REL Carbon Special Black Label Powered Subwoofer

Reference inspired powered subwoofer featuring a 12 inch all carbon fiber driver, 900 watt amplifier, and performance derived directly from REL's flagship designs.

Reference Technology in a More Accessible Form

The REL Carbon Special Black Label represents the highest expression of REL's Serie S platform. Developed using technology and engineering lessons learned from the flagship REL No.31 Reference, Carbon Special Black Label delivers exceptional speed, authority, and musicality in a chassis that remains practical for a wide range of listening rooms.

Rather than simply increasing amplifier power, REL redesigned the entire system around a new all carbon fiber driver, upgraded suspension geometry, increased cabinet volume, and a more powerful amplifier platform. The result is a subwoofer capable of reproducing deep bass with exceptional control, realism, and tonal accuracy. Carbon Special Black Label occupies a unique position in the REL lineup by combining reference level engineering with a cabinet size that integrates easily into high performance two channel and home theater systems.

An All Carbon Fiber Driver Inspired by REL No.31

At the heart of Carbon Special Black Label is a newly developed 12 inch all carbon fiber active driver. This design shares significant engineering DNA with the driver used in the prestigious REL No.31 Reference subwoofer. Carbon fiber offers exceptional rigidity while remaining extremely light, allowing the cone to accelerate and stop with remarkable precision.

REL designed the driver to withstand approximately three times the peak power handling capability of its predecessor. A newly engineered suspension system allows more than 60 millimeters of travel while maintaining excellent control throughout the driver's operating range. This combination of stiffness, low mass, and long excursion enables Carbon Special Black Label to deliver bass that is both powerful and highly detailed.

900 Watts of Effortless Power

Driving the Carbon Special Black Label is a 900 watt amplifier capable of sustaining extraordinary dynamic swings while maintaining composure and control. REL employs a sophisticated amplifier topology that combines high current capability with excellent efficiency, allowing the subwoofer to deliver tremendous output without sacrificing refinement.

The amplifier section incorporates a substantial power supply and extensive heat management systems. REL designed the amplifier to provide effortless dynamics during demanding music passages and modern movie soundtracks alike. The result is bass reproduction that remains composed even during extreme listening conditions.

Passive Radiator Technology for Deeper and Faster Bass

REL continues to utilize passive radiator technology rather than conventional ported designs. Carbon Special Black Label combines its front firing active driver with a down firing 12 inch carbon fiber passive radiator.

This approach allows REL to achieve exceptionally deep bass extension while avoiding many of the drawbacks associated with traditional bass reflex ports. Passive radiators eliminate port noise and compression effects while preserving speed and transient accuracy. The result is bass that extends to 19Hz while maintaining the agility and natural character required for serious music reproduction.

Designed for Music First Performance

REL has long been known for designing subwoofers that excel with music. Carbon Special Black Label continues that tradition through the use of REL's High Level input connection system. By connecting directly to the speaker outputs of an amplifier, the subwoofer receives the same sonic character and timing information feeding the main speakers.

This approach allows the subwoofer to integrate seamlessly into a stereo system. Rather than sounding like a separate bass source, Carbon Special Black Label becomes a natural extension of the main loudspeakers. Instruments gain greater scale, soundstage dimensions expand, and low frequency information is reproduced with exceptional realism.

Equally Capable in Home Theater Systems

While music remains a primary focus, Carbon Special Black Label is also exceptionally capable in home theater environments. Dedicated LFE inputs support connection to surround processors and AV receivers, allowing the subwoofer to reproduce modern cinematic effects with remarkable authority.

REL uniquely allows simultaneous use of High Level and LFE connections. This means listeners can enjoy optimal integration for music playback while preserving full impact for movie soundtracks. For mixed use systems, this flexibility provides a significant advantage over many competing subwoofer designs.

Expandable Through Stereo Pairs and Line Arrays

One of the most compelling aspects of Carbon Special Black Label is its ability to grow alongside a system. A single unit delivers impressive performance, while a stereo pair creates greater bass uniformity, improved imaging, and enhanced dynamic capability.

For ultimate performance, REL offers Line Array configurations that stack multiple Carbon Special Black Label subwoofers per channel. These systems produce extraordinary scale, effortless dynamics, and room filling authority that approach the performance of the world's most ambitious audio systems. Carbon Special Black Label includes hardware designed specifically for these advanced installations.

How Carbon Special Black Label Compares to the S/510X

The REL S/510X is one of the most respected subwoofers in the Serie S family and delivers exceptional performance for its size and price. Carbon Special Black Label moves significantly higher in the lineup through its all carbon fiber driver technology, increased cabinet volume, more powerful amplifier platform, tighter manufacturing tolerances, and reference inspired engineering.

Listeners seeking the highest performance available within the medium chassis REL platform will find Carbon Special Black Label delivers greater authority, deeper extension, and increased dynamic headroom.

A Reference Level Subwoofer for Serious Systems

Carbon Special Black Label represents one of the most ambitious subwoofers REL has ever created within the Serie S range. Through its advanced carbon fiber driver, powerful amplifier, passive radiator architecture, and reference inspired engineering, it delivers a level of bass performance that complements the finest loudspeakers available today.

Whether used in a dedicated two channel music system, a high performance home theater, or a multi subwoofer Line Array installation, Carbon Special Black Label establishes itself as one of the most capable subwoofers in its class.

Key Specifications Block

• Product: REL Carbon Special Black Label
• Category: Powered Subwoofer
• Price: $4,999
• Active Driver:
  • 12 Inch All Carbon Fiber Driver
  • Front Firing
• Passive Radiator:
  • 12 Inch Carbon Carbon Flat Cone
  • Down Firing
• Amplifier Power:
  • 900 Watts RMS
• Amplifier Type:
  • Linear Class D
• Peak Power Capability:
  • Approximately 1250 Watts
• Low Frequency Extension:
  • 19Hz at 6dB
• Inputs:
  • High Level Neutrik Speakon
  • Dual RCA Low Level
  • RCA LFE
  • XLR LFE
• Outputs:
  • High Level Neutrik Speakon
  • RCA Low Level
  • RCA LFE
  • XLR LFE
• Wireless Compatibility:
  • REL AirShip Direct Optional
• Finish:
  • Piano Black Lacquer
  • Eight Coat Finish
• Width:
  • 19.25 Inches
  • 488 mm
• Height:
  • 16.125 Inches
  • 410 mm
• Depth:
  • 22.25 Inches
  • 565 mm
• Weight:
  • 98 lbs
  • 44.5 kg
• Included Accessories:
  • AC Power Cord
  • Neutrik Speakon Cable
  • User Documentation
  • Line Array Hardware
• Warranty:
  • REL Manufacturer Warranty

Why Buy From All Elite Audio

All Elite Audio is an authorized dealer for REL and every brand we carry. Every product we sell is sourced directly through authorized distribution channels and includes full manufacturer support.

Call: 443-402-5055

Text: 443-402-5064

Visit: 1921 York Rd, Timonium, MD 21093

FAQ

What makes Carbon Special Black Label different from other REL subwoofers?

Carbon Special Black Label sits near the top of the REL lineup and incorporates technology derived from the flagship No.31 Reference. It features an all carbon fiber driver, upgraded amplifier platform, larger enclosure volume, and tighter manufacturing tolerances. These improvements allow it to deliver greater dynamics, deeper extension, and more refined bass reproduction than many other models in the Serie S family.

Is Carbon Special Black Label designed primarily for music or home theater?

It excels at both applications. REL designs its products with music performance as the primary objective, focusing on speed, timing accuracy, and seamless integration with the main speakers. At the same time, the powerful amplifier and deep bass extension allow it to reproduce movie soundtracks with exceptional authority and impact.

What is the advantage of the carbon fiber driver?

Carbon fiber offers an excellent combination of stiffness and low mass. This allows the driver to accelerate quickly while resisting unwanted flexing or distortion. The result is bass that sounds tighter, cleaner, and more detailed while maintaining exceptional dynamic capability.

Why does REL use a passive radiator instead of a port?

Passive radiators provide deep bass extension without many of the drawbacks associated with traditional ports. They eliminate port turbulence and reduce compression at high output levels. This allows Carbon Special Black Label to produce exceptionally deep bass while maintaining speed and transient accuracy.

Does Carbon Special Black Label work well in a two channel audio system?

Yes. In fact, it was specifically engineered with high performance two channel systems in mind. Using REL's High Level connection method, the subwoofer receives the same signal characteristics as the main speakers, allowing it to integrate naturally and preserve musical coherence.

Can I use two Carbon Special Black Label subwoofers?

Absolutely. REL strongly advocates stereo subwoofer configurations for music systems. A stereo pair improves bass uniformity throughout the room, enhances imaging, and allows the system to reproduce low frequencies with greater realism and authority.

What is REL Line Array technology?

Line Arrays involve stacking multiple REL subwoofers vertically per channel. This configuration dramatically increases output capability, reduces room interaction issues, and creates extraordinary scale and dynamic performance. Carbon Special Black Label includes provisions for these advanced installations.

Does it support wireless operation?

Yes. Carbon Special Black Label is compatible with REL AirShip Direct wireless technology, available separately. This allows flexible placement without running a long signal cable across the room while maintaining high performance operation.

How does Carbon Special Black Label compare to the S/510X?

The S/510X is an outstanding performer and one of REL's most popular models. Carbon Special Black Label advances the design with a superior carbon fiber driver, larger enclosure, increased amplifier power, and engineering derived from REL's reference products. The result is greater dynamic capability, deeper bass extension, and improved overall refinement.

Where can I buy the REL Carbon Special Black Label?

You can purchase the REL Carbon Special Black Label directly from All Elite Audio. As an authorized REL dealer, we provide manufacturer supported products, expert system matching guidance, and personalized service before and after the sale. Call 443-402-5055, text 443-402-5064, or visit 1921 York Rd, Timonium, MD 21093.