Comparison

Fixture Tester 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

Fixture Tester

Test network fixtures using Art-Net or sACN protocols. Import patchlists, run macros, and perform address and parameter tests to verify fixture functionality and addressing. Supports RDM control for ELC lighting nodes.

Highlights
  • Art-Net/sACN fixture testing
  • Import patchlists (dmXLAN)
  • Run fixture macros
  • Address testing
  • Parameter testing
  • RDM control
Features
Read full description

Fixture Tester is an application to test all the fixtures in the network using Art-Net or sACN. Fixtures can be added manually or an already existing patchlist from ELC Lighting's dmXLAN can be imported. When there are fixtures selected, the associated macros like 'Lamp on' can be run on the selected fixtures. To test whether or not the fixtures have the correct address, there is the address test. This test homes the selected fixtures one by one automatically at an adjustable speed. To test the various functions of the selected fixtures there is the parameter test. This test first homes all the selected fixtures. Then it runs all parameters from 0 to 255 and back, one by one. Custom libraries and patchlists can be downloaded in Fixture Tester with iTunes, ELC lighting's dmXLAN v4 or FileUploader, which is a free download at www.bartvanstiphout.com. Patchlists can also be shared using Airdrop, mail or other applications. Using an ethernet node, the universes can be converted to a Dmx signal. Since version 1.7 it is also possible to program the dmXLAN Nodes from ELC lighting. Full RDM control of all fixtures which are connected to a Node from ELC lighting!

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

Fixture Tester4 screens
PA TOOLS2 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: PA TOOLS at Free against Fixture Tester's $24.99. PA TOOLS also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 3 months). Fixture Tester's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and iOS requirement (11.0 vs 16.0). On review sentiment, 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

PA TOOLS is free to download; Fixture Tester costs $24.99 up front. PA TOOLS sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Fixture Tester asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Fixture Tester ships an update every 3 months, PA TOOLS every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 21, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
Fixture Tester versus PA TOOLS: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterFixture TesterPA TOOLS
Price$24.99Free — better
Rating—5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—1 — better
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsEvery 3 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationPaidFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS11.0 — better16.0
Further details — not scored
Size8 MB63 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperBart van StiphoutOlivier Jobin

Customer experience

Fixture Tester

Written reviews1 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

PA TOOLS

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

In-app purchases

None

Fixture Tester

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

PA TOOLS

One-time1
  • PA Tools – Full Unlock$22.99

Questions

Is Fixture Tester free?
Fixture Tester costs $24.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is PA TOOLS free?
PA TOOLS is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Fixture Tester or PA TOOLS have ads?
Neither Fixture Tester nor PA TOOLS shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Fixture Tester or PA TOOLS?
Fixture Tester ships an update every 3 months, and PA TOOLS every 3 weeks. Most recently, Fixture Tester was updated on September 21, 2026 and PA TOOLS on September 24, 2026.

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