Comparison

ArrayCalc Viewer vs PA TOOLS

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

Head to head
About

ArrayCalc Viewer

Access all project data for rigging d&b audiotechnik loudspeaker systems on your iOS device. Share system designs, calculations, and optimizations seamlessly. This app offers a paperless and efficient way to keep all relevant rigging, setup, and system information readily available.

Highlights
  • Access rigging and system information
  • Share project data via email, AirDrop, Dropbox, iTunes
  • View system designs and calculations
  • Paperless and efficient operation
  • User-friendly interface
Read full description

The d&b ArrayCalc Viewer app provides all project data for rigging a d&b audiotechnik loudspeaker system. Once the system has been designed, calculated and optimized in the ArrayCalc simulation software, all relevant project information can be shared via email, AirDrop, Dropbox or iTunes onto any iOS device. The d&b ArrayCalc simulation software is the simulation tool for d&b line arrays, column and point source loudspeakers as well as subwoofers. This is a comprehensive toolbox for all tasks associated with acoustic design, performance prediction, alignment, rigging and safety parameters. It is available as a native standalone application for both Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X operating systems. ArrayCalc Viewer main benefits: - All relevant rigging, setup and system information close to hand in a concise format - Any changes to the system design can be immediately distributed - Paperless and efficient - User friendly

About

PA TOOLS

This app assists with stage preparation and PA system tuning. It provides tools for L-Acoustics presets, patcher viewing, and calculating wave lengths and room modes.

Highlights
  • L-Acoustics preset guide
  • Patcher viewer
  • Wave length calculator
  • Room mode calculator
  • Stage preparation assistance
Features
Read full description

PA TOOLS is your all-in-one utility kit for audio engineers. From system prep to quick calculations, it brings fast, reliable tools for every stage of a show. Included tools: • Wave Length — Convert delay, meters and phase instantly • Room Modes — Predict standing waves and plan your EQ strategy • Generator — Pink noise or tones with tactile feedback • RTA — Pocket-size RTA with weighted filters • Reference Playlist — Loop cues and walk-in edits on the go • Wave Recorder — Capture rehearsals in 48 kHz WAV and share instantly • SPL & Noise Tracker — Log SPL for compliance and break monitoring • PA Specs — Browse LAcoustics catalog and find compatible accessories • Speaker Load — Plan amp channel loads before the trucks roll in • Cable Section — Choose cable gauge and check voltage drop • L-Acoustics Prealignment — Match LA Network Manager presets with field timing • Sub Array Calculator — Design cardioid or broadside arrays quickly Full Unlock (In-App Purchase): Unlock the complete suite, remove time limits, enable full RTA, full recording, extended playlist playback, unlimited module access, and all upcoming features.

Screenshots

ArrayCalc Viewer4 screens
PA TOOLS2 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: PA TOOLS at 100% against ArrayCalc Viewer's 50%. PA TOOLS also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.1) and update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 4 months). ArrayCalc Viewer's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and ratings volume (8 vs 1). On price, ads, monetization model 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. PA TOOLS sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. ArrayCalc Viewer asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

PA TOOLS holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.1. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: ArrayCalc Viewer has 8 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 50% of ArrayCalc Viewer's written reviews are positive against 100% of PA TOOLS's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

ArrayCalc Viewer ships an update every 4 months, PA TOOLS every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on June 10, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
ArrayCalc Viewer versus PA TOOLS: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterArrayCalc ViewerPA TOOLS
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.1 (8 ratings)5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Positive reviews50.0% of reviews100.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings8 — better1
Update frequencyEvery 4 monthsEvery 3 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFreeFree
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS1616.0
Further details — not scored
Size40 MB63 MB
Age rating4+4+
Developerd&b audiotechnik GmbH & Co. KGOlivier Jobin

Customer experience

ArrayCalc Viewer

All ratings8 ratings
Positive75.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative25.0%
Written reviews4 reviews
Positive50.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative50.0%

PA TOOLS

All ratings1 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews1 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

None

ArrayCalc Viewer

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

PA TOOLS

One-time1
  • PA Tools – Full Unlock$22.99

Questions

Is ArrayCalc Viewer free?
ArrayCalc Viewer is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is PA TOOLS free?
PA TOOLS is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, ArrayCalc Viewer or PA TOOLS?
PA TOOLS is rated higher. ArrayCalc Viewer averages 4.1 out of 5 from 8 ratings, while PA TOOLS averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.
Do ArrayCalc Viewer or PA TOOLS have ads?
Neither ArrayCalc Viewer nor PA TOOLS shows ads.
Which is updated more often, ArrayCalc Viewer or PA TOOLS?
ArrayCalc Viewer ships an update every 4 months, and PA TOOLS every 3 weeks. Most recently, ArrayCalc Viewer was updated on June 10, 2026 and PA TOOLS on September 24, 2026.

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