REL Carbon Special Black Label Active Subwoofer represents a masterful distillation of reference-level bass performance engineered into a beautifully proportioned, medium-chassis form factor. Developed as a no-compromise solution for ultra-high-end stereo and theater systems, this premium active subwoofer utilizes cutting-edge carbon fiber driver technology derived directly from flagship reference models. By pairing a specialized long-throw propulsion system with a massive hybrid linear power amplifier, the Carbon Special Black Label effortlessly delivers tectonic, room-shaking depth while maintaining the instantaneous speed, agility, and musical nuance required to blend flawlessly with the world's finest loudspeakers.
Reference All-Carbon Fibre Driver — Features a high-tech 12-inch active carbon fiber woofer closely related to reference architecture, capable of delivering a massive 60mm linear stroke with flawless physical control.
900W High-Current Hybrid Amplifier — Combines the rich, high-current delivery of traditional Class A/B designs with the cool efficiency of a Class D output stage, sustaining demanding dynamic peaks up to 1,250 watts.
Bespoke CS PerfectFilter Topology — Employs custom-tailored, high-speed pure analog filter networks that optimize low-frequency extension and sharpness while matching system timing perfectly without digital delay.
The mechanical foundation of the REL Carbon Special Black Label focuses entirely on maximizing surface rigidity and minimizing moving mass. At its center is a front-firing 12-inch active BlackWidow carbon fiber cone paired with an equally advanced, down-firing 12-inch Carbon/Carbon flat-cone passive radiator. This structural design allows the subwoofer cone to travel more than two full inches fore and aft without experiencing mechanical distortion or dynamic compression. By utilizing an all-carbon architecture, the system achieves massive air movement and subterranean punch down to a room-filling 19 Hz while behaving with the lightning-fast transient recovery of a much smaller driver.


12" Carbon Fibre Active Cone: Implements an ultra-lightweight, reference-grade 12-inch driver capable of an expansive 60mm stroke.


900W RMS Hybrid Amplifier: Supplies immense, cool-running high-current power that effortlessly sustains dynamic peaks up to 1,250 watts.


Reference Line Array Stacking: Built with structural connection slots allowing up to three subwoofers to be stacked vertically per side.
To control the explosive physical demands of its advanced carbon cone, the subwoofer utilizes a newly designed 900-watt RMS Linear Class D hybrid power block. This overbuilt power module relies on a heavy 15-pound internal power transformer and extensive custom heatsinking to supply enormous reserves of instantaneous electrical current. Because the amplifier layout avoids standard digital signal processing, it avoids the processing latency that commonly smears acoustic imaging. The amplifier maintains a crushing damping factor over the main voice coil, ensuring that massive cinematic bass drops stop and start on a precise, definitive dime.
True to a purist design philosophy, the input stage of the Carbon Special Black Label routes delicate audio signals exclusively through high-speed, multi-stage pure analog networks. It features independent input gain controls and dedicated filtering networks for both the iconic Neutrik SpeakOn High-Level connection and the home theater .1/LFE channel. This allows the subwoofer to hook directly into your main stereo power amplifier to capture the exact tonal balance of your music system, while simultaneously standing ready to pass deep, independent low-frequency cinema tracks without requiring manual adjustment.
The physical cabinet of this premium subwoofer features heavily thick walls finished in a gorgeous, eight-coat mirror-polished piano black lacquer. To accommodate the most ambitious private custom cinemas and listening spaces, the enclosure is engineered with grounding rails and locking hardware paths to support vertical stacking. Up to three units can be safely stacked per side to create a towering six-pack Reference Line Array. This advanced stack arrangement elevates the acoustic center of the low-frequency energy, projecting a massive wall of vertical bass pressure that realistically tracks the physical scale, height, and atmospheric heft of live recording halls and immersive 3D surround sound fields.
BlackWidow 12-Inch Driver: Utilizes advanced carbon weave composites to yield low moving mass paired with incredible physical rigidity.
12-Inch Carbon Passive Radiator: Downward-firing flat cone structure multiplies internal cabinet air pressure for deep, distortion-free low end.
15-Pound Power Transformer: Forms a rock-solid electrical foundation capable of supporting heavy, continuous low-frequency performance demands.
Simultaneous Dual-Input Gain: Allows separate volume tuning profiles for high-level music connections and dedicated home theater theater LFE paths.
CS PerfectFilter Circuitry: All-analog, ultra-fast custom filters smooth out response lines to integrate perfectly with rapid hi-fi speakers.
AirShip Direct Wireless Ready: Accommodates optional zero-latency wireless streaming systems to keep your high-end listening space completely cable-free.
8-Coat Piano Gloss Lacquer: Hand-polished to a beautiful, glass-like finish adorned with exclusive polished metal and carbon fiber accents.
True Balanced XLR LFE Input: Includes a noise-rejecting balanced input path optimized for high-end multi-channel surround sound pre-processors.
Fully Electronic Set Safe: Incorporates high-level protective circuits, including DC fault protection and output short-circuit defense systems.
Included Premium Wood Grille: Complements upscale residential aesthetics with a luxury, slatted wood grille right out of the box.
Does this subwoofer require a specific high-level cable to connect to my amplifier?
No, it includes REL's iconic 10-meter (32-foot) high-level interconnect cable terminated with a genuine, heavy-duty Neutrik SpeakOn connector to allow simple integration directly out of the box.
Can I use this premium subwoofer wirelessly without sacrificing audio quality?
Yes, the Carbon Special Black Label is fully compatible with the optional AirShip wireless transmitter system, which streams uncompressed, bit-perfect digital audio over a fast 5.8 GHz frequency band with zero timing lag.
Is the traditional fabric grille cloth included alongside the wood grille?
No, this special Black Label edition comes standard with a luxury slatted premium wood grille inside the box. Standard fabric cloth grilles are not included but remain available as a separate accessory purchase.