M2 Calculator
For lED video technicians and project managers working with Brompton processing systems in live events and professional AV.
M2 Calculator is an established utilities app that is completely free. With a 5.0/5 rating from 4 reviews, it shows polarized user reception.
What is M2 Calculator?
Current Momentum
v1.0.17 · 29mo ago
ZombieM2 Calculator has not received a public update since November 2023 and is currently in maintenance mode.
Active Nemesis
No nemesis identified
Other Rivals
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Gathering signals...
What makes this app unique?
What Does It Look Like?
How Is The App's Momentum Right Now?
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What Are The Key Features?
Calculates tiles per port and total capacity based on frame rate and color depth.
Pre-configured data for Roe, Black OnyX, Carbon 4, and Infiled LED tiles.
Determines total processors needed for a show based on screen configuration.
How much does it cost?
- Completely free
The app is a practitioner-built utility prioritizing community contribution over monetization, likely serving as a lead-gen or reputation-builder for the developer.
Who Built It?
Darren Alexander
View Publisher Intel →What other apps does Darren Alexander make?
What do users think recently?
Analysis in progress, available soon
What is the competitive landscape for M2 Calculator?
How's The Utilities Market?
Market outlook for this category
Available very soon
The rivals identified
Peers
Provides real-time Bluetooth control for camera hardware (ISO, shutter, white balance), while M2 is a static reference tool for signal capacity.
Optimized for cinematographers and DPs on set, whereas M2 targets LED technicians and video engineers during the screen configuration phase.
Luminair
★4.6 (1.2K)Synthe FX, LLC
A professional-grade utility for live event lighting that occupies the same technician toolkit as the M2 Calculator, though it addresses DMX control rather than pixel mapping.
Supports complex DMX/Art-Net/sACN lighting protocols for show control; M2 is strictly focused on Brompton-specific LED processor bandwidth calculations.
Utilizes a professional subscription model for advanced features, whereas M2 is a free, brand-specific utility for Brompton hardware users.
The outtake for M2 Calculator
SWOT Analysis
Core Strengths
- Specialized logic for Brompton M2 and SX40 hardware
- Zero-cost, high-utility tool for field use
- Practitioner-led design focusing on specific technical pain points
Critical Frictions
- iOS exclusive (v1.0.17)
- Limited preset library (only 4 tile brands supported)
- Infrequent update cycle (last updated Nov 2023)
Growth Levers
- Expand support to non-Brompton processors (e.g., Novastar)
- Develop an Android version to reach a broader technician base
- Add export functionality for show planning documentation
Market Threats
- Official Brompton mobile software releases
- New LED hardware specs outpacing the app's manual updates
What are the next best moves?
Expand hardware preset library
The description currently lists only 4 supported brands (Roe, Black OnyX, Carbon 4, Infiled), which limits the app's utility as technicians encounter newer tile models.
Develop Android cross-platform support
The app is currently iOS-only, missing a significant segment of the professional AV workforce that uses Android devices in the field.
Implement calculation export features
Adding a 'Share' or 'Export' button for calculation results would allow PMs to move data directly into show manifests, increasing the app's workflow integration.
Feature Gaps vs Competitors
- Real-time hardware control (available in Blackmagic Camera Control but missing here)
- Support for lighting protocols like DMX/Art-Net (available in Luminair but missing here)
Key Takeaways
M2 Calculator is a high-utility, niche tool that dominates its specific workflow by being the only dedicated mobile calculator for Brompton hardware. However, its long-term relevance is threatened by a stagnant hardware library and the risk of official manufacturers releasing competing mobile utilities.
Where Is It Heading?
Stable
v1.0.17 added Infiled support (Nov 2023) — indicates periodic maintenance rather than aggressive expansion.
Maintains a 5-star rating (4 ratings) — high satisfaction among the specialized user base.