REL Acoustics No.36 - Reference Subwoofer

The Shape of Reference

No.36’s curvilinear cabinet is unique within the REL range, a design lineage that began with the original Gibraltar and reflects lessons John Hunter absorbed from his mentor, legendary Italian designer Franco Serblin. Its continuous curves are extraordinarily difficult to execute, particularly where the top surface tumbles gracefully into the rear corners. Inspired by the sweeping forms of classic wooden runabouts, the shape is more than beautiful; it reflects a longstanding REL belief that cabinet form, rigidity, and sound are inseparable.

Every visible detail reinforces that form. The sculpted grille follows the cabinet’s curves rather than interrupting them, its taut strings revealing rather than concealing the architecture beneath. Carbon fibre, used throughout No.36 for its performance properties, becomes a visual signature as well, framing the triple-plated badge and connecting the exterior design to the engineering within. Triple-plated stainless-steel handles inset into the cabinet provide another jewel-like detail while anchoring securely into thick plates of milled aluminum. Twelve coats of hand-rubbed lacquer complete a surface of exceptional depth and permanence.

The same thinking continues inside. An elaborate system of internal bracing, reminiscent of the structural ribs of a ship, ties the cabinet together while preserving the flowing exterior form. A rear backing plate follows the cabinet’s exterior curve, contributing to an exceptionally rigid structure. Precision-knurled cylinders beneath the front rails allow exact leveling, particularly important when assembling Reference Line Arrays. No.36 is cabinetry, engineering, and acoustic performance conceived as a single whole.

A Beating Heart of Carbon Fibre

To meet the demands of No.36’s 1,000-watt RMS Class AB/D amplifier, the cone structure has been reinforced and the suspension revised to permit greater travel while maintaining control. Carbon fibre locking shells and larger full-ring terminals transfer the immense current available from the amplifier with complete confidence.

The result is the authority and effortless scale of a 15-inch driver, delivered with the speed, control, and nuance that have defined REL Reference for generations.

1,000 Watts of Effortless Control

No.36's 1,000-watt RMS Class AB/D amplifier was developed to give its 15-inch Pure Carbon Fibre driver extraordinary reserves of speed, control, and dynamic freedom. It delivers immense current precisely when the performance demands it, then settles instantly as the music returns to silence.

Its efficiency allows No.36 to deliver breathtaking scale without the excess heat and power consumption associated with a conventional amplifier of this output. More importantly, it maintains composure at every level, preserving texture, timing, and spatial detail even during the most demanding passages.

The result is power without spectacle: effortless authority when called upon and complete control at all times.

Legendary. Iconic. REL Reference Line Arrays

For more than two decades, REL Reference Line Arrays have represented the ultimate expression of our approach to deep bass. No.36 advances that tradition with greater current, increased driver capability, and a more rigid, precisely adjustable cabinet, delivering deeper extension, greater drive, and increased output from every unit.

But a Reference Line Array is about far more than output. By vertically distributing multiple subwoofers through the height of the room, the array energizes the space in a fundamentally different way, allowing the main loudspeakers to perform with greater freedom and scale. The transformation extends beyond bass: the soundstage opens, dynamics become more effortless, and midrange and high-frequency performance gain clarity and dimensionality.

Because No.36 retains the dimensions of previous 15-inch Reference models, it can also anchor existing arrays incorporating No.32 or No.25, providing a natural upgrade path for longtime Reference owners. With No.36 anchoring the array, REL’s most ambitious systems reach a new level of scale, precision, and authority.

Wireless Needn’t Be a Compromise

With Airship Direct, There Is None.

Optional AirShip Direct delivers REL’s renowned High Level Input and .1/LFE signals wirelessly, with zero digital compression and no compromise in sound quality. High Level and .1/LFE can be used simultaneously, allowing No.36 to integrate seamlessly for music while delivering the full impact of film soundtracks, without the need for long cable runs.

Designed to plug directly into the rear panel, AirShip Direct keeps installation clean and virtually invisible while preserving the speed, transparency, and natural character expected from REL Reference.

Take Control of Your World

The REL Reference Remote is designed with the same attention to detail as No.36 itself. Its sculpted form sits naturally in the hand, while its substantial weight and beautifully finished controls convey the quality and permanence expected of a Reference product.

More importantly, it places every critical setup control exactly where it belongs: in the listening chair. High Level or Low Level gain, crossover, .1/LFE gain, phase, and Dual Parametric EQ can all be adjusted while listening to the system. Once setup is complete, the remote can be switched off to lock the settings and prevent accidental changes.

Dual Parametric EQ provides precise control across the bass range, allowing deep room resonances to be corrected while upper-bass excess can be gently trimmed. The result is deeper, cleaner bass and seamless integration with the main loudspeakers, all without leaving your seat.

DIMS
W x H x D
29 1/4 x 21.3 x 32 1/8 in.
(743 x 541 x 816 mm)

Shipping DIMS
W x H x D
39 x 30 x 37 in.
(987 x 768 x 932 mm)

202.5 lbs. (91.8 kg).
Shipping weight: 233 lbs (105.7 kg)