Bose Introduces New QuietComfort 3 Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones

Business Wire, June 8, 2006

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. -- Bose has introduced the new QuietComfort(R) 3 Acoustic Noise Cancelling(R) headphones, offering the same audio performance, noise reduction and comfortable fit found in the acclaimed QuietComfort(R) 2 Acoustic Noise Cancelling(R) headphones -- in a smaller, more portable on-ear design.

In order to reduce the size of QuietComfort 3 headphones without compromising performance, Bose engineers relied on more than 25 years of ongoing research in on-head audio and noise reduction. The result is a new proprietary acoustic design to provide audio quality across a full range of audible frequencies, a new electronic design that delivers superb noise reduction, and a new mechanical design offering a comfortable fit for long-term listening. With these advances, the QC(TM)3 headphones overcome the performance trade-offs found in conventional on-ear headphones, and offer a listening experience previously only available in larger, around-ear designs.

"We challenged ourselves when designing the QuietComfort 3 headphones," said Sean Garrett, general manager of the Bose Noise Reduction Technology Group. "We engineered new innovations to offer performance never before achieved in an on-ear headphone. The QC3 headphones represent our design intent, as well as our commitment to research."

Bose QuietComfort 3 headphones were designed as an integrated system, combining electro-acoustic and ergonomic technologies only available from Bose. With a systems approach, the headphone elements work together seamlessly, without sacrificing one feature or benefit for another.

Continuing the Legacy of Performance: New Design, New Technology, Smaller Size

Bose has developed and designed noise reducing headsets for mission-critical military applications, and for private and commercial pilots around the world. The QuietComfort 3 headphones benefit from this legacy and leverage the same research and technologies while incorporating new advancements for consumer use.

Because on-ear headphones are less effective at providing passive noise reduction (the physical blocking of noise), Bose engineers had to develop new ways to increase the active noise reduction in the QC(TM)3 headphones. This compensation was necessary to retain the total reduction of unwanted noise found in their predecessor. New electronic circuitry was created and incorporated to increase the level of active attenuation, while still reducing the size of the earcup.

The new circuitry identifies unwanted noise and reduces it, while preserving the music, speech or tranquility desired. This correction process is rapid and continuous in the Bose system, allowing the QuietComfort 3 headphones to react to dynamically changing noise sources.

In conventional on-ear headphones, ear cushions are simply designed for fit. Bose engineers have designed an entirely new kind of cushion for the QuietComfort 3 headphones that deliver superior comfort while functioning as an acoustic component. Using a proprietary memory foam cell structure and an air-restrictive outer covering, the cushions automatically conform to the ears, providing a seal that blocks much of the unwanted noise without creating irritating pressure points. The new cushions offer an effective seal enabling the headphones to deliver high-quality audio with deep low notes -- performance not commonly found in smaller headphones.

To further enhance audio performance, the Bose QuietComfort 3 headphones use Bose TriPort(R) acoustic headphone structure, originally used in the Bose aviation headsets for pilots. This technology features small ports in the earcups that dramatically increase the low-frequency output of the system; the headphones remain small and lightweight, while instruments -- like the kettle drum -- sound as intended.

To deliver a faithful reproduction of music and speech, the QC(TM)3 headphones use proprietary active equalization technology to electronically tune the frequency response. Bose-designed circuitry also dramatically reduces the noise-floor, a "hiss" commonly found in many electronic audio devices. This provides a quieter environment to deliver sound, so audio reproduction is cleaner and clearer.

The electronics package had to maintain its performance and effectiveness, but on a much smaller scale than previously employed. Because of the headphones' smaller size, Bose engineers had to develop new miniaturized electronics circuitry to neatly integrate into the earcups while still leaving room for a power source. The QuietComfort 3 headphones debut an environmentally friendly, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, specifically designed to fit within the earcups while providing approximately 20 hours of continuous use -- lasting longer than a flight from Chicago to Hong-Kong, or fully-charged MP3 players.

To connect to an audio source, a single cable runs from the left earcup. For untethered noise reduction, the cable is fully detachable. Meticulous mechanical design provides simple reattachment of the cable when needed to reconnect to an MP3 player, in-flight audio, portable DVD players, or music-enabled cell phones.