Pixelhue's live console line covers two distinct philosophies: the U-Series (U3, U5, U5 Pro) are large physical control surfaces built for live event operators driving Pixelhue switchers, and the S16 is a compact broadcast-style switcher with built-in streaming and Dante. This guide explains who each model is for.
U-Series console range
| Model | Weight (net) | Footprint | Max Power | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U3 | 32 kg | 1100 × 675 mm | 115 W | Entry-tier U-Series. Mid-size events, dual-backup PSU. |
| U5 | 24 kg | 740 × 651 mm | 240 W | Mid-tier compact U-Series. Lightest surface — tour and fly-pack. |
| U5 Pro | 46 kg | 1130 × 695 mm | 330 W | Flagship U-Series. Largest surface, most processing — broadcast / megachurch. |
One counter-intuitive note: the U5 is smaller and lighter than the U3 (24 kg vs 32 kg). Pixelhue redesigned the U5 chassis to be a more portable surface even though it sits above the U3 in the lineup. U5 Pro is the largest and heaviest of the three.
S16 is a different category
The S16 is a compact broadcast-style production switcher, not a U-Series control surface. It includes:
- 16 12G-SDI + 4 HDMI 2.0 inputs (choose any 16 of 20)
- 2 program outputs (HDMI 2.0 / 12G-SDI copy)
- Built-in Multiviewer on HDMI 2.0 + 12G-SDI
- 8 12G-SDI + 4 HDMI 2.0 AUX outputs
- Built-in streaming: 1× USB 3.0 Type-C (up to 1080p@60Hz) + 4× RTMP streams
- Optional Dante audio (2×) plus XLR/TRS analog I/O
- Layer engine: 1 BKGD, 4 upstream keyers, 2 downstream keyers, 1 SuperSource
- MIX, DIP, WIPE transitions
- 13 kg net — far more portable than any U-Series
If you're a streamer, broadcast engineer, or single-operator production, the S16 is probably your answer. If you have a touring crew with a dedicated console operator running Pixelhue switchers, a U-Series surface is the right tool.
Quick decision rules
- Need built-in streaming (RTMP, USB) and broadcast-style cuts? → S16
- Driving a large LED production with a dedicated console op? → U3 / U5 / U5 Pro
- Weight + truck space matters most? → U5 (smallest, lightest)
- Largest production, most outputs, no compromises? → U5 Pro
- Entry to U-Series workflow with dual-backup PSU? → U3
Talk to us at 321-747-3220 or via the contact form — we'll walk through your show file or project requirements and recommend the surface that fits.