The Mackie DLZ Creator is both a digital mixer and multitrack recorder, and can be used to create podcasts and record audio for video productions in one workflow for streaming services like YouTube and Spotify. This versatile mixer offers ten input channels with different connectivity options, which ensures flexibility for every production. Several work modes, as well as Mackie's trademarked Mix Agent technology, make working with the DLZ easy and intuitive. The Mix Agent makes an automatic gain and preset adjustment when connecting a microphone, as well as enabling the automatic mixing of tracks: Fast and effective recording was never easier, and the onboard effects can also add variety to every production – from reverb to delay. Together, these features make the Mackie DLZ Creator a powerful workstation for creating high-quality content with very little effort.
The user interface of the Mackie DLZ Creator comes in a minimalistic design for simple control and features a touch-sensitive 10.1" colour display offering access to all functions. Next to the display, there are a number of backlit encoders to help tweak parameters at the touch of a button, while beneath the display are seven channel strips with volume faders, as well as a stereo sample channel and the master fader. Each track can be muted or played solo. On the right side of the display is a button to record all 14 of the DLZ's tracks to an external computer, SD card, or USB flash drive (sold separately), which can all be plugged in on the rear side. Four of the inputs boast XLR/jack combo sockets for flexibly connecting microphones or instruments like keyboards or electric guitars.
With its auxiliary production functions, the Mackie DLZ Creator is designed for all newcomers, as well as more experienced producers who are looking for time-saving content creation. Users can control this multitrack recorder and mixer in three modes: Easy, Enhanced, and Pro. By reducing or increasing the available features, the different modes allow everyone – regardless of their level of knowledge – to produce content with the DLZ. For even more flexible productions, users can transfer data wirelessly via Bluetooth to the stereo channel. The headphone outputs make it possible for up to four people to listen to the signal of the Mackie DLZ Creator, while recording a podcast for example. This ensures no crosstalk of signals into other people's microphones.
In 1988 Greg Mackie, already a successful co-founder of a pro audio company, founded Mackie Designs Inc. with the goal of producing affordable, high-quality mixers. The company's first official product, the LM-1602 line mixer, was initially produced within the four walls of his home. As sales figures were encouraging, its successor model CR-1604 soon followed - and in 1991 the company finally moved into its first proper production facility. The combination of reliable quality and low prices quickly brought the company enormous success, so that by 1995 Mackie had already sold 100,000 products. In 2003, the company was renamed LOUD Audio, LLC so that there is no longer any confusion between the Mackie brand and its former parent company of the same name.
The Mackie DLZ Creator is equipped with five effects that take every production to the next level. The parametric three-band equaliser allows users to filter out problematic frequencies, for example subsonic noise. Gain, frequency, and bandwith can be adjusted for each band, while a compressor can make any voice sound ready for radio. A gate function is also available for the compressor, which automatically mutes a microphone when its speaker doesn't have any more to say, and the de-esser reduces annoying sibilant sounds for every voice. The DLZ also includes two of Mackie's own proprietary functions: The Atomizer Reverb, with adjustable parameters which can be applied for each channel, adds spatial depth to any recording, and last but not least, the Chronotronic Delay allows users to delay signals by up to two seconds.