REL Acoustics Commander .1/LFE

Overview

The REL Acoustics Commander is a dedicated .1/LFE subwoofer cable engineered to feed the low frequency effects channel from an AV processor or receiver to a REL subwoofer's dedicated .1/LFE input. It is the clean, purpose built way to route the dedicated bass channel for movies and multichannel content, keeping the signal path short, well shielded and free from the interference that can plague generic interconnects in a busy rack.

Because REL subwoofers offer both a high-level Speakon connection for music and a separate .1/LFE input for home theater, the Commander addresses the latter task specifically. In a dual connection setup the sub can follow the main amplifier through REL's signature high-level cable while the Commander delivers the processor's dedicated LFE output, letting a single subwoofer serve two masters cleanly. The result is a tidy installation and a dependable, low noise feed for the deepest effects.

The Commander is aimed at anyone building a home theater or hybrid two channel and cinema system around a REL subwoofer, whether that is an HT line model dedicated to cinema or a T/x, S, Classic or Planar sub doing double duty. It is a straightforward, robust upgrade over the free cables often bundled with components.

Key Features

• Dedicated .1/LFE cable for connecting an AV processor or receiver LFE output to a REL subwoofer's .1/LFE input
• Purpose built for REL's home theater connection path, keeping the dedicated bass channel clean
• Effective shielding to reject interference in dense equipment racks
• Works alongside REL's high-level Speakon connection so a single sub can serve both music and cinema
• Robust connectors for a secure, lasting fit
• Ideal for HT line subwoofers and for T/x, S, Classic and Planar subs used in movie systems
• Simple, tidy single run installation between source and subwoofer
• Authentic REL accessory backed by REL's 3 year parts and labor warranty for the original owner

How the Commander Compares

REL Commander vs REL Bassline Blue Line Array Connector

The Bassline Blue sits higher in REL's cable range and is built for a different job, connecting REL subwoofers together in stereo pairs or stacked line arrays for the high-level signal path. The Commander is focused on the single .1/LFE channel from a processor to one subwoofer. Choose the Commander for a cinema LFE feed and the Bassline Blue when you are running multiple REL subs as an array. See the REL Bassline Blue Line Array Connector.

REL Commander vs Audioquest Black Lab

The Audioquest Black Lab is a general purpose subwoofer interconnect that works with a wide range of powered subwoofers and processors. The REL Commander is tailored to REL's own .1/LFE input and installation philosophy. If your system is built around a REL subwoofer, the Commander keeps everything within the REL ecosystem for a coherent setup. See the Audioquest Black Lab.

REL Commander vs Audioquest Irish Red

The Irish Red is a higher grade Audioquest subwoofer cable aimed at listeners who want a more resolving low frequency interconnect across many brands of sub. The Commander is the native REL choice for the dedicated LFE feed and pairs naturally with REL's high-level connection for dual duty systems. Both do the LFE job well; the difference is character and how tightly you want to match the REL platform. See the Audioquest Irish Red.

Works With These REL Subwoofers

The Commander connects an AV processor or receiver LFE output to a REL subwoofer's dedicated .1/LFE input, giving movies a clean bass channel while the high-level connection handles music. These REL subwoofers pair naturally with it.

• REL HT/1003 MKII This HT line 10 inch subwoofer is optimized for cinema, so the Commander delivers its dedicated LFE feed cleanly for a focused home theater install.
• REL HT/1205 MKII A 12 inch home theater subwoofer that thrives on a dedicated .1/LFE connection; the Commander keeps that effects channel tidy and low noise.
• REL HT/1510 Predator This 15 inch HT flagship handles the deepest effects, and the Commander provides the clean processor to sub LFE link it is designed to receive.
• REL T/9x For a music first T/x sub doing cinema duty, the Commander adds the .1/LFE feed alongside REL's high-level connection so one sub serves both roles.
• REL S/550 In a high performance hybrid system, the Commander handles the dedicated LFE channel while the high-level cable preserves musical timing and character.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the REL Commander cable?
It is a dedicated .1/LFE subwoofer cable that connects an AV processor or receiver LFE output to a REL subwoofer's .1/LFE input.

What does .1/LFE mean?
LFE stands for low frequency effects, the dedicated bass channel in surround sound formats. The .1 refers to that channel in setups like 5.1 or 7.1.

Which input on my REL does the Commander use?
It connects to the dedicated .1/LFE input on the subwoofer, which is separate from the high-level Speakon connection used for music.

Can I use the Commander and the high-level cable at the same time?
Yes. REL subwoofers can run both connections at once, so the high-level cable follows your main amplifier for music while the Commander handles the cinema LFE feed.

Does the Commander replace REL's high-level Speakon cable?
No. The high-level Speakon cable carries the music signal from your amplifier's speaker terminals. The Commander is for the .1/LFE channel from a processor.

Is the Commander only for home theater?
Its primary role is the home theater LFE channel, but it is useful in any system that sends a dedicated subwoofer output from a processor or receiver.

Will the Commander work with any REL subwoofer?
It works with REL subwoofers that offer a dedicated .1/LFE input, which covers the HT line and the music focused T/x, S, Classic and Planar models.

Which REL subwoofers pair best with the Commander?
HT line subs such as the HT/1003 MKII, HT/1205 MKII and HT/1510 Predator are natural matches, as are T/x, S, Classic and Planar subs used in cinema systems.

What connectors does the Commander use?
It uses RCA connections to link the processor or receiver LFE output to the REL subwoofer's .1/LFE input.

Why not just use the cable that came with my receiver?
The Commander is a purpose built, well shielded cable designed for REL's connection path, which helps deliver a cleaner, lower noise LFE feed and a tidier install.

Does the Commander improve bass quality?
It ensures a clean, dependable path for the LFE channel. Effective shielding helps reject interference so the deep effects arrive without added noise.

How is the Commander different from the Bassline Blue?
The Bassline Blue connects REL subwoofers together in stereo pairs or line arrays on the high-level path. The Commander feeds a single sub's .1/LFE channel from a processor.

Can I run two REL subs with Commander cables?
Each subwoofer with a .1/LFE input can take its own feed. For linking subs together as an array on the high-level connection, look at REL's line array connectors instead.

Do I need the Commander if I only listen to music?
For pure two channel music, REL recommends the high-level Speakon connection. The Commander is most relevant once you add a processor with a dedicated subwoofer output.

How long is the Commander cable?
REL offers the cable in set lengths to suit typical installations. Contact us and we will confirm the current length options and help you choose the right run.

Is the Commander a genuine REL product?
Yes. It is an authentic REL Acoustics accessory purchased through our authorized dealership, and it carries REL's warranty for the original owner.

What warranty does the Commander carry?
It is covered by REL Acoustics' 3 year parts and labor warranty for the original owner when purchased from an authorized dealer.

Can the Commander be used with a non REL subwoofer?
It is designed around REL's connection scheme. It will physically fit any sub with an RCA LFE input, but we recommend it for REL subwoofers to keep the system coherent.

How do I set up a REL for both music and movies?
Use the high-level Speakon cable from your amplifier for music and add the Commander to the .1/LFE input for cinema. The sub then serves both sources cleanly.

Why buy from All Elite Audio?
We are an authorized REL Acoustics dealer in Maryland offering genuine products, full manufacturer warranty support and expert guidance on connecting and integrating your REL subwoofer for both music and home theater.