Rel Acoustics Carbon Special Subwoofer 1000 W carbon

Carbon Special combines the latest engineering with cutting-edge components from our reference line, all housed in a moderately sized chassis. It features our third-generation 12" carbon fiber driver with a new custom CSP passive driver that offers 50% longer throw, powered by our up to 1,000-watt amplifier, which is driven by our CS PerfectFilter™. An all-new cabinet with highly polished metal and carbon fiber accents appears only in this model.

SPECIFICATIONS

Type Front-firing active driver, down-firing passive driver

Active driver dimensions and materials 12-inch (300 mm) long-throw carbon fiber cone with inverted carbon fiber hubcap, die-cast alloy frame

Passive radiator dimensions and materials 12-inch (300 mm), carbon/carbon flat cone construction, steel frame

Low-frequency extension -6 dB at 19 Hz (in room)

Input Connectors High Level Neutrik Speakon, Low Level (2) RCA, (1) LFE RCA, (1) LFE XLR

Output Connectors High Level Neutrik Speakon, (1) LFE RCA or (1) LFE XLR

Output Power 800 watts (RMS). Up to 1,000 watts (RMS)

Amplifier Type Next Generation Class D 5

REL AirShip II Wireless Capability (sold separately)

Dual Parametric Filter N/A

Protection System

Fully Electronic Safe YES

DC Fail YES

Short Output YES

Mains Input Voltage 220-240 volts, 110-120 volts for some markets

Fuses 5 Amp Operation 220 volts, 9 Amp Operation 120 volts

Dimensions W x H x D 17 x 18 x 21.25 inches (430 x 455 x 539 mm)

Net weight 85.3 lbs (38.7 kg)

FinishBlack piano lacquer, 8-ply

Accessories supplied

Power cord YES

Neutrik Speakon cable Yes (10 metres nominal)

Owner's manual YES

Carbon Special - Reference performance, modest dimensions

Where previous Special Editions used existing cabinets, drivers and filters, the Carbon Special uses many elements developed exclusively for the Carbon Special. We've used our brand new 12" (350 mm) BlackWidow carbon fibre driver, developed to deliver superior dynamic balance across the entire range of its considerable 4" (100 mm) fore and aft travel. It's better able to handle, smoothly and effortlessly, the enormous power required to deliver explosive dynamics. We paired it with our NextGen 5 amplifier rated at up to 1,000 watts, which has proven to be both a sonic marvel and an absolute slam dunk. Driving all of this is a CS PerfectFilter, a custom variant of our latest filter evolution that enhances both ends of the spectrum. It delivers airy, delicate highs with greater reach into the lower regions of the soundstage, as well as truer, more powerful ultra-low bass delivery. If it sounds too good to be true, it almost is.

The cabinet extends deeper than previous mid-chassis designs to optimize the performance of this new driver complement. And its appearance is delivered in a refined, mature manner with subtle use of carbon fiber detailing scattered among chrome and polished stainless steel accents. We predict that the Carbon Special will become one of the most sought-after ultra-high performance subwoofers of all time.

Perfect CS Filters - Improved Bass Performance and Overall Clarity

Perfect is not a word REL uses lightly, but these latest filters are so good they demand their use. Our PerfectFilters elevate bass performance to a new standard for a mid-chassis design, while subtle tweaks to its top-end performance allow for a more airy, transparent soundstage and improved clarity throughout the system’s performance. Its benefit to a quality audio system cannot be overstated, and all the benefits that come with its musical performance only add to its merits in the power theatre. A true two-for-one upgrade.

Sound beyond its size - Inspired by the G/1 MK II

The key to the Carbon Special's incredible performance is its new 12" (350mm) front-firing BlackWidow active driver. Carbon fibre grabs headlines with its ultra-light, strong and resilient nature. Carbon fibre, while lightweight, has excellent self-silence properties which allow for much greater dynamics because the driver itself is so quiet. This third-generation version features a much larger surround to better allow for the explosiveness needed to stand out from the pack. The internal suspension has been recalibrated to exploit this advantage and the result, found only here and in future versions of the G-1 MK II, is a 12" that hits like a heavyweight but reacts like a much smaller driver.

Now listen to this - NextGen5 1000W Digital Amplifier

Power matters, and especially when our CS PerfectFilter demands more from the driver, additional power is essential. That’s why we’ve placed the heart of our flagship No.25 amplifier in the Carbon Special. With up to 1,000 watts of power, it has the power reserves to easily keep up with the demands placed on it by even the most demanding user. The Carbon Special is capable of surprising the listener, used in dual-purpose for both theatre and music; its merits are immediately apparent in music which can lull the theatre enthusiast into complacency, only to be torn from any sense of normality when a huge, unexpected transient explodes without warning. Think Pierce Brosnan's 007 using plastique at work here.

Fully stacked performance - The REL Line Array

REL's signature gift to the art of sub-bass performance is undoubtedly our Reference Line Array, where three units per side are stacked vertically. This arrangement was practically invented for subs with the behavior of the Carbon Special. For those who have always dreamed of owning a REL Reference Line Array but were unable to due to its size, your vessel has arrived.

Without the tangle of wire - AirShip™ wireless connectivity

Carbon Special works brilliantly with AirShip™, our cutting-edge wireless that transports sound invisibly without any of the compromises of conventional wireless. Optionally available and at a reasonable cost with Carbon Special. While most wireless compresses horribly, Airship uses military-grade 5.8Ghz wireless with zero compression to send signals so pure and fast that they acoustically outperform wired cables using anything but the best cables. Not having to watch a mess of wires tangle in your grand living room is a reward in itself for working so hard.