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We rely on our smartphones for almost everything, but with so many apps, it can be hard to find what’s worth spending time to test drive. Here is Church.Design’s most recent shortlist for apps that can make an AVL designer’s life easier.
Bluebeam Revu
Bluebeam Revu is a PDF markup and editing software designed to be used with architectural drawings. It makes pulling up drawings while walking a job site easy. Revu has great markup and symbol tools, so it easy to make notes onsite and convey information quickly to other team members. It also accelerates the design review process as teams mark up digital documents in real time.
Crestron App
The Crestron App turns Apple and Android devices into a virtual Crestron touch screen facilitating control of AV applications remotely from mobile devices. Designers can develop custom interfaces so their clients have control systems from their personal phones and tablets—which can be really powerful if a pastor wants to control lighting systems on the exterior of a building or if a children’s director wants to be able to silence background music on the fly. The new version works across phone and tablet seamlessly and can connect over Wi-Fi.
https://www.crestron.com/en-US/Products/Control-Hardware-Software/Software/Apps/CRESTRON-APP
IES Ready Reference
The Illuminating Engineering Society has a Ready Reference app which includes a search feature to find core lighting knowledge—including values from illuminance tables. The app also includes simple calculators for basic lighting, energy, and economic calculations.
https://www.ies.org/education/ies-lighting-ready-reference-app/
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Listen Technologies Compliance Calculator
Listen Technologies has created a simple-to-use mobile program for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the International Building Code (IBC): Assistive Listening Standards. The ADA Compliance Assistive Listening Calculator is a complete toolset for understanding and calculating your facility requirements to meet the 2010 ADA STANDARDS FOR ACCESSIBLE DESIGN.
iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ada-ibc-compliance-calculator/id472750834
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=listen.ADACalculator&hl=en_US
Lux Light Meter (Free)
The Lux Light meter provides light measurements in lux and foot-candle unites. It measures minimum, average and maximum brightness and allows you to store your measurements in memory with title, date, and time. It has a minimal and intuitive user interface and you can calibrate the measurement with easy controls.
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.doggoapps.luxlight&hl=en_US
Notes for iOS
The standard ‘notes’ app for iOS has recently added a scanning feature which easily allows you to digitize documents. It’s possible to capture docs, mark them up, and quickly send them to others. Or simply digitize and recycle the hardcopy to keep from having to store paper. The best part is that if you are an iPad or iPhone user—you already have this app.
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT210336
Sound Level Control for AudioTools by Studio Six Digital
Studio Six Digital is always updating the highly popular AudioTools app. One new tool is a useful Sound Level Control that allows automatic control of the sound level in a venue based on the SPL detected in the room. The app works by monitoring the sound level from a microphone (connected to the left audio input of an iOS device) and applying attenuation to a sound signal present at the right input and passing it to the iOS device output.
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/audiotools/id325307477
Zello
Zello is a push-to-talk app that facilitates real-time voice messaging. Think of it like turning your smart phone into a “walkie-talkie.” The app makes it really easy for teams to work on a large site while communicating with each other. A whole team can connect for commissioning with easier interface than maintaining a phone call. Which can be really useful when real time communication is required but radios are a hassle.
