DMXcat® vs Pixelmap Builder
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
Read full descriptionHide 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.
Pixelmap Builder
Design and plan complex LED video walls for stage and event productions. This tool helps you map pixel layouts, generate wiring diagrams, and preview screen performance with test patterns. Export project files, coordinate sheets, and videos for seamless installation and show execution.
- Design multi-screen LED walls
- Customizable rows, columns, and panel sizes
- Automatic port wiring diagrams
- Animated radar test patterns
- Export PNG maps, CSV coordinates, Resolume projects, and MP4 videos
- App customization options
Read full descriptionHide full description
Pixelmap Builder is a professional layout tool for LED video wall and stage designers, VJs, and technicians. Plan your pixel map, test your screens, and export everything you need for a flawless install or show. Design your layout: Build multi-screen LED walls with custom rows, columns, and panel sizes. Position screens freely, mix panel resolutions, and see real-world dimensions in meters and feet as you work. Wiring and ports: Automatically generate port wiring diagrams with configurable panels-per-port, direction, and start corner — perfect for planning your data runs before you're on site. Radar test patterns: Preview your LED wall with animated radar overlays — pulse, sweep, wave, and cross wipe patterns, with multiple origin modes including independent per-screen testing. Great for verifying screen alignment and signal flow before a show. Export everything: Export high-resolution PNGs of your pixel map, CSV coordinate sheets, ready-to-import Resolume Arena project files, and MP4 test pattern videos for your media server. Make it yours: Customize the app's background, button colors, and text colors to match your workflow. Whether you're mapping a single stage backdrop or a complex multi-wall installation, Pixelmap Builder helps you plan it right the first time. A limited number of free exports are included. Pixelmap Premium unlocks unlimited PNG, CSV, Resolume, and MP4 exports. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: Pixelmap Builder at 5.0 against DMXcat®'s 3.9. Pixelmap Builder also leads on review sentiment (100% vs 68%) and update cadence (weekly vs every 5 weeks). DMXcat®'s advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3) and ratings volume (26 vs 5). On price, 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. Pixelmap Builder sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per month. DMXcat® asks for nothing beyond the download.
Pixelmap Builder 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 5, 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 100% of Pixelmap Builder's.
DMXcat® ships an update every 5 weeks, Pixelmap Builder weekly. The most recent releases landed on September 27, 2026 and September 30, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | DMXcat® | Pixelmap Builder |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 3.9 (26 ratings) | 5.0 (5 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 68.4% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 26 — better | 5 |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | Weekly — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Free — better | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, Mac |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 — better | 17.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 43 MB | 2 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | City Theatrical, Inc | Julio Valdes Fernandez |
Customer experience
DMXcat®
Pixelmap Builder
In-app purchases
DMXcat®
No in-app purchases
Pixelmap Builder
- Monthly Premium$6.991 Month
- Annual Premium$49.991 Year
- 1-Day Premium Pass$2.99









