REL Acoustics PL-1 Planar Subwoofer

A slim subwoofer with dual 6.5" active drivers, 10" passive radiator, 300 W Class-D amplifier, built-in wireless, and wall, cart, or room placement options

The REL PL-1 is a slim-format subwoofer designed to deliver serious low-frequency support without the footprint of a conventional cube. At only 5.7" deep, PL-1 can sit close to a wall, mount on a wall, or work with REL’s optional Planar Cart, making it easier to integrate real bass into rooms where a traditional subwoofer would dominate the space.

PL-1 uses two front-firing 6.5" long-throw FibreAlloy active drivers supported by a rear-firing 10" FibreAlloy passive radiator. This active/passive configuration is designed to produce room-filling bass from a shallow cabinet, with REL’s familiar focus on speed, timing, and system integration for both music and home theater.

The PL-1 is designed to be used wirelessly, and it ships with REL's low-latency and extremely stable AirShip Direct system. This setup is so effective that it rivals and even exceeds the performance of a hard-wired system.  

Slim Placement, Serious Integration

Planar is designed around the idea that a driver radiating against a wall can disperse bass throughout the room. It's slim profile and near-wall placement makes it especially useful for living rooms, media rooms, and systems built around in-wall or in-ceiling speakers, where added low-frequency foundation is needed but floor space and visual impact matter.

Built for Music and Home Theater

In a two-channel system, PL-1 is intended to add weight, scale, and foundation without calling attention to itself. In a home theater system, it can support LFE effects and help energize the room from placement positions that would be difficult for a conventional box subwoofer. Multiple PL-1 units can also be used in line-array applications for larger, more evenly distributed bass systems.

The Upscale View

This is a serious design change for REL, and we were somewhat skeptical. But when we heard the tremendous wave of bass generated by this design, one that started and stopped on a dime, we were thoroughly impressed. The wall-facing design of the Planars results in bass with height and depth, just like with the 212 or the six-pack. The Planars are not just a lifestyle solution for the home cinema customer; they are worth your consideration even for high-fidelity stereo setups.

Note that the cart that accompanies the Planars is a serious audio stand and is essential if you are not wall-mounting the subwoofer.

Features

• Slim Planar cabinet design for wall, near-wall, or cart placement
• Two front-firing 6.5" long-throw FibreAlloy active drivers
• Rear-firing 10" FibreAlloy passive radiator
• 300 W RMS Pure Class D amplifier
• High-Level Neutrik Speakon, Low-Level RCA, and LFE RCA inputs
• REL AirShip Direct wireless included with purchase
• Piano Black Lacquer or Gloss White Lacquer finish
• Line-array capable

Specifications

Type: 2 x front-firing active drivers, 1 x rear-firing passive radiator

Active Driver Size and Material: (2) 6.5 in. (165 mm) long-throw FibreAlloy cone, steel chassis

Passive Radiator Size and Material: 10 in. (250 mm) FibreAlloy cone, steel chassis

Low-Frequency Extension (-6 dB): 31 Hz

Input Connectors: High-Level Neutrik Speakon, Low-Level RCA, LFE RCA

Output Connectors: N/A

Power Output: 300 W RMS

Amplifier Type: Pure Class D

Wireless Capability: REL AirShip Direct included with purchase

Dimensions (WHD): 20.6" x 19.4" x 5.7" (522 x 492 x 144 mm)

Additional Depth for On-Wall Bracket: 1.5" (39 mm)

Finish: Piano Black Lacquer, Gloss White Lacquer; 5 coats

Line Array Capable: Yes

Weight: 41.6 lb. (18.9 kg)