The REL Carbon Special Black Label subwoofer combines a 12-inch carbon-fiber driver, 12-inch passive radiator, and 900-watt RMS Linear Class D amplifier for deep, fast, controlled bass. Its in-room low-frequency extension reaches -6dB at 19Hz, making it ideal for premium two-channel music and home theater systems. REL High Level, RCA, balanced XLR, and optional AirShip Direct wireless connectivity provide flexible integration with high-performance audio systems. Support for stereo pairs and three-unit-per-channel REL Line Arrays makes the Carbon Special Black Label an exceptional foundation for ambitious reference-level systems.
Get the Details

REL Carbon Special Black Label

The REL Carbon Special Black Label is a premium high-performance subwoofer engineered to bring Reference-inspired speed, scale, and authority to sophisticated two-channel music and home theater systems. Positioned at the top of REL's Serie S medium-chassis range, it combines a 12-inch all-carbon-fibre long-throw active driver with a 12-inch down-firing carbon passive radiator to produce deep, highly controlled bass with in-room extension to 19Hz at -6dB. A 900-watt RMS Linear Class D amplifier, supported by a substantial power transformer and capable of handling demanding dynamic peaks, gives the Carbon Special Black Label the power needed for effortless impact while preserving tonal detail and precision.

The active driver uses an inverted carbon-fibre centre cap, die-cast alloy chassis, and a suspension system capable of more than 60mm of front-to-back travel. REL pairs this high-output driver system with fast 100% analog filtering and its signature High Level connection, helping the subwoofer integrate naturally with the character and timing of the main loudspeakers. RCA and XLR connectivity also supports conventional low-level and .1/LFE applications, while High Level and .1/LFE can be used together in dual-purpose music and theater systems.

Designed for premium installations, the Carbon Special Black Label can operate as a single subwoofer, as a stereo pair, or as part of a vertically stacked REL Line Array with up to three units per channel. Precision mechanical couplers and adjustable leveling hardware support secure Line Array installations. The eight-coat Piano Black lacquer cabinet features distinctive Black Label detailing and includes a premium wood grille, combining luxury presentation with performance-focused airflow. Optional REL AirShip Direct wireless connectivity provides additional placement flexibility while supporting both High Level and .1/LFE signals.

What It's Good At:

• Reference-inspired bass performance: Combines a lightweight, rigid 12-inch carbon-fibre driver with 900 watts RMS of amplification for powerful bass with exceptional speed, texture, and control.
• Deep low-frequency extension: Reaches -6dB at 19Hz in-room, adding convincing scale and foundation to music, effects, and cinematic soundtracks.
• Seamless two-channel integration: REL's High Level connection and fast analog filtering allow the subwoofer to follow the tonal character and timing of the main speaker system.
• High-performance home theater: Dedicated RCA and balanced XLR .1/LFE connectivity delivers the impact required for demanding movie soundtracks while allowing simultaneous High Level operation.
• Expandable stereo and Line Array systems: Purpose-built hardware allows the system to grow from a single unit to stereo pairs or three-unit-per-channel vertical Line Arrays.
• Premium installation and styling: An eight-coat Piano Black lacquer finish, premium wood grille, precision cabinet construction, and optional AirShip Direct wireless capability suit refined listening rooms and theater spaces.

REL Carbon Special Black Label Full Specifications:

• Series: REL Serie S, Black Label
• Product Type: Powered sub-bass system / subwoofer
• System Configuration: Front-firing active driver with down-firing passive radiator
• Active Driver: 12 in. (305 mm) long-throw carbon-fibre cone
• Active Driver Centre Cap: Inverted carbon-fibre
• Active Driver Chassis: Die-cast alloy
• Driver Excursion: More than 60 mm front-to-back travel
• Passive Radiator: 12 in. (305 mm) Carbon/Carbon flat-cone structure
• Passive Radiator Chassis: Steel
• Low-Frequency Extension / In-Room Response: -6 dB at 19 Hz
• Power Output: 900 watts RMS
• Peak Amplifier Capability: Up to 1,250 watts as stated in REL's amplifier description
• Amplifier Type: Linear Class D
• Amplifier Architecture: Hybrid design using Class A/B-style current delivery ahead of a Class D output stage
• Power Transformer: Approximately 15 lb.
• Gain Control Range: 80 dB
• Crossover Range: Variable from 20-120 Hz for the High/Low Level channel
• Phase Control: 0 or 180 degrees
• Filtering: 100% analog input filtering
• High Level Input: Neutrik Speakon
• Low Level Inputs: Two RCA connections, left and right
• .1/LFE Input: One RCA
• Balanced .1/LFE Input: One XLR
• High Level Output: Neutrik Speakon for daisy chaining
• Low Level Output: One RCA
• .1/LFE Output: RCA and/or XLR connections are identified by REL for system expansion and daisy chaining
• Simultaneous Input Capability: High Level and .1/LFE may be operated together in theater or dual-purpose installations
• Wireless Capability: REL AirShip Direct compatible; wireless module sold separately
• Line Array Capability: Yes; engineered for stereo pairs and vertical stacks of up to three units per channel
• Line Array Hardware: Precision mechanical couplers and integrated leveling adjustment hardware
• Recommended Room Size: Approximately 300-700 sq. ft.
• Protection – Fully Electronic Set-Safe: Yes
• Protection – D.C. Fault: Yes
• Protection – Output Short: Yes
• Thermal Protection: Thermal overload protection with approximately five-minute recovery after an overload condition
• Mains Input Voltage: 220-240V; 110-120V in applicable markets
• Fuse – 220V Operation: 8A semi-delay
• Fuse – 120V Operation: 15A semi-delay
• Power Mode: Always On or automatic Standby
• Automatic Standby Timing: Approximately 30 minutes without detected audio activity
• Power Draw When Switched Off: 0 watts
• Power Draw at Idle: 20 watts
• Power Draw at Standby: REL's current operating manual lists >0.5 watts
• Product-Page Dimensions (W x H x D): 19.25 x 16.125 x 22.25 in. (488 x 410 x 565 mm)
• Operating-Manual Dimensions (W x H x D), Including Feet and Rear Controls: 19.25 x 16.125 x 21.25 in. (488 x 410 x 540 mm)
• Additional Depth with High Level Connector: Add 1.75 in. (44.5 mm), according to the operating manual
• Net Weight: 98 lb. (44.5 kg)
• Finish: Piano Black lacquer, eight coats
• Included Grille: Premium wood grille; natural grain and color variations are expected
• Included AC Power Cord: 6 ft.
• Included Neutrik Speakon Interconnect: Approximately 10 metres / 32 ft.
• Included Line Array Mounting Hardware: Yes
• Included User Manual: Yes
• Included Warranty Information: Yes
• Setup Options: Single subwoofer, stereo pair, or Line Array

REL Carbon Special Black Label Q&A:

How does the REL Carbon Special Black Label improve a high-end audio system?

Its 12-inch carbon-fibre driver, 900-watt RMS amplifier, fast analog filtering, and 19Hz low-frequency extension add greater bass depth, speed, scale, and control. Properly integrated, it can also enhance perceived soundstage dimension, clarity, and the sense of connection between the main speakers and the lowest frequencies.

What distinguishes the Carbon Special Black Label from other REL Serie S subwoofers?

Carbon Special Black Label represents REL's highest-performance medium-chassis Serie S design. It incorporates Reference-inspired carbon-fibre driver technology, increased amplifier capability, an expanded cabinet, tighter component tolerances, specialized Black Label detailing, and hardware designed for stereo and Line Array installations.

Can the Carbon Special Black Label be used wirelessly?

Yes. It is compatible with the optional REL AirShip Direct wireless system, which can transmit both High Level and .1/LFE signals. The wireless module is sold separately.

What room size is the Carbon Special Black Label designed for?

REL recommends it particularly for medium-to-large rooms of approximately 300-700 square feet. Its combination of high output, deep extension, and fast transient response makes it suitable for demanding two-channel and home theater systems in that range.

Can multiple Carbon Special Black Label subwoofers be stacked in a Line Array?

Yes. The model was designed to expand from a single unit to stereo pairs and ultimately to vertical Line Arrays with three subwoofers per channel. Integrated mechanical couplers and leveling hardware help create a rigid, stable stacked installation.

What connection options are available for stereo and home theater systems?

The subwoofer provides REL High Level Neutrik Speakon connectivity, stereo low-level RCA inputs, RCA .1/LFE, and balanced XLR .1/LFE connectivity. High Level and .1/LFE can also operate simultaneously, allowing the main speakers to receive REL's High Level support while the dedicated LFE channel handles movie effects.

What comes with the REL Carbon Special Black Label?

The package includes the Carbon Special Black Label subwoofer, a 6-foot AC power cord, approximately 32 feet of Neutrik Speakon cable, Line Array mounting hardware, a premium wood grille, and user manual and warranty documentation. The standard cloth grille is not included and is available separately.

What are the finish, dimensions, and weight?

The Carbon Special Black Label is finished in eight coats of Piano Black lacquer and weighs 98 pounds (44.5 kg). REL's product page lists dimensions of 19.25 x 16.125 x 22.25 inches, while the current manual lists 19.25 x 16.125 x 21.25 inches including feet and rear controls and specifies an additional 1.75 inches of depth when the High Level connector is installed.

REL Carbon Special Black Label Downloads:

REL Carbon Special Black Label Manual