Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

VDMX VS QLab

Compare VDMX VS QLab and see what are their differences

VDMX logo VDMX

VDMX5 was created from the ground up to meet the demands of realtime video performance.

QLab logo QLab

QLab, Live show control for Mac OS X.
  • VDMX Landing page
    Landing page //
    2019-03-07
  • QLab Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-08-03

VDMX features and specs

  • Real-time Video Mixing
    VDMX offers real-time video mixing capabilities, allowing users to perform live video edits and combine multiple video sources seamlessly.
  • Customizability
    The software is highly customizable, enabling users to create tailored interfaces and modify controls according to their specific needs and preferences.
  • Flexible Plugin Support
    VDMX supports a wide range of third-party plugins, enhancing its functionality and allowing users to expand its features through additional tools and effects.
  • MIDI and OSC Compatibility
    The software is compatible with MIDI and OSC protocols, enabling seamless integration with music equipment and control surfaces for a more dynamic and interactive performance.
  • Comprehensive Audio Visual Synchronization
    VDMX provides advanced tools for syncing audio with video, offering precise control over audiovisual performances.

Possible disadvantages of VDMX

  • Steep Learning Curve
    The extensive features and customizability of VDMX may lead to a steep learning curve for newcomers, requiring time and practice to master the software.
  • MacOS Exclusive
    VDMX is available only for MacOS, which limits accessibility for users on other operating systems such as Windows or Linux.
  • Resource Intensive
    The software can be resource-intensive, demanding high-performance hardware to run smoothly, which may not be feasible for users with older or less powerful systems.
  • Complex Interface
    The interface might appear complex and overwhelming to new users, requiring them to invest time in learning how to navigate and utilize its full potential.
  • Paid Software
    VDMX is a paid software, which may be a prohibitive factor for individuals or organizations with limited budgets looking for free video mixing solutions.

QLab features and specs

  • Flexibility
    QLab supports a wide range of media types, including audio, video, and MIDI, providing a flexible solution for various production needs.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The software offers an intuitive drag-and-drop interface, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced users.
  • Reliability
    QLab is known for its stability and reliability during live performances, minimizing the risk of technical issues.
  • Powerful Scripting
    Advanced users can take advantage of QLab's scripting capabilities to automate complex sequences and tasks.
  • Comprehensive Support
    The software comes with extensive documentation, tutorials, and customer support, easing the learning curve.

Possible disadvantages of QLab

  • Cost
    QLab can be expensive, especially for higher-tier licenses, which might be prohibitive for smaller productions or individual users.
  • Mac-Only
    The software is only available for macOS, limiting its accessibility for Windows and Linux users.
  • Hardware Dependent
    Optimal performance often requires high-end hardware, which could add to the overall production costs.
  • Learning Curve for Advanced Features
    While basic features are user-friendly, mastering the more advanced functionalities can take time and effort.
  • Limited Collaborative Features
    QLab lacks some advanced collaborative tools found in other production software, which could be a drawback for larger teams.

VDMX videos

Tutorial: Performing Live w/ Visuals Using VDMX + Akai APC 40 MIDI Controller

More videos:

  • Tutorial - Visual Performance Tutorial: Introduction To VDMX - Interface + First Steps
  • Review - VDMX (Tutorial): The Interface Explained & Getting Started

QLab videos

QLab V5 Announcement 2022

More videos:

  • Review - #35 - QLab 4 is here!! First-look at the updates.
  • Review - X32 with QLab - MIDI Cue Based Shows
  • Review - Yamaha Audioversity Webinar #6 CL/QL/TF Remote Control from QLab/Python

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to VDMX and QLab)
3D
36 36%
64% 64
Interactive Presentations
Audio & Music
23 23%
77% 77
Tool
39 39%
61% 61

User comments

Share your experience with using VDMX and QLab. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare VDMX and QLab

VDMX Reviews

Top 5 VJ Softwares In 2021
This name might be new to you. VDMX is slightly different from most of the other tools available today because it was designed & developed by a team of coders that believe in the open source framework. This means that the source code is made available for other users to experiment with.

QLab Reviews

Exploring the top 10 World of LCD Projector Mapping Softwares
While primarily known as a professional audio, lighting and video playback software, QLab also offers effective projection mapping capabilities. Ideal for theater productions, live events, and installations, QLab allows users to synchronize video content with lighting, audio cues, and other production elements. With its intuitive interface and timeline-based workflow, QLab...
Top 7 Alternatives to MadMapper – Amplify Your Projection Mapping Projects!
QLab is a multimedia playback software originally designed for live theatrical performances but also offers projection mapping capabilities. It allows you to control and coordinate various media elements, including video, audio, lighting, and more. QLab is highly versatile and widely adopted in the field of live events and installations.
Source: www.uubyte.com

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, VDMX seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 3 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

VDMX mentions (3)

  • HMF this VJ software
    It turns out to be VDMX, a Mac VJ Software. That makes perfect sense since it can be perfectly integrated with Ableton Live, the software that Paula uses to DJ. Source: over 2 years ago
  • HELP NEEDED / Project linking SOUND PERFORMANCE and VISUAL FX
    Https://vidvox.net ,educational discount takes the software down to $199,looks like it will do everything you need ,have a look ,maybe your institution will pay for it ! Source: over 3 years ago
  • ProjectM – The most advanced open-source music visualizer
    Not sure about “state of the art” but if you’re on Mac, VDMX (https://vidvox.net/) is a good place to start looking. Its sort of like a DJ mixer for video sources but lets you do other things like control parameters of your video sources with a MIDI contoller for example. - Source: Hacker News / over 3 years ago

QLab mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of QLab yet. Tracking of QLab recommendations started around Mar 2021.

What are some alternatives?

When comparing VDMX and QLab, you can also consider the following products

Resolume - Resolume is an application for live video performances.

MadMapper - The Mapping Software

TouchDesigner - TouchDesigner is a visual development platform that equips you with the tools you need to create stunning realtime projects and rich user experiences.

VPT - VPT 8 by HC Gilje, released may 2018. Video Projection Tool (VPT) is a free multipurpose realtime projection software tool for Mac and Windows. VPT 7 was downloaded over 100000 times, so in spite o…

Modul8 - Modul8 VJ is a revolutionary MacOS X application designed for real time video mixing and...

Linux Show Player - Sound player designed for stage productions