Audio T Verdict
REL Airship II provides a high-performance wireless alternative for systems where running conventional High Level or LFE cables between the equipment and subwoofer is difficult.
Unlike a basic wireless LFE adaptor, Airship II can transmit REL’s preferred High Level music connection, stereo low-level audio and dedicated home cinema LFE signals. High Level and LFE can also operate together, allowing one REL to support two-channel listening and home cinema without changing cables.
The revised Texas Instruments conversion system lowers the noise floor compared with the original Airship, helping preserve speed, dynamics and tonal detail across the wireless link.
Compatibility must be checked carefully. Airship II was developed for specific REL Reference, Serie S and HT models and should not be confused with Airship Direct, Arrow or HT-Air MKII.
REL Airship II Wireless Subwoofer System
REL Airship II is a dedicated wireless transmitter and receiver package for compatible REL subwoofers.
The transmitter connects to the amplifier, pre-amplifier or home cinema processor. It converts the incoming High Level, low-level or LFE signal for wireless transmission to the receiver positioned at the subwoofer.
This allows the REL to be positioned according to its acoustic relationship with the room rather than being restricted by the practical route of a long signal cable.
Complete Transmitter and Receiver Package
Airship II includes separate transmitting and receiving units rather than relying on a receiver already built into the subwoofer.
Both units require their supplied 5V power adaptors. The compatible REL subwoofer also retains its normal mains connection because Airship II transmits audio signals rather than electrical power.
A three-metre High Level cable and two-metre dual-RCA cable are included for connecting suitable source equipment to the transmitter.
Lower-Noise Texas Instruments Conversion
Airship II uses a revised Texas Instruments DAC and ADC chipset with a lower internal noise floor than the original REL Airship.
REL states that system noise has been reduced by 12dB, helping the wireless link retain low-level information, dynamic contrast and tonal colour.
The system is designed to carry the complete subwoofer signal rather than merely transmitting a narrow home cinema effects channel.
REL High Level Wireless Connection
The Neutrik Speakon High Level input allows the Airship II transmitter to receive the same signal being sent from the main amplifier to the loudspeakers.
This includes the tonal character and timing behaviour of the amplifier’s output stage, which is why REL commonly recommends High Level connection for two-channel music systems.
The supplied three-metre cable connects the amplifier’s loudspeaker output to the Airship II transmitter. The audio is then carried wirelessly to the receiver at the REL.
High Level Wiring Depends on the Amplifier
Conventional Class A/B amplifiers, balanced designs, Class D amplifiers, differential outputs and monoblock power amplifiers can require different High Level wiring arrangements.
Confirm the amplifier’s output topology and the correct REL connection method before attaching the High Level cable.
Stereo Low-Level RCA Inputs
Left and right RCA inputs allow the transmitter to receive a stereo line-level signal from suitable pre-amplifier outputs, integrated-amplifier outputs or active loudspeaker systems.
This provides an alternative when High Level connection is unavailable or unsuitable for the particular system.
The supplied dual-RCA cable can be used where its length and connector arrangement suit the installation.
RCA LFE Input
A dedicated RCA LFE input accommodates the subwoofer output from a compatible home cinema receiver or surround processor.
This transmits the dedicated low-frequency effects channel used by film and multichannel soundtracks.
The crossover and bass-management settings for this connection are normally controlled by the home cinema processor rather than the Airship II transmitter.
Balanced XLR LFE Input
A balanced XLR LFE input is provided for compatible processors and systems using balanced subwoofer connections.
Balanced connection can be useful where the processor and Airship II transmitter are separated by a longer cable run or where the installation is susceptible to electrical interference.
REL specifies an input impedance of 10k ohms for the balanced XLR LFE input.
High Level and LFE Together
Airship II can transmit High Level and LFE signals concurrently.
This allows the REL to support the main loudspeakers through the High Level connection during stereo listening while also reproducing the dedicated LFE channel during home cinema playback.
Music and cinema levels remain adjustable through the controls provided by the compatible REL subwoofer and home cinema processor.
Wireless Distance and Placement
REL specifies an effective wireless distance of approximately 10 metres with clear line of sight.
Walls, large furniture, metal objects, equipment racks and nearby wireless devices can reduce the usable distance or affect connection stability.
The transmitter and receiver should therefore be positioned with as few substantial obstructions between them as practical.
Wireless Does Not Remove Every Cable
The transmitter still requires a signal cable from the amplifier or processor and its own power adaptor.
The receiver requires a power adaptor and connection to the compatible REL, while the subwoofer itself continues to require mains power.
Receiver Mounting
Selected REL models provide a dedicated mounting position on the rear amplifier panel for the Airship II receiver.
This keeps the receiver securely attached to the subwoofer and avoids leaving it loose on the floor or behind the cabinet.
Where a compatible subwoofer does not provide the dedicated mounting arrangement, the receiver must be positioned securely without blocking ventilation or placing strain on its cables.
Compatible REL Subwoofers
Airship II was developed as the premium wireless solution for selected REL Reference and previous-generation Serie S models.
REL identifies the following as natural partners:
- REL No.32
- REL No.31
- REL 212/SX
- REL Carbon Special
- REL S/812
- REL S/510
The REL HT/1510 Predator II is also compatible, although the dedicated receiver-mounting arrangement differs from models designed to accept the receiver directly on their rear amplifier panel.
Exact compatibility should be confirmed using the model name and generation rather than cabinet appearance alone.
Airship II or Airship Direct?
REL Airship II
- Separate transmitter and receiver units
- High Level, stereo low-level and LFE transmission
- RCA and balanced XLR LFE inputs
- Developed for selected Reference and previous Serie S models
- High Level and LFE can operate together
REL Airship Direct
- Designed for current compatible REL models
- Used by the latest Serie S Black Label generation
- Should not be assumed interchangeable with Airship II
- Compatibility depends on the specific REL model
- Check before changing or upgrading wireless systems
Current models using Airship Direct include the
REL 212 Black Label
and
REL S/850
.
Airship II, Arrow or HT-Air MKII?
Airship II
- Premium High Level and LFE wireless system
- Balanced XLR LFE input
- Designed for selected higher-performance REL models
- Suitable for combined music and cinema systems
REL Arrow
- Designed for compatible Serie T/x models
- High Level and LFE capability
- More appropriate for smaller REL systems
- Compatibility remains model specific
View the REL Arrow wireless system
REL HT-Air MKII
- Developed primarily for REL Serie HT models
- Intended for line-level and LFE use
- Does not replace Airship II’s High Level functionality
- Suited to cinema-focused installations
View the REL HT-Air MKII
Installation and Pairing
- Confirm that the REL subwoofer is compatible with Airship II.
- Choose the required High Level, low-level or LFE connection.
- Connect the amplifier or processor to the transmitter while all equipment is switched off.
- Position and connect the receiver at the compatible REL.
- Connect both supplied power adaptors.
- Keep the transmitter and receiver within the recommended working distance.
- Switch on the system and complete the pairing process described in the REL instructions.
- Check operation before completing the final subwoofer setup.
Pairing the wireless units only establishes the signal connection. The REL’s room position, phase, crossover and gain must still be adjusted for the main loudspeakers and listening room.
System Matching
Well Suited To
- Selected REL Reference subwoofers
- Previous-generation REL Serie S models
- REL 212/SX and Carbon Special systems
- Music systems using REL High Level connection
- Home cinema systems using RCA or XLR LFE
- Combined music and home cinema installations
- Rooms where long signal cables are impractical
Check Before Buying
- Compatibility is model and generation specific
- New Black Label models use Airship Direct
- The specified range assumes clear line of sight
- Walls and furniture may reduce wireless distance
- Both wireless units require power
- The subwoofer still requires mains power
- High Level wiring depends on the amplifier
Setup Guidance
- Confirm the REL model before installation
- Connect equipment while switched off
- Keep transmitter and receiver unobstructed
- Separate signal wiring from mains cables
- Check pairing before tuning the subwoofer
- Complete phase, crossover and gain setup afterwards
- Retain access to both power adaptors
Browse our
wireless accessories
,
Hi-Fi subwoofers
,
home cinema subwoofers
,
home cinema amplifiers
and
subwoofer and system cables
, or explore the
REL range at Audio T
.
Key Features
- Complete wireless transmitter and receiver system
- Designed for selected REL Reference and Serie S subwoofers
- Texas Instruments DAC and ADC chipset
- 12dB lower system noise than the original Airship
- Full-bandwidth wireless subwoofer signal transmission
- Neutrik Speakon High Level input
- Stereo RCA low-level inputs
- Single RCA LFE input
- Balanced XLR LFE input
- High Level and LFE can operate concurrently
- Approximately 10-metre range with clear line of sight
- Wireless output power below minus 3dBm
- Separate 5V power supply for transmitter and receiver
- Matte Black transmitter and receiver units
- Three-metre High Level cable included
- Two-metre dual-RCA cable included
- Two power adaptors included
- Three-year REL warranty, subject to current terms
Frequently Asked Questions
Does REL Airship II include both units?
Yes. It is supplied as a complete transmitter and receiver system with two power adaptors and connection cables.
Can it transmit REL High Level wirelessly?
Yes. The transmitter accepts a Neutrik Speakon High Level connection from a compatible amplifier wiring arrangement.
Can High Level and LFE work together?
Yes. Airship II can transmit High Level and LFE concurrently for systems used for both stereo music and home cinema.
How far can Airship II transmit?
REL specifies approximately 10 metres with clear line of sight. Walls, furniture and interference may reduce the practical distance.
Is Airship II compatible with every REL?
No. Compatibility is model and generation specific. It was developed primarily for selected Reference and previous-generation Serie S subwoofers.
Does it work with the REL 212 Black Label?
The 212 Black Label is specified for REL Airship Direct. Airship II should not be assumed compatible with newer Black Label Serie S models.
Does wireless remove the subwoofer mains cable?
No. Airship II transmits the audio signal only. The subwoofer and both wireless units still require their appropriate power connections.
Can it receive balanced LFE?
Yes. The transmitter provides a balanced XLR LFE input as well as a conventional RCA LFE connection.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- REL model and generation compatibility checks
- Airship II and Airship Direct guidance
- High Level wiring advice for different amplifiers
- RCA and balanced XLR LFE recommendations
- Transmitter and receiver positioning guidance
- Wireless-distance and interference assessment
- Stereo and home cinema integration support
- Subwoofer phase, crossover and gain assistance
- Comparison with wired REL connections
- Ongoing system setup and development support
Contact your local Audio T store
to confirm that REL Airship II is compatible with your subwoofer, amplifier and home cinema system.