Bose headphones

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.

Contents

Background

Acoustic Noise-Cancellation Development

The idea of personal noise protection by actively controlled headphones was originally documented in a 1960 Russian patent application.[1][2] 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 U.S. Patent 2,866,848, U.S. Patent 2,920,138, U.S. Patent 2,966,549 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."[3]

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.[4]

One source notes that "nearly simultaneously, the US company Bose and Sennheiser in Germany presented active headsets for aircraft pilots,"[1] 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.

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.

Timeline of Bose headphones

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Some names have been abbreviated and at times full names have been shortened to save space
("QC" = QuietComfort; "SE" = Second Edition;"IE" = In-Ear; "MIE" = Mobile In-Ear)
("AE" = Around-Ear; "OE" = On-Ear; "BH" = Bluetooth headset)
Sources: Bose owners guides[5]

QuietComfort Headphones

See also: Previous Bose Noise Reducing 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 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.[6]

Bose QuietComfort 15 Headphones

On August 19, 2009 Bose announced the release of the Bose QC15's.[7] A model to supersede QuietComfort 2 Revision 2, both the QuietComfort 2 Revision 2 and the QuietComfort 15 share the same cosmetic design,[8] 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.[9] The QuietComfort 15 was released August 20, 2009 and is priced at $299.

TriPort Headphones

See also: Previous Bose 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.[10]

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.[11] According to Bose it incorporates improved acoustics and improved stability with "StayHear tips"[12]

Mobile Headphones

See also: Previous Bose Mobile Headphones

MIE2

On August, 16 2010 Bose announced the MIE2's.[11] According to Bose it incorporates improved acoustics and improved stability with "StayHear tips"[12] The MIE2's are designed for cellphone use and come with 2.5mm adapters.[13]

MIE2i

On August, 16 2010 Bose announced the MIE2i.[11] According to Bose it incorporates improved acoustics and improved stability with "StayHear tips"[12] The MIE2i's are designed for cellphone use and come with 2.5mm adapters.[13] 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.[14] 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.[15] [16] [17][18]

Aviation Headset

See also: Previous Bose Aviation Headsets

A20 Aviation Headset

Released on July 26, 2010[19] 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.[20]

Military Headsets

Combat Vehicle Crewman Headset

In 1993 Bose introduced an active noise reduction system for use by crews in United States Army combat vehicles.

At noise levels of 115dBA SPL, Bose noise cancelling headsets improves speech intelligibility scores to 95%, compared to 80% for conventional headsets.[21] 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,[22] 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.[23][24]

Bose QuietComfort as Premium In-flight Entertainment

American Airlines 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.[6]

On 1 July 2006[25] JAL started to offer QuietComfort 2 headphones to First class customers on some flights[26] 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.

Awards

Criticism

See also

Notes

  1. ^ a b Tokhi, Osman; Sandor Veres (2002). Active Sound and Vibration Control. Institution of Electrical Engineers. ISBN 0-85296-038-7.  p. 13
  2. ^ A. V. Bykhovskii. Sposob polawlenija shuma w scluchowom organe (Technique for noise suppression in the ear), 1960, Patent UdSSR SU 133 631. Filed: 24 August 1949. Published: Patent Bulletin No. 22. Citation from Tokhi and Veres (2002).
  3. ^ "Can the science of acoustics reduce the roar of an airplane engine?". Bose Corporation. http://www.bose.ie/IE/en/learning-centre/noise-reduction/index.jsp. Retrieved 2006-08-06. 
  4. ^ "Escape the Noise - Bose Learning Center". http://www.bose.co.uk/GB/en/learning-centre/featured-stories/escape-the-noise/index.jsp. 
  5. ^ Bose Owner's Guides for Headphones and Headsets. Retrieved November 15, 2009.
  6. ^ a b "Premium Comfort With Bose Quality". American Airlines website. http://www.aa.com/content/urls/bose.jhtml. Retrieved 2008-02-01. 
  7. ^ Bose unveils new QuietComfort 15 headphones - cnet
  8. ^ Bose Quietly Updates Its QuietComfort Noise-Canceling Headphones (With Ears-On) - gizmodo
  9. ^ Bose Improves, Replaces QuietComfort 2 Headphones - pcmag
  10. ^ OE Features
  11. ^ a b c gearlog - Bose Announces Three Mobile In-Ear Headphones
  12. ^ a b c cnet - Bose debuts new in-ear headphones
  13. ^ a b Bose Readies In-Ear Headphones, Headsets
  14. ^ http://products.bose.com/static/email/10_bluetooth_launch/index_h1.html?src=EM280341
  15. ^ http://www.chipchick.com/2010/10/bose-bluetooth-headset.html
  16. ^ http://www.berryreview.com/2010/10/29/bose-bluetooth-headset-coming-out-next-month/
  17. ^ http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-20019904-1.html
  18. ^ http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/18/bose-enters-single-ear-bluetooth-headset-market-with-expected-sw/
  19. ^ Youtube - AVweb, New Bose A20 Headset
  20. ^ AOPA - Bose upgrades to A20 headset
  21. ^ Source: USAF AL data
  22. ^ Amigura - Bose Corporation
  23. ^ Army Technology • Bose Corporation
  24. ^ Bose - TriPort tactical headset
  25. ^ "JAL News". Japan Airlines website. http://www.jal.co.jp/en/headline.html. Retrieved 2008-02-01. 
  26. ^ "JAL International Flights - In-flight Entertainment(First Class)". Japan Airlines website. http://www.jal.co.jp/en/inflight/inter/first/f_enter/. Retrieved 2008-02-01. 
  27. ^ "Headset Preference Survey". Professional Pilot: 82. December 2005. 
  28. ^ 2006 Sound & Vision Editor's Choice award QuietComfort 3
  29. ^ 2006 Potentials Magazine Gold Star Award for the QuietComfort 3
  30. ^ 2007 Red Dot Award for product design - QuietComfort 3
  31. ^ 2008 Red Dot Award for product design - On-Ear Headphones
  32. ^ "archive.org - Complimentary Silicone Tips and Stability Enhancement Kit for Bose In-Ear Headphones". Bose website. Archived from the original on 2008-03-04. http://web.archive.org/web/20080304074835/http://www.bose.com/controller?event=DTC_LINKS_TARGET_EVENT&DTCLinkID=7518&src=ENHANCE. Retrieved 2009-09-23. 
  33. ^ Berger, Ivan (2007-03-22). "Hang on to the Beat With Earbuds That Stay Put". New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/22/technology/22headphones.html. Retrieved 2008-02-01. 

References

Multimedia systems
Speaker systems
Home entertainment
systems
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