The process of designing AVL systems is a complicated one, drawing on a number of different disciplines and skills sets to achieve success. Easily one of the most helpful tools ever created for systems designers and tech directors is the smartphone, which has become more indispensable than ever in these kinds of design processes.
Here’s a list of seven of our favorite apps designed specifically with theatrical AVL system design in mind.
AudioTools
When it comes to creating great audio mixes in theatrical environments, there’s only so far a pair of ears will take you, especially when you’re 12 hours into a complex install or a delicate re-tuning process. More than a single measuring tool, the AudioTools app provides an entire suite of apps created specifically to address some of the most pressing needs audio engineers experience week in and week out.
... there’s only so far a pair of ears will take you, especially when you’re 12 hours into a complex install or a delicate re-tuning process.
AudioTools
AudioTools boasts an SPL evaluation tool, acoustic analysis tools, speaker test modules, a line test module, surround signal generators, and even a built-in audio calculator - all of which have been calibrated to work specifically with each phone’s built-in microphone. It’s an app that is clearly designed by professionals, for professionals.
The AudioTools app is available on iOS devices for $19.99.
ShurePlus Channels
One of the least glamorous but most crucial aspects of AVL design is making sure your wireless systems are well coordinated and conflict-free. Enter the ShurePlus Channels app. The program makes setting up, monitoring, and adjusting specific parameters of Shure wireless systems easier than ever before.
Want to know the RF status of a specific wireless system? Just grab your phone.
Need to adjust the gain on a specific mic? The app’s got you covered. Want to know the RF status of a specific wireless system? Just grab your phone. Confused about which wireless system is which in your receiver rack? Just have the ShurePlus Channels app flash the display on the front of an individual unit to get the answer you need.
The ShurePlus Channels app is available on iOS devices and is free of charge.
Luminair 3
Originally released in 2008, Luminair 3 is a feature-packed app that provides wireless touchscreen control of DMX-controlled lighting and lighting systems (when paired with a basic DMX interface). Highly regarded for its intuitive design scheme, professional design, and intuitive interface, this app is a great solution for churches needing complete control of either professional or consumer-oriented LED fixtures. Best of all, the Luminair 3 app interface is extremely easy for volunteers to operate, especially in secondary environments like kids and student ministry spaces.
... the Luminair 3 app interface is extremely easy for volunteers to operate, especially in secondary environments like kids and student ministry spaces.
The Luminair 3 app is available on iOS devices for $99.99
Gel Swatch Library
Two of the core components of good lighting design are consistency and collaboration. The Gel Swatch Library assists in both areas by putting the entire gel libraries from Roscoe, Apollo Design, GAM and Lee Filters right in your pocket, ready for your next creative meeting, conversation at your console, or moment of reflection when hanging upside down from some scaffolding.
Gel Swatch Library [helps] lighting designers match selected gels with exact RGB values and find corresponding complementary colors.
Gel Swatch Library
Beyond providing a handy reference tool, Gel Swatch Library takes that collaboration and creativity to the next level with tools that help lighting designers match selected gels with exact RGB values and find corresponding complementary colors. The app also allows users to organize colors into specific projects that can be shared with other members of their team.
The Gel Swatch Library is available on iOS devices for $9.99.
ETC iRFR
Hands down, one of the best ways to harness the power of smartphones and tablets is through their ability to control lighting consoles remotely via the device’s touchscreen. With the ETC iRFR app, lighting directors can coordinate with any ETC Eos console over a closed network, giving operators the best of both advanced control surfaces and wireless network control.
ETC iRFR
The iRFR app provides control of system parameters such as channel selection and parking, cue firing, and dimmer and channel checks.
The iRFR app provides control of system parameters such as channel selection and parking, cue firing, and dimmer and channel checks. Specific settings like hue, pan, tilt, and other settings can also be controlled via custom graphic controllers built into the app.
The ETC iRFR is available on iOS devices for $49.99.
iRigging Tools by JR Clancy
While many apps are designed to spark convenience, the iRigging Tools by JR Clancy app should be considered essential for anyone involved in making sure safety stays at the forefront of a production. Whether your rigging involves wire rope, motors, curtains, arbors, battens, or blocks, the iRigging Tools app will help tech directors ensure proper measurements and calculations are in place to keep everyone on stage safe.
... the iRigging Tools by JR Clancy app should be considered essential for anyone involved in making sure safety stays at the forefront of a production.
iRigging
The iRigging Tools by JR Clancy is available on Android and iOS devices and is free of charge.
Cine Meter II
For video directors in need of a quality light meter on the go, nothing’s more convenient than the smartphone sitting in your pocket. The Cine Meter II uses the device’s built-in camera to provide essential information like light metering, waveform monitoring, and white balance information. When partnered with the Luxi Light Meter ($20), the app will also provide accurate lux/foot candle measurements.
The Cine Meter II is available on iOS devices for $24.99.
The Cine Meter II uses the device’s built-in camera to provide essential information like light metering, waveform monitoring, and white balance information.
Cine Meter 2
