Comparison

MixEffect Pro vs starCTRL

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

Head to head
About

MixEffect Pro

Control your ATEM video switchers with a comprehensive remote interface. Manage switcher settings, audio, macros, media, and transitions. Features include animated SuperSource transitions, Video Follows Audio, and customizable layouts.

Highlights
  • Multiple ATEM switcher control
  • Animated SuperSource transitions
  • Video Follows Audio
  • Customizable layouts
  • Macro management with icons
  • Audio input gain and fader control
  • External camera Multiview support
Features
Read full description

If you want to try out MixEffect Pro's features for 30-days, please visit the MixEffect app listing here on the App Store and activate the 30-day trial. MixEffect Pro shares the same database as MixEffect, so you have access to the same switchers, SuperSource presets, and streaming services. === MixEffect Pro’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 Pro 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 Pro! # FEATURES MixEffect Pro 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. ## EXTERNAL CAMERA See and interact with the Multiview from your ATEM switcher directly in MixEffect. Change inputs, perform cut and auto transitions, set SuperSource presets, and more. Requires iPadOS 17 and an HDMI/SDI to USB adapter to connect your device with your ATEM switcher to view the Multiview. ## 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. 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. Requires an ATEM switcher that supports SuperSource. ## 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 Pro! ## 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 HyperDecks from MixEffect Pro. ## 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 Pro 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 Pro features a simulated ATEM 1 M/E Production 4K switcher for testing purposes.

About

starCTRL

Design custom lighting setups with this app. Connect and control compatible fixtures, adjusting color, intensity, and effects. Save presets and group lights for complex designs.

Highlights
  • Auto-discovery of compatible fixtures
  • Control lamp color and intensity
  • Adjust color temperature and green offset
  • Access built-in lighting effects
  • Group lights for larger designs
  • Save favorite colors and effects
  • Set smooth transitions with fade times
Features
Read full description

Designed for Litepanels Astra IP and Quasar Science Rainbow 2 and Double Rainbow, starCTRL is a simple-to-use app that allows users to connect wirelessly, create custom lighting designs and quickly adjust standard parameters. Unlock fast and creative lighting designs with the starCTRL app. 1. Connect instantly The starCTRL app is compatible with the following fixtures: - Quasar Science Rainbow 2 and Double Rainbow 
 - Litepanels Astra IP series Supported fixtures are automatically discovered by starCTRL for fast easy setup. Simply set your lights to starCTRL mode in the fixture menu and open the starCTRL app — it’s that simple! 2. Control simply Take full control of your lights from your fingertips. Quasar Science control parameters: Intensity, CCT (1750-10000K), ±Green, Hue, Saturation, Output Mode, and FX Litepanels Astra IP control parameters: DIM and CCT (2700-6500K) Quickly adjust color and temperature using common presets. Access the full range of Rainbow series lighting effects, with the ability to fine-tune individual effect parameters. 3. Customize Group lights for more complex designs. Apply settings to an entire group or fine-tune individual fixtures. Save your own Colors and FX settings to Favorites for quick recall onto any selected fixture or group. Enable smooth transitions by setting a fade time of up to 5 seconds. Firmware Requirements Rainbow 2 & Double Rainbow 
 - Recommended*: QS 0.9B with TimoTwo v1.1.1.5 
 - Minimum compatible: QS 0.8B with TimoTwo v1.0.7.2 *iOS26 users must update to recommended versions or later Litepanels Astra IP 
 - Firmware v1.5.0 with VLPM v1.0.2m (or later)

Screenshots

MixEffect Pro4 screens
starCTRL3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: starCTRL at Free against MixEffect Pro's $49.99. starCTRL also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 4). MixEffect Pro's advantage is rating (4.3 vs 2.9) and review sentiment (64% vs 25%). On ratings volume, ads, device support 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

starCTRL is free to download; MixEffect Pro costs $49.99 up front. MixEffect Pro sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. starCTRL asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

MixEffect Pro holds the better App Store score, 4.3 against 2.9. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 15 and 7 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 64% of MixEffect Pro's written reviews are positive against 25% of starCTRL's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

MixEffect Pro ships an update every 5 weeks, starCTRL every 6 months. The most recent releases landed on October 13, 2026 and October 15, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard7 real differences · 4 level
MixEffect Pro versus starCTRL: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMixEffect ProstarCTRL
Price$49.99Free — better
Rating4.3 (15 ratings) — better2.9 (7 ratings)
Positive reviews64.3% of reviews — better25.0% of reviews
Number of ratings15 — better7
Update frequencyEvery 5 weeks — betterEvery 6 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationPaidFree — better
Best chart rank#199 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — betteriPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.614.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size113 MB3 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperAdam TowVidendum Production Solutions, Inc.

Customer experience

MixEffect Pro

All ratings15 ratings
Positive73.3%
Neutral13.3%
Negative13.3%
Written reviews14 reviews
Positive64.3%
Neutral14.3%
Negative21.4%

starCTRL

All ratings5 ratings
Positive20.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative80.0%
Written reviews4 reviews
Positive25.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative75.0%

In-app purchases

4 purchases

MixEffect Pro

One-time4
  • Small Tip$0.99
  • Medium Tip$2.99
  • Large Tip$4.99
Show 1 more
  • Mega Tip$9.99
None

starCTRL

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is MixEffect Pro free?
MixEffect Pro costs $49.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Is starCTRL free?
starCTRL is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, MixEffect Pro or starCTRL?
MixEffect Pro is rated higher. MixEffect Pro averages 4.3 out of 5 from 15 ratings, while starCTRL averages 2.9 from 7 ratings.
Do MixEffect Pro or starCTRL have ads?
Neither MixEffect Pro nor starCTRL shows ads.
Which is updated more often, MixEffect Pro or starCTRL?
MixEffect Pro ships an update every 5 weeks, and starCTRL every 6 months. Most recently, MixEffect Pro was updated on October 13, 2026 and starCTRL on October 15, 2026.

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