# DMXcat® > Wireless DMX and RDM control system for lighting fixtures via smartphone. (iPhone/iPad app by City Theatrical, Inc.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dmxcat/id1163856486 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [City Theatrical, Inc](https://appshunter.io/developer/1163856485) - Category: Utilities, Entertainment - Price: Free - Rating: 3.90/5 from 26 App Store ratings · 19 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 13.0 · 43 MB - Released: 2017-01-10 - Data updated: 2026-08-27 - Monetization: free - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dmxcat/id1163856486/reviews.md ## What is DMXcat®? DMXcat® makes it easy for anyone to control, analyze, or test any DMX lighting fixture, whether it’s a simple LED PAR or a complex moving light. The system consists of a small hardware dongle (purchased separately) and a suite of free mobile applications. Together, they combine to bring wireless DMX and RDM control plus other useful lighting functions to the user’s smartphone. The DMXcat solves the problem faced by all users of modern lighting equipment: How to turn on and test DMX lighting gear without using a complicated lighting console. DMXcat app is now available in seven languages: Spanish, French, German, Italian, Korean, Japanese, and English. Software Applications There are currently five apps available for use with the DMXcat system: •DMX Controller: A single universe (512) DMX channel controller with two user interfaces (sliders or keypad). •Fixture Controller: Controls multi-attribute fixtures from a built in database. •RDM Controller: For bi-directional communication and control of RDM enabled devices. •DMX Tester: Analyze and adjust settings for transmitting or receiving DMX. •DIP switch calculator: Simplifies the configuring of DIP switches used for setting DMX addresses. Hardware The DMXcat’s hardware interface is a compact battery powered device which fits easily in a pocket or tool pouch or may be worn on a belt. It uses Bluetooth LE technology for communication with the smartphone applications (up to 50’ range). Without the limitations of being physically connected, the user can move about the workspace as needed with their smartphone and run the various apps while still using the phone for on-the-job communication. The device’s five pin XLRF connector/cable assembly allows it to be connected to a point in a DMX data chain to test or control of the various DMX/RDM functions. It is charged using a standard USB to Micro-USB cable and charger. Other features include a built-in LED flashlight, an audible alarm for locating a misplaced unit, XLR5M to XLR5M Turnaround, LED status indicator, and a removable belt clip with a split ring safety point. Optional accessories include XLR5M to RJ45 Adapter, XLR5M to XLR3F Adapter, XLR5M to XLR3M Turnaround, and a Belt Pouch. ## Key features - Wireless DMX and RDM control - Fixture control with built-in database - DMX analysis and testing - DIP switch calculator - Multi-language support ## Recent user reviews (10 of 19) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dmxcat/id1163856486/reviews.md ### 5/5 — So usefull *2024-07-26, version 1.5.4.9.0.726* If I had bought 10 pieces when i bought mine, certainly had sold all of them. I love it One small thing could be very usefull, to test the reaction of certain fixtures, is to have the possibility to had a fading time to a preset. Sometimes we need to have that to test the quality of dimming of some fixtures. Thanks ### 4/5 — Very useful *2023-10-12, version 1.5.4.9.0.726* The app and dongle are very useful. My only issue is, could the app have an option to prevent my device from ‘sleeping’. It would be really handy when I’m focussing or using the dipstwitch calculator to address fixtures if my device would stay awake via the app. ### 3/5 — Nice tool, but problem with creating fixtures *2022-12-08, version 1.5.2.9.0.315* Everything is fine with existing fixtures, but there’s a problem with creating / editing fixture personalities. When setting channel range presets and hitting the save-button, a popup answers with „valid“, but the values will not be saved into the channel. Same issue when I try to edit an existing fixture preset from the database. Creating simple channels without value presets works fine. My setup is iPhone 12mini @ios16.1.1, APP ver. 1.5.2.9.0.315, FW 1.5.0.9.0.14, (German) Five stars without that issue, but as long as I can’t build custom fixtures properly, only three. ### 4/5 — Efficace à un détail près *2022-10-02, version 1.5.2.9.0.315* Très content de cette appli. Cumuler avec son boîtier RDM permet de modifier les adresses des projecteurs individuellement. Ce qui lui enlève une étoile. Manque la possibilité d’adresse une suite de fixtures en une seul fois. Une version arnet sacn serai le bien venu ### 4/5 — Perfect tool with sume bugs *2022-06-17, version 1.5.2.0.138* I love the dmx cat, it's small and easy to use. The only thing what I'm missing is to test more than one lamp. I want choose my lamp the quantity and the start address. Also a function where you can patch the lamps by rdm like the swisson. Search for your first lamp, update the address and search for the next lamps just by identify and ok That would be nice ### 2/5 — Amazing and helpful, but… *2021-10-07* This version, every time I use the RDM controller crashes immediately. I’m on 15.0.1 and the latest version of DMXCat, but unfortunately I went for this to change some RDM settings and couldn’t even see them much less change them. The list of the RDM devices showed up, and when you click on it, it crashes out. That being said, this app and device is a super little time saver most of the time. It can be everything from an RDM controller, to a simple DMX controller, to a moving light/multipart fixture controller, AND do it well - all from my phone. ### 5/5 — The handiest tool *2021-06-10* 5 stars all around. It’s comes in handy every show ### 2/5 — Make it work consistently! *2020-12-09* Seems like after every update something starts working that didn’t before, and something stops working that did. When I first purchased it, receive DMX wasn’t working, and now it’s not sending DMX. Basic DMX testing should be a basic and bullet-proof function. Turning out not to be a reliable tool. ### 1/5 — Suddenly Español *2020-11-05* This app is suddenly in Spanish. Luckily I know a bit. This device is intended for the pro world but they can’t seem for the life of them to make it reliable. I have to fight off forced firmware updates and learn a new language while the gaffer is waiting on me to simply dim a light. **Developer response:** Harry, So sorry for the trouble. We did release a bad version that affected the language displayed. Build 581 should be approved shortly. For those who are still waiting, you can fix by: Going to phone settings, General, language & region and delete any secondary languages. A lot of the firmware changes fix various DMX/RDM output issues. Using the back arrow will bypass the dongle update. Thank you for the bug reports you have submitted. Each report helps us identify and resolve bugs. We have submitted an app update to resolve the character bug which will be released as soon as it is approved by the App Store. ### 5/5 — Great tool *2019-10-20* This is a great tool that has saved my butt on numerous occasions. I would love to see a feature to capture a preset from the incoming DMX stream in the future. **Developer response:** Hi Markandnancy, thank you for the positive review. You can save a preset from incoming DMX in the view levels screen using the 3-dot menu in the upper right. That preset is then available in the DMX Controller. Please reach out any time with any additional suggestions or questions. --David ## Frequently asked questions about DMXcat® ### What is DMXcat®? DMXcat® is a system that allows you to control, analyze, and test DMX lighting fixtures wirelessly using your smartphone. It comprises a hardware dongle (sold separately) and a suite of free mobile applications. ### Do I need to buy the DMXcat® hardware? Yes, the DMXcat® system requires a small hardware dongle, which is purchased separately, to enable wireless DMX and RDM control with the mobile applications. ### What are the different DMXcat® apps available? There are five apps: DMX Controller for channel control, Fixture Controller for multi-attribute fixtures, RDM Controller for bi-directional communication, DMX Tester for analysis, and DIP switch calculator for address configuration. ### What languages does DMXcat® support? DMXcat® is available in seven languages: Spanish, French, German, Italian, Korean, Japanese, and English, making it accessible to a global user base. ### How does DMXcat® simplify lighting control? It solves the problem of testing DMX lighting gear without a complicated lighting console, offering a user-friendly mobile interface for various lighting functions. ### What is the range of the wireless connection? The hardware uses Bluetooth LE technology for communication with the smartphone applications, providing a wireless range of up to 50 feet, allowing users to move freely around their workspace. ### What is the age rating for DMXcat®? DMXcat® has an age rating of 4+, indicating it is suitable for users of all ages, though its practical application is for those involved in lighting control. ### How often is DMXcat® updated? The latest version is 2.1.0.9.0.0, and it was last updated on April 9, 2025, suggesting regular updates to improve functionality and compatibility. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 2.1.2.9.0.819 — 2026-08-19 August 2026 DMX Cat E Release Notes This is primarily a stability release. We have also fixed a number of bugs, but note that your favorite bug might not be fixed in this release. Please note that the list below is not exhaustive. App Issues Resolved • A renamed CatE is no longer sometimes detected as a Cat DMX/RDM Issues Resolved • DMX Input timings values are now accurate across standards-compliant sources. Most out-of-compliance sources are also accurate, but some of the more extreme not-really-DMX-anymore timings may have some values inaccurate. • DMX Input for sources with fewer than 510 slots are now correctly being processed. • Switching between DMX Inputs is more stable • DMX Output is now more stable • The activity light now flashes when sending RDM packets • DMX Input no longer overrides ethernet sources if Wired DMX is not selected. If it is selected, it’s merged at a priority above the ethernet protocols. Ethernet DMX Issues Resolved • Sources now uses Universe Discovery packets and some IGMP tricks to discover sACN universes on managed networks. • Some sACN and ArtNet universe numbers were being incorrectly displayed, they are now correct. Miscellaneous Issues Resolved • DMX Cat-E now has a specific flash pattern when booted into bootloader mode (by holding the flashlight button on boot). • A minor bug in the cable test was resolved • This version resolves a formatting bug on the share files page ### 2.1.2.9.0.753 — 2026-08-10 August 2026 DMX Cat E Release Notes This is primarily a stability release. We have also fixed a number of bugs, but note that your favorite bug might not be fixed in this release. Please note that the list below is not exhaustive. App Issues Resolved • A renamed CatE is no longer sometimes detected as a Cat DMX/RDM Issues Resolved • DMX Input timings values are now accurate across standards-compliant sources. Most out-of-compliance sources are also accurate, but some of the more extreme not-really-DMX-anymore timings may have some values inaccurate. • DMX Input for sources with fewer than 510 slots are now correctly being processed. • Switching between DMX Inputs is more stable • DMX Output is now more stable • The activity light now flashes when sending RDM packets • DMX Input no longer overrides ethernet sources if Wired DMX is not selected. If it is selected, it’s merged at a priority above the ethernet protocols. Ethernet DMX Issues Resolved • Sources now uses Universe Discovery packets and some IGMP tricks to discover sACN universes on managed networks. • Some sACN and ArtNet universe numbers were being incorrectly displayed, they are now correct. Miscellaneous Issues Resolved • DMX Cat-E now has a specific flash pattern when booted into bootloader mode (by holding the flashlight button on boot). • A minor bug in the cable test was resolved ### 2.1.0.9.0.0 — 2025-04-09 Fixed Issues: Renaming dongle causes the dongle to disappear from connection scans App would ask for a PIN when none is required App would allow duplicate channel names in personality editor Not all files types were sharable in the file share screen New Features: Redesigned File Share Screen to list view so file names are more readable Flicker Finder is now implemented ### 2.0.0.9.0.164 — 2025-02-28 Added ability to rename DMXcat-E from BLE device list screen, while connected Fixed Following DMXcat-E Issues: Art-Net DMX sources would only show the first two slots Setting DMX preset would not take affect until another DMX change Too many streaming ACN sources could crash device Battery percentage would not always refresh Streaming ACN would output at 1000Hz Multi-fixture control would only control the first fixture in a group XLR testing for 3 pin cables only showed pass for cables with all 5 pins wired DMX sources would not always go away in View Levels when removed DMX timings could show incorrect wired refresh rate Known DMXcat-E Issues: Viewing DMX timings sometimes shows incorrect mark/break times. Refresh rate will be correct. Flicker finder not implemented ### 2.0.0.9.0.96 — 2025-01-22 Fixed Issues: Connecting to DMXcat-E too early after boot could cause it to crash Boot load disconnections View Levels for XLR input Timings for XLR input Known Issues: When removing DMX input from XLR, may take minutes for app to display no signal DMX timings may appear incorrect for 1/4s ## Apps similar to DMXcat® | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [CRMX Toolbox2](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/crmx-toolbox2/id6450711153) | 2.2 (9) | Free | Utilities | | [QLab Remote](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qlab-remote/id642520727) | 4.7 (26) | Free | Utilities | | [iRFR - BTS](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/irfr-bts/id318210456) | 2.8 (16) | $49.99 | Utilities | | [iRFR Preview](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/irfr-preview/id377066024) | 2.8 (4) | Free | Utilities | | [MyETC: Photometrics](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/myetc-photometrics/id1447394032) | 4.4 (7) | Free | Utilities | | [Set Light](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/set-light/id1492624256) | 4.5 (12) | Free | Utilities | ## Related topics [dmx cat](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/dmx-cat) · [stage traxx 4](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/stage-traxx-4) · [astera next](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/astera-next) · [dmx phone control](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/dmx-phone-control) · [pxmobile](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/pxmobile) · [dxhub](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/dxhub) · [my dpdc](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/my-dpdc) · [dxm](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/dxm) · [mydmx go](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/mydmx-go) · [airstream dmx](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/airstream-dmx) · [dpro lite](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/dpro-lite) · [dm utility](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/dm-utility) --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-27.*