REL Acoustics Carbon Special Black Label

Overview

The REL Acoustics Carbon Special Black Label is a reference class powered subwoofer engineered to disappear into a high end music system while delivering the deepest, fastest, most textured low frequencies REL knows how to produce. It combines a forward-firing active driver with a down-firing driver in REL's signature CarbonGlas cone material, driven by a substantial NextGen amplifier, so it moves large volumes of air with the speed and control that music demands rather than mere brute output.

What sets any REL apart is its philosophy. The Carbon Special is built to be connected through REL's high-level Speakon cable, taken directly from your main amplifier's speaker terminals. This lets the subwoofer follow the exact character, tonal balance and timing of the amplifier driving your loudspeakers, so bass arrives in step with the music instead of trailing behind it. A separate .1/LFE input handles home theater duty, and continuously variable crossover, gain and phase controls let you dial the sub into your room with precision.

This is a subwoofer for the listener who has invested in full-range loudspeakers and a serious amplifier, and who wants the bottom octaves rendered with authority and finesse. It is equally at home augmenting a two channel music rig or anchoring a reference home theater, and like all REL subs it can be run in stereo pairs or stacked line arrays for even greater scale and dynamic ease.

Key Features

• Reference music-focused design from REL's Carbon Special flagship tier
• CarbonGlas active and passive driver technology for speed and low distortion
• High-level Speakon connection blends the sub with your main amplifier's exact character and timing
• Separate .1/LFE input for dedicated home theater use
• Powerful NextGen Class D amplification with generous headroom
• Continuously variable crossover, gain and phase controls for precise room integration
• Compatible with REL wireless systems such as AirShip II and HT-Air MKII for a cable-free connection
• Can be run in stereo pairs or stacked line arrays for greater scale and dynamics
• Hand finished cabinet with premium high gloss lacquer

How the Carbon Special Compares

REL Carbon Special vs REL 212 Black Label

The 212 Black Label sits above the Carbon Special in REL's reference lineup, using a quad-driver arrangement built around dual 12 inch active drivers plus passive radiators for even greater displacement and scale in large rooms. The Carbon Special concentrates its reference engineering into a single-active, single-passive configuration that integrates beautifully in medium to large spaces. Choose the 212 when room size and ultimate output are the priority, and the Carbon Special when you want flagship character in a more compact footprint. See the REL 212 Black Label.

REL Carbon Special vs REL S/850

The S/850 is REL's high performance S line workhorse, delivering deep, articulate bass with excellent value for demanding music and theater systems. The Carbon Special steps up into REL's reference tier with CarbonGlas driver technology and a more refined presentation aimed at the most resolving systems. Both share REL's high-level Speakon philosophy, so the difference is one of ultimate resolution and finesse rather than approach. See the REL S/850.

REL Carbon Special vs REL S/550

The S/550 offers the core S line character with a single active driver and passive radiator, an outstanding match for capable stand-mount and floorstanding speakers. The Carbon Special is the reference-grade option, engineered for the last measure of speed, extension and textural detail. If your loudspeakers and amplifier are truly high end, the Carbon Special rewards that investment with commensurate refinement. See the REL S/550.

Recommended System Pairings

The Carbon Special augments a full-range system, so pair it with capable loudspeakers, a serious amplifier to drive the mains, and a REL wireless kit or cable for a clean connection.

• Klipsch Forte IV These dynamic, high sensitivity floorstanders love the added weight and reach the Carbon Special provides below their bass region, filling in the bottom octaves without disturbing their lively midrange.
• Spendor Classic 2/3 This refined stand-mount delivers superb midrange, and the Carbon Special extends it into the deepest bass so a small enclosure can sound full-range in medium rooms.
• Luxman L-505Z A musical integrated amplifier that drives your mains with finesse; the Carbon Special takes its high-level feed from the Luxman's speaker terminals so it inherits that same tonal character.
• REL AirShip II Wireless The AirShip II delivers a clean, low-latency wireless connection to the Carbon Special, ideal when running the sub across the room from your amplifier.
• REL Bassline Blue High Level Cable An upgraded high-level Speakon cable that maximizes the Carbon Special's ability to follow your main amplifier's timing and character.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the REL Carbon Special different from a typical subwoofer?
It is engineered for music first, connecting through REL's high-level Speakon cable so it follows the exact character and timing of your main amplifier, then integrates seamlessly rather than simply adding low frequency effects.

What is the high-level Speakon connection?
It is a cable taken directly from your main amplifier's speaker terminals. This lets the Carbon Special inherit the tonal balance and timing of the amplifier driving your loudspeakers, producing bass that blends naturally with the music.

Can I use the Carbon Special for home theater?
Yes. It has a separate .1/LFE input for connection to an AV processor or receiver, and you can use the high-level and LFE inputs together for combined music and theater duty.

What driver configuration does it use?
It pairs a forward-firing active CarbonGlas driver with a down-firing CarbonGlas passive radiator, a design that balances speed, depth and control.

How deep does the Carbon Special go?
It reaches down to approximately 20Hz at -6dB, delivering the deepest musical octaves with authority.

What amplifier does it use?
It uses REL's NextGen Class D amplifier with substantial power and headroom to drive the CarbonGlas drivers with control.

Can I run two Carbon Special subs together?
Yes. REL subwoofers are frequently run in stereo pairs or stacked line arrays, which improves dynamics, low frequency evenness and overall scale in the room.

Does the Carbon Special support wireless connection?
It is compatible with REL wireless systems such as the AirShip II and HT-Air MKII, sold separately, for a clean cable-free connection between your amplifier and the sub.

What controls are on the subwoofer?
It offers continuously variable crossover, gain and phase controls, allowing precise integration with your loudspeakers and room.

What speakers pair well with the Carbon Special?
It complements a wide range of high end loudspeakers, from the Klipsch Forte IV to the Spendor Classic 2/3, filling in the bottom octaves below whatever mains you own.

Will it work with my integrated amplifier?
Yes. The high-level connection is taken from the speaker terminals of most amplifiers, including integrated designs such as the Luxman L-505Z, so it works with the majority of systems.

How is the Carbon Special different from the 212 Black Label?
The 212 Black Label sits above it with a quad-driver arrangement for greater displacement and scale in large rooms, while the Carbon Special delivers reference character in a more compact single-active configuration.

How does it compare to the S/850?
The S/850 is REL's high performance S line model with excellent all-round capability, while the Carbon Special steps into the reference tier with CarbonGlas technology and added refinement. Both share the same high-level connection philosophy.

What finish is available?
The Carbon Special Black Label is offered in a hand-finished high gloss black lacquer.

How large and heavy is it?
It measures roughly 17.7 by 15.7 by 18.3 inches and weighs approximately 80 pounds, so it is substantial but manageable to position in most rooms.

Can I connect the Carbon Special to both music and theater sources at once?
Yes. You can use the high-level input for your two channel system and the .1/LFE input for your theater processor simultaneously, so it serves both roles.

Do I need a special cable for the best performance?
A quality high-level cable such as the REL Bassline Blue High Level cable maximizes the sub's ability to follow your amplifier, and an upgraded cable can refine integration further.

Where should I place the Carbon Special in my room?
REL recommends starting in a corner and using the variable controls to blend it with your mains. Corner placement typically maximizes output efficiency, and the phase and crossover controls let you fine tune from there.

What is included in the box?
It ships with the subwoofer, a high-level Speakon cable, a low-level RCA cable, a .1/LFE cable, an IEC power cable, and documentation to guide set-up.

Why buy from All Elite Audio?
All Elite Audio is an authorized REL Acoustics dealer, so your Carbon Special arrives brand new with full manufacturer warranty support and expert guidance on integration, pairing and room set-up.