Comparison

DMXcat® vs GenR8

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

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.

Highlights
  • Wireless DMX and RDM control
  • Fixture control with built-in database
  • DMX analysis and testing
  • DIP switch calculator
  • Multi-language support
Features
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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.

About

GenR8

Generate professional test patterns for display calibration and validation. Supports external displays, audio testing, and HDR signals. Ideal for video engineers, filmmakers, and content creators needing precise visual and audio analysis on the go.

Highlights
  • 28+ professional test patterns
  • External display support (USB-C, AirPlay)
  • HDR pattern support
  • Audio test tones and live metering
  • Precision controls and customizable overlays
  • Export test patterns (PNG, PDF, JPG, TIFF)
Features
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KEY FEATURES: * 28+ Professional Test Patterns - SMPTE color bars, calibration grids, convergence patterns, HDR test signals, luma stepping, IRE patterns, and more * External Display Support - Connect via USB-C to HDMI/DisplayPort or AirPlay. Full 1:1 pixel mapping for accurate calibration * AV Sync Test * Audio Test Tones - Sine, square, sawtooth, and white noise waveforms from 20Hz to 20kHz with live stereo metering * HDR Pattern Support - PQ curve test patterns, HDR color bars, and BT.2111 UHD patterns for HDR display validation * Precision Controls - Customizable aspect ratio overlays, diagnostic crosshairs, border guides, and adjustable scanning color bars * Live Audio Metering - Real-time L/R level meters with peak detection for audio signal monitoring * iPad Optimized - Split-view interface with pattern library sidebar and full-screen preview * Customizable Overlays - Display resolution info, clock, date, custom text, and diagnostic guides * Export Test Patterns in PNG, PDF, JPG, TIFF PERFECT FOR: - Video engineers calibrating displays - AV technicians testing signal chains - Filmmakers validating monitor accuracy - Content creators ensuring color fidelity - Anyone needing professional test patterns on the go DISPLAYS SUPPORTED: *External monitors, projectors, TVs, and broadcast displays via HDMI, DisplayPort, or AirPlay. Made with precision for professionals who demand accuracy.

Screenshots

DMXcat®4 screens
GenR84 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: DMXcat® at Free against GenR8's $19.99. GenR8's advantage is rating (4.9 vs 3.9) and review sentiment (100% vs 68%). On ratings volume, 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

DMXcat® is free to download; GenR8 costs $19.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

GenR8 holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 3.9. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 26 and 9 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 68% of DMXcat®'s written reviews are positive against 100% of GenR8's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

DMXcat® ships an update monthly, GenR8 weekly. Both last shipped on October 13, 2026.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
DMXcat® versus GenR8: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterDMXcat®GenR8
PriceFree — better$19.99
Rating3.9 (26 ratings)4.9 (9 ratings) — better
Positive reviews68.4% of reviews100.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings26 — better9
Update frequencyMonthlyWeekly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree — betterPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS17.017.0
Further details — not scored
Size43 MB21 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperCity Theatrical, IncChristopher Van Hoose

Customer experience

DMXcat®

All ratings26 ratings
Positive73.1%
Neutral3.8%
Negative23.1%
Written reviews19 reviews
Positive68.4%
Neutral5.3%
Negative26.3%

GenR8

All ratings9 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews6 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

None

DMXcat®

No in-app purchases

None

GenR8

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is DMXcat® free?
DMXcat® is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is GenR8 free?
GenR8 costs $19.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, DMXcat® or GenR8?
GenR8 is rated higher. DMXcat® averages 3.9 out of 5 from 26 ratings, while GenR8 averages 4.9 from 9 ratings.
Do DMXcat® or GenR8 have ads?
Neither DMXcat® nor GenR8 shows ads.
Which is updated more often, DMXcat® or GenR8?
DMXcat® ships an update monthly, and GenR8 weekly. Most recently, DMXcat® was updated on October 13, 2026 and GenR8 on October 13, 2026.

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