DMXcat® vs Blackout Next (Legacy)
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.
Blackout Next (Legacy)
This professional lighting console app offers an intuitive interface and powerful effects engine for controlling DMX, Art-Net, and sACN lighting systems. It features a vast cloud fixture database, custom fixture creation, and advanced MIDI support for precise control.
- Cloud Fixture Database
- Custom Fixture Creation
- Streamlined Fixture Patching
- Intuitive Fixture Controls
- Multi-Cuelist Platform
- Dynamic Effects Engine
- Advanced MIDI Support
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Blackout is a revolutionary professional Art-Net/sACN DMX Lighting Console app for the iPad. Redefine your lighting with our incredibly intuitive interface and powerful effects engine. Features: - Cloud Fixture Database: Access over 44,000 fixture profiles licensed from Carallon, the leader in fixture profile services. - Create Custom Fixtures: Utilize our Fixture Creation Wizard to design your own profiles, perfectly matching your specific lighting needs. - Fixture Patching Made Simple: Effortlessly categorize and label LED fixtures with a streamlined Patch interface, ideal for batch management. - Intuitive Fixture Controls: Adjust parameters with ease in Fixture Controls and experience our NEW multi-dimensional color picker. - Robust Multi-Cuelist Platform: Organize and save lighting looks within Sequences, complete with customizable fade times, delays, and links. - Presets for Quick Access: Save and recall fixture parameters instantly, streamlining batch changes across multiple fixtures through our Favorites. - Dynamic Effects Engine: Explore limitless creative possibilities with our advanced Effects Engine, featuring intensity chases, color loops, and more. - Macro Functionality: Simplify complex lighting tasks into single-button actions for maximum efficiency. - Enhanced Data Visibility: Experience our reworked UI with new view states for displaying data in various formats, aiding quicker analysis and decision-making. - Advanced MIDI Support (Input & Output): Gain tactile control over your lighting with MIDI compatibility, suitable for both wired and wireless controllers.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: Blackout Next (Legacy) at 5.0 against DMXcat®'s 3.9. Blackout Next (Legacy) also leads on review sentiment (100% vs 68%) and update cadence (fortnightly vs monthly). DMXcat®'s advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1). On price, ratings volume, ads 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
Both are free to download. Blackout Next (Legacy) sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. DMXcat® asks for nothing beyond the download.
Blackout Next (Legacy) holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.9. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 26 and 21 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 68% of DMXcat®'s written reviews are positive against 100% of Blackout Next (Legacy)'s.
DMXcat® ships an update monthly, Blackout Next (Legacy) fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on November 6, 2026 and November 12, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | DMXcat® | Blackout Next (Legacy) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 3.9 (26 ratings) | 5.0 (21 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 68.4% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 26 — better | 21 |
| Update frequency | Monthly | Fortnightly — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Free — better | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad — better | iPad |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 — better | 18.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 43 MB | 359 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | City Theatrical, Inc | Blackout Lighting Console Inc. |
Customer experience
DMXcat®
Blackout Next (Legacy)
In-app purchases
DMXcat®
No in-app purchases
Blackout Next (Legacy)
- Basic Plan$799.99
Questions
Is DMXcat® free?
Is Blackout Next (Legacy) free?
Which has better reviews, DMXcat® or Blackout Next (Legacy)?
Do DMXcat® or Blackout Next (Legacy) have ads?
Which is updated more often, DMXcat® or Blackout Next (Legacy)?
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