The TurboX Mini is Gaahleri’s new portable, desktop compressor. It is a compact, tankless compressor with digital pressure control. 

Comes in a hard cardboard box with the compressor secured on a plastic tray with its shape.

The box also includes the 12-volt adaptor (it has no battery), an airbrush holder that slots into the compressor itself, a hose of 1.80 metres long with standard 1/8-inch connectors, and a Quick Start Guide in nine languages.

The compressor measures 14x10x6 centimetres, and most of its functions are controlled via a single large button. 

A large part of the top panel is taken up by the display and this button. 

It looks quite stylish and takes up very little space on the workbench. On the underside, there are four suction cups to secure it and reduce vibrations. 

Use 

To use it, simply connect it to the power supply adapter and the airbrush. It is switched on by pressing and holding the button. The display shows a dot bar indicating the last pressure level selected and the pressure in large numbers. You can choose between bar and psi display.

Pressing the button cycles through three preset pressure levels: minimum, medium and maximum. Turning the dial increases or decreases the pressure in smaller increments. 

It is important to note that the motor only runs when necessary, that is, when the airbrush trigger is pressed to release air. As soon as the airbrush valve is closed, the motor stops. This optimises the compressor’s usage and means it takes longer to overheat.

Pressing the button twice displays the temperature; if it reaches 85º, the display flashes and you are advised to stop. At 90 degrees, the compressor switches off automatically to prevent damage. Finally, there is a switch on the rear which ensures the compressor works more efficiently with low-air-consumption airbrushes, preventing it from starting and stopping continuously. 

Testing

I have had time to test this compressor thoroughly – not just a quick functional test with it- together with the Seeker airbrush (also from Gaahleri). I have primed, painted and varnished three complete models and several figures. Two of the models were quite large -you can see them here and here.

The experience has been entirely positive; the TurboX Mini has supplied a constant volume of air for a long time without any fluctuations or overheating even once. Adjusting the pressure is quick and easy, and the noise level is low; you can hold a conversation whilst it’s in use. Furthermore, the fact that it stops when you release the airbrush trigger means the noise isn’t constant, and the motor also runs cooler. 

At no point did I miss having a tank on the compressor. Having it right there on the table, taking up so little space, along with the large button and display, also makes it very easy to use.

In my opinion, the pressure is adequate for working with acrylics and the airbrush I’ve used, although it’s true that you might sometimes wish for a little more power. 

Here is a short video using it to check volume level at the different pressures and performance. Being my first video, main lesson is that I should use the landscape mode... And I should have said something so you can compare the level of my voice against the  compressor, but I think the sound from the airbrush is a good reference as well.

Conclusion

A small but highly useful compressor. Despite not having a tank, it perfectly meets the needs of modellers. It is easy to use, delivers an adequate level of pressure and can run for a good time without overheating.  Also important, the level of noise is, for me, completely acceptable.