QLab Alternative for Mac

What Is QLab and Why Look for an Alternative?

QLab offers a free version limited to two audio cue outputs. The Audio License costs $399. The Pro Bundle costs $599. These prices are justified for large-scale productions that need video projection, lighting triggers, OSC control, and multi-output routing. Smaller venues, community theatres, worship services, and school productions often need just the audio cue sequencing.

LitPads is a custom soundboard app that includes setlist mode, a feature designed specifically for pre-programmed audio cue sequences. Setlist mode covers the core audio cue workflow at $14.99 one-time, without the complexity of full show control software.

How Does LitPads Setlist Mode Work as a Cue System?

The performance UI displays a vertical scrolling cue list with numbered cues, a prominently highlighted current cue, expanded notes for the operator, and a large GO button at the bottom. Past cues appear grayed out with checkmarks. The next cue shows a blue arrow indicator. Auto-scroll keeps the current cue centered in view.

Each cue supports a name (such as "Scene 1 Music" or "Walk-on"), free-text notes for operator instructions (such as "Wait for applause to die down"), and multiple cue items that fire simultaneously. Cue items can reference existing pads from any board or import standalone audio files directly into the cue.

On Mac, the spacebar advances cues, functioning identically to the GO button. Stop and Reset buttons provide quick control without scrolling.

What Can LitPads Do That QLab Free Cannot?

The per-pad EQ in LitPads lets sound operators shape each cue's audio directly within the app. Cut low-frequency rumble from ambient recordings, boost dialogue clarity on voice tracks, and tame harsh high-end on effects. The 2048-point FFT spectrum analyzer confirms the EQ changes visually. QLab Free does not include EQ processing.

LitPads runs on iPad, which makes it uniquely portable for sound operators. The iPad version supports all audio features and displays a 4-column pad grid with dynamically sized pads. A sound operator can run the show from an iPad positioned at the back of the house, at the stage manager's desk, or anywhere in the venue.

A comprehensive guide to theatre soundboard setup covers the complete setup workflow from importing cues to running a show.

What Can QLab Do That LitPads Cannot?

Productions that need video cues synchronized with audio, lighting changes triggered by cue numbers, or multi-zone speaker routing require QLab or equivalent show control software. LitPads setlist mode does not replace QLab for these workflows.

Productions that need only audio cue playback with a GO button, operator notes, and automatic or timed advance do not need QLab's complexity. LitPads setlist mode handles this workflow at $14.99 instead of $399.

How Does LitPads Compare to Other Sound Cue Apps?

The combination of soundboard pads and setlist cues in one app is what makes LitPads unique for theatre. Sound operators build and preview individual sounds on the pad grid, then reference those pads in setlist cues. Changes to a pad's EQ, volume, or trim automatically apply when the setlist triggers that pad.

A detailed guide to soundboard for live performance covers how setlist mode integrates with the pad system for both theatre and music performance contexts.

Who Should Choose LitPads Over QLab?

LitPads is not a replacement for QLab in professional theatrical productions that require video, lighting, or multi-zone audio. LitPads is an alternative for operators who need 80% of the functionality at 4% of the cost.

The free tier includes all play modes and basic pad functionality. Setlist mode requires the $14.99 Pro upgrade. The upgrade is one-time with no subscription, no ads, and no account required.