REL updated flagship subwoofer

The British company has introduced a new top model in the S – 212/SX line.

A subwoofer with an atypical vertical form factor, the 212/SE model, was first shown by the company in January 2015 at CES in Las Vegas. The new model, although it repeats in many respects the design of its predecessor, differs significantly from it.

The speakers have diffusers made of Continuous Cast Alloy, cast aluminum baskets, but the membranes on the back side are reinforced with carbon fiber inserts, which gives them greater rigidity. In addition, the diffuser stroke increased by 12 mm.

Design of the new superprogressive passive radiators uses flat carbon fiber diffusers on a cast steel chassis. Thanks to special suspensions, the linear amplitude of their movement increased by 30mm. The different direction of the radiators-down and back-allows the subwoofer to sound more “atmospheric”, adding lightness and naturalness to the playback.


The power of the proprietary built-in amplifier of the latest generation NexGen5, working in class D, remained the same 1000W (RMS). However, the lower limit frequency decreased by 1Hz to 18Hz. The design of the company perfectfilter filter has changed.



The traditional Rel set of inputs – high-level (Neutrik Speakon), low – level (RCA), and LFE LF effects (RCA and XLR) – is complemented by wireless connectivity. The REL AirShip system transmits two types of signal without compression. The first is for a full-range high-level signal and simultaneously – the LFE channel. To implement this function, you will need an additional transmitter (option).


The body of the subwoofer became higher, deeper and narrower, its weight increased by 3kg. Instead of supporting legs, more stable runners are now used.


Source: rel.net