The S/812 takes REL’s Serie S concept to reference-like levels of performance and does so with style, beauty and devastating power. It delivers incredible levels of all ‘round performance for both music and movies and gives you a taste of what the REL reference models offer, at a fraction of the cost.

Overview

Nothing less than a complete and total transformation, the Serie S S/812 represents the biggest leap in performance in the long and storied tradition of REL’s mid-sized class.

Numerous upgrades can be found inside and out, beginning with beautiful new cabinetry contrasted by subtle gunmetal grey badging that sleekens and modernizes, emphasizing horizontal linearity and reducing visual mass. The replacement of feet with ultra-stable rails cantilevers the main cabinet forward allowing it to seemingly float in space. This new designs - lower, wider, and deeper - reveals proportions that derive from REL’s reference subwoofer portfolio.

The S/812’s power amplifier has been upgraded some 60% courtesy of the NextGen5 amplifier first used in the 212/SE, electronically limited to 800 watts with peaks north of 1,000 watts. The increased power is needed to handle the special filters first used in REL’s HT/1508, custom versions of which now tailor the .1/LFE channel of the Serie S. These filters result in almost twice the output below 40 Hz. For the High Level and Low Level Inputs, a new design called PerfectFilter™ has been developed resulting in a more musically natural performance with more air and openness throughout your entire system.

The ultra-lightweight driver first found in the original Serie S has been upgraded with rear mounted carbon fibre bracing that stiffens and quiets the cone almost 60%. Overall, the effect is of a far larger, more powerful performer for music and theatre. Meanwhile, improved speed, delicacy and precision has been achieved in the musical realm with improved filtering and control through the application of gentler filtering. The result is a new category of subwoofer that combines the best of both worlds. Powerful and extremely flat, extended deep bass and mid-to-upper bass performance that guarantees the finest mating of sub to speaker with clarity throughout the upper ranges of music.

A Closer Look

Shattering Performance Barriers: For the S/812, every aspect of the previous generation’s inner workings were examined without regard to its critical and customer-driven success. REL turned a fresh eye to power requirements, driver improvements, and specialty filters, upgrading each to extract all the extra performance possible. All this alongside the cabinet refinements necessary for those upgrades to emerge cleanly. This latest S range is a triumphant development that has exceeded every expectation of REL’s design team.

REL’s requirements were for far stronger deep bass output between 19-35 Hz, vastly improved theatre dynamics, and an even more open and spacious soundfield which benefits both music and film. REL employed their NextGen5 amplifier, tuned to 800 watts, with huge reserves of power beyond this, added a light film of carbon fibre to the rear of the driver to handle the extra power, and developed two new sets of custom filters to extract the utmost in brute force and spaciousness. Finally, REL imbued the 812 with the ability to be stacked in 4 or 6 unit line arrays, just like the REL reference models.

Invisible Upgrades to S/812’s Bass Engine - Pure Carbon Fibre Backing: The S/812 required upgrades to its ContinuousCast™ Alloy Cone to allow it to survive the massive power upgrades. To permit its thin, aluminium cone to survive 800 watts and an incredibly long stroke, REL added an ultra-lightweight backing of pure carbon fibre, strategically placed over portions of the rear surface of the cone. This produces two benefits; it strengthens and stiffens the cone and also eliminates reversion, wherein the backwave inside the cabinet is now prevented from interfering with the main launch of bass into the room. The result is more accurate and far louder deep bass.

There is Nothing Passive About This Carbon Passive Radiator: REL’s uniquely tuned passive radiators use special suspensions, now with an additional 8mm of linear travel, to produce performance far beyond conventional subwoofers. The new SuperProgressive™ passive radiator produces extremely long travel allowing for very loud output while retaining the variable stiffness of its suspension. This allows it to act like a sealed box compact 14” design at low volume and a high output 16” design at its limit.

Warning: Power Amplifier on Steroids - 800 Watts & Counting: At 800 watts the NextGen5 amplifier is borrowed from REL’s reference models and rocks huge reservoirs of power and current. The 45% increase in power (previously 500 watts) is needed to deliver both the profound output levels needed for modern theatre, as well as to produce the deepest bass in a high end 2-channel system. This increase in power is necessitated by REL’s development on the musical front of an all-new circuit termed PerfectFilter™ that perfectly balances both frequency extremes.

PerfectFilter performs two seemingly disparate tasks; extending the strong, even response of the extreme low end bass frequencies while simultaneously opening up air and delicacy in the middle and high frequencies of the system. Additionally, REL applied customized PureTheatre™ filters to allow S/812 to deliver the most awe-inspiring theatre effects ever offered in a classic REL.

Serie S Line Arrays - Stacked for Ultimate Performance: In the real world, bass occurs with width, depth and height. By stacking up to three units per side (stereo or theatre main L-R speakers) the proper perspective and height of sonic events are illuminated. This elevates reproduction from conventional stereo or theatre to a floor to ceiling panoramic, full scale perspective of each sonic event. Special fixtures and (included) metal plates allow these models to be stacked up to three-high safely and remain locked together. This feature will open up REL line arrays to a new audience at about half the price of REL’s Reference Line Arrays.

Wireless transmitter: REL AirShip Wireless Transmitter

• Design: Front-firing active woofer, down-firing passive radiator
• Active Driver: 12” (300mm) long-throw, Continuous CastAlloy™ cone structure, cast chassis
• Passive Radiator: 12” (300mm) Carbon/Carbon flat cone structure, steel chassis
• Amplifier Type: NextGen5 Class D
• Power Output: 800 watts (RMS)
• Low Frequency Extension: 19Hz at -6 dB
• Input Connectors: High Level Neutrik Speakon, Low Level stereo RCA, LFE RCA, LFE XLR
• Output Connectors: Hi Level Neutrik Speakon, LFE RCA, LFE XLR
• Wireless Capability: REL AirShip system - sold separately
• Protection System: Fully Electronic Set Safe, D.C. Fault, Output Short
• Mains Input Voltage: 220-240 volts
• Fuses: 5 Amp 220 volts operation
• Supplied Accessories: Mains Lead, 10m Neutrik Speakon cable, User Manual
• Finish: Piano Black Lacquer, White Lacquer, 10 coats
• Dimensions (WxHxD): 430 x 455 x 514mm (Add 44.5mm in depth when using Hi Level connector)
• Net Weight: 34 kg