Røde responded not only with new updates to the RødeCaster Pro II, but also launched the new Streamer X, combining audio and video in one affordable all-in-one streaming solution and unveiled the new compact RødeCaster Duo, a more portable form factor at a more affordable price.
In this competitive environment, where new dedicated podcasting solutions are being launched every month, Mackie enters the market with a concept of a larger integrated audio production console that's sits directly above the RødeCaster Pro II in price. As a competitive argument, more than designing a podcast mixer or audio interface, Mackie configured the DLZ to operate in different modes, according to the technical level of the user, from almost fully automated to a comprehensive professional interface.
Inspired in part by smartphone and DSLR cameras that make great results accessible to anyone, the DLZ Creator transforms the on-screen controls to meet any creative style or skill level — without compromising processing power or sound quality. It combines all the features that today's users require for live sessions with guests, supporting all kinds of sources, effects and inputs. There's even Mix Minus like any broadcast or radio console, but instead of using a line codec, here users can connect a smartphone via Bluetooth to add a caller into the mix, with no audible echo when they speak.
With its fully adaptable interface, equipped with DLZ control modes and a full studio-worthy suite of processing, the Mackie DLZ Creator puts pro-quality podcasting into the hands of users at any level. Depending on the operation mode, the 10" high-resolution full-color touch display with anti-glare coating - the largest in this product category - shows exactly what the user requires, all the way to the power of a professional digital audio workstation. The DLX Creator can be used to record or stream multitrack audio to a computer or USB-C host, or straight to an SD card for a truly self-contained setup that allows users to get creating faster.
"Mackie audio solutions have been tapped by creators and professionals for years, so podcasting was a natural next step for us. We challenged ourselves in designing a product that would meet the needs of today’s modern creators, so any user – beginner or pro – can create on their own terms," says Alex Nelson, CEO of Mackie. "The DLZ Creator accomplishes this with its robust feature set, easy set-up process, and modes that adapt to the needs or experience level of the user."
The multiple Control Modes (Easy, Enhanced, and Pro) transform the touch display from simple and intuitive to advanced and detailed, adapting to the individual user’s skill level, with no compromise in processing power or sound quality. At the same time, the Mix Agent setup assistant provides easy setup and automates functions, dialing everything in exactly where it needs to be with minimal effort or learning curve. A guided setup walks the user through channel configuration, and automatic gain sets the input levels according to the source. Fast headphone output setup AutoMix reduces channel levels when not receiving a signal, and ensures a consistent overall output level, reducing potential feedback in the mix, like an experienced operator would.
The Pro Mode unlocks the full power of the DLZ Creator mixer to take control and fully customize the system to get the desired sound. At the core of the mixer, the DLZ Creator produces studio-quality audio, while AutoMix manages levels for up to four mics, so users and their guests can be heard — even when everyone speaks at the same time. The built-in professional audio processing includes 3-band parametric EQ + high pass filter per channel, noise gate, de-esser, compressor
Atomizer Reverb, and Chronotronic Delay.
The mixer features 4 discrete XLR/TRS combo inputs, a stereo channel with dual 1/4" TRS inputs, another stereo channel with 1/8" TRS connection, plus a stereo bi-directional Bluetooth channel, all routable in the 14x4 USB-C audio interface to a Mac/PC. The analog combo inputs use the familiar Mackie Onyx80 mic preamps with up to 80dB of gain, and there are 4 independent headphone outputs, with level control and individual mixes for each output in pro mode.
In hardware terms, the Mackie DLZ Creator is one step above the competition. The software seems to be extremely powerful and the three operating modes can be a major incentive for both more experienced and inexperienced users to choose the platform. In terms of features, the DLZ Creator launches with all the essential tools and possibilities. Now it's up to the users to have their say, and up to Mackie to respond to user feedback.
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