Turbosound iQ15B Review - Thoughts after the first few gigs
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- Опубліковано 4 вер 2024
- Here's my review of the Turbosound iQ15B 15" Subwoofer. It's a good subwoofer but lacking one feature I feel is vitally important when it comes to subwoofers.
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I've been running a pair of these with IP300s tops for five years...both indoor and outdoor gigs...Perfect size, perfect sound.
Run your subs off an aux. That will solve all of your issues and give you much more control
Just use a real crossover
and how do you take the low frequencies out of your tops with your method?
@@georgegeorgio1751 L/R matrices with high pass eq settings
@@dallasphill You have to have the right mixer that has all those functions like a subgroup out with high pass etc not all mixers have these functions.
Thanks for taking the time, honest UA-cam reviews help many people make decisions in an ever increasing online shopping world. I do think it could have been 2 minutes instead of the 10 to get your point accross... Just my opinion, try keep it short and sweet. On the cars, some countries have left hand drive, some have right. Car companies keep costs down by using the same components for the majority of the builds, and only change the dash and steering setup for different countries :) Also, I'd say these days with digital DSPs that every cab should come out with the ability to set the crossover point for itself, not the crossover point for the output. Bins and tops included. That would make systems cross configurable down the line... Thanks again for the review. I think I may purchase two of these.
It's a good compact 15" subwoofer as long as you've got top cabinets with crossovers built in. On a side note I have a friend that has the Electro-Voice ETX series of speakers. They do the same thing. The subwoofer output is a throughput so you need a crossover in the top cabinet. Well he recently bought the Evolve 50's and he wants more bass at larger events so he plans on using his 15" EV subwoofers with the Evolve 50's to augment the bass. He can do it but unfortunately it won't operate properly together because he can't cross his ETX subwoofers over at 80Hz and send everything above 80Hz to his Evolve 50's. Instead he's going to have to overlap the bass output and he'll end up with phase cancellation and comb filtering issues. So even though I knock Turbosound a bit this is an issue with a few manufactures. As for my long videos. I don't think I'll be cutting down the length as I like to explain the basis for my opinion so I don't get 100 comments asking me why I came to that conclusion. But I've been thinking about formatting my videos differently. First say if I recommend the product or not, Then say why, then give detailed info as to how I came to that conclusion. That way people that just want a quick answer as to whether I recommend something can stop watching right away if they want but if they want more info they can watch on.
Well that’s because the iq series tops have the crossover built into their dsp that indicated a sub is present and kill the sub frequencies.. so their made to be used together and your problem is resolved.
I have heard good things about the RCF SUB 705-AS II. Real similar sub but has the high pass output. Smaller RMS but the same Max SPL: 131 dB
The RCF had caught my eye and was the sub I was looking at replacing my iQ15B with. But I recently bought the Yamaha DXS18XLF and I was blown away so I think I might get the DXS15XLF. I know the Yamaha is bigger and heavier but dang those things pound.
@@TheAngrySoundTech Doesn't have power for satelites though. need something to fix that issue. I have two tops that need to be driven.
Bob Goblirsch i have that sub its okay and found out well opened up and confirm they share same driver as its brother 905 mkii not happy charge you more £1100.00 love to know real rms of the driver inside
Nice review, I'd just add as a broadband musician/sound engineer I find that there's a more solid reasoning for having the crossover on tops than subs... Tops are used frequently without subs too (subs aren't used alone in any kind of event, unless you want to torture your neighbors maybe :))) . For example if I have a choir or a folk gig, maybe even a random party of under 100 people or as a stage monitor, I'll use my IX's by themselves and I'll definitely make use of the full range/Hi-pass depending on whatever fits.
I think most of us could agree that the real issue here is that the DAS tops don't have crossovers built in. I don't consider it the job of my subwoofers to act as crossovers for my tops. Indeed, I'd never hook up a system that way. If you take the full range output from your console to the sub, then run up to the tops, and something goes wonky with the pig-tail cable joining the sub to the top box, then you've just lost all HF and sibilance on that side. Your audience will definitely notice that. On the other hand, if you go console to tops, pig-tail to sub, and the pig-tail goes wonky, then you loose some low end punch, but people can still hear what is going on. It's less obvious that you've had a failure.
Even a cheap Behringer x32 has a mono/center channel (works well for subs), and fully functional Linkwitz-Riley or Butterworth crossovers built in to the main LR and mono/center channels, so most people would be better served using a setup like that if their powered speakers are missing proper crossovers. Also, do this test... you'll probably be shocked by the results. Set up a virtual sound check with a multi track recording on your console & start playback. Now take your powered top box and switch between full range and external sub modes. If you've never done this, you'll be absolutely shocked at how much LF content is making it through the crossover.
So if you are doing live sound, and you have the time, this is why setting up subs on aux or mono/center (and only sending appropriate instruments to the aux or M/C) can really clean up your mix. And remember, on many digital consoles, you can have the mono/center bus track the main LR bus, so the whole argument of "I don't want to have to adjust 2 faders when I want to change the master volume" becomes moot. Adjust your main LR and the M/C will track it at the % you set.
What would you prefer? The Turbosound, EV EKX, Or the JBL PRX? I’m torn between the 3!
Turbosound in my opinion always has the best price to performance ratio of any speaker on the market. They do a really good job when it comes to "value". I personally won't be buying any more Turbosound speakers as they always seem to be missing features I would like. Part of the problem with "value" speakers. They have to cut corners somewhere to keep the price down. In my experience Electro-Voice has always had better reliability than JBL but I don't like the way the EV builds crossovers into their speakers so that's a major issue for me. Also the JBL PRX line has more models available to choose from such as a dual 15" for larger gigs or a 3-way cabinet. And the PRX subs have the built in high pass filter on the outputs. A feature that EV just doesn't have. So for my uses I would choose the JBL PRX line. I actually strongly considered switching our DAS Audio Action series rental speakers over to the JBL PRX line for quite some time.
@@TheAngrySoundTech or just get a digital drive rack PAII to control all you crossover needs and use what ever powered subs you want simple
What do you recommend for best value entry-level sound for house/techno DJ? I am pretty sure I want cabinets to be made of wood, not plastic.
JBL JUNKY but loud...i stick the reliability of turbosound..even after thier changes..klark teknik has a reputation to uphold and im happy with turbosound..great reliability
So thorough once again... What do you think of these paired with the ip300's? Not sure if they have a crossover, but can't you take the bass out with the eq? Alot of reviews praising those, would be cool to get your take. And what do you think of the Milan's compared to these? whats the difference? Man! i have a million n 1 questions for you... 🤣😂🤔
I have not used the Milan so I can't comment on those. I also haven't used an iP300 so I don't have much info on that either. The iQ15B is a good sub but it is missing the ability for the built in crossover to affect connected top cabinets so unless the iP300 has a crossover technically they will not play nicely together. Does that mean you cannot use them together? No, you definitely can and most people probably wouldn't be able to tell the difference. But I like to make sure all my gear plays nicely together. That's why I sold my iQ15B and bought Yamaha DXS12MKII's to have as the small sub in my inventory. The Yamaha's have a little switch on the back that engages DSP Out that sends a crossed over signal to be sent to the top cabinet. This is what I wish the iQ15B had. I do like the Yamaha DXS12MKII. I now have 6 of them and they are my recommended small sub.
Thanks for the details of this video. Do you think this sub is a good value to go with 2 Yamaha S115 IV ? Use for dj party 50 to 100 people. May be another recommendation for a sub multicanal (budget 400 to 600 euro) .
Hello, I own the ip15b from turbosound and it originally has a woofer from behringer in it, no turbosound woofer…. Do you know if the iq15b is equipped with a turbosound woofer?.. greetings Hhbert
Hi, hopefully you can help me… I purchased the IQ15’s, and only days outside warranty it went down!! I’m sure it’s the board! Not the speakers… if I ship it back to Thomann in Germany it will cost a fortune to fix!
A few questions to narrow things down a bit. Does it power on? Does it make any sound?
@@TheAngrySoundTech Thanks so much for your prompt response…. No it doesn’t power on… Basically what happens was my friend turned it on when my xr18 console was at high, and a loud fuzzy noise lasting a minute and it went down…
Sadly if it is something with the amp you're probably not going to have much choice but to send it in unless you have a local electronics repair tech. If you ship it out see if they will let you just ship the amp and not the whole speaker. I had to do this once when I had bad power and fried 4 amps in one of my line array stacks.
@@TheAngrySoundTech many thanks for your response yes I may do this 😉
What do you think about mackie subs?
Can you tell me what you think about this , Electro-Voice EV ZLX-15BT Active/Powered Loud-Speaker 1000W Amplified w/Bluetooh
I do like the EV ZLX series. I owned about 14 of them at one point in time. My only complaint about them is that the bolts that hold the handles on tend to work their way out and get lost. I recommend taking them out and putting some loctite on them. But maybe they addressed this issue with the new BT series. I will also say I preferred the 12" version as I like how punchy the bass seems from it. In my opinion the ZLX series is the best entry level speaker on the market and it's the first one I recommend in the $400-$500 category.
The Angry Sound Tech this is the speaker I’m using right now, but I need a better quality speaker. Altec Lansing 2200W Bluetooth Party PA DJ Speaker with Party Lights & Stand
The EV will be a good upgrade.
The Angry Sound Tech ok thanks brother
And can you tell me exactly what model I have to buy
Hey brother awesome video one question what do you think about the qsc k118 do you think it good for house parties nothing super huge thanks for your input
The qsc is overkill bro u can grab better for wayy cheaper. Honestly for house parties u can get the JBL EON sub or the mackie thump sub
@@jibraelbasdeo3521 thanks for your reply when I wrote this was 3 months ago, I ended getting the qsc ks118 it really is a monster subwoffer it's amazing defiantly don't regret the over kill I just lower the gain in the back sounds incredible bass so low and deep!
@@johnorbegozo685 that's awesome dude it's definitely a fun little subwoofer
Do you think it would enhance the overall sound of the turbo sound IP2000? I’m guessing It would be preferable to not have a hp filter.in the subs.
I wouldn't do it. Could cause issues.
Thanks for this video, but can you tell me how many watts is realy this speaker could provide?
I don't believe the publish accurate numbers. But my guess is the 15" woofer in there probably can't handle more than 400 watts RMS. Keep an eye on SPL numbers as that's a measurement of how loud the cabinet is. Watt ratings are meaningless.
Maybe you know what model of speaker is there ...?
Would you recommend Turbosound IQ subwoofer to Yamaha DXS ?
I just bought two of the Yamaha DXS12 MKII's and I'll tell you those little 12" subwoofers from Yamaha outperform the Turbosound iQ15B's. I'd recommend Yamaha over Turbosound any day. Once I get a chance to use the Yamaha DXS12 MKII's more out in the field I'll do a detailed review on them. I would imagine the DXS15MKII's would be even better. And the DXS15XLF would absolutely crush the Turbosound.
The Angry Sound Tech think am going yamaha from listening
bro....for a speaker set i dont believe in 12 tops and 15 subs, unless your gonna use it at home/garden, for a cool good professional sound you should use a pair of 15 tops, and a pair of 18 subs, thats a good setup, less than that is just worthless
Would this be nice with 2 iq8, wasn’t impressed with rcf 905 at all (sold) opened it up had like cheap mon rcf driver pro range at all maybe 500watt driver if that thats me being honest shame, so its no way doing 1100watts rms, been nosing at turbosound stuff now
Yes, if you're going to buy this sub I would recommend getting tops that are in the iQ series as well.
Can you send the signal from the top speaker to the sub ?
Yep, you can.
So, have a driverack handy. Check.
Yessir!
can't you do crossover's on you board for each? high cut the eq for your subs and low cut from your tops?
Yes, one could do that if running aux fed subs from a mixing console. Since I also use all my inventory for rentals I have to maintain ease of use for my customers as well. I'm now using Yamaha subs.
That makes sense. Are your Yamaha’s 15” too? Didn’t like the turbosounds huh? Went with dual 18” turbosound IQ’s. Not finding much to complain about. Price I guess.
I went with DXS12MKII's because they were about the same size as the iQ15B. But after buying 6 of them I'm currently selling them all to upgrade to DXS15MKII's. I feel like there are some situations where I just need a little more out of them than what a 12" can handle.
Yeah, I’d probably have the same issues with 12’s. Not a fan of 18” subs? I seem to favor 12” tops with 18” subs. Mainly for rock stuff. I know price and size factor in a lot with 18” subs. I’m also not running a rental business.
I also have 4 of the DXS18XLF subwoofers but I'm currently downsizing equipment so I think I might eventually sell them and just run with just 15's. I prefer 18's as well but at the moment I have to do what's best for the business. COVID has made things a little challenging.
How can I get a little bit tech support. I have a iQ15B
What kind of tech support are you looking for?
Lets be fair here its a mid priced subwoofer, its the top speakers that need the extra money, myself i use 2 of these with QSC k2/12 on top. These have a crossover as follows
No sub
80hz
150hz
So perfect system..
Good video
This subwoofer seems to have crossover settings according to the IQ Series Quickstart guide, under the iQ DSP Menu structure chart is shows it has crossover settings to pair it with the iQ tops and also User and Frequency settings where you can set it manually.
media.music-group.com/media/PLM/data/docs/P0APN/iQ%20Series_EN_QSG.pdf
I'm not saying it doesn't have a crossover. I'm saying the crossover does not affect the XLR outputs of the subwoofer. Which means you have to pair it with tops that has a built in crossover. The outputs on this subwoofer are permanently set to throughput. So it's a good system if you plan on buying the matching iQ tops as they have a built in crossover. But for a rental company that needs a subwoofer that can work with any top cabinet this is not a good option. Look at my Yamaha DXS12 MKII review. You'll see exactly what I'm talking about as I point out the feature that the Yamaha sub has that this sub does not.
@@TheAngrySoundTech OK thanks for the clarification, I don't have the iQ15B, so I wasn't clear on what you meant about the crossover issues it has, but now I think I get it.
This is a bit off subject, but I just got a iQ8 to use for dinner meeting sound reinforcement, I thought I would like the built in feedback eliminator, but I still get feedback with it and the 90 degree dispersion seems kind of narrow. So I tried the QSC K8.2 which had a wider 110 degree dispersion and didn't seem to feedback as much, but the fan on it would always come on, the fan isn't that loud, but you could still hear it and I have never heard the fan on the IQ8. So right now I'm trying to decide between the QSC K8.2 or the Turbosound iQ8 for use as dinner sound reinforcement where the presenter will use an omni-directional wireless lav mic, walk around the room, and the rooms are usually restaurant back meeting rooms that are usually different shapes, so I'm always worried about feedback issues. So the question I'd like to ask is, what speaker would you recommend for this application? Do you have any experience with the Turbosound iQ8 and the QSC K8.2, if so what are your thoughts? I like the Turbosound for it's power, no fan noise, and cool technology with Ultralink, and the advanced DSP functions that can be controlled from the X32 mixer or USB. But I like the QSC K8.2 because it is lighter and has wider dispersion, so it's hard for me to choose between the two, they both have different pros and cons. One last question is have you used Ultralink technology at all, if so what do you think about it, what are the pros and cons of it? Thanks again for making helpful and insightful videos.
Feedback eliminators are definitely not perfect. I talk a little about them in my Yamaha Stagepas 600BT video as it has a built in anti-feedback system as well. I had the original K8 and thought it worked well. I have not had a chance to try a K8.2. Also I owned the iQ12's but have not used the iQ8. Personally just talking brand preference... if I had a K8.2 and an iQ8 in front of me I would choose the QSC. But you have had a chance to use both so you'll have to decide which one will work best for you. If the QSC is a little less feedback prone that would be my choice even though it might have a noisy fan. Well that is unless the fan is so noisy it's unusable... Lav mics are tough. It always seems like they have to be gained up so high they almost push right into feedback instantly. What kind of mixer are you using? Or are you going direct into the speaker? Any chance you can talk them into a headset microphone to get the mic closer to their mouth? Something like this: www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/H6OW6TSL--countryman-h6-omnidirectional-headset-for-shure-vocals-tan
I have an M32 and X32 but I've never used the Ultralink. If you stick with the iQ8 use the anti-feedback as a backup. Start with anti-feedback turned off. Put the lav mic on and gain it up. Use a tablet while walking around the room talking into the mic. Start with a lower volume and use the parametric EQ on the channel. Boost a narrow filter up by like 10db and sweep it back and forth if you get some feedback cut that frequency. Repeat until you don't find anymore feedback. Raise the volume to desired level and walk the room to see if you get feedback. If you do watch the RTA to see where it is and notch it out. Once you're satisfied turn the anti-feedback on the speaker on and it will be there for backup just in case.
Also speaker placement will help if you can get it away from the person speaking. Not always easy to do though in those restaurant rooms. I've done a few of those events as well and fighting feedback is always a common occurrence.
These aren't designed to use with other brand's gear..hahaha It is designed to use with the iQ series of speakers that all have the processing built in. Also, any worthy digital console will have the option to put a high pass filter on any output.
I agree! They are a good sub if you plan on using them with the iQ series tops and if you plan on using them with other full range speakers that do not have a built in crossover you'll need either an external crossover or a digital mixer running aux fed subs with a high pass filter on the mains to make the system run properly.
I was hopeful here, that you would have started using some kind of decent audio input ( I checked, over the 2 years, just skimming 5 vids, you still don't do decent audio, maybe the June 13th one, but you still, very obviously, haven't listened to your content on proper cans) dude, you have access, and if you need help....yelp! Also nice key rack.
it's called phase cancellation, you're mad at your sub for not having a high pass filter your tops should have that's just silly.
Not all tops have a built in high pass filters.
Should have bought tops with a roll off..
We're a production company/rental business so we have to make sure our subs work with tops that not we only choose to pair with them but with whatever a customer might have for top cabinets. I stopped buying Turbosound and switched to Yamaha as their subs have a switch to allow the output to be thru or post DSP. It's a good sub if you plan on buying the matching tops. Not so good if you plan on using it with anything else.
@@TheAngrySoundTech ok good to know. I ordered some iq12 tops as well as peavey rbn 112. To compare against each other .. we have alot of other brands and models already but just looking for something new to do super small bands and dj. Have you tried either of them.
OK I'm totally confused. Sure looks like this has built in crossover: ua-cam.com/video/vxpNz06qlg8/v-deo.html
Or is it crossed over only with other Turbosound IQ speakers?
The built in crossover only affects the subwoofer itself. It doesn't have the ability to send a crossed over signal out of the sub. So even if you have the subwoofer engaged it sends a full range signal out of the sub. So your top cabinets have to have a crossover built into them as well for the system to work properly.
This review is laughable.... your issue isn't with the sub but with the lack of functionality with your current gear...lol
Feel free to explain your reasoning.
@@TheAngrySoundTech ok...(this is a carryover from the conversation on your previous vid) so most midrange tops will have DSP, where you can roll off depending on the subs you're using....as far as I have seen only really low end or super high end boxes will not for different reasons.... The System you were intending to use this with already had a sub. You were trying to add more bass... that implies you would have to do some tweaking. My issue with your 30min rant/ragg on the speaker is that you seemingly bought it without even looking to see if it had the features your wanted and then complained about it not having said feature... and it is a FEATURE.. not a requirement.... engineers put a lot of time and effort into designing these boxes if they left it out I'm sure it was by design... comparing it to other boxes that have that feature is a waste of time (much like this conversation) because if you really wanted that feature then you should have bought a box with it....
@@MistaCham I think we'll have to agree to disagree on this one because we obviously don't agree on the point of a product review. I like to point out missing features that are available in competing models within the same price range.
the IQ system thumps. I think you are just a one sided person. Its a preference thing. I don't like yamaha. Turbo always sounded full and pounding low end. I think to give a review like you did. You would have to be more knowledgeable with the product. I think your review is one sided a less informed. Everything you said would have been prevented if you was informed. I toured with turbo only thing yamaha we ever saw was the boards and effects units. Their speakers isnt even in the same ball park. If you would have ran them correctly. You wouldnt gave a review like that. This video makes me question. You are very biased and one sided. I wonder if you have a deal with yamaha yet.
My main complaint with the sub is the crossover implementation and the inability to use this sub properly with a powered top cabinet that does not have a built in crossover.
It does have a crossover
For anyone believing it’s powerful because of the 3000w specified, it’s extremely overrated.
This is not a specific powerful sub.
IQ15B limit very easy!!
Quality seem low too, one of mine gave up after being used about 20 times.
I would never buy another one.
They all seem to lie on internal amp boards shame isn’t it
You are putting yourself out there trying to be a sound tech and what you do contradicts your portrayal. You are a set it and forget it guy.
A TRUE sound guy is NOT going to rely on built in DSP to do his job. If you are EQ'ing your system by JUST doing the built in DSP, that is NOT a sound guy or even close to it.
What do you use for room correction?
Do you even know what that is?
How much delay do you run on your sub?
If you do not utilize delay, there end lies the "muddy" you speak about.
Post mixer - pre amp (built in speaker or external), to do this "right" you need some type of processing. On the cheap, a Behring FBQ3102 is a decent option. Use this post mixer and set it up utilizing some type of room correction.
The Behringer (and higher end processors) will have a dedicated SUB OUT!
Two more things - no three
1. It will be poor information such as this that will force my hand to start a channel. I am so damned busy I am not sure when I will get to it, but when people send me these videos, I watch them and cringe, there is so much bad information out there.
2. People get so hung up on "what should I buy". PEOPLE!!! It isn't so much what you buy, it is WHO is running it and HOW it is being set up. The less your sound skill, the more money on gear you had better spend or you'll be complaining about useless $h!t. The better you are, the better garbage gear will sound. BTDTBTTS
3. If you are a person that thinks this video is informative, then you are the person that needs to buy over priced, over hyped gear. Spend time educating yourself on things that matter. SPL is a forgotten thing. People want to know "how many people will this play for"? really? Let's say the crowd is 150 people. If I put that group in high school classroom, then a high school cafeteria, then a wedding venue, then a gymnasium, then outside, I have 150 people come hell or high water. If you use the same RIG for all of those venues because some sales guy or internet guru told you (the classic "they told me") this set up was good for 150 people, then you get what you get and that is why there are 500.00/night DJ's or 500.00/night FOH Engineers.
W0W - just W0W
Special public shout out to Marcus who sent me this link. You were spot on.
Here's the thing Jay. When I review line array boxes I review it like it's tour level gear. When I review a plug and play box I review it like it's a plug and play box. I'm not going to tell someone to buy any speaker out there and if they have any skill with the right rack gear they can make it sound good. This sub was purchased to try out and see if it was good enough to make it into my rental inventory. It wasn't and I sold it. Because the fact of the matter is when I rent a sub to the DJ next door he wants to plug it in and have it sound good and work properly.
As for me... Sound is what I do for a living. I've been doing it for a long time and I give my opinions on UA-cam. Take it or leave it. I'm not going to bust out the measuring tape to see who's bigger.
Not tech savvy. But I totally agree. I have been looking for a good sound board tech to help school me on understanding sound and making it work.