REL Acoustics S/510 SHO Subwoofer

For the REL S/510, every aspect of the previous generation’s inner workings were examined without regard to its critical and customer-driven success. REL have 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 REL 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 turned to 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 510 with the ability to be stacked in 4- or 6-unit line arrays, just like their reference models.

The REL S/510 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, REL have 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.

At 500 watts the NextGen5 amplifier is borrowed from the REL reference range and rocks huge reservoirs of power and current. The 20% increase in power (previous version was 400 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 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, REL applied customized PureTheatre™ filters to allow the REL S/510 to deliver the most awe-inspiring theatre effects ever offered in a classic REL.

Technical Specifications

Type: Front-firing active woofer, down-firing passive radiator
Active Driver Size & Material: 10 in., 250mm long-throw, die cast aluminium chassis
Passive Radiator Size & Material: 12 in., 300mm
Low Frequency Extension: 20Hz 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
Power Output: 500 watts (RMS)
Amplifier Type: NextGen3 Class D
Wireless Capability: Yes- REL AirShip system . Sold separately.

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 semi delay 220 volts operation 9 Amp semi delay 120 volts operation
Dimensions: W x H x D: 400 x 410 x 464 mm
Net Weight: 70 lbs. (31.7 kg)
Finish: Piano Black Lacquer, White Lacquer, 10 coats