The Ultimate Guide to Turbosound. For over four decades, Turbosound has defined professional audio excellence. Founded in 1978 by Tony Andrews and John Newsham, this British brand revolutionized live sound with innovations like the patented Turbo phase device and modular TMS-3 systems 13. Acquired by Music Tribe in 2012, Turbosound now blends heritage engineering with cutting-edge DSP technology 5. This guide explores their subwoofers, speakers, and flagship systems trusted by European engineers. The Ultimate Guide to Turbosound
1. Turbosound Subwoofer Technology: Precision Low-End Performance
Turbosound subwoofers deliver seismic bass with surgical precision. Their designs leverage horn-loading principles pioneered in the legendary TSW-124 – the world’s first 24-inch horn-loaded sub-bass enclosure 13. Modern iterations like the TBV123-AN feature:
- Dual 12″ neodymium drivers
- Integrated high-pass filters for mains integration
- Kilowatt-grade amplification with thermal management
Why it matters for European venues: Horn-loaded designs maximize SPL-per-watt – crucial for energy-conscious EU markets. The directional bass dispersion also minimizes stage rumble, improving clarity in reverberant spaces like churches or historic halls.
2. Turbosound Speakers: From Compact iQ Series to Stadium Arrays
Column Arrays: iP3000 & iP500
The Turbosound iP3000 active column system redefines portable power:
- 2000W RMS (peak) amplification
- 16 x 3.5″ midrange drivers + 2 x 1″ tweeters
- Integrated dual 12″ subwoofers
- 130dB max SPL with 45Hz–20kHz frequency response 4
- Bluetooth streaming and 3-channel DSP mixer
User Review Highlight:
*”For smaller gigs like restaurants or parties, the iP3000 delivers excellent sound quality. The crossover is exceptionally well-engineered.”* – Verified Purchaser
The iP500 offers a compact alternative for mobile DJs, featuring 8 x 3.5″ mids and a 10″ sub in a lightweight package. Both systems include Klark Teknik DSP presets optimized for speaker positioning (floor monitor, stage front, etc.) 4.
Point-Source Solutions: iQ12 & iQ15
- Turbosound iQ12: 12″ woofer + 1.4″ exit HF driver. Ideal for foldback or portable PA.
- Turbosound iQ15: 15″ bass reflex woofer for extended low-end. 129dB peak SPL 9.
Pro Tip: iQ cabinets feature rotatable horns – perfect for European festival stages requiring horizontal or vertical dispersion adjustments.
3. Why Turbosound iP3000 Dominates European Events
This all-in-one solution excels where space and setup time matter:
- 5-Minute Deployment: Integrated subs + column assembly
- Smartphone Control: iOS/Android app for EQ, reverb, and input gain presets
- Tour-Ready: Road-tested cabinets and locking connectors
- Voltage Compatibility: 230V operation (standard EU voltage) 4
Real-World Use Case:
German wedding band Soulfire uses dual iP3000 systems for audiences of 150–300 guests. Bandleader Matthias Koch notes: “We get line-array coverage without trailer space – and the app lets us tweak EQ between sets.”
4. Turbosound Heritage: Engineering That Shaped Modern Audio
- 1973: Tony Andrews debuts Turbo phase device at Glastonbury
- 1982: TMS-3 systems tour with Pink Floyd and The Cure
- 1985: Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry installs Turbosound 13
- 2012: Joins Music Tribe, gaining access to Lab.gruppen amplification and Midas processing
Today, Turbosound leverages Music Tribe’s Zhongshan manufacturing hub – a 10,000-worker facility with robotic assembly lines 5.
5. Turbosound Speakers Price & Value in the EU Market
Turbosound straddles the professional/budget divide:
| Model | EU Price Range (RRP) | Key Competitors |
|---|---|---|
| iP3000 Column System | €2,500–€3,000 | Bose L1 Pro, RCF Evox |
| iQ15 Passive Speaker | €500–€650 | JBL EON, Yamaha DBR |
| iP500 Portable PA | €1,100–€1,400 | LD Systems Maui 44 |
Budget Insight: Turbosound undercuts premium brands by 15–30% while retaining pro-grade components like neodymium magnets and birch plywood cabinets.
6. Trusted European Source: Why Choose ProStage Audio?
ProStage Audio is Turbosound’s dedicated EU partner offering:
✅ 3-Year Warranty – Exceeds standard EU requirements
✅ 30-Day Trial – Test systems risk-free
✅ DSP Preset Library – Venue-specific tuning files
✅ Voltage Guarantee – All units configured for 230V operation
Expert Tip: Their “Tour Ready” bundles include flight cases, speaker stands, and backup cables – solving rider requirements for EU festival slots.
7. Maintenance & Optimization: Pro Techniques
Extend your Turbosound investment with:
- DSP Updates: Download latest presets via Turbosound.com 4
- Driver Care: Bi-annual diaphragm inspections for neodymium units
- Transport Best Practices: Always detach column sections before transit
- Winterization: Store at >5°C to protect amplifier thermal paste
Conclusion: The Ultimate Guide to Turbosound
From pub backrooms to Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate (where Turbosound systems powered the 1990 reunification concert) 13, these speakers deliver British-engineered reliability. Whether you need the portable punch of an iP500 or the arena-scale output of an iQ15 array, Turbosound’s fusion of heritage and innovation resonates across the continent.
Ready to Experience Tour-Grade Sound?
→ Explore Turbosound Bundles at ProStage Audio ←
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