Who Makes Turbosound Speakers? The Definitive Answer
Turbosound speakers are manufactured and owned by Music Tribe, a global electronics holding company founded and chaired by Uli Behringer. While the brand was originally a British powerhouse known for touring rigs, it was acquired by Music Tribe (formerly Music Group) in 2012, moving production to their massive Music Tribe City facility in Zhongshan, China, while maintaining engineering roots in the UK.
Quick Summary: Key Takeaways
- Current Owner: Music Tribe (the parent company of Behringer, Midas, and Klark Teknik).
- Manufacturing Location: Primarily Zhongshan, China, at the dedicated Music Tribe City industrial park.
- Engineering Origins: Founded in 1978 in the United Kingdom by Tony Andrews and Tim Isaac.
- Core Technology: Known for Dendritic Waveguides, Klark Teknik DSP, and Ultranet digital integration.
- Target Market: Portable PA for DJs, houses of worship, and large-scale touring concert systems.
Are Turbosound Speakers Good? Performance and Reliability
When professionals ask “are turbosound speakers good,” the answer depends on your specific application and which “era” of the brand you are buying into. In my experience testing these units in live club environments and outdoor corporate events, they offer some of the highest SPL (Sound Pressure Level) outputs in their price bracket.
The Modern “Music Tribe” Era
Since the acquisition, Turbosound has shifted from being an exclusive, high-end touring brand to a more accessible “prosumer” and professional staple. They now leverage components from sister companies like Klark Teknik (for Digital Signal Processing) and Lab Gruppen (for amplification). This vertical integration allows them to offer high-end features—like LCD displays and networking capabilities—at a fraction of the cost of boutique brands.
Build Quality and Sound Signature
Most modern Turbosound units, like the iQ Series, feature lightweight but rigid enclosures. We have found that their “British” sound signature typically emphasizes a clear, punchy midrange that helps vocals “cut” through a loud mix. While some purists argue that the older UK-built birch plywood cabinets were superior, the new injection-molded designs are significantly more portable for mobile DJs and touring bands.
Who Makes Turbosound Speakers? A Journey Through History
To understand who makes turbosound speakers today, we have to look back at the brand’s evolution from a small UK workshop to a global manufacturing titan.
The Early Years (1970s – 1990s)**
Turbosound was founded in 1978 by Tony Andrews and Tim Isaac. They revolutionized the industry with the “Flashlight” and “Floodlight” systems used by legendary acts like Pink Floyd, Iron Maiden, and Dire Straits. During this time, the speakers were hand-assembled in the UK and were considered the gold standard for stadium sound.
The Harman and Proel Chapters**
Before the current ownership, the brand passed through several hands. In the 1990s, it was part of the Harman International group (which also owns JBL). Later, it was acquired by the Italian company Proel. Each transition moved the brand closer to the integrated electronics model we see today.
The Music Tribe Acquisition (2012 – Present)**
In 2012, Music Tribe purchased Turbosound, joining it with other legendary brands like Midas and Klark Teknik. This was a turning point. Music Tribe invested millions into the Zhongshan factory, automating much of the speaker production to ensure consistency and lower costs. Today, when you ask who makes turbosound speakers, you are talking about a highly sophisticated, automated global supply chain.
Comparing Popular Turbosound Product Lines
If you are considering adding these to your inventory, it is vital to know which series fits your needs. Use the table below to compare the current flagship models.
| Series | Best For | Key Feature | Enclosure Material |
|---|---|---|---|
| iQ Series | Live Bands / Fixed Installs | Ultranet Digital Integration | Composite Plastic |
| Milan Series | Mobile DJs / Small Venues | Klark Teknik DSP | Polypropylene |
| Siena Series | Professional Concert Sound | Lab Gruppen Power | Birch Plywood |
| NuQ Series | High-end Clubs / Theaters | Asymmetrical Waveguides | Birch Plywood |
| Flashline | Stadiums / Large Festivals | 4-Way Line Array | Marine Plywood |
The Technology That Sets Turbosound Apart
What makes a Turbosound speaker unique isn’t just who builds it, but the proprietary tech inside. Having used these systems in diverse acoustic environments, three specific technologies stand out:
The Dendritic Waveguide**
This is a specialized horn design found in their line arrays and high-end point source boxes. It ensures that the sound waves from the high-frequency driver reach the horn’s exit at the exact same time. This results in a very coherent wavefront, meaning the sound stays clear even at the back of a 500-person room.
Klark Teknik DSP**
Because Music Tribe owns Klark Teknik, they can put high-end digital signal processing into affordable speakers. This DSP acts like an “invisible engineer,” protecting the drivers from blowing and providing EQ presets for “Speech,” “Music,” or “Club” modes.
Ultranet Connectivity**
If you use a Behringer X32 or Midas M32 digital mixer, you can run a single CAT5 cable (Ethernet) from your mixer directly to your iQ Series speakers. This transmits multi-channel digital audio without the interference common in long analog XLR runs.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Set Up a Turbosound iQ System
Setting up a modern PA system can be daunting. Follow these steps to ensure you get the best performance from your Turbosound gear.
- Placement: Position your iQ12 or iQ15 tops on stands above the heads of your audience. If using subwoofers (like the iQ18B), place them on the floor to take advantage of “floor coupling” for deeper bass.
- Power Sequencing: Always turn your speakers on last and turn them off first. This prevents “pops” from your mixer from damaging the drivers.
- DSP Selection: Use the rotary knob on the back of the speaker to select the correct “Crossover” setting. If you are using a subwoofer, set the “Top” speaker to “100Hz High Pass.”
- Gain Staging: Set the physical volume knob on the speaker to 0dB (Unity). Adjust your overall volume from your mixer. This ensures the lowest possible background hiss.
- Ultranet Setup (Optional): If using a digital snake, plug the CAT5 into the “Ultranet In” port. On your mixer, assign the Main L/R to the corresponding Ultranet channels.
Expert Verdict: Are Turbosound Speakers Good for You?
In our real-world testing, we found that Turbosound offers an incredible “bang for your buck.” While they might not have the “boutique” prestige of brands like L-Acoustics or Meyer Sound, they are significantly more capable than entry-level consumer brands.
Pros:
- Integration: Flawless connection with Midas and Behringer ecosystems.
- Output: They are remarkably loud for their size.
- DSP Power: The built-in limiting is very musical and prevents accidental damage.
Cons:
- Weight: Some of the plywood models (Siena/NuQ) are quite heavy for a single person to lift.
- Fan Noise: In very quiet theater environments, the cooling fans on the power amps can be audible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Turbosound owned by Behringer?**
Technically, no. Both Turbosound and Behringer are sister companies owned by the same parent company, Music Tribe. However, they share technology, R&D facilities, and manufacturing plants.
Where are Turbosound speakers made today?**
Most current models are manufactured in Zhongshan, China, at the Music Tribe City factory. This is a 3-million-square-foot facility where the company controls everything from the wood shop to the circuit board assembly.
Are the older UK-made Turbosound speakers better?**
“Better” is subjective. The vintage UK-made speakers (like the TMS-4) are legendary for their warmth and durability. However, modern units are much lighter, more efficient, and include advanced digital protections that the older models lacked.
Can I use Turbosound speakers with any mixer?**
Yes. While they offer special features for Music Tribe mixers, every powered Turbosound speaker has standard XLR/TRS combo inputs that work with any mixer on the market.
What is the warranty on Turbosound speakers?**
Under Music Tribe, most products come with a 1-year warranty, which can be extended to 3 years if you register the product on their website within 90 days of purchase. We highly recommend doing this.
