REL Carbon Special Black Label Subwoofer

The REL Carbon Special Black Label is a high-performance active subwoofer designed for serious two-channel music systems and immersive home cinema installations.

A front-firing 305mm all-carbon-fibre active driver works with a matching down-firing passive radiator, powered by a 900W Linear Class D amplifier.

It can be used individually, as part of a stereo pair or within a compatible three-high REL line array.

12-Inch All-Carbon-Fibre Active Driver

The front-firing active driver uses a lightweight carbon-fibre cone with an inverted carbon-fibre centre cap and a rigid die-cast alloy chassis.

Carbon fibre combines low moving mass with excellent stiffness. This allows the driver to respond rapidly to changes in the signal while resisting unwanted flex as output and excursion increase.

The newly developed suspension permits more than 60mm of total front-to-back movement, giving the driver the travel required for substantial dynamics without sacrificing control.

Down-Firing Carbon Passive Radiator

A matching 305mm Carbon/Carbon passive radiator is mounted beneath the cabinet.

The flat-cone radiator reinforces the deepest bass without the airflow noise associated with a conventional reflex port.

Its interaction with the floor helps distribute low-frequency energy throughout the room, while carefully controlled movement supports the active driver during demanding musical and cinematic passages.

The area beneath the cabinet must remain unobstructed so the passive radiator can operate freely.

19Hz Low-Frequency Extension

REL specifies extension to 19Hz at the stated minus 6dB point.

This allows the Carbon Special Black Label to reproduce deep musical fundamentals, recording-space ambience and powerful low-frequency effects that are felt physically as well as heard.

Extension alone does not determine the quality of a subwoofer. Speed, phase response, room position and integration with the main loudspeakers are equally important.

900W Linear Class D Amplifier

The internal amplifier delivers 900W RMS and is designed to sustain demanding peaks with strong control and dynamic headroom.

REL combines an efficient Class D output stage with a substantial traditional power supply and extensive heatsinking.

The intention is to deliver the speed and efficiency of modern amplification while preserving the current delivery and tonal weight associated with larger conventional amplifier designs.

All-Analogue Input Filters

REL uses analogue filtering throughout the High Level, low-level and LFE signal paths.

This avoids routing the incoming music signal through a digital processing stage and helps preserve timing, dynamic contrast and tonal character.

Separate connection options allow the Carbon Special Black Label to integrate with conventional stereo amplifiers, active systems and home cinema processors.

REL High Level Connection

For most two-channel systems, REL recommends connecting the subwoofer to the main amplifier’s loudspeaker outputs through the Neutrik Speakon High Level input.

This allows the REL to receive the same signal being sent to the main speakers, including the tonal and timing characteristics of the amplifier’s output stage.

The High Level input has a very high impedance and senses the signal without drawing meaningful power away from the loudspeakers.

A nominal ten-metre High Level Speakon cable is included. The REL Bassline Blue provides a dedicated cable development option for compatible systems.

Stereo Low-Level RCA Inputs

Two RCA low-level inputs allow connection to a suitable stereo pre-amplifier output, integrated-amplifier output or active loudspeaker system.

The low-level connection uses REL’s analogue crossover and gain controls and provides an alternative where High Level connection is unavailable or unsuitable.

RCA and Balanced XLR LFE Inputs

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

The LFE input reproduces the dedicated low-frequency effects channel contained within film and multichannel soundtracks.

Balanced XLR can be helpful where a longer cable is required between the processor and subwoofer.

Music and Home Cinema Together

The High Level connection and dedicated LFE input can operate simultaneously.

This allows the Carbon Special Black Label to integrate with the main loudspeakers during stereo listening while also reproducing the dedicated effects channel during home cinema playback.

The music and cinema levels can be adjusted independently through the REL and the connected home cinema processor.

Link Outputs for Multiple REL Systems

High Level, low-level and LFE outputs allow signals to be passed to another compatible REL.

This supports stereo-pair and line-array installations without requiring every subwoofer connection to return directly to the main equipment rack.

Each subwoofer retains its own gain, crossover and phase settings and should be tuned for its position within the room.

Airship Direct Wireless Compatibility

The Carbon Special Black Label is compatible with REL’s optional Airship Direct wireless system.

Airship Direct can carry High Level and LFE signals together, allowing the subwoofer to support music and home cinema without a long audio cable running across the room.

Wireless transmission does not remove the need for mains power at the subwoofer, and compatibility should not be confused with the earlier Airship II system.

Room Positioning and Setup

Begin with the subwoofer near a suitable corner behind the main loudspeakers, then adjust its position gradually while listening for strong, even and well-defined bass.

Establish the preferred phase setting before refining crossover and gain. Keep the crossover low enough to avoid thickening voices or upper bass, and use only enough gain to provide a natural extension of the main speakers.

A correctly integrated REL should add authority, depth and soundstage scale without drawing attention to its physical position.

Single Subwoofer, Stereo Pair or Line Array?

S/850, Carbon Special Black Label or 212 Black Label?

Piano Black Cabinet and Premium Wood Grille

The cabinet is finished in eight coats of Piano Black lacquer, with sculpted side details, recessed metal handles and integrated line-array hardware.

A premium wood grille is included. As it is made from natural material, grain, shade and colour will vary between individual grilles.

A traditional black cloth grille can also be considered for a more understated appearance.

System Matching

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

Key Features

• Reference-inspired REL Serie S active subwoofer
• 305mm front-firing all-carbon-fibre active driver
• Inverted carbon-fibre centre cap
• Die-cast alloy active-driver chassis
• 305mm down-firing Carbon/Carbon passive radiator
• More than 60mm total active-driver travel
• 19Hz low-frequency extension at minus 6dB
• 900W 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 together
• Compatible with REL Airship Direct
• Suitable for single, stereo-pair and line-array systems
• Integrated line-array coupling and levelling provisions
• Eight-coat Piano Black lacquer finish
• Premium wood grille included
• Nominal ten-metre High Level Speakon cable included
• Three-year REL warranty, subject to current terms

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions