QLab, a cue-based, multimedia playback software package for macOS, has been a key tool for sound designers globally since 2007. Trusted for its industry standard solution offering a comprehensive feature list, remote collaboration, and support for various media cues, including audio, video, lights, and more. QLab continues to innovate with its latest version, QLab 5.2, featuring a new video engine utilizing Apple’s Metal framework.
For those looking for options beyond QLab, alternatives to consider are ProPresenter, TouchDesigner, Resolume, MadMapper, MADRIX, HeavyM, After Effects, Watchout, PVP, ArKaos, Disguise, Millumin, and VDMX.
ProPresenter
ProPresenter, developed by Renewed Vision, is a dominating arena in live production and presentation software. It has gained widespread popularity, especially within church tech teams, due to its outstanding and continuously upgrading features.
ProPresenter Top Features
Intuitive, content-focused interface with dark mode in ProPresenter 7
Potent multi-layered architecture allows independent control over presentation aspects
Spectacular multi-screen capability right from a single installation with electric slide transitions
Enhanced slide editor with dynamic text scaling, linked text boxes and advanced guides
Capacious ProContent media library with over 50,000 assets, themes and social media templates
Allows quick customization of slides with an array of elements like text, graphics, videos, gradients, live feeds and more
Seamless integration of lyrics, slides, and media for high-quality live productions
Mobile integration with an iOS/Android remote for control from anywhere
Software Spec
Feature
Multi-Screen Capability
Native, complete with a built-in configuration for multiple screens
Slide Editing
Advanced edits with dynamic text scaling and enhanced guides
Customization
Amalgamates diverse elements such as text, graphics, live feeds, and gradients
ProPresenter Disadvantages
Limited to single computer registration. However, licenses can be moved between computers by deactivating and reactivating.
Direct compatibility with certain applications like Renewed Vision’s ProVideoPlayer via NDI.
ProPresenter Pricing
ProPresenter is available at various price points, from free to $999 for a Church Campus License.
ProPresenter Use Cases
Use case 1: Church Services
With its robust scripture handling and multimedia capabilities, ProPresenter is an ideal choice for houses of worship to enhance their worship services.
Use case 2: Business Presentations
With its vast media library and customizable slides, ProPresenter is perfect for enriching business presentations, teaching sessions and workshops.
Use case 3: Live Productions
ProPresenter’s powerful architecture is perfectly suited for live productions, providing seamless integration of lyrics, slides, and media.
TouchDesigner
TouchDesigner, a node based visual multimedia content programming language, was developed by the Toronto-based, Derivative. It is a popular tool among artists, programmers, and designers.
TouchDesigner Top Features
Real-time Interactive Multimedia Content Creation: Capabilities extend to performances, installations, and media works.
Comprehensive Toolset: Offers powerful 3D engine and tools for 3D geometry generation, procedural geometry tools, particle systems, instancing, and user interface creation.
Interoperability: Boasts compatibility with other devices and software, and a broad scope of functionalities including audio and video inputs and outputs, multi-display support, and animation and control channels.
Creative Freedom: Able to generate music visualizations, process motion data and audio, control on-screen elements, MIDI data, and organize data through channel operators.
Category
Operations
Texture
Pixels, Images
Channel
Motion, Audio, Animation, Control Signals
Surface
3D Operations, Modeling
TouchDesigner Downsides
Limited OS Compatibility: Though a powerful tool, TouchDesigner is only available for Windows and MacOS.
Potential Learning Curve: The node-based programming language may require a learning curve for new users without a programming background.
TouchDesigner Use Cases
Use case 1
Artists and Designers: With its 3D engine and robust suite of tools, artists and designers can create stunning interactive installations and performances.
Use case 2
Programmers and Coders: Offering a node-based programming language, programmers can develop immersive uses of the technology that stretch across disciplines from art installations to concerts.
Use case 3
Event Planners: Used widely in events for creating immersive and interactive experiences that leverage real-time data like motion and sound.
Disguise
Born for concert visuals in 2000, Disguise has bloomed as a global force for crafting visual experiences. Being a favored choice for technologists and creatives, it shakes the ground in global tours, live events, films, and more.
Disguise Top Features
Experience production software with advanced VR/AR/MR capacities
Real-time editing
Vx 4 server designed for high-performance tasks
Enhanced visuals with HDR and 10-bit workflows
Look-Up Table (LUT) and Absolute Camera inclusivity
Realistic Projection
r15+ software provides realistic impressions of the final show
High-Quality Video Playback
Vx 4 delivers video playback of 4K60 at 4:4:4 with 10-bit RGB depth
User Assistance
Help website developed in partnership with MadCap Flare for improved navigation and efficient content reuse
Disguise Downsides
The complexity might overwhelm less tech-savvy users
Limited information about pricing
Disguise Use Cases
Use Case 1: Live Production Events
With the Vx 4 server, HDR support, and 10-bit workflows, Disguise fortifies live production events. The software guarantees seamless integration with Unreal Engine, resultantly enhancing the visual experience.
Use Case 2: Professional Trainings
Whether online or in-house, Disguise’s professional training options leverage understanding of its intricate technology. An effective way to tap into the advanced VR/AR/MR capabilities this platform offers.
Use Case 3: Content Repurposing
The partnership with MadCap Flare facilitates efficient content reuse, a feature highly useful in marketing and promotional activities. By leveraging snippets, businesses can ensure consistency and increase efficiency.
Millumin
Imbued with power and flexibility, Millumin is a cutting-edge software highly regarded for advanced mapping, data tracking, and curve outputs. While it’s optimized for Metal and Apple Silicon, it allows effortless control of signals and devices for a superior multimedia experience.
Millumin Top Features
Advanced Mapping: Soft-edge matrix and warping are directly applied on the canvas.
Efficient Controls: Millumin operates signals like MIDI, OSC, DMX, catering to specific values at specific moments.
Quality Camera Adjustments: Control over Blackmagic ATEM switcher and PTZ protocol via NDI are enabled.
Person-detector and skeleton-tracker Features: Exclusive to Apple M1 users.
Integration with Third-party Plugins: Supports Cinema 4D, Unity, and Photoshop plugins for live renders.
Feature
Description
Chroma-key
Enables green background removal for color grading.
Sequencer
Trigger states and transitions for lights, videos, LEDs, etc.
Real-time Shader Editing
Inline editor supports ISF shader format.
Millumin Downsides
Limited access to person-detector and skeleton-tracker features, exclusive only to Apple M1 users.
May require advanced technical know-how for full utility of features.
The interface may be complex for beginners.
Millumin Pricing
Millumin offers a range of choices in terms of payment, including lifelong licenses or short-term rentals (7 days, 30 days, and 1 year). In the event of a machine mishap or theft, emergency deactivation can be processed directly from the account page.
Millumin Use Cases
Use case 1: Advanced Video Mapping
Millumin shines when it comes to advanced video mapping and data tracking. Event organizers can leverage it for projection on varied surfaces, making it a go-to tool for impactful visuals.
Use case 2: Live Performances & Theatre Productions
Its ability to control signals and devices allows stage managers to trigger exact lights, videos, and transitions, thus propelling the quality of live performances and theatre productions.
Use case 3: Multi-Device Use
The number of activations represents the number of computers it can operate on simultaneously. This makes Millumin suitable for teams needing to work on multiple devices at the same time or managing complex setups.
VDMX
Driven by sustainability in the world of technology, VDMX, a brainchild of New York-based VIDVOX, is a tech firm centered around providing advanced tools for visual artists and performers. This innovative software solution is highly recognized among top artists for its seamless integration with other performance apps, sound-to-light and sound-to-movement reactivity. It caters to a green future of digital performances, offering leverage to its users working in a myriad of industries right from live music to digital painting.
VDMX Top Features
Built-in audio reactivity: Translates volume, frequency, and instrument specificity into visual experiences.
Support for multiple programming languages: Offers compatibility with Quartz Composer, Vuo, and GLSL.
Multimedia Support: Supports a variety of multimedia types from GIFs to Quartz Composer compositions.
Custom UI layouts: Offers optimized on-screen controls via surface plugins for diverse user requirements.
Scalable Rendering
Multiple-layer rendering supported, offering adaptability across projects.
Quality Connection Support
Guarantees high-quality connections (HDMI, HD-SDI) via Blackmagic Design hardware.
Visual Effects and Manipulations
Options include GLSL, CoreImage, FreeFrame, Quartz Composer with preview available pre or post application.
VDMX Limitations
System requirements such as an Intel-based Mac and at least Mac OS X 10.13 could potentially restrict user accessibility.
No native support for some popular operating systems like Windows and Linux.
VDMX Use Cases
Use Case 1: Live Music
With its built-in audio reactivity and multimedia support, VDMX is a boon for live musicians. Its capacity to translate frequency and volume into complimentary visuals amplifies the audience’s sensory experience.
Use Case 2: Digital Painting
Artists can leverage VDMX’s wide array of visual effects to create stunning digital paintings. Its custom UI layouts further enhance ease of use, aiding in the streamlined creation of visual masterpieces.
Use Case 3: Concerts
VDMX’s high-definition connections and synchronous capabilities make it a pick among concert organizers. Its ability to output video layers to other apps enables real-time, collaborative work, enhancing the live concert experience.
Resolume
With roots in video musical remixing, Resolume has become a pioneering tool in audiovisual live production and 3D graphics. Strongly focused on projection mapping with its ARENA 7 tool, this software enables powerful transformations of musical remixes and video sampling into mesmerizing visual art.
Resolume Top Features
Advanced Projection Mapping: Resolume ARENA 7 specializes in projection on complex geometrical structures to deliver stunning visual experiences.
Flexible Visual Effects: With native and third-party plugin capabilities, projections can be customized for every performance.
Robust Integration: Syphon (Mac) or Spout (Windows) integration caters to diverse tech ecosystems.
Real-time Editing: Live composite, effects, and adjustments on scale and position of clips ensure perfect synchronization.
DMX and MIDI Control: Control light sync with DMX fixtures or manipulate outputs through a MIDI controller or iPhone via OSC.
Feature
Description
Edge Blending
Supports seamless projection with multiple projectors.
Native Support
Integrated with Blackmagic, AJA and Datapath capture cards for video inputs and outputs.
Resolume Limitations
Not beginner-friendly due to its extensive and complex features.
Copyright restrictions can hinder remix creations.
Resolume Use Cases
Use case 1
For musicians and DJs, Resolume combines music and video editing, allowing them to amplify their performances with immersive visual remixes.
Use case 2
From multimedia exhibitions to large-scale public events, artists and projection mappers can turn any building or structure into a dynamic canvas with Resolume.
Use case 3
Lighting engineers, via DMX Desk syncing or MIDI control, have greater precision and flexibility for intricate light shows.
MadMapper
Enter the realm of MadMapper, a versatile application predominantly steering projection mapping, thriving in theaters, theme parks, and festivals alike. Its prowess lies in crafting powerful visual effects, backed by remarkable resolution prowess, up to 16K.
MadMapper Top Features
Vouched for handling high-resolution videos up to 16K.
Embodies compatibility with varied projectors.
Delivers real-time control during the production process.
Trumps at mapping on unique and irregular shapes.
Equipped with a space scanner and 3D calibration.
Feature
Description
Detailed LED Arrays and DirectX Fixtures Control
Aids real-time adjustments, providing a utility for enhanced visual experience.
Fast Video Player
Armed with a fast video player ensuring high-quality streaming.
Comprehensive Coding
Includes a built-in material editor for generative images using GLSL coding, enhancing the overall visuals.
MadMapper Limitations
Lacks the bezier curve creation function, limiting the creative scope.
Has shape restrictions and limited Syphon sources.
The software is potentially complex for beginners, implying a steep learning curve.
MadMapper Pricing
MadMapper stands at a commercial license cost starting at $399, with discounts offered to students or owners of a Modul8 license.
MadMapper Use Cases
Use case 1 – Theaters
Impressively supports real-time control in the production process rendering it beneficial for live theatrical performances.
Use case 2 – Theme Parks
Astounding ability to adapt to irregular shapes, making it convenient for theme park installations.
Use case 3 – Festivals
Potent integrated cue system to trigger shows, perfect for orchestrating festival environments.
MADRIX
Introducing MADRIX, a celebrated LED control software since 2005. Hailing from Germany, MADRIX provides an avenue for generating stunning visual effects with real-time LED control from any laptop or computer.
MADRIX Top|Best Features
2D and 3D Pixel Mapping: Craft crisp visuals with MADRIX’s award-winning software, instantly elevating LED projects to new levels of engagement.
MADRIX KEY: An exclusive USB dongle briskly activates the MADRIX 5 Software, ensuring an effortless creation of visuals with layers, FX filters, mix modes and more.
Highly Flexible: Granting users a broad spectrum of output connections such as DMX512, Art-Net I, II, 3, 4; Philips Hue; and more, MADRIX boasts unparalleled versatility.
Real-Time Analysis: MADRIX’s ability to support real-time video streaming and audio analysis makes it a top-tier media server and creator.
Feature
Benefit
Volume Rendering
Supports voxel mapping for actual 3D LED matrices
Holds 1,048,576 DMX Channels
Guaranteeing adequate scope for complex arrangements
Independant Matrix Controller
Allows recalculation capabilities for efficient LED control
MADRIX Disadvantages
System Requirements: MADRIX requires a 2.0 GHz dual-core-CPU, OpenGL 2.0 graphics card and other specifications to run smoothly.
Limited to Windows: While highly robust, this tool is bounded to the Windows operating system only, potentially limiting its use.
MADRIX Pricing
Pricing details of MADRIX are not mentioned but it is digitally sold on Amazon.
MADRIX Use Cases
Use case 1
MADRIX aligns spectacularly well for DJs or VJs seeking to engage audiences with mesmerizing LED visuals.
Use case 2
Urban establishments looking to accent their interiors or exteriors can employ MADRIX for their 2D or 3D LED applications.
Use case 3
MADRIX is the ideal tool for event planners or installations artists desiring to leverage the attraction capacity of LED lighting.
HeavyM
Meet HeavyM, the revolutionary foe of the projection mapping world. Unveiled after two years of dedicated development, this powerful software brings advanced features and streamlined workflow to the fore, promising to cater to all your creative ambitions.
HeavyM Top|Best Features
Intuitive interface design paired with a commanding graphic engine
Enriched Bézier curves feature and mask layers, free of the 300 shapes limit
Automated control of parameters courtesy of a novel effects generator
Meticulous media management for impeccable workflow
Unhindered creative expression with new sequencer mode and ‘maps’
Pitch-perfect MIDI synchronization
Data-driven, intelligent adaptability to event venues
Sound Integration
With a built-in sound analysis feature, your visual effects effortlessly harmonize with live music, elevating the end-user experience.
Compatibility
HeavyM’s universal compatibility lays no restrictions on your choice of projector model or surface for projection mapping.
Tools & Content Options
The software supports the integration of personal photos, videos, and content from other apps for customized, dynamic presentations.
HeavyM Limitations
Complexity: With its myriad features and functions, it may require a steep learning curve, especially for beginners in the projection mapping sphere.
Hardware Requirements: Ensuring optimal performance may demand high-end system requirements, driving up the overall operational cost.
Use Cases
Projection Mapping Artist
Perfection your artistry with HeavyM’s advanced features, from sound analysis to dynamic sequencer modes. Freedom and flexibility were never closer, enhancing your craft manifold.
Event Production Designer
Deliver enthralling experiences to your audience through the enchanting union of visuals and audio. With its innovative mapping techniques, HeavyM is a sure-shot way to steal the limelight.
Video Content Creator
Create compelling videos using HeavyM’s range of effects and personalized content options. Your content now has the potential to redefine audience engagement, setting a new industry standard.
After Effects
Step into the CGI side of life with Adobe After Effects, the industry-standard toolkit for motion graphics and visual effects. Used to add that extra bit of curry powder to films, TV, and web content, it’s your genie for bringing logos, characters, text, and graphics to life.
After Effects Top Features
Visual Effect Creation: From Mickey Mouse to rain showers and fire outbreaks, all your graphical dreams become real.
3D Space Navigation and Design: Curate your Picasso masterpiece in another realm.
Adobe Integration: Designed to play nicely with Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, it’s like the Royal Court for Adobe products.
Preset Motion Designs: Perfect for when you’re feeling a bit uninspired or have just run out of coffee.
Deployment Options: Conveniently avail it on cloud, SaaS, Web-based, Mobile – Android, iPhone, iPad, and Desktop – Mac, Windows, Linux, Chromebook, and On-Premise.
Collaborate
Got a superhero team? No worries. You can easily collaborate on design projects.
Enhanced Workflow
Life gets better with third-party tools, scripts, and extensions to supercharge your workflow.
Automate Tasks
Make light work of mind-numbing tasks by putting them on cruise control.
After Effects Limitations
Not the best choice for creating fully-rendered 3D environments and models or full-phase video editing.
Glitters like gold in the hands of professionals. Might give beginners a hard time getting up to speed.
After Effects Pricing
Rates seem to be in inverse selfies proportion. Starting at $20.99/month for individuals, and $35.99/month per license for teams. Included in Creative Cloud All Apps plan. Students, teachers, teams, and long-lost relatives of Adobe developers also get special deals. But hey, there’s a seven-day free trial for fence-sitters!
After Effects Use Cases
Use case 1
This tool is the right fit for those seeking to animate words, create special effects, and add lighting effects to their projects.
Use case 2
Film enthusiasts and post-production houses would find After Effects their buddy for creating breathtaking motion graphics and adding stunning visual effects.
Use case 3
Online content creators, YouTubers, and social media influencers can leverage After Effects to add an extra layer of sparkle that’ll have viewers clicking ‘Like’ before they know it.
Watchout
Watchout, justly regarded as a beacon in augmented reality software, was brought to life by Dataton. Mainly a multi-display system software, Watchout is renowned for its vast array of features, like elements that function as a media entity.
Watchout’s Pioneering Features
Remarkable Compositions: Similar to comp in After Effects, the compositions are a collection of animated elements that function as a media element.
Flawless Show Flow Changes: Compositions significantly ease the time-consuming and error-prone process of changing show flow by enabling grouping cues based on it.
Newly-integrated Animated Loops: The improved version allows for the building of free-running animated loops.
Alternative Timelines: Watchout 4 facilitates the creation of alternative overlapping timelines which prevent abrupt screen changes.
Pre-done Animations: The option to construct pre-done animations callable over the main timeline.
Exports that Save Time: The new export movies feature cuts down pre-production time, facilitating client reviews and content archiving.
Original External Controls: It can synchronise with light, serial ports, TCP/IP, DMX, and more, thanks to the integrated external control feature.
New Layer Organisation: The compositing order in the timelines has been reversed to be consistent with other layer-based compositors.
Feature
Benefit
Compositions
Effortless show flow changes.
Alternative Timelines
Fluid screen transitions.
Pre-done Animations
Less time-consuming, foster creativity.
Watchout Limitations
While the Watchout system offers many benefits, it is important to be aware of potential downsides. Some users express concern about the system’s sensitivity to errors, which can lead to time-consuming issues. Others cite the complexity of grouped cues, which can present difficulties for newcomers to the software.
Watchout Use Cases
Use Case 1: 3D Visual Content Creator
As a 3D visual content creator, Watchout allows you to efficiently organize your timelines, swiftly build animated loops and easily send previews to clients, saving valuable time.
Use Case 2: Large-scale Event Organizers
Organizers who are staging large events can utilise Watchout to sync light, serial ports, TCP/IP, and DMX, providing a seamless experience for attendees.
Use Case 3: Animation Studios
For animation studios, Watchout is a boon. The ability to quickly construct pre-done animations callable over the main timeline significantly speeds up the animation process.
PVP
Establishing itself as the standard for multi-screen media servers, PVP (ProVideoPlayer) is a Mac-based software optimised for multi-screen playback. Tailored for live events or fixed installations, PVP offers exceptional video effects and unparalleled display management.
PVP Top Features
Multi-screen, multi-layer video playback connects to diverse display outputs.
Ability to fine-tune content across varying screen sizes, rotations and aspect ratios.
Advanced control of multichannel audio with monitoring and soloing options.
PVP3 transparency and Blend Modes for proficient video layer blending.
Adaptable User Interface catering to the need of the project.
Feature
Description
PVP 3.2 Advances
Simplifies live production by centralizing playback functions, managing effects and transitions, and network triggering for backup instances.
Mask Editor
Allows creation of multiple shapes with feathered edges or importing of an image with an alpha channel.
PVP Limitations
License works only on a single Mac at a time, limiting simultaneous usage.
PVP1 licenses are not eligible for an upgrade.
PVP Pricing
PVP license pricing is as follows: $999 for a new license, $199 for a 2-week rental, and $399 for a 1-month rental. Discounts are available on PVP2 license upgrades, based on the purchase date.
PVP Use Cases
Use case 1: Live Events
For live event displays and multi-screen setups, PVP provides uncompromised video effects and seamless playback.
Use case 2: Fixed Installations
With the capacity to manage a multitude of display technologies independently, PVP is ideal for fixed installations requiring complex visual setups.
Use case 3: Digital Solution Construction
PVP facilitates a streamlined process from discovery through delivery, helping clients craft purposeful digital solutions.
ArKaos
A recognized name in real-time media playback and mapping, ArKaos specializes in providing VJ software solutions and can transform a computer into a professional media server. Ideal for live performers, video artists, DJs, VJs, and show technicians, ArKaos accommodates a larger audience and delivers stunning visual quality and sturdy performance.
ArKaos Top Features
Real-time media playback and mapping: Crafted specifically for live performances and video artists.
MIDI, Pioneer ProDJ Link, or timecode control: Offers seamless synchronizations for every performance.
ShowKontrol integration: Enables track data sent directly from the DJ booth to VJs, lighting directors, and show technicians.
MediaMaster Pro 6: Boasts 48 layers, MediaHub for network sharing, LEDMapper 3, Lyric Player and much more.
Hardware support: Transforms a regular computer into a professional media server.
Built-in proprietary ArKaos SAGA codec: Supports all common media formats.
LED Mapper
Supports larger network due to unicast
MediaMaster with DMX
Allows patching fixtures on multiple DMX universes
Compatibility
Works with common devices and setups, including iOS devices
ArKaos Limitations
Operating System Requirements: ArKaos is only compatible with Windows 10 64-bit and MacOS 10.15 or 11 (M1 currently not supported).
Pricing: Starting from €99.60 per month, the cost might be substantial for some users on a tight budget.
ArKaos Pricing
ArKaos pricing starts from €99.60 per month, and it also provides a free trial.
ArKaos Use Cases
Use case 1: DJ Performances
With ArKaos, DJs can seamlessly send track data directly from the DJ booth to VJs, lighting directors, and show technicians, enhancing the overall show experience.
Use case 2: Video Artists
ArKaos is exceptional for video artists who aim to create a real-time media playback and live video performance, with ease of synchronizing multiple software.
Use case 3: Singers and Church Performances
Combining the power of ArKaos with its lyric player, singers, and church performance creatives can sync text with real-time video content, enriching overall audience engagement.
Hannah Stewart
Content writer @ Aircada, tech enthusiast, metaverse explorer, and coffee addict. Weaving stories in digital realms.
