What the New Mavis Studio Update Brings to iPad Live Production
Mavis Studio’s latest update is an iPad live production platform that combines multi‑camera switching, NDI networking, PTZ camera control, USB audio and 3D layouts to give professional AV teams a portable alternative to fixed, desktop-based control systems. Announced at InfoComm 2026, the release strengthens the app’s role as a central hub for live switching, graphics, audio mixing, recording and streaming from a single tablet. The focus is on mobility and touch-friendly workflows without losing the capabilities broadcasters expect. By expanding networked video support, tightening camera control and adding deeper audio and layout tools, Mavis Studio moves closer to the feature set of traditional vision mixers and control rooms. For venues, education spaces, houses of worship and corporate event teams, the update signals that an iPad can now sit credibly at the heart of professional AV production.
NDI Preview Support Connects iPad Workflows to Networked Video
The headline networking enhancement is NDI Preview support, which gives users five minutes of full NDI access to test camera feeds, tally and PTZ camera control before subscribing. This matters for professional AV production because many teams now rely on IP-based routing, and they need to confirm bandwidth, latency and device compatibility before committing to a new system. With NDI input and output already in place, the preview mode turns Mavis Studio into a low-risk way to plug an iPad into an existing NDI network and see how it behaves under load. AV managers can trial live sources from lecture halls, meeting rooms or stages, confirm that return feeds and tally work as expected, then decide how the iPad live production workflow fits alongside existing switchers, encoders and monitors.
PTZ Camera Control Brings Remote Operation to the Touchscreen
The update’s new PTZ camera control means operators can pan, tilt, zoom and focus compatible NDI cameras directly from the iPad. Control is handled through a redesigned wheel that changes behavior based on the selected source, switching between PTZ moves, media transport and 3D layout adjustments. Customisable buttons speed up common tasks, such as recalling a camera framing or triggering a clip. For compact multi-camera setups—common in education, corporate events and houses of worship—this removes the need for dedicated hardware PTZ panels. Instead, one operator can sit with an iPad and handle both switching and camera moves. According to Mavis CEO Patrick Holroyd, “Mavis Studio is about giving people the tools of a professional live production system in a format that is far more portable and accessible.”
USB Audio and 3D Layouts Elevate Broadcast-Style Production
Audio and graphics also receive meaningful upgrades that push iPad live production closer to broadcast expectations. USB audio interface support lets crews connect professional microphones, mixers or stage boxes and route up to four channels into Mavis Studio’s built-in audio desk, with the same interface used for headphone monitoring. This removes reliance on the iPad’s internal audio and makes gain staging and live mix control more predictable. On the visual side, expanded 3D layouts allow operators to position and angle layers in 3D space, building more sophisticated looks for interviews, keynotes or branded streams without a separate graphics engine. Picture-in-picture effects, angled lower-thirds and multi-box layouts can all be designed on the tablet. Together, these audio and layout tools shift Mavis Studio from a basic switcher into a more complete live production environment.
From Fixed Racks to Mobile Rigs: Why This Matters for AV Teams
By folding NDI Preview support, PTZ camera control, USB audio and 3D layouts into one app, the Mavis Studio update positions the iPad as a realistic alternative to rack-mounted switchers and desktop control software. AV teams can build mobile flypacks around a tablet, an NDI network and a few networked cameras, reducing cabling, weight and setup time. This is especially attractive for venues that must turn rooms quickly, education spaces with shared kits, or houses of worship that stream from multiple locations. InfoComm 2026 served as a timely stage for these announcements, reflecting a wider industry interest in portable, touch-first control surfaces. With a free download model and subscription options to remove watermarks and activate NDI, Mavis Studio lowers the barrier to experimenting with professional iPad-based live production while still appealing to advanced operators.
