DMXcat® vs Par
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.
Par
Control multiple stage lights simultaneously with this app. Adjust colors, brightness, and strobe effects to create dynamic light shows for your performances. Manage your lighting setup effortlessly from your device.
- Grouped light control
- Adjustable colors
- Brightness control
- Strobe effect management
- Create light shows
- Remote performance lighting
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Our app is your ultimate stage lighting controller. With grouping control, you can seamlessly manage multiple lights, adjusting colors, brightness, and strobe effects. Create stunning light shows and transform your performances effortlessly, anytime, anywhere!
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is review sentiment: DMXcat® at 68% against Par's 0%. DMXcat® also leads on rating (3.9 vs 3.5) and ratings volume (26 vs 2). Par's advantage is update cadence (every 2 weeks vs monthly) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 17.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model 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.
DMXcat® holds the better App Store score, 3.9 against 3.5. 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 point the same way: 68% of DMXcat®'s written reviews are positive against 0% of Par's.
DMXcat® ships an update monthly, Par every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 13, 2026 and September 19, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | DMXcat® | Par |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 3.9 (26 ratings) — better | 3.5 (2 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 68.4% of reviews — better | 0.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 26 — better | 2 |
| Update frequency | Monthly | Every 2 weeks — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | 12.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 43 MB | 25 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | City Theatrical, Inc | SCY Manufacturing Inc. |
Customer experience
DMXcat®
Par
In-app purchases
DMXcat®
No in-app purchases
Par
No in-app purchases








