Reviews

Road Test: Turbosound iNSPIRE iP2000

Putting a new column loudspeaker/subwoofer combo through its paces. (Includes videos on page 2.)

The Turbosound iNSPIRE iP2000 is a loudspeaker system comprised of modular, full-range column arrays and a companion 12-inch subwoofer.

Each column array is comprised of 16 cone drivers plus a horn-loaded super-tweeter that can be easily mounted on the sub, locking to it and thus eliminating loudspeaker stands and cables.

The iP2000 is outfitted with proprietary Klark Teknik SST (Spatial Sound Technology) for helping to create enhanced 3D acoustic environments as well as DSP presets for application type and loudspeaker positioning.

The DSP is more than just selective EQ enhancement. A 24-bit processor analyzes the incoming signal and intelligently applies specific filters, making subtle real-time adjustments to the crossover, compressor/limiter, three discrete class D amplifier channels and more.

The Turbo Control remote control app is available for iPhones and iPads, linked via Bluetooth stereo audio streaming for wireless connection. The multi-channel amplification and onboard 3-channel digital mixer makes for a true “plug and play” package.

Turbosound iNSPIRE iP2000 loudspeaker system.

The iP2000 is the largest model in the iNSPIRE series that also includes two modular column and subwoofer models, the iP1000 and iP500, two subwoofer models with stereo satellite output, the iP12B and iP15B, and a passive satellite loudspeaker, the iP82, all utilizing the same onboard mixing, processing, and class D amplification.

Physical Characteristics
The iP2000 disassembles into three pieces for easy transport. The two column modules measure just 32.8 x 4.0 x 3.5 inches while the sub module checks in at 19.1 x 16.5 x 19.7 inches (both h x w x d). The entire assembly weighs in at 68 pounds, and when assembled, the stack is 81 inches high.

The column modules are constructed of aluminum and the sub cabinet is made of plywood, and both have durable powder-coated perforated steel mesh grilles. Handles on each side mean the sub can be moved/positioned easily. An optional shoulder bag is available to carry and store the columns.

A mating system called Precision-lock joins the columns to each other and the subwoofer. It mates each section together, also making all electrical connections via a multi-pin connector. No tools are required as the sections simply push together by hand.

The I/O facilities on the iP2000 12-inch-loaded sub. The column tower simply plugs and locks in at the top.

The iP2000 has a stated frequency response of 45 Hz – 20 kHz (+/- 3 dB), max SPL of 123 dB, and nominal dispersion of 120 degrees horizontal. All controls and connections are located on the sub. There’s a nicely sized LCD screen that displays parameter settings and a single encoder knob that can be pressed as well as rotated to facilitate changes. There are also four buttons to further define parameters, marked Process, Setup, Exit and Enter.

The back side of the sub hosts two combo TRS/XLR connectors for inputs A and B, along with two XLR outputs that provide un-processed copies of the A and B inputs for linking. The DSP includes four factory preset equalizations labeled Music, Live, Speech and Club, and these can be adjusted to taste. The position setting facilitates DSP compensation depending on the loudspeaker’s location, providing three presets depending if it’s positioned on the floor, near a wall, or in a corner.

The digital mixer is outfitted with 3-band EQ, channel volume, volume for a Bluetooth attached playback device like a phone or tablet, sub level and master volume.

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