Сабвуферы — Rel (Radio Electronic Labs) 212 Black Label

The 212 Black Label is a powered subwoofer made by REL Acoustics and launched on 23 September 2025 as one of four models in a reworked Serie S line that marked 35 years of the company in the subwoofer business. No other model in that line is built around two forward-facing active 12-inch drivers, which is why its cabinet is taller than the rest of the range. It carries a US price of USD 5,999.

Key specs that matter

Two 12-inch active drivers fire from the front, while two further 12-inch passive radiators work alongside them, one facing the rear and one facing the floor. All four units share CarbonAlloy cones held in die-cast alloy frames, and REL puts the combined piston area at over 2,900 square cm. The amplifier is rated at 1,000 W RMS and can hold over 1,200 W for long stretches. REL rates bass extension at -6 dB at 18 Hz. The cabinet measures 362 mm wide, 840 mm tall and 523.3 mm deep, and the unit weighs 60.8 kg net, or 73 kg boxed in a carton of 965 x 737 x 610 mm.

Engineering and use context

REL describes the amplifier as a newly developed hybrid design that pairs the current delivery associated with high-current Class A/B monoblocks with the efficiency of a Linear Class D output stage. At idle it draws 40 W. REL uses the Black Label name for Serie S versions built with tighter tolerances, upgraded components and finishes of their own. The cabinet is finished in piano black lacquer applied in eight coats, and a black cloth grille comes in the box, with a wood grille offered at extra cost. Connection panels carry a Neutrik Speakon high-level input, supplied with a 10 m cable, a pair of RCA line inputs and LFE inputs in both RCA and XLR form, as well as high-level Speakon, RCA and LFE outputs for linking further units. The subwoofer is ready for the REL Airship Direct wireless system, an optional extra.

Pairing

The Speakon high-level input takes its signal from the speaker outputs of the stereo power amplifier, whereas the dedicated subwoofer channel of a home cinema processor or AV receiver goes to the separate LFE sockets on RCA or XLR. REL states the model is aimed at large rooms.

Alternatives

The REL Carbon Special Black Label is the other Black Label subwoofer in Serie S, using one active 12-inch carbon-fibre driver and a 900 W amplifier in a shorter 410 mm cabinet.