Comparison

FixtureTester Lite 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

FixtureTester Lite

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

Highlights
  • Art-Net/sACN fixture testing
  • Import patchlists
  • 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! ** LITE VERSION LIMITATIONS ** - A maximum of 10 Fixtures can be tested simultaneously - Programming an ELC lighting Node or Switch port is disabled, but you can see how it works - Changing properties of an RDM Device is disabled

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

FixtureTester Lite4 screens
PA TOOLS2 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: FixtureTester Lite at none against PA TOOLS's 1. FixtureTester Lite also leads on iOS requirement (11.0 vs 16.0). PA TOOLS's advantage is update cadence (fortnightly vs every 7 months). On price, rating, ratings volume and ads 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. PA TOOLS sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. FixtureTester Lite 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 FixtureTester Lite against 5.0 for PA TOOLS. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 1 respectively.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

FixtureTester Lite ships an update every 7 months, PA TOOLS fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 8, 2026 and October 10, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
FixtureTester Lite versus PA TOOLS: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterFixtureTester LitePA TOOLS
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (1 ratings)5.0 (1 ratings)
Positive reviews—100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings11
Update frequencyEvery 7 monthsFortnightly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFreeFree
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS11.0 — better16.0
Further details — not scored
Size8 MB66 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperBart van StiphoutOlivier Jobin

Customer experience

FixtureTester Lite

All ratings1 ratings
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

FixtureTester Lite

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

PA TOOLS

One-time1
  • PA Tools – Full Unlock$22.99

Questions

Is FixtureTester Lite free?
FixtureTester Lite is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is PA TOOLS free?
PA TOOLS is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, FixtureTester Lite or PA TOOLS?
FixtureTester Lite and PA TOOLS are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 1 and 1 ratings respectively.
Do FixtureTester Lite or PA TOOLS have ads?
Neither FixtureTester Lite nor PA TOOLS shows ads.
Which is updated more often, FixtureTester Lite or PA TOOLS?
FixtureTester Lite ships an update every 7 months, and PA TOOLS fortnightly. Most recently, FixtureTester Lite was updated on October 8, 2026 and PA TOOLS on October 10, 2026.

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