REL 212 Black Label Serie S Subwoofer

The REL 212 Black Label is a high-output active subwoofer designed for reference-grade two-channel music and home cinema systems.

It combines two front-firing 305mm CarbonAlloy active drivers with one rear-firing and one down-firing 305mm passive radiator, creating a four-driver system operating across three planes.

This arrangement provides more than 1,166cm² of combined piston area, allowing the 212 Black Label to energise a large room while distributing low-frequency energy with greater height, depth and spatial scale than a conventional single-driver design.

Dual 12-Inch CarbonAlloy Active Drivers

Two long-throw 305mm active drivers are mounted vertically on the front of the cabinet.

Each uses REL’s CarbonAlloy cone structure, combining a lightweight carbon-fibre centre cap with a carefully controlled main cone and die-cast alloy chassis.

Reducing moving mass helps the drivers start and stop quickly, while their combined surface area allows substantial output without requiring either driver to operate at the limits of its excursion during normal use.

The result is bass capable of reproducing large-scale effects and organ fundamentals while preserving the texture, pitch and timing of bass guitar, piano, drums and orchestral instruments.

Rear and Down-Firing Passive Radiators

The two active drivers are supported by a pair of matching 305mm CarbonAlloy passive radiators.

The down-firing radiator helps develop the deepest low-frequency energy through its relationship with the floor, while the rear-firing radiator contributes to the sense of height, depth and spatial scale within the room.

Passive radiators provide the low-frequency reinforcement associated with a tuned enclosure without requiring a conventional open reflex port.

Their cast-aluminium baskets and high-excursion construction are designed to remain controlled as the amplifier and active drivers produce substantial output.

18Hz Low-Frequency Extension

REL specifies low-frequency extension to 18Hz at the stated minus 6dB point.

This allows the 212 Black Label to reproduce frequencies that are felt as much as heard, including the lowest musical fundamentals, hall ambience and the deep effects contained within modern film soundtracks.

Extension alone does not determine successful integration. Gain, crossover, phase, room position and the behaviour of the main loudspeakers must all be considered during setup.

1,000W Linear Class D Amplifier

A 1,000W RMS Linear Class D amplifier powers the two active drivers.

REL describes the circuit as a hybrid approach that combines the current delivery and dynamic character associated with high-current Class A/B monoblocks with the efficiency of a Class D output stage.

The amplifier is designed to provide substantial short-term headroom while maintaining control during sustained low-frequency passages.

Approximate idle consumption is 40W, allowing the amplifier to remain ready to respond without requiring its full output during quieter listening.

All-Analogue Input Filters

REL uses analogue filtering throughout the 212 Black Label rather than processing the incoming signal through a digital signal processor.

The High Level, low-level and LFE signal paths are designed to preserve timing and allow the subwoofer to integrate naturally with the main system.

Independent gain and crossover adjustment allows the music connection to be tuned separately from the dedicated cinema effects channel.

REL High Level Connection

For conventional two-channel systems, REL normally recommends connecting the subwoofer to the main amplifier’s loudspeaker outputs using the supplied Neutrik Speakon High Level cable.

The High Level input senses the same signal being delivered to the main speakers, including the tonal and timing characteristics of the amplifier’s output stage.

This can help the subwoofer blend with the main speakers as part of one full-range system rather than sounding like a separate low-frequency source.

A nominal 10-metre High Level Speakon cable is included. The REL Bassline Blue provides a dedicated upgrade path for compatible systems.

Low-Level RCA Inputs

Two RCA low-level inputs allow the 212 Black Label to be connected to a suitable stereo pre-amplifier output, active loudspeaker system or source where the High Level connection cannot be used.

The low-level input uses the same analogue crossover philosophy as the High Level connection and can be tuned using the subwoofer’s gain, crossover and phase controls.

RCA and Balanced XLR LFE Inputs

Dedicated RCA and balanced XLR LFE inputs accommodate the subwoofer output of a compatible home cinema receiver or surround processor.

The LFE input bypasses the normal High Level crossover so that the processor can deliver the dedicated low-frequency effects channel contained within a film soundtrack.

Balanced XLR can be useful in installations requiring a longer cable run between the surround processor and subwoofer.

Music and Home Cinema Connections Together

The High Level connection and the dedicated LFE input can be used simultaneously.

This allows the 212 Black Label to integrate with the main loudspeakers during two-channel listening while also reproducing the dedicated effects channel during home cinema playback.

The two signal paths have separate level control, allowing the musical balance and cinema impact to be adjusted independently.

Link Outputs for Additional Subwoofers

High Level, low-level and LFE output connections allow a signal to be passed to another compatible REL where a multiple-subwoofer installation is required.

Multiple subwoofers can improve room consistency, increase dynamic headroom and provide a more even sense of scale across a wider listening area.

Each subwoofer should be positioned and tuned as part of the complete system rather than simply copying every control setting.

Airship Direct Wireless Compatibility

The 212 Black Label is compatible with REL’s Airship Direct wireless system.

Airship Direct is designed to transmit both High Level and LFE signals, allowing music and home cinema connections to be carried without running long signal cables across the room.

The wireless module is an optional accessory and should be positioned so that communication between its transmitter and receiver remains reliable.

Room Positioning

Subwoofer position has a major influence on extension, output and integration.

REL commonly recommends beginning near a corner behind the main speakers, then moving the subwoofer gradually to find the point that produces the strongest and most even low-frequency response.

The rear passive radiator requires suitable clearance from the wall, while the down-firing radiator must not be obstructed.

The final position should support the main speakers without drawing attention to the physical location of the subwoofer.

Gain, Crossover and Phase Tuning

Begin with the High Level gain and crossover set conservatively and determine the correct phase relationship with the main loudspeakers.

The crossover should be set low enough to avoid thickening voices or upper bass, while the gain should provide weight and scale without making the subwoofer obvious as a separate source.

Small changes can produce a significant difference, particularly with a subwoofer capable of this degree of output.

The most successful setting is normally the one where switching the REL off causes the system to lose space, authority and depth, rather than the one that produces the most immediately noticeable bass.

Single Subwoofer or Stereo Pair?

A stereo pair can approach some of the scale associated with REL’s larger line-array systems. The 212 Black Label is not designed to be vertically stacked as a conventional REL line array.

S/850, Carbon Special or 212 Black Label?

Piano Black Cabinet

The cabinet is finished in eight coats of Piano Black lacquer.

A vertical front strake, carbon-fibre framed top badge and contrasting metal handles distinguish the Black Label design while giving the tall cabinet a more controlled visual profile.

The supplied black cloth grille provides a restrained appearance. A sculpted premium wood grille can be specified as an optional accessory and is not included with the standard subwoofer.

Plan Access and Floor Support

System Matching

Browse our Hi-Fi subwoofers , home cinema subwoofers , stereo speakers , home cinema speakers , home cinema amplifiers and subwoofer and system cables , or explore the REL range at Audio T .

Key Features

• Flagship subwoofer in the REL Serie S range
• Suitable for high-performance stereo and home cinema systems
• Two front-firing 305mm CarbonAlloy active drivers
• One rear-firing 305mm CarbonAlloy passive radiator
• One down-firing 305mm CarbonAlloy passive radiator
• Four-driver arrangement operating across three planes
• More than 1,166cm² of combined piston area
• 18Hz low-frequency extension at minus 6dB
• 1,000W RMS Linear Class D amplifier
• All-analogue input filtering
• Neutrik Speakon High Level input
• Twin RCA low-level inputs
• RCA and balanced XLR LFE inputs
• High Level, low-level and LFE link outputs
• High Level and LFE inputs can operate simultaneously
• Compatible with REL Airship Direct wireless transmission
• Electronic Set-Safe, DC fault and output-short protection
• Eight-coat Piano Black lacquer finish
• Black cloth grille included
• Optional sculpted premium wood grille
• Nominal 10-metre High Level Speakon cable included
• Three-year REL parts and labour warranty, subject to current terms

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions