Comparison

DMXRef vs StageTools

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

Head to head
About

DMXRef

This utility app helps lighting professionals and technicians quickly calculate and manage DMX addresses and DIP switch settings. It offers instant conversions, batch address filling, and storage for device configurations, streamlining setup for live events and theatre productions.

Highlights
  • Convert DMX, DIP switch, local/global addresses
  • Fill multiple fixture addresses across universes
  • Convert local to global DMX addresses
  • Store custom DIP switch settings
  • Dark mode and clean UI
  • Universe and channel calculation
Features
Read full description

DMXRef – Never guess your DMX address or DIP switch setting again DMXRef is the must-have tool for lighting designers, theatre techs, stagehands, and live-event riggers who work with DMX systems. Combine speed, accuracy, and a clear interface to eliminate tedious calculations and configuration errors. Why DMXRef will save you time & headaches • Instantly convert between DMX, DIP switch settings, local vs global addresses, and dimmer-doubler notation • Fill in multiple fixtures’ addresses together, even across DMX universes • Convert local (e.g. “2/1”) → global (e.g. “513”) and back; get universe + channel fast • Store your DIP switch settings for repeated device types, so you don’t have to re-enter common values • Dark mode support, clean UI optimized for iPhones in cramped backstage conditions Perfect for: • Theatre & live event lighting technicians • Touring engineers setting up multiple fixtures • Students or beginners wanting to learn DMX addressing without expensive hardware

About

StageTools

A comprehensive lighting toolkit for professionals, offering network scanning, DMX inspection, fixture testing, and plot creation. Manage fixture data, files, and notes without needing a laptop, with many tools available offline.

Highlights
  • Network device scanning
  • DMX viewer for sACN/ArtNet
  • Micro console for fixture testing
  • Protocol detector
  • LTC timecode generation/reception
  • Curve builder
  • Quick plot creation
  • Scout notes with multimedia
Features
Read full description

StageTools is a lighting toolkit for iPhone and iPad, built for the work that happens before, during, and after the rig is in the air. Scout the job. Plot the rig. Troubleshoot the network. Check DMX. Keep fixture data, files, notes, and utility tools close without opening a laptop. TOOLBOX Network Devices scans your show network and helps you keep track of nodes, switches, consoles, and other devices. DMX Viewer listens to sACN and ArtNet so you can inspect live universe data and catch channel changes. Micro Console gives you a pocket-sized lighting console for fixture testing, quick looks, and controlled sACN or ArtNet output when you need it. Protocol Detector passively listens for common show-network traffic so you can see what is talking before you change anything. LTC Timecode can generate, receive, or jam timecode from your device. Curve Builder helps build fixture correction references from meter readings and export them for real show workflows. DIP Switch and CCT Converter cover the small calculations that still come up on set and in the shop. QUICK PLOTS Build fast lighting plots, network layouts, and power notes on one canvas. Add symbols, labels, cables, layers, backgrounds, custom symbols, and exports to PDF or PNG. SCOUT NOTES Create location scouts with photos, videos, marked-up images, note tabs, voice memos, transcripts, files, and PDF export. Make Scout Notes can turn a voice transcript into structured notes you can review and insert. FIXTURES Search, download, favorite, and reference fixtures from the GDTF Share Library. Downloaded fixtures can be used across StageTools workflows. FILES Save links, PDFs, manuals, plots, patch sheets, network diagrams, and local files. Organize by folder, category, and favorites, then share folder bundles when another StageTools user needs the same packet. BUILT FOR LIGHTING WORK StageTools is focused on lighting professionals: set lighting crews, theatrical electricians, lighting designers, programmers, gaffers, and touring techs. Many tools work offline. Live network tools require access to the show network. Core data stays on your device, with optional iCloud Sync for your own devices. StageTools is free to try. A subscription unlocks the full lighting workflow after the trial. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

DMXRef4 screens
StageTools4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: StageTools at Free against DMXRef's $4.99. StageTools also leads on update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 18 months) and ratings volume (3 vs 1). DMXRef's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2). On rating, 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

StageTools is free to download; DMXRef costs $4.99 up front. StageTools sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. DMXRef asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for DMXRef against 5.0 for StageTools. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 3 respectively.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

DMXRef ships an update every 18 months, StageTools every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 5, 2026 and October 3, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
DMXRef versus StageTools: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterDMXRefStageTools
Price$4.99Free — better
Rating5.0 (1 ratings)5.0 (3 ratings)
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings13 — better
Update frequencyEvery 18 monthsEvery 2 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationPaidFree with in-app purchases — better
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS17.617.6
Further details — not scored
Size6 MB87 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMisquoted Tech LLCX0 Lighting Control Inc.

In-app purchases

None

DMXRef

No in-app purchases

2 purchases

StageTools

Subscriptions2
  • StageTools Monthly7 Days trial$3.991 Month
  • StageTools Annual7 Days trial$39.991 Year

Questions

Is DMXRef free?
DMXRef costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is StageTools free?
StageTools is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, DMXRef or StageTools?
DMXRef and StageTools are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 1 and 3 ratings respectively.
Do DMXRef or StageTools have ads?
Neither DMXRef nor StageTools shows ads.
Which is updated more often, DMXRef or StageTools?
DMXRef ships an update every 18 months, and StageTools every 2 weeks. Most recently, DMXRef was updated on October 5, 2026 and StageTools on October 3, 2026.

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