Turbosound IP2000 Review

[musicman7722]

Good luck

 

[musicman7722]

Big smile on face, can you see it. I used them both last night along with 2 EV 12" powered subs. It was a 9 Peice horn band. all disco. They sound great, I had my K10's on the floor all ready to go if they Turbo's failed but didn't have to use them.

 

[musicman7722]

Here is a short recording from this weekends jam fest. This is a smidge bass heavy as I was sitting down when I recorded it. Gives you an idea of what they sound like with two extra subs.

 

[musicman7722]

Very happy to mention that I got all the guitar players to turn their amps away from the audience

Here is another shot from a different angle.

 

[Wasnex]

Gotta say, both recordings sound really nice !

 

[Anton Trevor]

Hi guys! I'm new Here and I want to share my experience with my 2 IP200's in a wedding.

I run a four piece Chamber band (2 Violins, cello and piano) through an XR-18. I've used this setup with an Inuke3000 DSP + two Peavey's PR15 for years. Past weekend was the great first time of my Turbosounds in real life. It was and outdoor venue for 200 people in a wedding reception.

I must confess that I was so confused, when I was getting some "distortion" from the columns at relative low volumes. I tried everything: changed cables, channels, played a little bit with the gain structure, with the Eq presets, and the result was the same: when I raised the volume as it was supposed to be, there was a lot of crancking distortion everywhere.

I said: ok, I am doing something wrong and I just can't figured it out right now, I saved the night playing in a relative low volume with ocassional distortions.

Back in my house I started to check what was going on. I've also tried to connect my Yamaha P140 directly to the ip2000, without any mixer... The response was the same. If I play "loud" the system makes a painful sound of distortion, specially when you attack a note in a FF staccatto. It is like the DSP of the Turbosound just can't handle it.

In the other hand, if you play some music through the mixer or via Bluetooth those crancks never happen and the system can get really loud, clear and it sounds wonderful!!!

In short, I'm really afraid about have made the biggest mistake in my life buying this equipment... I have a little concert next week and I'll take my Inuke + Peaveys just in case ...

PS: I think that I've tried everything in the Gain structure: Low output levels from the XR, the A input in 0db and the Master of the turbo in +10.
Played getting a hotter signal both, in the xr and in the A input, with a lower level in the Master...
The same configuration with the different modes of EQ and position, getting the sub louder and in 0db...

Do you have any thoughts? I've read all the previous posts and I think that other guys have experienced the same that is happening with my Turbos...

 

[Wasnex]

Hi guys! I'm new Here and I want to share my experience with my 2 IP200's in a wedding.

I run a four piece Chamber band (2 Violins, cello and piano) through an XR-18. I've used this setup with an Inuke3000 DSP + two Peavey's PR15 for years. Past weekend was the great first time of my Turbosounds in real life. It was and outdoor venue for 200 people in a wedding reception.

I must confess that I was so confused, when I was getting some "distortion" from the columns at relative low volumes. I tried everything: changed cables, channels, played a little bit with the gain structure, with the Eq presets, and the result was the same: when I raised the volume as it was supposed to be, there was a lot of crancking distortion everywhere.

I said: ok, I am doing something wrong and I just can't figured it out right now, I saved the night playing in a relative low volume with ocassional distortions.

Back in my house I started to check what was going on. I've also tried to connect my Yamaha P140 directly to the ip2000, without any mixer... The response was the same. If I play "loud" the system makes a painful sound of distortion, specially when you attack a note in a FF staccatto. It is like the DSP of the Turbosound just can't handle it.

In the other hand, if you play some music through the mixer or via Bluetooth those crancks never happen and the system can get really loud, clear and it sounds wonderful!!!

In short, I'm really afraid about have made the biggest mistake in my life buying this equipment... I have a little concert next week and I'll take my Inuke + Peaveys just in case ...

PS: I think that I've tried everything in the Gain structure: Low output levels from the XR, the A input in 0db and the Master of the turbo in +10.
Played getting a hotter signal both, in the xr and in the A input, with a lower level in the Master...
The same configuration with the different modes of EQ and position, getting the sub louder and in 0db...

Do you have any thoughts? I've read all the previous posts and I think that other guys have experienced the same that is happening with my Turbos...

The input should be able to handle +22dBu without distorting. Full power should occur at a nominal 4dBu nominal as long as the DSP is configured properly. The output of the XR18 is +4dBu nominal, +16dBu max so it is well matched to the IP2000.


The amount of clean volume the IP2000 can produce should be the same regardless of whether you are using the line inputs or the bluetooth. The DSP has three gain controls Input, Volume, Subwoofer and all should be initially set to 0 dB. This is straight from the quick start guide. With these settings, the IP2000 should get plenty loud before your mixer's output meters go into the red.

If the IP2000 is distorting too early with the settings at 0 dB, then either the inputs are blown, the signal being sent to the IP2000 is distorted, or perhaps something is wrong with your cables. Another possibility that I have seen mentioned is the connections where the speaker components go together.

One thing to keep in mind, the max SPL an IP2000 are capable of producing is only 123dB. Although I wouldn't expect this to be a limiting factor with the ensemble you describe, it is well below the max SPL of many quality 12 + horn PA cabinets such as a QSC K12.2. I would think the IP2000 would be a great choice for you application.

I suggest setting your IP2000 with the Sub and Volume at 0 dB and turn the Input all the way down. Run music through your mixer with it peaking just under the red on the output meter. Confirm the sound is clean in your mixer with a pair of headphones. Slowly bring up the Input on the IP2000. Is the signal distorted right away? If yes, how low do you have to run the output of the XR18 for the distortion to go away. With this setting, what happens when you increase the level of the Input on the IP2000?

 

[Anton Trevor]

Hi Wasnex! thanks for the prompt response.

The input should be able to handle +22dBu without distorting. Full power should occur at a nominal 4dBu nominal as long as the DSP is configured properly. The output of the XR18 is +4dBu nominal, +16dBu max so it is well matched to the IP2000.

Yes, I'm handling the max levels far away from the "the orange/red" levels of signal in the Xr18

The amount of clean volume the IP2000 can produce should be the same regardless of whether you are using the line inputs or the bluetooth. The DSP has three gain controls Input, Volume, Subwoofer and all should be initially set to 0 dB. This is straight from the quick start guide. With these settings, the IP2000 should get plenty loud before your mixer's output meters go into the red.

Yes, it was my initial setup. Input, Volume and subwoofer without moving the 0 from the panel (also, I tried the factory reset in order to make a brand new start).

I think that I should record a video, with these settings and showing what is going on. As I said before, Visually, I am really far away from the hotter signal levels indicators in the Ip2000.

One thing to keep in mind, the max SPL an IP2000 are capable of producing is only 123dB. Although I wouldn't expect this to be a limiting factor with the ensemble you describe, it is well below the max SPL of many quality 12 + horn PA cabinets such as a QSC K12.2. I would think the IP2000 would be a great choice for you application

I thought the same... I said, ok I don't need a "boomy" bass and a little Speakers like the Bose 802 were delightfuls for the music that we play. I've heard some Dj's playing a pair of turbos before I made the purchase... It was supposed to be great.

I think that I'm not pushing them toward the limits of physics, they should be capable to sound louder with my piano alone (Yamaha P140). And after many try and error, the only way to get full sound from the boxes is throught recorded music (Via Mixer or bluetooth).

If the IP2000 is distorting too early with the settings at 0 dB, then either the inputs are blown, the signal being sent to the IP2000 is distorted, or perhaps something is wrong with your cables. Another possibility that I have seen mentioned is the connections where the speaker components go together.

I don't know if the inputs are blown, It is a little bit hard to believe that the two Turbosound have both inputs A and B blown at the same time. The distorted signal from the mixer, at least is weird: I've used the same levels witr my old equipement. In adittion to this, I never had that problem giving my mix to another soundman in a wedding, playing on TV, little theaters, etc. The same thing with the cables, I use only good quality cable, Neutrik connectors (the same of the Turbos...) and I never ever had problem with them.

I missed the thing of the "Connections where the speaker components go together" Where was that?

I suggest setting your IP2000 with the Sub and Volume at 0 dB and turn the Input all the way down. Run music through your mixer with it peaking just under the red on the output meter. Confirm the sound is clean in your mixer with a pair of headphones. Slowly bring up the Input on the IP2000. Is the signal distorted right away? If yes, how low do you have to run the output of the XR18 for the distortion to go away. With this setting, what happens when you increase the level of the Input on the IP2000?

I'll make the video applying these suggestions: Rising the level from the XR and observing whats happen, and after that, doing the same with the input level from the Ip2000.

Thanks for your help and all the observations, I'll be back with the video ASAP in order to show you what's going on.

Cheers!

 

[musicman7722]

Crackling

I had some distortion in my unit during loud male vox at times. I sent them in and they came back passing the specs according to tech support. One did have a screw rolling around inside.

Tell me are you daisy chaining the two from one to the other or sending a left to one side and right to the other?

I did determine that the pass through side for each channel can actually be used as a turn around like the QSC speakers have but I stopped doing that in case it was the cause of my male distortion. The distortion seems to have gone when I got them back.

FWIW I run the main in on the IP2000 at 5 right now and the channel is at 0. My subs are at -3 but that is because I generally two of my EV 12" subs for the bass and kick. I aux feed my subs to them.

I found another thread online about a 2 piano act that was having an issue with distortion after playing awhile. I am not sure if they ever resolved it.

 

[Anton Trevor]

I had some distortion in my unit during loud male vox at times. I sent them in and they came back passing the specs according to tech support. One did have a screw rolling around inside.

I returned my first unit (It was a demo unit) Because it had some vibration or rattling noises... I have two videos of it:



That test was done with a Frecuency generator at 132 Khz. With the new units I didn't have that problem again.

Tell me are you daisy chaining the two from one to the other or sending a left to one side and right to the other?

No, I'm using L/R from the the XR-18 to the A Input of each Turbo Ip2000. I manage them with an Iphone.

I did determine that the pass through side for each channel can actually be used as a turn around like the QSC speakers have but I stopped doing that in case it was the cause of my male distortion. The distortion seems to have gone when I got them back.

I haven't tried the Daisy Chaining yet!

FWIW I run the main in on the IP2000 at 5 right now and the channel is at 0. My subs are at -3 but that is because I generally two of my EV 12" subs for the bass and kick. I aux feed my subs to them.

I don't have additionals Subs, I don't have to mess Bass or drum player (just a Cello Player) and the lower tones are given from my Piano!

I found another thread online about a 2 piano act that was having an issue with distortion after playing awhile. I am not sure if they ever resolved it.

Yes, I've read the same post... the guy said something about the gain structure... but, he never posted if he could get a solution.

I realized that the Turbo was weaker in some frequencies: D5 to C6 (587 to 1k) compared with my old stuff (15" passive speaker + Digital power amplifier) but I falled in love with the subs and the clarity in all the frequencies, it was a sweeter sound, and in the first home rehearsal, the guys told me that now they were able to listen to them self as they never could before! So... I bought the second unit

 

[mtsens1]

Try taking the top sections off and shake? I had a loose screw in mine, was making the same noise.

 

[Anton Trevor]

Try taking the top sections off and shake? I had a loose screw in mine, was making the same noise.

I returned that unit a few months ago. Noe I have two Turbos that don't make that painful rattling noise. For the time being "fortunately" I only have to deal with the unpleasant crackling sound...

 

[mtsens1]

Mine came and went, assume the screw stuck to magnet at times. May have to send it back...seems Turbo Sound has a screw loose.

 

[Wasnex]

I missed the thing of the "Connections where the speaker components go together" Where was that?

I saw this mentioned on a TurboSound message board. Basically it refers to the connectors where the different parts of the speaker mate. Make sure the pins are straight, clean, and free of debris.

If the signal at the input of your IP2000 is clean and under +22 dBu, you should be able to configure the internal gain settings for clean output. You are hitting them with significantly lower levels.

I misspoke a bit. Distortion does not necessarily mean the inputs specifically are blown, but something is not right somewhere in the IP2000's internal signal path. Could be hardware or software related. Excessive EQ settings can also cause distortion, so make sure to set the EQ flat for testing. I believe you mentioned doing a factory reset of the software. This should zero out all gain and EQ settings, but confirm the EQ at +/- 0 and gain settings at 0 db with your control app.

 

[musicman7722]

I returned one recently that was a demo too. It had a terrible sound going through it. I wonder if you got it?

 

[EastCoastThump]

That's an alarming percentage of posters reporting apparent quality-control problems with these cabs.

I'm always a fan of inexpensive gear that proves giggable. But for gear to be giggable, it has to be reliable. From this distance at least, those TurboSounds don't look like they clear the bar.

 

[musicman7722]

Well I agree it is alarming, I hope it is across the board so to speak and maybe it is just this small sampling.

 

[jimfist]

Also keep in mind that internet forums are great places where just a few instances of a problem can be made to seem like the sky is falling. This may or may not be the case here. Unless you're privvy to the sales figures and rate of return due to QC problems, you can't really say definitively whether there's a general problem with a product's QC.

No doubt, you have to consider all of the variables that can be in play: floor demo? Shipping carelessness? Operator error (when they don't know enough to know what they're doing)? Etc. And of course, another factor definitely IS quality control of components, fabrication, and fundamental design.

 

[Anton Trevor]

Hi there! This week I’ve done some trial and error with my Ip2000. I have no regrets about buying them (yet); there are points that cannot be compared with a PA of two 15” speakers, but all that glitters is not gold… Let’s start.

I have a hunch that the rattling and crackling noises have something in common: The precision-lock connectors. The solution is really fancy and elegant, but I think that I can’t trust them. These connectors make the units too way sensitive to an unleveled floor, wind or people walking around the speaker

a) I found that if the Turbosound isn’t placed in a perfectly leveled in the floor and you play a little bit loud, the vibration of the system makes that the crackling sound appears. It is like if the tower had an intermittent connection with the Sub.

b) Even, if you place the unit in a leveled surface, beware about moving the unit once that it is turned on. It could cause that after moving the Turbo you hear that nasty crackling sound, even at low volume levels. I had solved it turning off the unit and making all the connections (Sub, A and B sticks) again. I don’t know if it is a scientific test, or I just got luck, but I can say that “something” happens with the DSP of the Turbosound when it loses connection with the sticks (produced by a movement of a windy day for example)

c) If the Rattling sound (The one of the demo units of the previous video) appears, at least, in the connection between the Sub and Stick A, you can “solve it” adding some rubber tape as the one in the photos. I made three shows with that 3M tape and the unit didn’t make the rattling sound again (fingers crossed).


d) Watch out! When I purchased the second unit, I mixed the systems and I wasn’t able to recognize them. Making all the tests I found that there was a combination that worked better than the other one. Again, it could be a superstitious advice, but I used some tape to identify each system and don’t get them mixed again.

I’ll update if something else happen. I’m afraid that there will be more news about these speakers in a short time

To sum up: The Turbos sound a little bit weak in some frequencies (mid-mid highs) specially when I play my Yamaha P-140 through them, this IS a fact, when I compare the speaker side by side with my old 15” system. The Peaveys Pr15 Neo delivered a better sound on that mid registry BUT, there is no comparison point when we go to the lower registry zone.

In the other hand, I feel that “aged audience” love the Turbos, they don't feel stunned by the sound, even if it is loud. In my business that is a game changer.

I have some videos that people sent me via WhatsApp, they are not top-notch quality videos, no one was recorded with the latest IPhone, but I think that they show at least how we sound in our presentations.

Note: Some cellphones give a little distortion that wasn’t present while we were playing.

Video 1: outdoor venue with a 200 attendance that we gave this weekend from different spots (Two Turbos Ip2000) – 2 violins, Cello, Piano and Tenor.




Video 2: Ending an outdoor wedding ceremony from two spots (Song: Viva la Vida - Coldplay) -- 2 violins, Cello and Piano



Video 3: Only one turbo IP2000 placed in a corner. (DJ + Piano + Violin).




Video 4: 2 violins, Cello, Piano with my old configuration (Inuke 3000DSP + 2 Peaveys PR15Neo).




Bonus track: through all these years playing in weddings and giving little concerts, we’ve used this gear from sound rental companies: Bose 802, 812/F1, JBL eon 1, Maui 28 and DB Es802 / 503. All these systems needed some tuning in order to make them sound great with our little chamber orchestra.

The Bose 802 was the greatest one! But we couldn’t afford them , we understood that there would be needed at least four + the sound processor for a big outdoor venue. The worst ranked is the Maui, they always sounded a little bit tiny.

If we refer to 15” speakers, our preferred ones are: Mackie SRM450 V2, JBL Eon15-G2, and some STS models (we had great venues with them, but I don’t remember the exact models)

We’ll never forget the day that we could play with an original K-rray system. You can buy 10 pairs of Turbosound Ip200s with the price of the K-Array KR402!!!, but they sound like heaven. I have a video of that day!

The video starts with the DJ playing, we asked him to get down the volume in order to start our performance. Fortunately, we knew the song that he was playing and continued with that Ed Sheeran’s tune.




Ps: I’ll have an outdoor wedding with a 320 attendance people in a reception this weekend, I'll make more videos in the soundcheck.

Cheers!

 

[musicman7722]

Very happy to mention that I got all the guitar players to turn their amps away from the audience

Here is another shot from a different angle.

Glad you like them. Here are two more videos from that day. This act was the bass, drums and right stage guitar player with another doing jazz stuff.