DMXcat® vs Airstar Light
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
Airstar Light
Control safety and event lighting balloons with custom animations. Build a network and manage your devices remotely. Ideal for event organizers and safety professionals.
- Control lighting balloons
- Set custom light animations
- Build device networks
- Manage devices remotely
- Safety lighting
- Event lighting
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Airstar Light App controls your Safety and Events Lighting balloons. Set specific light animations, build your own network and manage your devices.
Screenshots
Verdict
DMXcat® and Airstar Light both sit at 3.9 stars, but that hides the real split: 68% of DMXcat®'s written reviews are positive against 0% of Airstar Light's. DMXcat® also leads on update cadence (monthly vs every 6 months) and ratings volume (26 vs 4). Airstar Light's advantage is iOS requirement (13.0 vs 17.0). On price, rating, ads and in-app purchases 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
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 3.9 for DMXcat® against 4.0 for Airstar Light. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: DMXcat® has 26 ratings behind it against 4, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 68% of DMXcat®'s written reviews are positive against 0% of Airstar Light's.
DMXcat® ships an update monthly, Airstar Light every 6 months. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.
| Parameter | DMXcat® | Airstar Light |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 3.9 (26 ratings) | 4.0 (4 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 68.4% of reviews — better | 0.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 26 — better | 4 |
| Update frequency | Monthly — better | Every 6 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | 13.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 43 MB | 27 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | City Theatrical, Inc | Airstar Light |
Customer experience
DMXcat®
Airstar Light
In-app purchases
DMXcat®
No in-app purchases
Airstar Light
No in-app purchases
