Pexels.com
Apps make our lives better. Whether browser-based or from the app store, there are a variety of tools available to make the work of AV designers more efficient and enjoyable. Here are 14 valued by professional AV designers:
AudioTools by Studio Six Digital
One of the most popular apps for audio professionals is AudioTools. Not only is it designed to a pro-level, but is also extremely comprehensive. It includes a base set of apps in the initial purchase price, then has a number of optional modules that you can purchase in-app. The base package includes an SPL Meter, Real Time Analyzer, Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) Analysis, CLF Viewer, Wire Gage Tool, Microphone Tool, Audio Signal Generator, a Delay Finder, and many others. The breadth of this product makes it a popular go-to.
http://www.studiosixdigital.com/audiotools/
Chrome Remote Desktop
Have you ever been working with a client in another city, and realized that everything would be better, if you could just see what they were seeing on their screen? Chrome Remote Desktop allows users to remotely access another computer through the Chrome browser making it efficient for ad hoc remote support. An awesome feature is that Chrome Remote Desktop is fully cross-platform. You can provide remote assistance to Windows, Mac and Linux users—all from the Chrome browser on virtually any device.
Clinometer
The Clinometer by Plaincode is a slope measurement tool. You can use it for simple applications like making a frame level, but for audio designers, it can also be used to confirm the angles of a loudspeaker installation. Fun fact: before the days of Amazon and App Stores, audio designers used to get clinometers from the Forestry Supply store via snail mail. (And they felt bad when they lost them, because they were crazy expensive!)
iOS: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/clinometer-level-slope-finder/id286215117?mt=8
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.plaincode.clinometer&hl=en
Fing
Fing is a network security app and appliance for scanning and pinging a network. It can check how fast your Internet is, find out which device is hogging the broadband, identify dead zones and find WiFi sweet spots. It also alerts you to cybersecurity threats, opened ports and malicious attacks. Not only that but you can use Fing to limit internet access which is useful as a parental control, or to simply police yourself to make sure you get some work done rather than learning which celebrities you didn’t know were cousins.
iOS: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/fing-network-scanner/id430921107?mt=8
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.overlook.android.fing&hl=en
LastPass
When you are working with multiple clients and applications, having a password manager is a must. LastPass can generate secure passwords and gives you the option of organizing them by folder. You set the master password, and then LastPass manages the rest. There is also a version for teams and an enterprise level.
Network Diagnostic Tool
MLabs NDT reports upload and download speeds and helps determine what problems limit speeds. The detailed diagnostic reporting can help AV designers to troubleshoot issues—especially related to production issues for video streaming.
https://www.measurementlab.net/tests/ndt/
RadonSoft Signal Generator
Sometimes, you just need to be able to create some white and pink noise for testing. The RadonSoft signal generator is great for quick tests and the sound stays on even if your device goes into sleep mode.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=radonsoft.net.signalgen&hl=en
Pixel Perfect Pro by Upload Studio
Pixel Perfect Pro is specifically for designers working with large scale displays. It provides access to a growing database of tiles and allows the designer to manipulate the specifications based on the size displays being used.
iOS: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pixel-perfect-pro/id1031603204?mt=8
Projection Calculators
Projection calculators are usually brand specific and can be accessed via browser. They can allow you to design projection mapping, facilitate lens selection, and calculate throw distances. Most manufacturers also offer additional product-specific apps that allow teams to use their products with added control and flexibility. Here is a list to some popular calculators:
Barco: https://lenscalculator.barco.com/
Christie: https://www.christiedigital.com/en-us/product-support/throw-distance-calculator
Digital Projection: http://www.digitalprojection.com/calculator/
Epson: http://www.epson.com/alf_upload/landing/distance-calculator/
Panasonic: https://panasonic.net/cns/projector/calculator/tdcen/calculator/html/largevenue/home.html
Note that screen manufacturers such as Da-Lite, Draper, and Stewart Film Screen also ofter apps for screen selection.
Reaper by Cockos
Reaper is a digital audio workstation (DAW) used for recording, editing, and producing audio files. Reaper is cross platform with a small footprint and sophisticated routing capabilities. Reaper is known for being highly responsive making editing fluid. Plus, the demo is fully-functional for 30 days, so you can take it on a test drive before ponying up.
Spotify
Spotify is a great app for creating playlists, which makes it great for taking on a stress-relieving run, or for curating a range of content to use for testing. Spotify has a massive music library. Once you get your playlists set up for different testing contexts, you can access them via the Spotify app on your phone or via any browser.
Theodolite
Theodolite HD is a multi-function AR viewfinder that combines a compass, two-axis inclinometer, rangefinder, GPS, map, nav calculator, and geo-overlay photo/movie camera into one app.
iOS: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/theodolite/id339393884?mt=8
Watts Amps Volts Calculator
Sometimes you just need a simple calculator who gets you. The Watts Amps Volts Calculator by Pro Certs Software allows you to—as the name implies-- calculate to or from Watts, Amps, Volts with this handy converter with Single Phase & Three Phase calculations.
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.procerts.wattsampsvolts&hl=en
iOS: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/watts-amps-volts-calculator/id450813841?mt=8
Zoom
Zoom is an application for enterprise video conferencing and web conferencing. One of the things that makes Zoom effective for online meetings and web conferencing is that it has a robust free plan along with offering higher level service options. One of the things that people love about zoom is that you can invite people to the meeting via a URL link that can be posted via social media and instant messengers—plus, the quality of connection is good.
