Carbon Special is a new limited availability model that combines our latest engineering with cutting edge components from our reference line, all housed in a moderately sized chassis. It features our third-generation carbon fibre 12” driver with a new, bespoke CSP passive driver that delivers 50% longer stroke, powered by our 1,000 watt amplifier, itself guided by our CS PerfectFilter™. An all new cabinet with highly polished metal and carbon fibre touches appears only in this model.
REFERENCE PERFORMANCE, MODEST SIZE
Where previous special editions have used existing cabinets, drivers and filters, Carbon Special uses many elements developed solely for Carbon Special. We employed our newest BlackWidow 12”(350mm) carbon fibre driver, developed to deliver superior dynamic balance throughout the full range of its considerable 4”(100mm) of fore-and-aft stroke. It is better able to handle, smoothly and effortlessly, the massive power needed to deliver explosive dynamics. We mated it with our NextGen 5 1,000 watt amplifier which has proven to be both a sonic wonder and utterly reliable. Directing all this is a CS PerfectFilter, a custom-designed variant of our latest evolution of filters that improves both ends of the spectrum. It delivers airy, delicate highs with greater reach into the nether regions within a soundstage, as well as truer, more powerful ultra-low bass delivery. If it sounds too good to be true, it almost is.
We didn’t stop there. The cabinet extends deeper than previous mid-chassis designs to optimise performance for this new driver complement. And its looks are delivered in a refined, mature manner with subtle use of carbon fibre details sprinkled among chrome and polished stainless accents. We predict Carbon Special will become one of the highest demand ultra-high performance subwoofers of all time.
ELEVATING LOW BASS PERFORMANCE AND OVERALL CLARITY
Perfect is not a word REL throws around lightly but these latest filters are so good they require its use. Our PerfectFilters elevate the low bass performance to a new standard for a mid-chassis design, while subtle tweaks to its upper range performance allow for an airier, more transparent soundstage and improved clarity throughout the entire system’s performance. It is impossible to overstate its benefit to a fine audio system and all benefits that accrue to its musical performance go on to expand its merits in power theatre. A true two-for-one upgrade.
INSPIRED BY THE G/1 MK II
The key to Carbon Special’s amazing performance is its new BlackWidow 12”(350mm) forward firing active driver. Carbon fibre grabs the headlines with its ultra-lightweight and tough, resilient nature. Carbon fibre, while light, has excellent self-quieting properties that allow for far greater dynamics because the driver itself is so quiet. This generation 3 version features a much larger surround to better allow the explosiveness needed to set itself apart from the pack. The inner suspension was re-tuned to take advantage of this and the result, found only here and upcoming versions of the G-1 MK II is a 12” that hits like a heavyweight but reacts like a much smaller driver.
NEXTGEN5 1000W DIGITAL AMPLIFIER
Power matters, and especially when our CS PerfectFilter demands more from the driver, additional power is crucial. This is why we placed the heart of our flagship No.25 amplifier into Carbon Special. At 1,000 watts, it has the current reserves to easily keep up with the demands placed upon it by even the most rigorous user. Carbon Special is capable of startling the listener, used in dual duty for both theatre and music its merits are immediately obvious in music which can lull the theatre aficionado into complacency, only to be yanked out of any sense of normalcy when a huge, unexpected transient explodes without warning. Think Pierce Brosnan’s 007 using plastique at work here.
THE REL LINE ARRAY
REL’s signature gift to the art of sub bass performance is undoubtedly our Reference Line Arrays, wherein three units per side are stacked vertically. This arrangement was practically invented for subs with the deportment of Carbon Special. For those who always dreamed of owning a REL Reference Line Array but were denied it because of their size, your ship has arrived.
AIRSHIP™ WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY (OPTIONAL)
Carbon Special works brilliantly with AirShip™, our state of the art wireless that transports sound invisibly with none of the compromises of conventional wireless. Available optionally, and at reasonable expense 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 they sonically outperform hardwired using anything but the best cables. Not having to see a snarl of cables tangling up in one’s grand salon is itself a reward for you having worked so hard.
TYPE | Front-firing active driver, down-firing passive |
ACTIVE DRIVER SIZE & MATERIAL | 12 in., 300mm long-throw, carbon fibre cone with inverted carbon fibre centre cap |
PASSIVE RADIATOR SIZE & MATERIAL | 12 in., 300mm Carbon, carbon flat cone structure, steel chassis |
LOW FREQUENCY EXTENTION | -6 dB at 19Hz (in Room) |
INPUT CONNECTORS | High Level Neutrik Speakon, Low Level stereo RCA, LFE RCA, and LFE XLR |
OUTPUT CONNECTORS | High Level Neutrik Speakon, LFE RCA, and LFE XLR |
POWER OUTPUT | 1000 watts (RMS) |
AMPLIFIER TYPE | NextGen5 Class D |
WIRELESS CAPABILITY | Airship Wireless Required (sold separately) |
Protection System | |
FULLY ELECTRONIC SET SAFE | Yes |
D.C. FAULT | Yes |
OUTPUT SHORT | Yes |
MAINS INPUT VOLTAGE | 220-240 volts, 110-120 volts for certain markets |
FUSES | 5 Amp 220 volts operation, 9 Amp 120 volts operation |
Dimensions | |
W X H X D | 17 x 18 x 21.25 in. (430 x 455 x 539 mm) |
NET WEIGHT | 85.3 lbs. (38.7 kg) |
FINISH | Piano Black Lacquer, 8 coats |
Supplied Accessories | |
MAINS LEAD | Yes |
NEUTRIK SPEAKON | Yes (10 Meters Nominal) |
INTERCONNECT | |
USERS MANUAL | Yes |
Here at Ceiling Speakers we want to make sure that you receive your order as quickly as possible. Whether you need products last minute for a project, or you're simply itching to start enjoying your purchase! As a result we hold excellent stock, and the majority of our catalogue is available for free* next working day delivery (when ordered by 12pm Mon-Fri excluding public holidays).
Our website is linked to our warehouse systems and live stock availability is displayed on every product. In stock items ordered by 12pm Monday to Friday will be dispatched on the same day, and 95% of orders will be delivered on the next working day (Northern Ireland, Highlands, Islands, & other remote locations may take a little longer). Saturday deliveries can be arranged on request (POA).
Some products may be out of stock but available to order. For these items the typical delivery time is displayed on the product page. The majority of these products are delivered within the displayed timeframe. However, if you place an order and this is not the case we will contact you immediately to inform you of the timescale. If you require the product(s) at short notice then please contact us for confirmation prior to ordering.
*The following delivery charges apply. The majority of UK Mainland orders are delivered on the next working day (when ordered by 12pm Mon-Fri excluding public holidays). DPD tracking information will be provided along with a 1-hour delivery timeslot.
UK Mainland
Orders of £69.00 and over (inc. VAT) are carriage free
For orders under £69.00 carriage is charged at £10.00 (inc. VAT)
Northern Ireland
Orders of £199.00 and over (inc. VAT) are carriage free
For orders under £199.00 carriage is charged at £20.00 (inc. VAT)
Isle of Man
Orders of £299.00 and over (inc. VAT) are carriage free
For orders under £299.00 carriage is charged at £30.00 (inc. VAT)
Channel Islands
All orders are subject to a carriage charge of £50