REL S/510 Subwoofer
For S/510, every aspect of the previous generation’s inner workings were examined without regard to its critical and customer-driven success. We turned a fresh eye to power requirements, driver improvements, and specialty filters, upgrading each-to extract all the extra performance possible. All this alongside the cabinet refinements necessary for those upgrades to emerge cleanly. This latest S range is a triumphant development that has exceeded every expectation of our design team.
The requirements were for far stronger deep bass output between 20-35 Hz, vastly improved theatre dynamics, and an even more open and spacious soundfield which benefits both music and film. We turned to our NextGen3 amplifier, tuned to 500 watts with substantial reserves of power, added a light film of carbon fibre to the rear of the driver to handle the extra power, and developed two new sets of custom filters to extract the utmost in brute force and spaciousness. Finally, we imbued S/510 with the ability to be stacked in 4- or 6-unit line arrays, just like our reference models.
S/510 required upgrades to its ContinuousCast™ Alloy Cone to allow it to survive its massive power upgrades. To permit its thin, aluminum cone to survive 500 watts and incredibly long stroke, we added an ultra-lightweight backing of pure carbon fibre strategically placed over portions of the rear surface of the cone. This produces two benefits; it strengthens and stiffens the cone and also eliminates reversion, wherein the backwave inside the cabinet is now prevented from interfering with the main launch of bass into the room. The result is more accurate and far louder deep bass.
Our uniquely tuned passive radiators use special suspensions, now with an additional 8mm of linear travel, to produce performance unlike conventional subwoofers. Our new SuperProgressive™ passive radiator produces extremely long travel allowing for very loud output while retaining the variable stiffness of its suspension. This allows it to act like a sealed box compact 12” design at low volumes and a high output 14” design at its limit.
At 500 watts the NextGen3 amplifier is borrowed from our former flagship model and produces huge reservoirs of power and current. The 20%+ increase in power (previous version was 400 watts) is needed to deliver the high output levels needed for modern theatre, as well as to produce the extremely deep bass in a high end 2-channel system. This increase in power is necessitated by our development on the musical front of an all-new circuit termed PerfectFilter™ that balance both frequency extremes.
PerfectFilter performs two seemingly disparate qualities; extending the strong, even response of the extreme low end of bass frequencies while simultaneously opening up air and delicacy in the middle and high frequencies of one’s system. Additionally, we applied customized PureTheatre™ filters to allow S/510 to keep up with modern theatre effects without breaking a sweat.
In the real world, bass occurs with width, depth and height. By stacking up to three units per side (stereo or theatre main L-R speakers) the proper perspective and height of sonic events are illuminated. This elevates reproduction from conventional stereo or theatre to a floor to ceiling panoramic, full scale perspective of each sonic event. Reviewers are lining up to marvel at the transformation of music and film into the full-scale representation that REL Line Arrays uniquely deliver.
TYPE Front-firing active woofer, down-firing passive radiator
ACTIVE DRIVER SIZE & MATERIAL 10 in., 250mm long-throw, die cast aluminium chassis
PASSIVE RADIATOR SIZE & MATERIAL 12 in., 300mm
LOW FREQUENCY EXTENTION 20Hz at -6 dB
INPUT CONNECTORS Hi Level Neutrik Speakon, Left and Right Lo Level phono, LFE phono, LFE XLR
OUTPUT CONNECTORS Hi Level Neutrik Speakon, LFE XLR
POWER OUTPUT 500 watts (RMS)
AMPLIFIER TYPE NextGen3 Class D
WIRELESS CAPABILITY Yes- REL Airship system [required]. Sold separately.
Protection System
FULLY ELECTRONIC SET SAFE Yes
D.C. FAULT Yes
OUTPUT SHORT Yes
MAINS INPUT VOLTAGE 220-240 volts, 110-120 volts for certain markets
FUSES 5 Amp semi delay 220 volts operation 9 Amp semi delay 120 volts operation
Dimensions
W X H X D 15.7 x 16 x 18.25 in., (400 x 410 x 464 mm) Add 1.75in (44.5mm) in depth when using Hi Level connector
NET WEIGHT 70 lbs. (31.7 kg)
FINISH Piano Black Lacquer, White Lacquer, 10 coats