZ XS, which one would you pick? And what would be the main reasons?
I haven’t used the DUO but assuming it is very similar to the RCP2, I’d still choose the DLZ XS for my workflow. But I want to emphasize that the DUO has some features that aren’t important for my workflow but is critical for others, like the dual USB ports for connecting to two computers simultaneously.
Do you worry about Rode bought Mackie? Since I don't plan to change often, this quite concern me.@@curtisjudd
Does it have audio routing like the Rodecaster Duo and Pro ii?
Yes, custom headphone routing and full multitrack via USB.
What’s your go to mic when you use that Curtis?
The Earthworks Ethos: czcams.com/video/RJUfV-eypas/video.html
Thanx for this review. After watching this, and one other review for the DLZ XS, I'm leaning toward purchasing of the larger DLZ unit.
Here's a question for you, or anyone else who'd care to share some knowledgeable input. Can I retire my Audient iD14 MK II - or is it
still essential in capturing, and producing a decent audio product ??
I don’t know but if I were you I’d test that as soon as you get the new mixer. Only you can say whether it is good enough for your standards.
@@curtisjudd - Thanx for the reply. I reached out to Mackie as well. Their response was left much to be desired,
as I wasn't actually asking them what I should do with the Audient unit. My concern was compatibility. After doing
further research, I've sorted that out.
Looks great.
👍
One note regarding mobile power - dunno if it will definitely power it (haven‘t looked at the required voltage), but I noticed the power consumption on the back to be 1.5A. It should thus be possible to use a MyVolts RipCord type of adapter, which I found to be really reliable. They are little stepup-converters for exactly this type of domain and all sorts of voltages and diameters. Only USB-A as of now, but hasn‘t been a problem for me yet. They are fairly priced and quality is good, have 2 of them in operation for 3 years now and they are being tossed around by kids.
Looks like 18V.
@@curtisjudd bummer. I think they do only 9V and 12V, looked at their site the other day. And 18V x 1.5A is also some serious draw for a classic USB-A delivery with over 20W. Thanks for the reply!
@@curtisjudd UPDATE for those interested and/or willing to try: MyVolts aka RipCord do the following voltages:
3V, 5V,6V, 7.5V,9V,12V,15V,18V,19V
dunno where I looked last time which made me think it were only 9 + 12Volts…
@@pan6593 Thanks for that!
If you have a USB-C power delivery source then you can have an even easier cable that does not do step up/down but just negotiates it from the PD source.
Do you know if they gonna put voice FX on the Big DLZ Creator?
keep a lookout 👀
Looks like there's a good chance!
Do I need an audio mixer like a monocaster to start my podcast? I am looking at Comica LINKFLEX AD2 XLR for my setup as at this moment I just want to make content, and as I get flowing then start doing interviews but that's down the line. My thoughts though are audio mixers make it a little easier 'I think' to add in the intro, outros, music, sound clips, etc. Am I just thinking too hard about this and figuring out how to record and add in those clips?
They do make it easier to do the recording in one take.
@@curtisjudd@curtisjudd, so if you had to start over today and you wanted to do this on a budget, what mixer would you go after?
@@EL.JEFE1231 depends. If it isn’t part of a business, I’d probably just start with a Focusrite 2i2.
@@curtisjudd@curtisjudd, thank you for the response; it is for my business.
@@EL.JEFE1231 in that case, and if the business needs to be more efficient, a Mackie DLZ Creator or this XS model make sense to me.
Wonder whether it could work with a USB microphone if it's used with DLZ XS USB port instead of plugging DLZ into a PC. Or could a microphone be plugged into the jack for a phone? Interesting whether there is a way to connect 3rd microphone to the DLZ XS.
No, it does not currently support USB microphones. There is a dedicated 3.5mm input/output port for phones.
@@curtisjudd Thanks for the answer. I have Motu M4 audio interface with 2 mics input and it has 2 line outputs. I wonder whether it would be usable to have 4 mics recorded by connecting the Motu M4's 2 outs (with 2 mics connected) to 3 and 4 line level inputs of DLZ XS and have DLZ XS record all 4 mics (2 from Mote M4 and 2 from DLZ XS)?
@@IamShopping Yes, though I'm not sure whether you'll be able to add processing to the MOTU microphones independently in the XS...would need to check that out next time I use it.
@@curtisjudd Thank you!
Hey Curtis, have you seen the new Rabbit R1? I ordered one as I want an AI assistant instead of working with a human team just yet. It occurred to me that you might be able to get one of these to help you with an even faster workflow as it can control any interface on any device...and it learns. You should contact the company for a demo/free unit and have a play. Perhaps use AI for some productivity enhancements before it wakes up and kills us all.
LOL, no. How would that help mix my livestreams? 😉
Hi Curtis. Nice job on this, but a big question remains for me: Can a DSLR camera take direct input from this unit for nicer audio on video recordings done with a DSLR camera? I have a Movo VRX10 3.5 jack shotgun mic I'd like to use, but first going through the DLZ XS before going up to the camera (a SONY ZV-E10). In that way, I will have pre-adjusted audio always in-sync with video recordings, no matter how much I "clip up" my shoots and will never have to fiddle with fixing audio in post. That would be a huge time-saver (and thus also much quicker time-to-market) for me. Is this doable with decent quality?
Yes, but not directly. The outputs on the DLZ are balanced 1/4” and you need a stereo 3.5mm unbalanced signal. Essentially, you’ll need a custom cable.
@@curtisjudd Turning down "Input Level" to "1" on the camera suffices as a work-around for that?
@@byronbrimstone5163 Well, that's one thing, but you also need to convert from balanced to unbalanced. That's where the custom cable comes in.
@@curtisjudd Well, that's clearly a lack, then. A unit like this should be directly compatible with DSLR cameras as tons of people use these for desk vlogging. Too bad. Maybe a video on how to do this easily with other mixing units might be an idea?
@@curtisjudd Solution On Amazon: "Movo MV-RC100 3.5mm Male Line-in to Male Microphone Attenuator Cable for HDSLR Cameras"
Thats neat. I still went with the Boss Gigcaster 8 waiting for it to arrive. As it offers most everything in the others including the 8 pads not 6 that can also control OBS plus the advantage of the boss effects for guitar, Voice talking and signing plus midi and more but no custom monitor mix so far. The DLZ XS if it was $100 less then I could add on a different guitar effects unit the MOOER P2 $250 Multi-Effects for one guitar channel and then get some more features then the boss for guitar like the drum player but would still miss the voice and singing effects. Over all I still think the Boss is the winner over all the others for features and what you can do with it. Its missing the mini out to camera as well I wish it had as that is how I will be using it going into main camera.
👍 congrats and happy recording!
sending love and peace to everyone...
🙏
How much time it take to boot when powered on?
About the same as the RODECaster Pro II: 30 seconds or so.
Thanks for a great but also frustrating review. Frustrating because as a new product there are some overlooked things as you outlined. I started with the original Rodecaster Pro (radio station in a box) and switched to the Podtrak P4. Neither is perfect but you get 80% or better of the Rodecaster's critical functions in a small footprint that is fairly portable ("fairly" because there are no carry straps for the P4). I produce a national podcast with the P4 and Hindenburg. And, to be fair, although there are some nice improvements in the Rodecaster Pro II the original version hasn't turned into a pillar of salt.
🙏 Thanks.
i noticed the DLZ XS has different menu for pad fx . the larger model doesnt have this menu
Not yet…
You think it will get larger model will get that software update?
@@mrgear416 I would be astonished if it does not get it.
This is gonna get really interesting now that RODE and Mackie are owned by the same holding company. 🍿
Indeed!
The Power Source cons turned out is the biggest cons to me. Here is the question, why Mackie making a smaller DLZ? for the price? for the people who wants to save some space on their table? or, for making something professional become more PORTABLE? I really don't see people who is professional enough to use Mackie MIXE home or anywhere can find power source easily cares about size (those small room gamer already has tones of streaming choices including rode caster duo on their shopping list, they are smaller enough and easy enough), so the main target for Mackie should be those ones who really serious on sounding, like podcaster or even musicians. for this group of people they might or might not need to save only the space on their working table, the original DLZ is more than good enough for home use. So, the main goal to making it smaller should be making it more PORTABLE, making people can take it everywhere they go and they are able to get their job done in a professional way... and then, yes its small enough to carrying to everywhere, it can be easy to connect to other sounding devices... but you need to find a power plug for it, and the even worse case, you need to carry an long enough power cord for it and you need to make sure this Fxxking dam cord will not stumbled any body, or you will need to take a then times bigger and heavier camping power source for making this "small" mixer works... does it sounds exciting? in this case I don't think those DJ cares about if their mixer small enough...
I want a smaller mixer and I use AC. But yes, would be nice if there was an adapter like RODE made for the original RODECaster that enabled powering from a USB PD battery bank.
see my comment on the top level!
@@pan6593 I hear your frustration and perhaps Mackie sees your comment, too. 👍
...hmmm no master fader? Plus there is a big empty space on the left of the screen where they could have put an actual fader rather than a knob!
There’s a virtual master fader on screen. To the left of the screen would be confusing because that would be the opposite of every mixer ever made (it is always the bottom right most fader). Nevertheless, I agree, though for me it isn’t a total dealbreaker.
I don’t even need this, but I want it lol
😉🎙️🎧
Ok, I'm being really picky about names, but you started it: the "Linear Faders" are "Sliders", even if it's not cool to say "sliders".
"Linear Fader" describes the function on the device. "Slider/Slide Potentiometer/Pot" is a technical term for the hardware.
A potentiometer, or "pot", is a variable resistor.
These "Sliders" can also be called a "Linear Pot", but that includes pots in a straight line that don't have sliders (imagine a piston-style device) .
More importantly, linear has a second meaning. In fact, some of the knob or "rotary pots" are confusingly called "Rotary Linear Pots".
Linear can describe physically moving the device in a straight line or it can describe a mathematically linear variable resistance, what could be called "linear taper potentiometer".
For that reason, linear isn't a very specific term to describe a "Slider Pot"
While the "fade" may or may not be linear, the physical "fader" will move in a straight line unless you break it. 🙂
😉
XS looks fantastic but the fact that you cannot connect the DLZ to a computer via USB and transfer files off the DLZ’s microSD card is a glaring - and surprising - omission. Not sure if that's a deal breaker for me but it's annoying.
It is annoying.
No wsy...wow...im about to get it
Happy mixing!
First off, I wonder if we’re related! Second, in your “Pro” list, you say it has the ability to share files via usb thumb drive or microSD. Then in “Cons” you say it doesn’t have the USB drive functionality. I just wanted to confirm that there is indeed no USB thumb drive, and correct that it appears to be a full size SD card slot on the Mackie website. Thanks!
Actually it is a microSD! I was wrong! I apologize!
The con refers to the fact that you cannot connect the DLZ to a computer via USB and transfer files off the DLZ’s microSD card. It isn’t a dealbreaker for me but it can be an inconvenience.
I hope they add a control app for browser or via another unit. I've had a couple gigs where this would work great with NDI for a announcer box. They need to contol thier mute and have thier mix usually a ways off from me. Would work great for larger webinars or live events where you may have a moderator on the live channel and you can give them more control at thier spot too.
👍
Most game streamers I know uses a dual PC set up (one PC to play the game on and the other for recording and streaming). Its a deal breaker.
Yep, that’s a case for the RODECaster Pro II.
Knobs instead for faders... That killed for me
Ok
Glad you can see my comments as I'm being censored really badly!
You do leave a lot of comments…
No battery? what a missed opportunity! Deal breaker for me. This unit screams portability..what are Mackie thinking? It should have had a Sony battery port like Zoom products and usb-c power also. Big mistake.
They should be able to come up with a solution. RODE did. They just need some feedback - like what you just did. Thanks for that!
lol wait till the next gen they didn’t improve the big problems 😂
What are the big problems from your perspective? Dual USB connections for dual PC?
Why don't they fix an update your current DLZ
Creator! And stop using an old fat 32 file system that cuts your recording every 18 minutes, so you have to re-splice it all back together! One update since the product came out! Disgusting!
Good point on the file system. But technically they have shipped more than one firmware update.
Unfortunately, competition and innovation in the market have been stifled ever since Rode acquired Mackie.
Friedman acquired Mackie and is also the parent company of RØDE. That might make a difference but time will tell. The two companies are a bit different with Mackie having a much richer history in making mixers. I’m interested to see how this evolves. Hopefully innovation is not stifled.