DMXcat® vs Ayrton Mobile Manager
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.
Ayrton Mobile Manager
This application allows users to view and modify fixture settings like address, universe, and network configurations. It also provides access to system information such as software version, serial number, and LED hours. NFC technology enables seamless interaction with compatible devices without requiring internal batteries or external power.
- View and change fixture settings
- Access system information
- Utilize NFC technology
- No battery or external power needed for fixtures
- View error records
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The AYRTON Mobile Manager Application is designed to allow users the ability to view and change fixture settings (address, universe, user mode, network settings, etc.), as well as view other important system information (software version, serial number, total life/LED hours, LED engine type, and error records). With NFC technology, the user is granted access to these resources utilizing any NFC enabled iPhone device, while the fixture requires no internal battery or external power.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: Ayrton Mobile Manager at 5.0 against DMXcat®'s 3.9. Ayrton Mobile Manager also leads on iOS requirement (14.0 vs 17.0). DMXcat®'s advantage is review sentiment (68% vs 50%) and ratings volume (26 vs 1). On price, update cadence, 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.
Ayrton Mobile Manager holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.9. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: DMXcat® has 26 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 68% of DMXcat®'s written reviews are positive against 50% of Ayrton Mobile Manager's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.
DMXcat® ships an update monthly, Ayrton Mobile Manager every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on November 2, 2026 and November 4, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | DMXcat® | Ayrton Mobile Manager |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 3.9 (26 ratings) | 5.0 (1 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 68.4% of reviews — better | 50.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 26 — better | 1 |
| Update frequency | Monthly — better | Every 2 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | 14.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 43 MB | 3 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | City Theatrical, Inc | AYRTON |
Customer experience
DMXcat®
Ayrton Mobile Manager
In-app purchases
DMXcat®
No in-app purchases
Ayrton Mobile Manager
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is DMXcat® free?
Is Ayrton Mobile Manager free?
Which has better reviews, DMXcat® or Ayrton Mobile Manager?
Do DMXcat® or Ayrton Mobile Manager have ads?
Which is updated more often, DMXcat® or Ayrton Mobile Manager?
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