Comparison

iRFR Preview vs DMXcat®

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

Head to head
About

iRFR Preview

This app offers a view-only display of active cue lists for lighting consoles. It's designed for professionals needing to monitor current and upcoming cues. iPad users can also take and export notes on cues.

Highlights
  • View-only cue list display
  • Monitor current and pending cues
  • Note-taking on iPad
  • Export notes to text file
  • Works on iPhone and iPad
Features
Read full description

The Preview iRFR application for the Eos family of products - Eos, Ion and Element - provides a view-only Cue List display of the active cue list. ideal for lighting designers and stage managers who need to only see current and pending cues, this application works on the iPhone, iPad Touch and iPad products. On the iPad, this application makes it possible for designers to take notes on cues, copy those notes to a text file and email them as needed.

About

DMXcat®

Control, analyze, and test DMX lighting fixtures wirelessly from your smartphone. This system uses a hardware dongle and free mobile apps to simplify lighting control without complex consoles. It supports various functions like DMX and RDM control, fixture management, and DIP switch calculations.

Highlights
  • Wireless DMX and RDM control
  • Fixture control with built-in database
  • DMX analysis and testing
  • DIP switch calculator
  • Multi-language support
Features
Read full description

DMXcat® makes it easy for anyone to control, analyze, or test any DMX lighting fixture, whether it’s a simple LED PAR or a complex moving light. The system consists of a small hardware dongle (purchased separately) and a suite of free mobile applications. Together, they combine to bring wireless DMX and RDM control plus other useful lighting functions to the user’s smartphone. The DMXcat solves the problem faced by all users of modern lighting equipment: How to turn on and test DMX lighting gear without using a complicated lighting console. DMXcat app is now available in seven languages: Spanish, French, German, Italian, Korean, Japanese, and English. Software Applications There are currently five apps available for use with the DMXcat system: •DMX Controller: A single universe (512) DMX channel controller with two user interfaces (sliders or keypad). •Fixture Controller: Controls multi-attribute fixtures from a built in database. •RDM Controller: For bi-directional communication and control of RDM enabled devices. •DMX Tester: Analyze and adjust settings for transmitting or receiving DMX. •DIP switch calculator: Simplifies the configuring of DIP switches used for setting DMX addresses. Hardware The DMXcat’s hardware interface is a compact battery powered device which fits easily in a pocket or tool pouch or may be worn on a belt. It uses Bluetooth LE technology for communication with the smartphone applications (up to 50’ range). Without the limitations of being physically connected, the user can move about the workspace as needed with their smartphone and run the various apps while still using the phone for on-the-job communication. The device’s five pin XLRF connector/cable assembly allows it to be connected to a point in a DMX data chain to test or control of the various DMX/RDM functions. It is charged using a standard USB to Micro-USB cable and charger. Other features include a built-in LED flashlight, an audible alarm for locating a misplaced unit, XLR5M to XLR5M Turnaround, LED status indicator, and a removable belt clip with a split ring safety point. Optional accessories include XLR5M to RJ45 Adapter, XLR5M to XLR3F Adapter, XLR5M to XLR3M Turnaround, and a Belt Pouch.

Screenshots

iRFR Preview3 screens
DMXcat®4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: DMXcat® at 68% against iRFR Preview's 0%. DMXcat® also leads on rating (3.9 vs 2.8) and update cadence (every 5 weeks vs every 12 months). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model 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. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

DMXcat® holds the better App Store score, 3.9 against 2.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: DMXcat® has 26 ratings behind it against 4, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 0% of iRFR Preview's written reviews are positive against 68% of DMXcat®'s.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

iRFR Preview ships an update every 12 months, DMXcat® every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on August 15, 2026 and September 9, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
iRFR Preview versus DMXcat®: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameteriRFR PreviewDMXcat®
PriceFreeFree
Rating2.8 (4 ratings)3.9 (26 ratings) — better
Positive reviews0.0% of reviews68.4% of reviews — better
Number of ratings426 — better
Update frequencyEvery 12 monthsEvery 5 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFreeFree
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS12.0 — better13.0
Further details — not scored
Size60 MB43 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperElectronic Theatre Controls, Inc.City Theatrical, Inc

Customer experience

iRFR Preview

All ratings4 ratings
Positive25.0%
Neutral25.0%
Negative50.0%
Written reviews7 reviews
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%

DMXcat®

All ratings26 ratings
Positive73.1%
Neutral3.8%
Negative23.1%
Written reviews19 reviews
Positive68.4%
Neutral5.3%
Negative26.3%

In-app purchases

None

iRFR Preview

No in-app purchases

None

DMXcat®

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is iRFR Preview free?
iRFR Preview is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is DMXcat® free?
DMXcat® is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, iRFR Preview or DMXcat®?
DMXcat® is rated higher. iRFR Preview averages 2.8 out of 5 from 4 ratings, while DMXcat® averages 3.9 from 26 ratings.
Do iRFR Preview or DMXcat® have ads?
Neither iRFR Preview nor DMXcat® shows ads.
Which is updated more often, iRFR Preview or DMXcat®?
iRFR Preview ships an update every 12 months, and DMXcat® every 5 weeks. Most recently, iRFR Preview was updated on August 15, 2026 and DMXcat® on September 9, 2026.

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