Carbon Special Black Label pulls together the finest elements of Serie S design. Its cabinet proportions, inspired from our Reference line, achieve a natural sense of scale. Subtle black crown inlays along the sidewalls and curved stainless-steel handles recessed into elliptical returns underscore its unique position within the range. Beneath each rail, knurled billet cylinders permit precise leveling, while thick internal aluminum slabs anchor the handles for safe stacking in Line Arrays. Each unit also includes a premium wood grille that adds warmth while enhancing airflow for greater dynamics. A design where beauty and performance converge.
Driven to Perfection
At REL, development begins with the driver, the foundation of sonic character. For Carbon Special Black Label, we designed a 12" all-carbon fibre unit capable of handling three times the peak power of its predecessor. A newly engineered suspension allows the cone to travel over 60mm front to back, delivering extraordinary dynamics with complete control. The result is bass that is effortless, powerful, and fluid, extending lower with greater authority. Whether reproducing the subtle textures of music at concert levels or the impact of modern theater soundtracks, this latest generation driver transforms performance across the entire medium-chassis class.
Amped Up
Carbon Special Black Label is powered by a 900-watt hybrid amplifier that combines the rich current delivery of Class A/B monoblocks with the efficiency of a Class D output stage. A 15-pound power transformer and extensive heatsinking form the foundation for high-current performance, adding to the model’s weight and commanding authority. This design sustains peaks of 1,250 watts with ease, delivering louder, cleaner, and more controlled bass than any previous medium-chassis REL. The result is an amplifier that unites raw power with the composure and finesse that define Black Label.
Analog Filtered to Perfection:
We choose analog because it is the only way to achieve truly natural sound. All REL input filters are 100% analog—among the fastest ever offered in a subwoofer. At the core is our renowned High Level Input, which connects directly to the speaker outputs of your main amplifier. This doesn’t draw power; instead, it carries the full sonic signature of your system, allowing REL to blend seamlessly with your speakers—a quality reviewers have praised for decades.
For systems where High Level isn’t possible, our low-level input uses the same analog filter circuit, available via both RCA and XLR connections, to deliver the speed, naturalness, and integration REL is known for. And in theater or dual-use systems, REL uniquely allows High Level and .1/LFE to run together—so music benefits from natural integration, while movies deliver the full impact intended by the mix.
Serie S Line Array
REL’s Line Arrays are renowned for producing sound staging and dynamics that rival the world’s finest systems. Designed to grow in pairs, a Line Array can begin with a simple stereo pair, expand with a second, and ultimately rise to three units per channel, delivering floor-to-ceiling authority and scale.
Carbon Special Black Label was crafted to support the step-by-step build of a Line Array system. It comes supplied with precision mechanical couplers that securely lock the top and middle units to the anchor REL below, ensuring stability and optimal performance. Proven at international shows and in private listening rooms, Carbon Special Black Label Line Arrays achieve true state-of-the-art performance—even when paired with stand-mounted monitors or compact floor standers in medium-sized rooms. Imagine the presence and impact of a half-million-dollar system, brought to life in a modest space.
Wired For Sound…Wirelessly
Sometimes the best wire is no wire. Quality cables are a given in high-end audio systems, but there are occasions where it is impractical, unsafe, or unsightly to drape a cable across the room. REL delivers the ultimate solution with Airship Direct™, our optional wireless system that transmits wide-bandwidth, compound signals, carrying both High Level and .1/LFE simultaneously. Even with the immense scale and output of Carbon Special Black Label, Airship Direct™ preserves the speed, transparency, and authority that define REL. It allows seamless transitions between music and movies without ever touching the controls, all from a single module that plugs neatly into the rear panel and stays invisible in your room. Simple, direct, uncompromised: Airship Direct™.
Technical Specifications
Front-firing active driver, down-firing passive
12 in. (305mm) long-throw, carbon fibre cone with inverted carbon fibre centre cap, die cast alloy chassis
12 in. (305mm), Carbon/Carbon flat cone structure, steel chassis
-6 dB at 19Hz
High Level Neutrik Speakon, Low Level (2) RCA, (1) LFE RCA, (1) LFE XLR
High Level Neutrik Speakon, (1) Low Level RCA, (1) LFE RCA or (1) LFE XLR
900 watts (RMS)
Linear Class D
REL AirShip Direct (sold separately)
N/A
Piano Black Lacquer 8 coats
Protection System
Yes
Yes
Yes
220-240 volts, 110-120 volts for certain markets
8 Amp semi delay 220 volts operation, 15 Amp semi delay 120 volts operation
Supplied Accessories
Yes
Yes (10 Meters Nominal)
-
Yes
W x H x D
19.25 x 16.125 x 22.25 in.
(488 x 410 x 565 mm)
98 lbs. (44.5 kg)
What's in the box
- Carbon Special Black Label Subwoofer
- 6' AC Power Cord
- 32' Neutrik Speakon cable
- Line Array Mounting Hardware
- Premium Wood Grille
- User Manual & Warranty Information
- *The Standard Clothe Grille is NOT included in your subwoofer purchase but is available for purchase