REL CARBON SPECIAL BLACK LABEL SIX-PACK > The World's First review, Tone Audio

It’s not just about bass, brah.
A demo of REL’s line array, six-pack CARBON SPECIAL BLACK LABEL subwoofer system to the uninitiated always begins with the same track – Ella Fitzgerald’s “Miss Otis Regrets.” The reason I picked this track is that it has no low bass to speak of. What, a subwoofer demo that doesn’t start with pounding electronica, or that way overplayed Chris Jones song that you’ve heard everywhere, way too many times? No, because Ella illustrates what a REL line array delivers that no other subwoofer does. It adds depth, texture, and low-frequency harmonics in a way that you’ve never experienced before. I guarantee it.

...

The paradox

While a single REL Carbon Special (this is the latest version – the Black Label model, due out as you read this) will still add a tremendous amount of musicality to your system, and $5k is probably a lot more reasonable and approachable than $30k, this review centers around the full line array.
I have used a six-pack of no.25s in my last reference system with incredible results, as well as a six-pack of the S/510s in system two for a few years now. Up until recently, a single (original version) Carbon Special has been in the main system. Getting the whole array to mate with the huge Clarisys panels has been an exciting proposition. To the rest of you that don’t use panel speakers, it’s safe to say that if the RELs will integrate transparently with a pair of big ribbon speakers, they will do the same for you.
...
The REL array is beyond sublime, if a word even exists for that. The truth is, you can start with one or two, but to get the experience, you need six.
...

Further listening

Regardless of the music you love most, it will come alive with a REL array like you have never heard it before. If you consider it for a minute, some companies charge more than $30k for a pair of AC power cords. Framing the six-pack in this context makes it the best value in high-end audio. Wrap your brain around that for a minute.
...

What makes it special

Great as all this is, there is a lot lurking underneath the surface. Borrowing from the ratios in the Reference models, everything here is built to a tighter tolerance than ever before.
The new REL Carbon Special Black Label is not only a significant upgrade from the past model, it is really closing in on the performance level of their two reference subs – the no.31 and no.32. Reflecting on my experience with the no.25s, the no.31 and the previous Carbon Special, I’d say that this is the way to go if you don’t have the room for a full six pack of 31s or 32s.
...

In nearly 25 years of experience with many of the world’s finest audio components, the REL Carbon Special Black Label Six-Pack Line Array offers a more engaging musical experience than I’ve ever had the pleasure of enjoying, anywhere at any price. Say that ten times as fast as you can.

Brah, you need em. All six. Or maybe ten.

- Tone Audio, September 2025

Rel Carbon Black Label
Tone Audio