The Carbon Special Black Label elevates the medium chassis to its highest form. At its core is a 12-inch all-carbon fibre driver—closely derived from the design used in the No.31 Reference—powered by a 900-watt amplifier and housed within an expanded cabinet that allows the carbon driver to deliver greater scale and authority. The result is bass that exhibits exceptional power, speed, and tonal nuance.

Each Carbon Special Black Label model includes a premium wood grille that enhances both aesthetic appeal and airflow, reflecting the design’s balance of form and function. Whether used individually, as a stereo pair, or within towering Line Arrays, it delivers Reference-inspired authority for those who demand the finest performance from the Serie S. The Black Label models embody the most advanced expression of the Serie S line, featuring tighter tolerances, upgraded components, and distinctive finishes.

Achingly Beautiful

The Carbon Special Black Label brings together the finest elements of the Serie S design. Its cabinet proportions, inspired by the company’s Reference line, achieve a natural and balanced sense of scale. Subtle black crown inlays along the sidewalls and curved stainless-steel handles recessed into elliptical returns highlight its distinctive status within the range. Beneath each rail, knurled billet cylinders allow for precise leveling, while thick internal aluminum slabs secure the handles to ensure safe stacking in Line Arrays. Each unit also features a premium wood grille that provides warmth and enhances airflow for greater dynamic performance. It is a design where beauty and performance converge.

Amplifier

The Carbon Special Black Label is powered by a 900-watt hybrid amplifier that merges the rich current delivery of Class A/B monoblocks with the efficiency and control of a Class D output stage. A 15-pound power transformer and extensive heatsinking provide the foundation for high-current performance, contributing to the model’s substantial weight and commanding authority. This design effortlessly sustains peaks of up to 1,250 watts, producing louder, cleaner, and more controlled bass than any previous medium-chassis REL. The result is an amplifier that combines raw power with the composure and refinement characteristic of the Black Label designation.

Analog Filtered to Perfection

REL engineers choose analog technology because it remains the only path to achieving truly natural sound. All REL input filters are entirely analog - among the fastest ever implemented in a subwoofer. At the heart of the system lies REL’s renowned High Level Input, which connects directly to the speaker outputs of the main amplifier. Rather than drawing power, it transmits the full sonic signature of the system, allowing seamless integration with the main speakers - a hallmark feature celebrated by reviewers for decades.

For systems where High Level connection is not feasible, the low-level input employs the same analog filter circuitry, accessible via both RCA and XLR connections, to deliver the speed, naturalness, and integration for which REL is known. In home theater or dual-purpose setups, REL uniquely enables the High Level and .1/LFE inputs to operate simultaneously - ensuring music playback benefits from natural integration, while films deliver the full dynamic impact intended by their creators.