QuickLink StudioPro Proton vs Fusion: Which Control Surface Do You Need?
The QuickLink StudioPro can be controlled in multiple ways: software, tablet, keyboard and mouse, or dedicated hardware control surfaces. Here's how every control option compares and when you need to step up to a physical panel.
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Control Options Overview
Multi-Viewer Interface — monitor all inputs, outputs, preview, and program feeds simultaneously. Primarily a monitoring tool rather than a switching control surface.
StudioPro IP Panel — software-based control accessible from any computer, tablet, or mobile device on your network. Full touchscreen support. Ideal for operators who want flexible, location-independent control without dedicated hardware.
Keyboard and mouse — standard control for software-based switching workflows. Works well for single-operator productions without fast-paced live switching demands.
StudioPro Proton: (included in NDI bundle)
The Proton is a dedicated hardware control surface for professional live switching. Physical buttons give operators tactile, reliable control over inputs, outputs, and scene transitions without navigating software menus.
Key features:
- Direct crosspoint buttons for inputs and outputs
- Single-button scene and preset recall
- Native StudioPro control
- Bitfocus Companion integration — control lighting, audio mixers, PTZ cameras, and other network-based devices from the same panel
- Network-based — controls anything on your IP network, not just the StudioPro
The Proton covers the needs of most productions — houses of worship, corporate events, education, and mid-size live events. Available bundled with the StudioPro NDI, including one year of elite annual support on both units.
StudioPro Fusion: Advanced Production Control
The Fusion is the full-featured control surface built for complex, large-scale productions running the StudioPro 16 or ST2110 systems.
Upgrades over the Proton:
- More buttons — expanded direct crosspoint access for higher input counts
- Touchscreen display — see and interact with what you're controlling in real time
- PTZ joystick — integrated joystick for direct PTZ camera control from the panel
- Enhanced workflow customization — more assignable buttons for graphics, audio, and production triggers
- Bitfocus Companion integration — same network control capability as the Proton, expanded
The Fusion is purpose-built for operators managing 16+ inputs, PTZ camera control, and complex live graphics simultaneously — broadcast facilities, large venue productions, and OB truck workflows.
Proton vs Fusion: Quick Comparison
| Proton | Fusion | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Most productions | Large venue/broadcast |
| Touchscreen | — | ✓ |
| PTZ joystick | — | ✓ |
| Button count | Standard | Expanded |
| Bitfocus Companion | ✓ | ✓ |
| Network control | ✓ | ✓ |
| NDI bundle available | ✓ ($16,789) | — |
What Is Bitfocus Companion and Why Does It Matter?
Both the Proton and Fusion use Bitfocus Companion, the same button control platform behind the Elgato Stream Deck. This means your control surface isn't limited to StudioPro functions. From the same panel, you can trigger:
- Network-based lighting (e.g. PoE lights)
- Audio mixer controls
- PTZ camera presets
- Windows-based software on production computers
- Any network-controllable device in your studio
For productions that previously needed a Stream Deck plus a separate switcher control surface, the Proton or Fusion consolidates both into one panel.
Learn more about Quicklink here or call us at 1-800-323-2325.