Bose Headphone Family
Encyclopedia
Bose headphones are a family of headphone products sold by the Bose Corporation. The company was a pioneer in the development of headphones that use active noise cancellation
technology.
by actively controlled headphones was originally documented in a 1960 Russian patent application. In the United States, the idea for active noise cancellation for helicopter and aircraft pilots was patented by Dr. Lawrence J. Fogel
as early as the mid 1950s , , and Canadian patent 631,136. According to Bose, the company started noise-cancellation involvement after Dr. Amar Bose
went on a 1978 flight to Europe, utilized the headphones provided during the flight only to conclude that he couldn't really enjoy the sound with the roar of engines in the background."
In 1986, Bose applied their noise-cancellation technology to develop headphones to protect the hearing of pilots participating in the first non-stop around-the-world flight.
One source notes that "nearly simultaneously, the US company Bose and Sennheiser
in Germany presented active headsets for aircraft pilots," citing a 1986 American Society of Mechanical Engineers
paper about the Bose product and a 1988 Funkschau (see :de:Funkschau) paper about the Sennheiser. Bose's first noise-cancelling headsets were released to the public in 1989.
After about 10 years of research and development Bose released their first consumer level noise reducing headphones for pilots called the Aviation Headset, released in 1989. The current revision provides active equalization as well as active noise reduction.
Like all such technology, it mixes an inverted sample of the ambient sound outside the headset with the sound that reaches the inside of the headset, partially cancelling out the noise. Active (battery-powered) noise cancellation is never perfect, and is better at low frequencies than at high frequencies.
As with all active noise cancellation technologies, it requires a source of power—a small battery inside the headset—to perform the cancellation.
All Bose headphones are closed-air to provide passive noise reduction.
Bose states that, although the supra-aural configuration provides less passive blocking than their circumaural headphones, the QC3s have the same amount of total noise reduction as the QC2s due to improved active noise cancellation. In 2006, they were the first headphones to receive a Sound & Vision
Editor's Choice award.
The QC3 appears to achieve its active noise cancellation performance at the expense of stability of causing an unpleasant squealing noise as described on these following flaws:
The QC3 uses memory foam to conform to the ear and provide a good acoustic seal without uncomfortable pressure.
The QC3's earcups are too small to contain a AAA battery, and are powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery instead. Bose claims a battery life of twenty hours.
Bose QC3 headphones are provided by American Airlines
for use by passengers in premium flight classes on some long-haul flights.
In addition, Bose redesigned the cushions to complement the enhanced Acoustic Noise Cancellation engine. The QuietComfort 15 was released August 20, 2009 and is priced at $299.
Shortly after the release of the iPhone in 2007 Bose redesigned the OE's headphone plug on the detachable cords to make it iPhone compatible.
combat vehicle
s.
At noise levels of 115dBA SPL
, Bose noise cancelling headsets improves speech intelligibility scores to 95%, compared to 80% for conventional headsets. At low frequencies, Bose headsets are much more effective in attenuating noise than passive noise reduction headsets. A binaural talk-through feature allows crewmen to talk directly to each other without removing their headsets.
This product is not available to civilian consumers.
provides QuietComfort 15 headphones to first- and business-class passengers on some long-haul flights. Bose has made American Airlines several special edition versions of the QuietComforts starting with the original QC1 that had blue ear cups and an American Airlines logo on them. American Airlines became the first airline to offer the QuietComforts.
American Airlines allows each of their First and Business Class passengers to use a pair of the QuietComfort 15 on long-haul flights to Europe, Asia, deep South America and select First Class transcontinental flights.
On 1 July 2006 JAL started to offer QuietComfort 2 headphones to First class customers on some flights
Air-India also offers QuietComfort 3 headphones to its Premium Class customers on some long haul flights.
Cathay Pacific
also provides their First and Business Class passengers a pair of customized Quiet Comfort headphones.
Active noise control
Active noise control is a method for reducing unwanted sound.- Explanation :...
technology.
Acoustic Noise-Cancellation Development
The idea of personal noise protectionNoise-cancelling headphone
Noise-cancelling headphones reduce unwanted ambient sounds by means of active noise control . This involves using one or more microphones placed near the ear, and electronic circuitry which uses the microphone signal to generate an "antinoise" signal...
by actively controlled headphones was originally documented in a 1960 Russian patent application. In the United States, the idea for active noise cancellation for helicopter and aircraft pilots was patented by Dr. Lawrence J. Fogel
Lawrence J. Fogel
Dr. Lawrence J. Fogel , was a pioneer in evolutionary computation and human factors analysis. He is known as the father of evolutionary programming. Born in Brooklyn, New York, he earned his B.E.E. from New York University in 1948, M.S. from Rutgers University in 1952 and Ph.D...
as early as the mid 1950s , , and Canadian patent 631,136. According to Bose, the company started noise-cancellation involvement after Dr. Amar Bose
Amar Bose
Amar Gopal Bose is an Bengali American electrical engineer, sound engineer and billionaire entrepreneur. He is the founder and chairman of Bose Corporation...
went on a 1978 flight to Europe, utilized the headphones provided during the flight only to conclude that he couldn't really enjoy the sound with the roar of engines in the background."
In 1986, Bose applied their noise-cancellation technology to develop headphones to protect the hearing of pilots participating in the first non-stop around-the-world flight.
One source notes that "nearly simultaneously, the US company Bose and Sennheiser
Sennheiser
Sennheiser electronic GmbH & Co. KG is a private German audio company specializing in the design and production of a wide range of both consumer and high fidelity products, including microphones, headphones, telephony accessories, and avionics headsets for consumer, professional, and business...
in Germany presented active headsets for aircraft pilots," citing a 1986 American Society of Mechanical Engineers
American Society of Mechanical Engineers
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers is a professional body, specifically an engineering society, focused on mechanical engineering....
paper about the Bose product and a 1988 Funkschau (see :de:Funkschau) paper about the Sennheiser. Bose's first noise-cancelling headsets were released to the public in 1989.
After about 10 years of research and development Bose released their first consumer level noise reducing headphones for pilots called the Aviation Headset, released in 1989. The current revision provides active equalization as well as active noise reduction.
Like all such technology, it mixes an inverted sample of the ambient sound outside the headset with the sound that reaches the inside of the headset, partially cancelling out the noise. Active (battery-powered) noise cancellation is never perfect, and is better at low frequencies than at high frequencies.
As with all active noise cancellation technologies, it requires a source of power—a small battery inside the headset—to perform the cancellation.
Bose TriPort Earcup Structure
The "triport" earcup structure has three miniature air ducts that allow the drivers to make larger excursions without resulting in distortion.All Bose headphones are closed-air to provide passive noise reduction.
QuietComfort Headphones
Bose QuietComfort 3 Headphones
Bose released the QuietComfort 3 Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones on June 15, 2006, the company's first pair of supra-aural (on-the-ear) headphones.Bose states that, although the supra-aural configuration provides less passive blocking than their circumaural headphones, the QC3s have the same amount of total noise reduction as the QC2s due to improved active noise cancellation. In 2006, they were the first headphones to receive a Sound & Vision
Sound and Vision (magazine)
Sound & Vision is an American magazine, published by Bonnier Corporation, covering home theater, audio, video and multimedia consumer products....
Editor's Choice award.
The QC3 appears to achieve its active noise cancellation performance at the expense of stability of causing an unpleasant squealing noise as described on these following flaws:
- Pressure on the earpads, such as that caused by the user leaning their head against a flat surface.
- Manually pressing on the headphones.
The QC3 uses memory foam to conform to the ear and provide a good acoustic seal without uncomfortable pressure.
The QC3's earcups are too small to contain a AAA battery, and are powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery instead. Bose claims a battery life of twenty hours.
Bose QC3 headphones are provided by American Airlines
American Airlines
American Airlines, Inc. is the world's fourth-largest airline in passenger miles transported and operating revenues. American Airlines is a subsidiary of the AMR Corporation and is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas adjacent to its largest hub at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport...
for use by passengers in premium flight classes on some long-haul flights.
Bose QuietComfort 15 Headphones
On August 19, 2009 Bose announced the release of the Bose QC15's. A model to supersede QuietComfort 2 Revision 2, both the QuietComfort 2 Revision 2 and the QuietComfort 15 share the same cosmetic design, but the similarities end there. Bose worked to refine the Acoustic Noise Cancellation engine so each earcup would use two microphones instead of one (there is now acoustic noise-cancelling microphones on both inside and outside the earcup). The new headphones also have a slot for a AAA sized battery, as well as a "High / Lo" reversible switch for appliances with a low volume, and for applications that have a higher volume output, to better help the listener with volume control.In addition, Bose redesigned the cushions to complement the enhanced Acoustic Noise Cancellation engine. The QuietComfort 15 was released August 20, 2009 and is priced at $299.
TriPort Headphones
AE2
On October 15, 2010, Bose released a new version of the Around Ear Headphones called the AE2. They feature a single detachable cord that connects to the left side of the headphones. The foam on the original headband of the original TriPorts has been replaced with a synthetic leather. Additionally, the earpieces rotate flat for improved storage, similar to the design of the QuietComfort models.Bose On-Ear (OE) Headphones
The Bose On-Ear headphones were introduced on October 12, 2006. The Bose On-Ear is similar to the Bose QuietComfort 3 Headphones, but without active noise cancellation. The cord is detachable; both 43 and 16-inch cords are available.Shortly after the release of the iPhone in 2007 Bose redesigned the OE's headphone plug on the detachable cords to make it iPhone compatible.
IE2
On August, 16 2010 Bose announced the IE2's. According to Bose it incorporates improved acoustics and improved stability with "StayHear tips"Mobile Headphones
MIE2
On August, 16 2010 Bose announced the MIE2's. According to Bose it incorporates improved acoustics and improved stability with "StayHear tips" The MIE2's are designed for cellphone use and come with 2.5mm adapters.MIE2i
On August, 16 2010 Bose announced the MIE2i. According to Bose it incorporates improved acoustics and improved stability with "StayHear tips" The MIE2is are designed for cellphone use and come with 2.5mm adapters. This headphone designed for apple devices (including the iPhone, iPod, iMac, iPad, etc.) incorporates an in-line remote control for volume, track up/down and access to select Apple voice applications. This version is being released at the same price as the MIE2's.Bluetooth Headset
On November 1, 2010, Bose released its first wireless Bluetooth headset. It has technology that will allow a user to move between a quiet and loud environment, without having to change volume controls. The headset has a special design that allows its built-in mic to selectively sense a user’s voice, and acoustically reject the background sounds that interfere with it — so that the caller is heard more, and distractions are heard less. The headset also comes with Bose StayHear tips for a comfy and secure fit without the need for an ear hook. The headset also has a sliding on/off switch for answering calls or turning the device on and off. Finally, the Bose Bluetooth headset comes with a protective case and 3 ear-tips.Aviation Headset
A20 Aviation Headset
Released on July 26, 2010 as an upgrade to the previous "Aviation Headset X" (aka A10), they are noise reducing headphones for pilots. It either runs on two AA batteries for 45 hours or is powered by the airplanes electrical system. It has an Aux in for a separate audio device, and better noise reduction and less clamping force than its predecessor. There are two models, one that includes a Bluetooth kit for cellphones or one that excludes this feature.Combat Vehicle Crewman Headset
In 1993 Bose introduced an active noise reduction system for use by crews in United States ArmyUnited States Army
The United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
combat vehicle
Combat vehicle
A combat vehicle, also known as a ground combat vehicle, is a self-propelled, weaponized military vehicle used for combat operations. Combat vehicles can be wheeled or tracked.- Automation :...
s.
At noise levels of 115dBA SPL
Sound pressure
Sound pressure or acoustic pressure is the local pressure deviation from the ambient atmospheric pressure caused by a sound wave. Sound pressure can be measured using a microphone in air and a hydrophone in water...
, Bose noise cancelling headsets improves speech intelligibility scores to 95%, compared to 80% for conventional headsets. At low frequencies, Bose headsets are much more effective in attenuating noise than passive noise reduction headsets. A binaural talk-through feature allows crewmen to talk directly to each other without removing their headsets.
This product is not available to civilian consumers.
Triport Tactical Headset
The Triport Tactical Headset (TTH) introduced in 2004, also called the Improved Tactical Headset (ITH), is an improved version of the Combat Vehicle Crewman Headset, is in widespread use today. This system is for use in wheeled vehicles that while quieter can produce 95dBA SPL or higher. It fits under infantry ballistic helmet.Bose QuietComfort as Premium In-flight Entertainment
American AirlinesAmerican Airlines
American Airlines, Inc. is the world's fourth-largest airline in passenger miles transported and operating revenues. American Airlines is a subsidiary of the AMR Corporation and is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas adjacent to its largest hub at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport...
provides QuietComfort 15 headphones to first- and business-class passengers on some long-haul flights. Bose has made American Airlines several special edition versions of the QuietComforts starting with the original QC1 that had blue ear cups and an American Airlines logo on them. American Airlines became the first airline to offer the QuietComforts.
American Airlines allows each of their First and Business Class passengers to use a pair of the QuietComfort 15 on long-haul flights to Europe, Asia, deep South America and select First Class transcontinental flights.
On 1 July 2006 JAL started to offer QuietComfort 2 headphones to First class customers on some flights
Air-India also offers QuietComfort 3 headphones to its Premium Class customers on some long haul flights.
Cathay Pacific
Cathay Pacific
Cathay Pacific is the flag carrier of Hong Kong, with its head office and main hub located at Hong Kong International Airport, although the airline's registered office is on the 33rd floor of One Pacific Place...
also provides their First and Business Class passengers a pair of customized Quiet Comfort headphones.
Awards
- 2000 to 2005 Aviation Headset X was voted #1 by Professional Pilot magazine's headset preference survey five years in a row.
- 2006 QuietComfort 3 were the first headphones to receive a Sound & Vision Editor's Choice award.
- 2006 Potentials Magazine Gold Star Award for the QuietComfort 3
- 2007 Red Dot Award for product design on QuietComfort 3
- 2008 Red Dot Award for product design - On-Ear Headphones
Criticism
- Some complaints about the early production In-Ears have been that the "silicone ear tips become detached under certain conditions" and that the "stability of the headphones during certain activities, such as exercise, could be improved", Bose setup a website to send redesigned ear tips and a new clip and the lanyard for free.