REL Acoustics Carbon Special Subwoofer

A new limited availability model that combines REL’s latest engineering with cutting edge components from its reference line, all housed in a medium-sized chassis

The Carbon Special uses REL’s third-generation carbon fibre 12” driver with a new, bespoke CSP passive driver that delivers 50% longer stroke, powered by a 1,000 W amplifier. 

An all-new cabinet with highly polished metal and carbon fibre touches is exclusive to this model. Where previous special editions have used existing cabinets, drivers and filters, Carbon Special uses many elements developed solely for it.

REL’s  newest BlackWidow 12” carbon-fibre driver was developed to deliver superior dynamic balance throughout the full range of its considerable 4” of fore-and-aft stroke. It is better able to handle, smoothly and effortlessly, the massive power needed to deliver explosive dynamics. It is mated to the NextGen 5 1,000 W amplifier which has proven to be both a sonic wonder and utterly reliable.

Directing all this is a CS PerfectFilter, a custom-designed variant of REL’s latest evolution of filters that improves both ends of the spectrum. It delivers airy, delicate highs with greater reach into the lower regions within a soundstage, as well as truer, more powerful ultra-low bass delivery.

The cabinet extends deeper than previous mid-chassis designs to optimize performance for this new driver complement. And its looks are delivered in a refined, mature manner with subtle use of carbon-fiber details sprinkled among chrome and polished stainless accents.

As with all RELs from the S/510 upwards, the Carbon Special can be stacked in line arrays of two or three subwoofers per side.

Specifications

Type: Front-firing active woofer with down-firing passive radiator

Amp type: Next Gen 5, class D

Active driver: 12″ long-throw, carbon-fiber cone with inverted carbon-fiber center cap

Passive radiator: 12″ carbon/carbon flat cone structure, steel chassis

LF response in room (-6 db): 19 Hz

Inputs: High-leve Neutrik Speakon, low-level stereo RCA, LFE RCA, LFE XLR, AirShip wireless compatible (sold separately)

Gain control range: 80 dB

Power output (RMS): 800 W

Dimensions (WHD): 17″ x 18″ X 21-1/4″

Weight: 85.3 lb

Supplied accessories: Power cord, 30-ft high-level interconnect, user manual