REL Acoustics Carbon Special Black Label Subwoofer

Reference-Level Performance in a Medium-Size Chassis

The REL Carbon Special Black Label is the most advanced expression of REL’s Serie S platform, bringing technology and engineering inspired by REL’s flagship Reference Series into a more compact enclosure. Its 12-inch all-carbon-fiber driver, powerful 900-watt amplifier, and expanded cabinet deliver exceptional speed, scale, control, and tonal nuance.

Designed for serious two-channel systems, home theater, and large listening spaces, the Carbon Special Black Label delivers deep, powerful bass while maintaining the speed and precision necessary for seamless integration with high-end loudspeakers.

Carbon-Fiber Driver

At the heart of the Carbon Special Black Label is a 12-inch long-throw carbon-fiber driver with an inverted carbon-fiber center cap and die-cast alloy chassis. The driver is closely related to the design used in REL’s No.31 Reference subwoofer and features a newly engineered suspension capable of more than 60mm of front-to-back travel.

A hand-selected 12-inch down-firing carbon passive radiator complements the active driver, providing greater output and low-frequency extension while maintaining precise pistonic control.

The result is bass that is exceptionally fast, dynamic, and articulate, revealing texture and scale without overwhelming the character of the main loudspeakers.

900 Watts of Amplifier Power

The Carbon Special Black Label is powered by a 900-watt Linear Class D amplifier, supported by a substantial 15-pound power transformer and extensive heatsinking. The amplifier can sustain peaks of up to 1,250 watts, providing the headroom necessary to reproduce demanding musical passages and cinematic effects with authority and control.

REL’s all-analog input filtering is designed for exceptionally fast response and natural integration with the main system. The High Level input connects directly to your amplifier’s speaker outputs, allowing the Carbon Special Black Label to follow the sonic character of the entire system.

Designed to Integrate, Not Dominate

A great subwoofer should not call attention to itself. Properly integrated, the Carbon Special Black Label adds scale, weight, texture, and dimensionality while allowing the main loudspeakers to perform at their best.

For music systems, REL’s High Level connection provides a particularly natural way to integrate the subwoofer with the main amplifier and loudspeakers. Low-level RCA and LFE inputs are also provided, while High Level and .1/LFE can be used simultaneously for systems that combine high-end stereo and home theater.

The result is a subwoofer that can bring greater physicality to a double bass, more weight and realism to a piano, and substantially greater scale to an orchestra—while delivering the impact demanded by modern cinema.

Built for Larger Rooms

The Carbon Special Black Label is particularly well suited to medium-to-large rooms of approximately 300–700 square feet. Its combination of high output, carbon-fiber driver technology, and precise control allows it to deliver substantial low-frequency energy without sacrificing musicality.

For even greater scale, Carbon Special Black Label subwoofers can be used as stereo pairs or configured into REL’s Line Array system. The cabinets incorporate precision mechanical couplers and integrated adjustment hardware specifically designed for secure stacking and optimal acoustic coupling.

Reference-Inspired Construction

The Carbon Special Black Label features cabinet proportions inspired by REL’s Reference Series, along with black crown inlays, recessed curved stainless-steel handles, and precision-machined aluminum hardware.

Each subwoofer is finished in eight coats of Piano Black lacquer and includes a premium wood grille that complements the cabinet while maintaining airflow for maximum performance.

Wireless or Wired

For installations where running a cable is impractical or undesirable, the Carbon Special Black Label is compatible with REL’s optional Airship Direct wireless system. Airship Direct can transmit both High Level and .1/LFE signals while preserving the speed, transparency, and control of a wired connection.

Specifications

Amplifier: 900 watts RMS, Linear Class D

Active Driver: 12-inch long-throw carbon-fiber cone

Passive Radiator: 12-inch down-firing Carbon/Carbon design

Frequency Extension: -6 dB at 19 Hz

Inputs: High Level Neutrik Speakon, 2 × RCA low-level, RCA LFE, XLR LFE

Outputs: High Level Neutrik Speakon, RCA low-level, RCA LFE/XLR LFE

Wireless: REL Airship Direct compatible

Finish: Eight-coat Piano Black lacquer

Dimensions: 19.25" W × 16.125" H × 22.25" D

Weight: 98 lbs.

Included: Premium wood grille, 10-meter Neutrik Speakon cable, AC power cord, Line Array mounting hardware, and user manual

The Carbon Special Black Label at Destination HiFi

The Carbon Special Black Label is an exceptional choice for listeners who want significantly greater bass extension and scale without compromising the speed, precision, and refinement of a high-end loudspeaker system.

At Destination HiFi, we can help you determine the appropriate REL configuration for your loudspeakers, room, and system-including stereo-pair and Line Array applications.