Paradigm Mobile Station vs DMXcat®
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Paradigm Mobile Station
Transform your handheld device into an eight-button control station for your Paradigm system. Customize the appearance with standard themes to match your setup. Requires Paradigm systems running software 3.1.0 or newer and a properly configured control processor.
- Eight-button control station
- Customizable themes
- Handheld device integration
- Paradigm system compatibility
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The Unison Paradigm Mobile Button Station App turns your handheld device into an eight button station, making it part of the control system. Using standard Paradigm themes you can customize the look of your mobile button station. This app requires Paradigm systems running software 3.1.0 or newer. Use of this app requires a properly configured Paradigm control processor and a wireless access point. etcconnect.com/ip
DMXcat®
Control, analyze, and test DMX lighting fixtures wirelessly from your smartphone. This system uses a hardware dongle and free mobile apps to simplify lighting control without complex consoles. It supports various functions like DMX and RDM control, fixture management, and DIP switch calculations.
- Wireless DMX and RDM control
- Fixture control with built-in database
- DMX analysis and testing
- DIP switch calculator
- Multi-language support
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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.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: DMXcat® at Free against Paradigm Mobile Station's $2.99. DMXcat® also leads on update cadence (monthly vs every 13 months) and ratings volume (26 vs 2). Paradigm Mobile Station's advantage is review sentiment (100% vs 68%) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 17.0). On rating, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
DMXcat® is free to download; Paradigm Mobile Station costs $2.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.0 for Paradigm Mobile Station against 3.9 for DMXcat®. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: DMXcat® has 26 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 100% of Paradigm Mobile Station's written reviews are positive against 68% of DMXcat®'s.
Paradigm Mobile Station ships an update every 13 months, DMXcat® monthly. The most recent releases landed on November 2, 2026 and November 6, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Paradigm Mobile Station | DMXcat® |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2.99 | Free — better |
| Rating | 4.0 (2 ratings) — better | 3.9 (26 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews — better | 68.4% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 2 | 26 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 13 months | Monthly — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Paid | Free — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 — better | 17.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 25 MB | 43 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Electronic Theatre Controls, Inc. | City Theatrical, Inc |
Customer experience
Paradigm Mobile Station
DMXcat®
In-app purchases
Paradigm Mobile Station
No in-app purchases
DMXcat®
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Paradigm Mobile Station free?
Is DMXcat® free?
Which has better reviews, Paradigm Mobile Station or DMXcat®?
Do Paradigm Mobile Station or DMXcat® have ads?
Which is updated more often, Paradigm Mobile Station or DMXcat®?
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