S/812 12 Inch Home Subwoofer

The All New S/812

For S/812, every aspect of the previous generation’s inner workings were examined without regard to its critical and customer-driven success. We 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 our design team.

Our 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. We turned to our NextGen 5 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, we imbued 812 with the ability to be stacked in 4- or 6-unit line arrays, just like our reference models.

Design

There is Nothing Passive About These

S/812 takes REL’s medium chassis 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
film sound, gives customers a taste of what our reference models offer,
and does so at a fraction of the cost.

Our 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. We turned to our
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, we imbued
812 with the ability to be stacked in 4- or 6-unit line arrays, just like our
reference models.

Driver

Invisible Upgrades to S/812’s Bass Engine

S/812 required upgrades to its ContinuousCast™ Alloy Cone to allow it to survive the massive power upgrades. To permit its thin, aluminum cone to survive 800 watts and incredibly long stroke, we 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.

Amplifier

Warning: Power Amplifier on Steroids

At 800 watts the NextGen 5 amplifier is borrowed from our reference models and rocks huge reservoirs of power and current. The 45% increase in power (previous version was 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 our development on the musical front of an all-new circuit termed PerfectFilter™ that balance both frequency extremes.

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

Line array

Serie S Line Array

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. Reviewers are lining up to marvel at the transformation of music and film into the full-scale representation that REL Line Arrays uniquely deliver.

Specifications

Technical Specifications

Type

Front-firing active driver, down-firing passive

Active Driver Size & Material

12 in. (300mm) long throw, Continuous CastAlloy™ cone structure, die cast alloy chassis

Passive Radiator Size & Material

12 in. (300mm), Carbon/Carbon flat cone structure, steel chassis

Low Frequency Extension

-6dB at 19 Hz Low Frequency

Input Connectors

High Level Neutrik Speakon, Low Level (2) RCA, (1) LFE RCA, (1) LFE XLR

Output Connectors

High Level Neutrik Speakon, (1) LFE RCA or (1) LFE XLR

Power Output

800 watts (RMS)

Amplifier Type

NextGen 5 Class D

Wireless Capability

REL AirShip II (sold separately)

Dual Parametric Filter

N/A

Finish

Piano Black Lacquer, Gloss White Lacquer 8 coats

Protection System

Fully Electronic Set Safe

Yes

D.C. Fault

Yes

Output Short

Yes

Mains Input Voltage

220-240 volts, 110-120 volts for certain markets

Fuses

5 Amp 220 volts operation, 9 Amp 120 volts operation

Supplied Accessories

Mains Lead

Yes

Neutrik Speakon

Yes (10 Meters Nominal)

Interconnect

User Manual

Yes

In the interest of product development, REL Acoustics Limited reserve the right to vary these specifications without notice.

Dimensions

W x H x D

17 x 17.5 x 20 in.
(432 x 445 x 514 mm)

Net Weight

75 lbs. (34 kg)

Awards & Industry Reviews

Home Cinema Choice Best Buy Award

There are plenty of cheaper subs, and some can even go nearly as deep as the S/812, but they’re unable to mine such depths while remaining so composed. Good bass shouldn’t dominate, it should be an integral part ofyour cinema soundstage, adding low-frequency impact where needed. This is what the REL S/812 achieves so well – it goes deep with control, shows effortless speed and agility, and can seamlessly blend with your other speakers to enhancing whatever you’re watching.

- Home Cinema Choice

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AV Forums Highly Recommended

The REL S/812 is a genuinely impressive subwoofer that manages to combine low-end extension with powerful amplification to produce a performance that’s responsive, controlled and highly effective. This sub goes deep and, even on its own, had absolutely no trouble filling my home cinema with low frequency energy. However, this is no blunt instrument, and the S/812 is capable of astonishing deep bass that’s delivered with a surprising amount of subtlety and grace.

- AV Forums

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The Absolute Sound Product of the Year

"The REL S/812 unambiguously established not only that it’s got game, but also that in extension, sheer output, and righteous slam it’s got that game down pat."

- The Absolute Sound

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Best High End Subwoofer 2020

"This is an excellent subwoofer that's beautifully designed and fantastically well made. It's also an impressive performer, delivering exceptional bass in a tight and controlled fashion. The combination of the 12-inch driver and matching 12-inch passive radiator ensures some serious low-end extension, and the amplification has power to spare."

- avforums

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“The speakers are allowed to do exactly what it is they need to do and the RELs are kind of an extension of that but its just that you get this impact…It added excitement to everything. It didn’t matter which speaker, we tried several different speakers and it added a tremendous amount of foot tapping, absolute amazement and a mesmerizing quality. It was unreal.”

- The Finest Things

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Editors' Choice

"The heir to the extraordinary S/5, REL’s latest is not just a step forward, but rather a sonic leap into a different class. The bar has been raised on every feature that made its forbear an affordable reference. "

- The Absolute Sound

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"I can summarize the impact the REL six-pack configuration had on my system in just one word: transformative.... But be careful… As John Hunter is fond of saying. "Once you hear a six-pack, it is hard to unhear it." I agree"

- Tracking Angle

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