Comparison

vMix Virtual Control Surface vs MixEffect (Trial & Pro Unlock)

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

Head to head
About

vMix Virtual Control Surface

This app provides a virtual control surface for the vMix video switching software. It allows users to control vMix functions remotely over a network, mimicking the feel of a hardware switcher with numerous programmable buttons and faders.

Highlights
  • 512 preview buttons
  • 512 program buttons
  • 512 audio input faders
  • Audio channel control
  • Clip playback control
  • Transition and DSK buttons
  • Programmable user buttons
Read full description

vMix CS is a software control surface for controlling the video switching program vMix. This app enables you to control vMix from anywhere within your network. vMix CS also provides the feel of a traditional hardware switcher. Simply press the IP address within vMix CS and type in the IP address of the computer running vMix. vMix Virtual Control Surface Features: -512 preview buttons -512 program buttons -512 overlay buttons -512 audio input faders -512 audio input meters -512 mute input buttons -Toggle Master, A-G bus assignment for audio -Solo Audio Channels -Play, Pause & Repeat clips from the audio controller -4 DSK buttons to control up to 4 overlay channels -4 transition buttons -4 user programmable buttons (programmed within vMix "SurfaceF1", "SurfaceF2", "SurfaceF3" and "SurfaceF4") -Master / Bus A-G audio fader -Master / Bus A-G mute button -Record, Stream, External, FadeToBlack and Take buttons -Smooth T-Bar ******NOTE****** The host vMix computer must have its network set to "Home". Setting this to "Work" or "Public" will block vDesk from connecting to vMix. This can be changed by right clicking the network icon on the bottom right of windows and selecting "Open Network and Sharing Center". In the Network and Sharing Center, the network that you are currently connected to will be displayed along with an icon. Under the name should list the current security setting. It will either list "Home", "Work" or "Public". To change this setting, click on the link below the network name and a new window will pop up. In this new window, select "Home Network". ******* User experience may be poor if WiFi signal is poor

About

MixEffect (Trial & Pro Unlock)

Control Blackmagic Design ATEM switchers from your iPhone or iPad. Manage switcher settings, audio, media, and create custom layouts. Automate transitions and control keyers with ease.

Highlights
  • Switcher control
  • Macro organization
  • Audio mixing
  • Media pool management
  • Customizable layouts
  • SuperSource transitions
  • Keyer control
Features
Read full description

MixEffect is a professional tool for controlling Blackmagic Design ATEM switchers from your iPhone or iPad. MixEffect’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 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! # PRICING MixEffect is a free download from the App Store. Features are limited to creating new switcher connection and streaming service entries, Program/Preview, Fader Bar control, and running the ATEM Simulator. Want more? Try out MixEffect Pro over a generous 30 day period. MixEffect Pro brings full switcher control, SuperSource, Video Follows Audio, macro organization, streaming, recording, editing palettes, custom layouts, and much more! A single In-App purchase unlocks MixEffect Pro -- no subscriptions, ads, or hidden fees. # FEATURES MixEffect 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. ## 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 your ATEM Mini Extreme and Mini Extreme ISO. 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. ## 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! ## 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 up to four HyperDecks from MixEffect. ## 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 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 features a simulated ATEM 1 M/E Production 4K switcher for testing purposes.

Screenshots

MixEffect (Trial & Pro Unlock)4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: MixEffect (Trial & Pro Unlock) at Free against vMix Virtual Control Surface's $19.99. MixEffect (Trial & Pro Unlock) also leads on rating (4.7 vs 3.9) and review sentiment (78% vs 40%). vMix Virtual Control Surface's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 6) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.6). On 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

MixEffect (Trial & Pro Unlock) is free to download; vMix Virtual Control Surface costs $19.99 up front. MixEffect (Trial & Pro Unlock) sells 6 one-off in-app purchases. vMix Virtual Control Surface asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

MixEffect (Trial & Pro Unlock) holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.9. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: MixEffect (Trial & Pro Unlock) has 131 ratings behind it against 9, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 40% of vMix Virtual Control Surface's written reviews are positive against 78% of MixEffect (Trial & Pro Unlock)'s.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

vMix Virtual Control Surface ships an update every 4 months, MixEffect (Trial & Pro Unlock) every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 17, 2026 and October 18, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard9 real differences · 1 level
vMix Virtual Control Surface versus MixEffect (Trial & Pro Unlock): the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParametervMix Virtual Control SurfaceMixEffect (Trial & Pro Unlock)
Price$19.99Free — better
Rating3.9 (9 ratings)4.7 (131 ratings) — better
Positive reviews40.0% of reviews78.5% of reviews — better
Number of ratings9131 — better
Update frequencyEvery 4 monthsEvery 2 months — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPadiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — better
Requires iOS13.0 — better15.6
Further details — not scored
Size14 MB159 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperSeth HabermanAdam Tow

Customer experience

vMix Virtual Control Surface

All ratings9 ratings
Positive77.8%
Neutral0.0%
Negative22.2%
Written reviews35 reviews
Positive40.0%
Neutral17.1%
Negative42.9%

MixEffect (Trial & Pro Unlock)

All ratings131 ratings
Positive91.6%
Neutral3.1%
Negative5.3%
Written reviews79 reviews
Positive78.5%
Neutral5.1%
Negative16.5%

Bugs and requests

vMix Virtual Control Surface

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

MixEffect (Trial & Pro Unlock)

Reported bugs

10 issues
  • App crashes when selecting switcher
  • Trial mode resets after app closure
  • Freezing issues with ATEM hardware
  • Connection recognition failures
  • Macro instability causing hardware malfunction
Show 5 more
  • Pro purchase not restoring after reinstall
  • Trial expiration notification despite Pro purchase
  • Incompatibility with Television Studio HD8
  • Crash on startup after update
  • Inconsistent macro behavior

Requested features

14 requests
  • Color correction for cameras
  • Multi-row button label text support
  • Auto-connect feature like ATEM Software Control
  • SuperSource configuration grouping
  • Title addition for streaming services
Show 9 more
  • More than 4 input boxes
  • H2R graphics integration
  • Custom URL and media playback
  • AirPlay source input and output
  • Advanced audio EQ and volume limiting
  • Live background preview in multiview
  • Remote connection from anywhere
  • Settings backup to cloud services
  • Editable button labels for Keyers

In-app purchases

None

vMix Virtual Control Surface

No in-app purchases

6 purchases

MixEffect (Trial & Pro Unlock)

One-time6
  • 30-Day TrialFree
  • Small Tip$0.99
  • Medium Tip$2.99
Show 3 more
  • Large Tip$4.99
  • Mega Tip$9.99
  • MixEffect Pro$49.99

Questions

Is vMix Virtual Control Surface free?
vMix Virtual Control Surface costs $19.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is MixEffect (Trial & Pro Unlock) free?
MixEffect (Trial & Pro Unlock) is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, vMix Virtual Control Surface or MixEffect (Trial & Pro Unlock)?
MixEffect (Trial & Pro Unlock) is rated higher. vMix Virtual Control Surface averages 3.9 out of 5 from 9 ratings, while MixEffect (Trial & Pro Unlock) averages 4.7 from 131 ratings.
Do vMix Virtual Control Surface or MixEffect (Trial & Pro Unlock) have ads?
Neither vMix Virtual Control Surface nor MixEffect (Trial & Pro Unlock) shows ads.
Which is updated more often, vMix Virtual Control Surface or MixEffect (Trial & Pro Unlock)?
vMix Virtual Control Surface ships an update every 4 months, and MixEffect (Trial & Pro Unlock) every 2 months. Most recently, vMix Virtual Control Surface was updated on October 17, 2026 and MixEffect (Trial & Pro Unlock) on October 18, 2026.

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