REL Carbon Special – Reference performance with compact dimensions

The new REL Carbon Special is a subwoofer that offers no less than reference-level performance, yet is compact enough to be used in a variety of environments. REL Acoustics Ltd. promises the highest possible performance in a medium-sized cabinet. To achieve this, the subwoofer, which is produced in limited numbers, relies on the latest technologies and features of the REL Reference Line, but also on some completely new developments.

REL Acoustics Ltd. is one of the few specialists who specialise solely in the development and manufacture of subwoofers. The company designs its solutions as particularly flexible systems, many of which are designed for both home cinema and stereo and which are characterised by particularly accurate reproduction. REL Acoustics Ltd. also offers an impressive range of products in this area, from extremely compact solutions to powerful systems that can even be connected to form a line array.

With the now announced REL Carbon Special Edition, REL Acoustics Ltd. presents a limited special model of the REL Reference Line, which combines the latest technology with the most modern components based on the aforementioned Reference Line, but above all completely new developments, in a medium-sized chassis and thus a comparatively compact form factor. The intention of the developers here was to create a subwoofer that could offer performance beyond its actual size. The technologies used here are already a foretaste of the future REL G-1 MK II.

The new REL Carbon Special features a third-generation REL BlackWidow 12-inch driver with a carbon-fibre diaphragm, designed as a front-firing woofer. A construction with a very generously designed bead is used, so that a 50 percent longer excursion than with previous concepts is achievable. A newly designed suspension also contributes to this. REL Acoustics Ltd. describes this new driver as one of the unique features that is being used here for the first time and which, as already indicated, will also be found in the REL G-1 MK II.

In the new REL Carbon Special, the driver is combined with a passive, tailor-made REL CSP driver to guarantee even more sovereignty in bass reproduction.

The promised explosive dynamics of the new REL Carbon Special Edition is of course provided first and foremost by the amplifier, whereby this is a REL NextGen 5 Digital Amplifier with a full power of 1,000 watts.

The woofer is controlled by REL PerfectFilters, which, according to the manufacturer, raise the low bass performance to a new standard for mid-range chassis design, while subtle optimisations in the upper power range allow for a more airy, transparent soundstage and improved clarity across the entire system performance. The combination of newly designed 12-inch woofers, powerful amplifier and special filters is intended to guarantee the outlined goal of outstanding imaging with comparatively compact dimensions.

REL Acoustics Ltd. is very careful with the term “perfect”, but this combination comes very close to this description…

The design of the new REL Carbon Special Edition, which is very clear and modern, but also features refined carbon elements and chrome-plated stainless steel accents, fits in well with this.

In the proven tradition of REL Acoustics Ltd., the connection panel not only offers a wide range of options for flexible integration into stereo and home cinema solutions, but also provides all the control options required for perfect adaptation to individual circumstances. High Level Neutrik Speakon, Low Level Stereo RCA, LFE RCA, and even an LFE XLR are available as inputs. The outputs of the REL Carbon Special Edition High Level Neutrik Speakon, LFE RCA, as well as LFE XLR are available.

All those who also in this performance class value “wireless control” can of course do so, the new REL Carbon Special Edition can easily be upgraded with the REL AirShip Zero Compression Wireless Connection, which guarantees a particularly reliable, always stable signal transmission via radio.

The new REL Carbon Special Edition can also be used to set up a line array. As is usual with the solutions of the REL Reference Line, up to three subwoofers can be vertically “stacked” in each case, per “side”, so that in total you have a remarkable “bass wall” of six subwoofers. Due to the comparatively compact dimensions of the new REL Carbon Special Edition, this should also be possible where such configurations cannot normally be used due to insufficient space.

The new REL Carbon Special Edition measures 430 x 455 x 539 mm and weighs 38.7 kg. It is finished in black piano lacquer, with eight coats of lacquer applied only in the margins.

Getting to the point

With the now announced REL Carbon Special Edition, REL Acoustics Ltd. presents a limited special model of the REL Reference Line, which combines the latest technology with the most modern components based on the aforementioned Reference Line, but above all completely new developments, in a medium-sized chassis and thus a comparatively compact form factor. The intention of the developers here was to create a subwoofer that could offer performance beyond its actual size. The technologies used here are already a foretaste of the future REL G-1 MK II.