Comparison

TouchDirector Mini vs MixEffect (Trial & Pro Unlock)

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

Head to head
About

TouchDirector Mini

Control your ATEM switcher with a broadcast panel-style interface. Manage audio, playback, auxiliary outputs, DVEs, and more. Create and animate complex multi-PIP compositions with real-time macro generation for smooth visual effects.

Highlights
  • Broadcast panel-style ATEM control
  • Audio and HyperDeck playback control
  • Auxiliary output management
  • SuperSource/DVEK animation with real-time macros
  • Multi-PIP composition saving and loading
  • Streaming setup and data rate monitoring
  • Macro management and execution
Read full description

TouchDirector ATEM Panel app to control every ATEM switcher from ATEM Mini to the ATEM Constellation in broadcast panel style. In addition to PVW/PGM, macros and transition area, you can select one of the following sections: • Audio • HyperDeck playback control • Aux control (up to 4 with ATEM Mini Extreme ISO SDI) • M/E 1 Key and DSK sources control in broadcast panel style • ATEM internal media player control • SuperSource/DVEK with box animation, Control of up to 6 PiP boxes* in one composition • WorldTally system • Streaming/recording • All macros Macro driven animation of SuperSource boxes and also up to 2 DVE key boxes* with real-time generated macros. TouchDirector is generating, sending and executing animation macros in real-time. This revolutionary solution makes animation much smoother, for SuperSource and DVEK animation in progressive formats. *with ATEM Mini Extreme, number of PiP boxes depends on ATEM Mini switcher type More features: • Save your Multi PIP compositions to your iCloud or other cloud services or share it with other iOS devices • Load compositions instantly or use Quick Composition buttons to prepare your upcoming Multi PIP events, it's like having multiple SuperSources! • Zoom up and down every single box e.g., to bring a talk guest from a discussion into front and back to the composition. Simply switch on the “single box zoom button”, and every box tapped by your finger will expand or collapse again, with just a touch on the visualized Multi PIP tool in the app! • Send all PIP boxes out of the screen after preparing. Then bring only the background on air and all boxes with a quick composition button animated back to the screen - an amazing effect! • Easy streaming setup for ATEM Mini Pro/ISO/Extreme with TouchDirector App for iPad. Copy and paste your streaming data and start streaming instantly without complicated XML editing. • Monitor your stream quality with the "Streaming data rate monitor", which records the data rates every second. Export streaming protocol e.g. for your client as chart in PNG format. • Select sources for all aux out in a broadcast panel design with customizable buttons. • Select sources for all upstream keys and all DSK keys in a broadcast panel design with customizable buttons. • Macros, Audio control, PVW/PGM row, AUX control, worldwide Tally, Media Player control, HyperDeck control. • PGM/PVW row is visible and switchable all the time, you can also swap PGM/PVW row to switch more comfortably on the iPad. • Manage and start up to 100 ATEM macros arranged in 10 groups and up to Quick macro buttons in definable number of rows between PGM/PVW and key area. • See the audio levels live and adjust them while controlling other part of the ATEM. Audio setup popup for every channel with on/off, tie, volume and balance slider. • See all AUX sources in one view and set them in broadcast panel style. • Send tally to your remote camera people and connect to them with text chat (free: max. 4 participants). • Choose stills and clips in the ATEM integrated Media Player, tie clips with DSK or Transition (Media player 1 - 4). • Connect 1 or 2 HyperDecks (all models) and use it as fully automated integrated media player for pre-produced clips or key-animations (use fill and key output at the HyperDeck Mini for alpha channel clips). • Generate clip lists with mark in and out and set repeat for your clips stored on your HyperDeck and HyperDeck Mini. • Assign your HyperDeck inputs related to their physical inputs in the Deck Assignments, also for Key and Fill. • Control your Key and DSK pre multiplying in one view in the Key Assignment settings. • Assign your DVEK boxes to your desired upstream key in the Key Assignment settings. • Recording functionality, you are able to control the recording functionality of an ATEM Mini/Extreme with up to 2 connected SSDs. • Timecode functionality: TouchDirector can now set ATEM time code type and preset time code in the new recording area.

About

MixEffect (Trial & Pro Unlock)

Control Blackmagic Design ATEM switchers from your iPhone or iPad. Manage switcher settings, audio, media, and create custom layouts. Automate transitions and control keyers with ease.

Highlights
  • Switcher control
  • Macro organization
  • Audio mixing
  • Media pool management
  • Customizable layouts
  • SuperSource transitions
  • Keyer control
Features
Read full description

MixEffect is a professional tool for controlling Blackmagic Design ATEM switchers from your iPhone or iPad. MixEffect’s familiar interface gives you quick access to virtually everything you need to run your video productions: switcher control, macros, audio, media, editing palettes, recording and streaming. MixEffect then turns the dial past ten with animated SuperSource transitions, Video Follows Audio, customizable layouts, and Shortcuts support. Manage your live productions confidently with MixEffect! # PRICING MixEffect is a free download from the App Store. Features are limited to creating new switcher connection and streaming service entries, Program/Preview, Fader Bar control, and running the ATEM Simulator. Want more? Try out MixEffect Pro over a generous 30 day period. MixEffect Pro brings full switcher control, SuperSource, Video Follows Audio, macro organization, streaming, recording, editing palettes, custom layouts, and much more! A single In-App purchase unlocks MixEffect Pro -- no subscriptions, ads, or hidden fees. # FEATURES MixEffect is packed full of features to control your ATEM switchers. ## SWITCHER MANAGEMENT Control multiple ATEM switchers. Sync your switcher settings between all of your iCloud-connected devices. ## PANELS / BUTTONS Customize the look of your switcher interface with separate iPhone, Landscape, and iPad-optimized layouts. Choose from 20 panels to include in your layouts. ## SUPERSOURCE Become a SuperSource master on your ATEM Mini Extreme and Mini Extreme ISO. Automatically animate transitions when switching between SuperSource layouts! Use drag and drop to rearrange your boxes. Save your favorite preset layouts and share them with others. ## AUDIO Control audio on ATEM switchers. Adjust each audio source’s input gain, fader gain, frames delay, and pan settings. ## MACROS Give your macros the gift of icons, colors, filtering, and sorting. Choose from three different display layouts: Grid, Buttons, and List. Access all of your macros from the virtual switcher interface. ## MEDIA Upload still images from your Photo Library into your switcher’s Media Pool. ## TRANSITIONS Access all the transitions supported by your switcher such as Mix, Dip, Wipe, and DVE, not just the ones wired to hardware buttons. ## DOWNSTREAM KEYERS Missing that DSK On Air button on your ATEM Mini? It's there in MixEffect! ## UPSTREAM KEYERS Adjust your Luma, Chroma, Pattern, and DVE settings for your upstream keyers. Use touch to easily set the chroma sample and change the position of your DVE frame. ## AUTOMATIONS Control your ATEM switcher with your voice and Shortcuts. Automatically switch inputs, change SuperSource layouts, and run macros when your audio levels rise or fall below a certain threshold. Enjoy extensive keyboard shortcuts throughout the app. ## COLOR GENERATORS Change your color sources without having to dig through palettes. ## HYPERDECK Control up to four HyperDecks from MixEffect. ## AUX Set the sources for all of your auxiliary outputs. ## STREAMING Add streaming services, servers, and profiles without having to know XML. Set a default profile and server for each of your streaming services. Import and export the Streaming.xml files supported by the ATEM Mini Pro, Pro ISO, Mini Extreme, and Mini Extreme ISO line of switchers. ## RECORDING Control your disk recordings from your iPhone or iPad. Switch disks with a tap and see how much time is available for recording. ## SECURITY Prevent unwanted access to MixEffect with Face ID (or device passcode lock). Activate View Only Mode so people can see what’s happening on the switcher without the ability to change anything. ## SWITCHER SETTINGS Set your switcher’s video mode, change the labels of sources, configure Multiview, and save your switcher's startup settings. ## SIMULATOR MixEffect features a simulated ATEM 1 M/E Production 4K switcher for testing purposes.

Screenshots

MixEffect (Trial & Pro Unlock)4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: MixEffect (Trial & Pro Unlock) at 78% against TouchDirector Mini's 0%. MixEffect (Trial & Pro Unlock) also leads on price (Free vs $30.99) and ratings volume (131 vs 3). TouchDirector Mini's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 6) and rating (5.0 vs 4.7). On update cadence, ads and iOS requirement 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

MixEffect (Trial & Pro Unlock) is free to download; TouchDirector Mini costs $30.99 up front. MixEffect (Trial & Pro Unlock) sells 6 one-off in-app purchases. TouchDirector Mini asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

TouchDirector Mini holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: MixEffect (Trial & Pro Unlock) has 131 ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 0% of TouchDirector Mini's written reviews are positive against 78% of MixEffect (Trial & Pro Unlock)'s, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

TouchDirector Mini ships an update monthly, MixEffect (Trial & Pro Unlock) every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and November 7, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard7 real differences · 3 level
TouchDirector Mini versus MixEffect (Trial & Pro Unlock): the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterTouchDirector MiniMixEffect (Trial & Pro Unlock)
Price$30.99Free — better
Rating5.0 (3 ratings) — better4.7 (131 ratings)
Positive reviews0.0% of reviews77.8% of reviews — better
Number of ratings3131 — better
Update frequencyMonthly — betterEvery 2 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationPaidFree with in-app purchases — better
DevicesiPadiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — better
Requires iOS14.0 — better15.6
Further details — not scored
Size72 MB159 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperLiveSkills Menssen & Ebelt GbRAdam Tow

Customer experience

TouchDirector Mini

All ratings2 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews1 reviews
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%

MixEffect (Trial & Pro Unlock)

All ratings131 ratings
Positive91.6%
Neutral3.1%
Negative5.3%
Written reviews81 reviews
Positive77.8%
Neutral4.9%
Negative17.3%

Bugs and requests

TouchDirector Mini

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

MixEffect (Trial & Pro Unlock)

Reported bugs

10 issues
  • App crashes when selecting switcher
  • Trial mode resets after app closure
  • Freezing issues with ATEM hardware
  • Connection recognition failures
  • Macro instability causing hardware malfunction
Show 5 more
  • Pro purchase not restoring after reinstall
  • Trial expiration notification despite Pro purchase
  • Incompatibility with Television Studio HD8
  • Crash on startup after update
  • Inconsistent macro behavior

Requested features

14 requests
  • Color correction for cameras
  • Multi-row button label text support
  • Auto-connect feature like ATEM Software Control
  • SuperSource configuration grouping
  • Title addition for streaming services
Show 9 more
  • More than 4 input boxes
  • H2R graphics integration
  • Custom URL and media playback
  • AirPlay source input and output
  • Advanced audio EQ and volume limiting
  • Live background preview in multiview
  • Remote connection from anywhere
  • Settings backup to cloud services
  • Editable button labels for Keyers

In-app purchases

None

TouchDirector Mini

No in-app purchases

6 purchases

MixEffect (Trial & Pro Unlock)

One-time6
  • 30-Day TrialFree
  • Small Tip$0.99
  • Medium Tip$2.99
Show 3 more
  • Large Tip$4.99
  • Mega Tip$9.99
  • MixEffect Pro$49.99

Questions

Is TouchDirector Mini free?
TouchDirector Mini costs $30.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is MixEffect (Trial & Pro Unlock) free?
MixEffect (Trial & Pro Unlock) is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, TouchDirector Mini or MixEffect (Trial & Pro Unlock)?
TouchDirector Mini is rated higher. TouchDirector Mini averages 5.0 out of 5 from 3 ratings, while MixEffect (Trial & Pro Unlock) averages 4.7 from 131 ratings.
Do TouchDirector Mini or MixEffect (Trial & Pro Unlock) have ads?
Neither TouchDirector Mini nor MixEffect (Trial & Pro Unlock) shows ads.
Which is updated more often, TouchDirector Mini or MixEffect (Trial & Pro Unlock)?
TouchDirector Mini ships an update monthly, and MixEffect (Trial & Pro Unlock) every 2 months. Most recently, TouchDirector Mini was updated on November 3, 2026 and MixEffect (Trial & Pro Unlock) on November 7, 2026.

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