Top 6 Alternatives for HeavyM in 2024

HeavyM offers a user-friendly projection mapping software powered by an advanced graphics engine. With 2 years of hard work in development, it fits all creative ideas and offers more shapes and effects in one session. Designed for creatives with fresh ideas, its new features include interface design, powerful graphic engine, drawing tools with curves, new visual effects, media management, and sequencer.

When looking for alternatives to HeavyM, consider other software options such as MadMapper, MADRIX, QLab, After Effects, TouchDesigner, and Resolume.

MadMapper

Meet MadMapper, a state-of-the-art application for projection mapping. Highly adaptable, it is used in diverse venues ranging from festivals and theaters to theme parks, powering stunning visual effects along the way.

MadMapper Top Features

• Supports high-resolution video up to 16K, ensuring top-notch visual quality.
• Offers real-time control in production, enabling on-the-fly adjustments and customization.
• Boasts compatibility with a variety of projectors, increasing flexibility with equipment.
• Unique space scanner functionality and 3D calibration allows mapping on irregular and unique shapes.
• Integrates with a broad range of real-time graphic applications via Spout, Syphon, NDI.

Feature	Description
MIDI / OSC controller inputs	Allows for dynamic, real-time performances.
Integrated cue system	Ideal for seamless show triggering.
DMX ArtNet 4 and DMX output	Provides lightning-fast speeds, up to 1000 frames per second.

MadMapper Limitations

• For beginners, the software might pose some initial complexity.
• Lacks certain features such as bezier curve creation and control over some surface aspects.
• Has limitations concerning Syphon sources.

MadMapper Pricing

MadMapper’s commercial license begins at $399, with discounts available for students or owners of a Modul8 license.

MadMapper Use Cases

Use case 1: Professional Events

Optimize your concerts, exhibitions and various professional events with MadMapper’s high-resolution video and real-time graphic applications integration.

Use case 2: Interactive Installations

Build interactive installations in festivals or theme parks, deftly managing complexities with MadMapper’s real-time control and compatibility with multiple projectors.

Use case 3: Advanced Visual Projects

For visual projects that demand advanced mapping on irregular or unique shapes, MadMapper’s 3D calibration and space scanner make it the go-to choice.

MADRIX

Prepare to control the color palette of your LED world with the eminent German LED controller, MADRIX. Built to perfection since 2005, MADRIX packages power, precision, and innovation into a single LED control tool, creating astonishing visuals and effects from your normal computer.

MADRIX Top|Best Features

• Pixel mapping 2D or 3D: Enhance clarity and precision with the software’s bountiful pixel mapping capacities.
• Voxel mapping: True 3D LED matrices are no longer a dream with MADRIX’s volume rendering capabilities.
• Effortless creation of visuals: The layers, FX filters, and mix modes give you the freedom to create limitless display designs.
• Reliability: Proven track record in Musical Instruments on Amazon.
• Generative visuals/effects: Create your exclusive LED show effortlessly and impress your audience every single time.

Feature	Benefit
Flexible Output Connections	As diverse as your necessities, choose among Art-Net, DMX512, Philips Color Kinetics KiNET, Philips Hue, SPI via MADRIX NEBULA, Streaming ACN and DVI.
License Upgrades	Stay ahead with the available license upgrades, always keeping your MADRIX software up-to-date.
DMX channels	Holds up to a mammoth 1,048,576 DMX channels for all your LED requirements.

MADRIX {Limitations|Disadvantanges|Downsides}

• MADRIX is a feature-rich software, and with immense power, comes higher system requirements. This software demands a minimum of 2.0 GHz dual-core-CPU, OpenGL 2.0 graphics card, 2GB RAM, 1GB harddisk space, 1280×768 screen resolution, sound/network card, and USB 2.0.
• Given its robust features and capabilities, MADRIX may exhibit a steep learning curve for beginners.

MADRIX Use Cases

Use case 1: LED Lighting Controllers

MADRIX stands out as an ideal choice for those seeking control in creating dazzling LED light shows. The 2D/3D applications coupled with the power of pixel mapping brings unmatched vivacity and sharpness in your visuals.

Use case 2: Media Creators

Media creators rejoice! With MADRIX’s ability to produce generative visuals and effects, it presents infinite possibilities for artists to craft unique LED displays, enhance living art installations, and bring stage designs to life.

Use case 3: VJ Software

MADRIX software is a VJ’s dream come true. Whether it’s for concerts, music festivals, or clubs, MADRIX offers real-time video streaming and audio analysis for synchronized light-to-music effects, igniting a sensory extravaganza of sight and sound.

QLab

Setting the standard for sound, video, light, and show control cues, QLab offers a one-stop solution for designers. Created by Figure 53, this macOS platform provides a comprehensive list of cue-based multimedia playback features valued by sound designers worldwide since 2007.

QLab Top Features

• Unified design platform: QLab offers a central system for maximum design flexibility and real-time remote collaboration.
• Developed playback capabilities: It supports creation and playback of audio and video cues for live events.
• Diverse cue support: QLab accommodates a variety of cue types including Audio, Mic, Video, Camera, Text, Lights, Fade, OSC, MIDI, and Timecode.
• Networking functionality: Supports Dante, AVB, NDI, mixing tools and audio effects chains for seamless integration.
• New Metal Framework: QLab 5 brings a new video engine leveraging Apple’s Metal Framework for enhanced performance.
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Feature	Description
Projection Mapping	Offers video design and customizable geometry for into 1,000 video layers, chained video effects, structured text cues.
Lighting Control	Supports DMX universes via Art-Net, USB, with hundreds of lighting instrument definitions.
MIDI Integration	Enables bi-directional MIDI for easier control in live playbacks.

QLab Limitations

While QLab comes with a multitude of features, it’s important to note the potential limitations:

• Exclusive to macOS, hence not accessible to users working on other platforms.
• Though it comes with a demo mode and some free features, full access to all its functionalities may inhibit smaller productions due to potential cost barrier.
• Configuration might be complex for beginners or for those with little technical knowledge.

QLab Pricing

QLab operates on a tiered license model, each offering different features. It also offers a demo mode and some free features. Contact the company for specific pricing information.

QLab Use Cases

Live Performance

With its ease of live playback and adaptability to different cue types, QLab is suitable for sound and light designers in theater and live entertainment settings.

Exhibition Spaces

Exhibitions requiring synchronized audio-visual or light installations can take advantage of QLab’s flexible cue-based system.

Television Broadcasting

TV networks can utilize QLab’s efficient and fail-safe system for on air play-out and control.

After Effects

An industry-standard in motion graphics, Adobe’s After Effects presents itself as a comprehensive solution for intensifying the visual panorama in film, TV, and web. Its conception by the doyens of the Company of Science and Art in 1993 and subsequent acquisition by Adobe in 1994, led to its evolution as a crucial tool in the post-production phase.

After Effects Top Features

• Visual Effects: Lead the spectators on a visual spectacle with its creation of rain, fire effects, and object removal from clips.
• Motion Graphics: Animate logos, characters, text, and graphics to stir life into static components.
• Collaboration Tools: Ideate, create, and perfect as a team with its robust collaboration tools.
• 3D Space Navigation: Visualize and design in a three-dimensional space, invoking a sense of depth and realism.
• Integration: Works seamlessly with Adobe products like Photoshop, Illustrator, and Premiere Pro, enabling a unified workflow.

Additional Features	Benefits
Extensions, Plug-ins, Scripts	Enhance functionality and automate tasks for a streamlined workflow.
3D Video Editing, Motion Tracking	Augment your content with 3D art and create videos that feel alive.
Text Overlay, Media Library	Boost engagement by adding text overlays, and organize your content efficiently with a well-built media library

After Effects Disadvantages

• Not the prime choice for creating 3D environments and models.
• Limited application in video editing.
• Access and usage tied to Adobe Creative Cloud subscription service.

After Effects Pricing

Pricing for individuals starts at $20.99/month and sets at $35.99/month per license for teams. A part of the Creative Cloud All Apps plan, it puts a price tag of $54.99/month for individuals, $19.99/month for students and teachers, and $84.99/month per license for teams.

After Effects Use Cases

Use case 1: Post-production Phase

After Effects shows its prowess primarily in the post-production phase, enabling layer stacking for creating motion graphics or visual effects.

Use case 2: Boosting Brand Image

Animate logos and characters to breathe life into your brand’s online presence, utilising After Effects’ robust tools.

Use case 3: Collaborative Workflows

Incorporate the power of teamwork with After Effects leveraging its comprehensive collaboration tools.

TouchDesigner

Developed by Toronto’s Derivative, TouchDesigner is a pioneering visual programming language. Principally used for devising performances, installations, and media works, it offers a versatile, real-time, and interactive multimedia content generation solution.

Top TouchDesigner Features

• Procedural OpenGL pipeline for compositing and effects
• Device and software interoperability
• Real-time 2D and 3D production capabilities
• Multi-display support and video mapping
• Captures images from multiple sources and offers UV Mapping
• Courses offered by Grayarea.org, comprehensive touchdesigner learning

Operators	Description
Components	3D objects, panels, ops
Texture	2D image operations
Channel	Audio and motion control channels
Surface	3D operations and modeling
Materials	3D rendering pipeline
Data	Handles ASCII text, scripts, XML, tables

TouchDesigner Limitations

• More suitable for technical audience due to its node-based programming language.
• Lack of direct export functionality to some platforms.
• Requires a high-spec system to process large-scale projects.

TouchDesigner Use Cases

Generative Visuals

TouchDesigner’s texture operators enable you to manipulate pixel information for generative visuals, offering wide scope for inspiration.

Immersive Experiences

With its ability to render 3D geometry, TouchDesigner permits you to create immersive experiences with intricate spatial elements.

Interactive Installations

The software readily captures images from various sources like scanners and webcams, allowing creators to construct interactive installations with diverse stimuli.

Resolume

An innovator in the realm of interactive media, Resolume has played a pioneering role in the fusion of video music and audiovisual live performance. Known for its role in the history of AV performances, it has transformed the way sampling and recomposing are done in the industry.

Resolume Top Features

• Resolume ARENA 7: Designed specifically for projection mapping, enabling projections on all types of surfaces, buildings, and complex geometrical structures.
• Edge Blending: Helps achieve seamless projection with multiple projectors.
• DMX fixtures: Syncs lights effectively, adding dynamism to the audiovisual performances.
• Real-time rendering, live composite & effects: Enhances the interactive visual media experience.
• Additional 3rd Party Plugins: The visual effects in Resolume support other plugins for more diverse and powerful results.
• Integration Capabilities: Syphon (Mac) or Spout (Windows) allows for integration with other apps on the same computer.

Feature	Description
DMX Control	Control Resolume outputs directly from a lighting desk.
Native Video Capture Card Support	Seamlessly integrate with Blackmagic, AJA, and Datapath capture cards for video source inputs and outputs.
Interactive Control	Manage Resolume with MIDI controller or iPhone via OSC for a hands-on interactive experience.

Resolume Limitations

• Intellectual Property Issues: Copyright laws often hinder remix creations.
• Specialized Knowledge: Using the software requires familiarity with electronic music and video editing.

Resolume Pricing

Since pricing specifics were not provided in the company summary, we recommend visiting the official Resolume website for the most up-to-date information.

Resolume Use Cases

Use case 1: DJing

Resolume’s functionality is ideal for DJs, allowing them to simultaneously control video and audio tracks for a fully immersive and interactive set.

Use case 2: VJing

VJs can fully use Resolume’s potential to create unique live visuals drawn from a variety of video sources, even in real-time contexts.

Use case 3: Projection Mapping

For artists working with projection mapping on complex surfaces or structures, Resolume ARENA 7 offers unrivaled possibilities and precision.