Comparison

DMXcat® vs SHEHDS

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
Read full description

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

SHEHDS

Features
Read full description

SHEHDS is a professional DMX512 lighting controller that supports both Art-Net (Wi-Fi) and Bluetooth control for real-time lighting management. Key Features: • Art-Net protocol support (UDP over Wi-Fi) • Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) control for nearby devices • Up to 512 DMX channels • Real-time fader control with low latency • Multiple fixture configurations and flexible channel mapping • Dual-mode communication: local Bluetooth + remote Wi-Fi • Stable and responsive performance in complex network environments • Fully offline operation, no login required, no data collection Ideal Use Cases: Stage lighting, live events, exhibitions, equipment testing, and light show control.

Screenshots

DMXcat®4 screens
SHEHDS3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: DMXcat® at monthly against SHEHDS's every 5 months. SHEHDS's advantage is iOS requirement (13.0 vs 17.0). On price, 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

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

DMXcat® ships an update monthly, SHEHDS every 5 months. The most recent releases landed on October 13, 2026 and September 27, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
DMXcat® versus SHEHDS: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterDMXcat®SHEHDS
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.9 (26 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews68.4% of reviews—
Number of ratings26 — better—
Update frequencyMonthly — betterEvery 5 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS17.013.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size43 MB28 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperCity Theatrical, Inc广州申禾舞台灯光设备有限责任公司

In-app purchases

None

DMXcat®

No in-app purchases

None

SHEHDS

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is DMXcat® free?
DMXcat® is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is SHEHDS free?
SHEHDS is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do DMXcat® or SHEHDS have ads?
Neither DMXcat® nor SHEHDS shows ads.
Which is updated more often, DMXcat® or SHEHDS?
DMXcat® ships an update monthly, and SHEHDS every 5 months. Most recently, DMXcat® was updated on October 13, 2026 and SHEHDS on September 27, 2026.

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