REL 212 Black Label Subwoofer

The REL 212 Black Label is the most powerful and dynamic expression of the Serie S, a formidable subwoofer that anchors the most demanding reference-grade stereo and theater systems. It is unique in its design, combining dual 12-inch forward-firing active drivers with dual 12-inch passive radiators (one rear-firing, one down-firing) to create an enormous total radiating surface. Driven by a fearsome 1,000-watt hybrid amplifier, the 212 Black Label delivers immense bass with the breathtaking slam of a much larger unit, yet retains the agility, nuance, and tonal color that define REL. It delivers the scale of a line array from a single, elegant cabinet.

Key Features

• Quad 12-inch Driver Array: Features two 12” front-firing CarbonAlloy™ active drivers for speed and impact, plus one 12” rear-firing and one 12” down-firing passive radiator for massive air movement.
• 1,000W Hybrid Amplifier: A new 1,000-watt (RMS) Linear Class D amplifier provides immense dynamic power, delivering peaks over 1,200 watts.
• Reference Connectivity: Includes REL’s legendary High Level Neutrik Speakon input, Low Level stereo RCA, and dedicated .1/LFE inputs (RCA & XLR).
• Line Array-like Performance: The vertical alignment of the drivers, including the rear-firing passive, is designed to create an immersive, floor-to-ceiling sense of height and scale.
• Optional Wireless Connectivity: Fully compatible with the optional REL Airship Direct system for uncompressed, reference-quality wireless signal transmission.
• Bespoke Cabinet Design: A tall, elegant cabinet with a distinctive vertical strake, carbon fibre badging, and integrated bead-blasted handles.

The Power of Four

The 212 Black Label’s immense authority comes from its unique quad-driver system. Two 12-inch forward-firing active drivers use stiff CarbonAlloy™ cones with lightweight carbon-fibre center caps, allowing them to produce music's attack and dynamics with incredible speed and control. These are matched by two 12-inch passive radiators, each with a cast aluminum basket to handle extreme excursion. A down-firing passive provides the deepest, foundational rumble, while a rear-firing passive is specially tuned to add height and depth, wrapping mid-bass energy around the listener for a more immersive, 3D soundfield.

Outrageousness Amplified

Delivering the massive current required for this quad-driver array is a newly developed 1,000-watt (RMS) hybrid amplifier. This design marries the high-current delivery of a Class A/B monoblock with the efficiency of a Linear Class D output stage. This "best of both worlds" approach provides limitless-feeling dynamic power, capable of sustaining peaks over 1,200 watts for extended periods. This ensures the 212 Black Label can reproduce the most demanding cinematic or musical crescendos with effortless authority and without a trace of compression or strain.

Vertical Scale, Singular Form

The tall, elegant cabinet of the 212 Black Label is purpose-built. This vertical alignment isn't just an aesthetic choice; it's a performance-driven design. By stacking the drivers, the 212 projects sound with a sense of height and scale typically reserved for full REL Line Arrays. The rear-firing passive, in particular, contributes to this effect, creating a spacious and enveloping sound that feels much larger and more immersive than a traditional, low-profile subwoofer. It delivers the grandeur of an array in a single, beautifully engineered enclosure.

Bespoke Aesthetic Upgrade

While the 212 Black Label includes a standard black cloth grille, its design can be further elevated to match any high-end interior. An additional Premium Wood Grille is available for separate purchase. This bespoke, handcrafted grille enhances the visual appeal of the 212, complementing its piano black finish with the natural warmth and unique grain of real wood, transforming it into a true piece of fine furniture.

The Listening Room Difference

We're a third-generation family business with a brick-and-mortar showroom in Chestertown, Maryland, and a reputation built on exceptional service and relentless passion for hifi. Whether you're visiting in person or ordering online, we bring decades of experience, personalized service, and honest guidance to every interaction. We don't just ship boxes. We help build systems, answer your questions like real humans, and make sure every detail of your setup is right, from the cables to the final connection. Our passion is helping you get the most out of your gear, with support that lasts well beyond the sale.

Specifications