Bose Headphones Noise Cancelling Technology: A 50-Year History Of Sound Blocking Excellence

Bose Corporation are an American multinational corporation that designs and manufactures audio equipment, including headphones. The company was founded in 1964 by Dr. Amar G. Bose, and it quickly established itself as a leading innovator in the field of audio technology. One of the most significant innovations in the company’s history is the development of noise-cancelling technology, which is now a defining feature of many of Bose’s headphone products.

How does noise cancelling technology work?

Noise-cancelling technology works by using microphones to pick up external noise, such as the sound of airplane engines, and then generating sound waves that are the exact opposite, or “negative,” of the external noise. These negative sound waves effectively cancel out the external noise, resulting in a quieter listening experience.

Bose’s noise-cancelling technology is based on an active noise control system, which uses an electronic circuit to analyze incoming noise and generate a sound wave that is 180 degrees out of phase with the original noise. This “negative” sound wave effectively cancels out the original noise, resulting in a quieter listening experience.

When did Bose launch noise cancelling headphones?

In 2000, Bose introduced its first noise-cancelling headphones, the Bose QuietComfort (QC) series. The QuietComfort headphones used a combination of active noise control and passive noise isolation to reduce external noise. Passive noise isolation is achieved through the use of sound-isolating earcups that fit snugly around the ears and block out external noise. The active noise control system in the QuietComfort headphones uses a microphone in each earcup to pick up external noise. The microphone sends the noise signal to an electronic circuit, which analyzes the signal and generates a “negative” sound wave. This sound wave is then played through the headphones’ speakers, effectively canceling out the external noise.

Are QuietComfort headphones any good?

The QuietComfort series was a commercial success. The first generation of Bose QuietComfort headphones was geared towards airline passengers and was designed to reduce the noise of airplane engines. They featured a proprietary active noise control system and were able to reduce outside noise by as much as 16 decibels.

Over the years, Bose has released several updates to the QuietComfort series, with each new version featuring improved noise-cancellation technology and additional features. In 2002, Bose released the QuietComfort 2 (QC2) headphones, which featured updated noise-cancellation technology and an improved fit. The headphones were able to reduce external noise by up to 18 decibels, making them even more effective at blocking out noise. In 2003, Bose introduced the QuietComfort 3 (QC3) headphones, which featured a new, smaller design that was more portable and easier to carry. The headphones also featured updated noise-cancellation technology and an even more comfortable fit.

In 2011, Bose released the QuietComfort 15 (QC15) headphones, which featured a new design and updated noise-cancellation technology. The headphones were able to reduce external noise by up to 25 decibels, making them the most effective noise-cancelling headphones that Bose had ever produced.

In 2016, Bose released the QuietComfort 35 (QC35) headphones, which were a major update to the QuietComfort series. The headphones feature wireless functionality and a new design that includes a slimmer and more lightweight build, which makes them more comfortable to wear for extended periods of time. The QC35 headphones also feature an updated noise-cancellation algorithm which can block more noise than previous models.

In 2019, Bose launched the QuietComfort 35 II (QC35 II), which added a new feature, Action button, this button allows users to access Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa quickly and easily, allowing them to control music, receive weather updates and ask questions. The headphones also retain their noise cancelling capabilities and comfortable design from the original QC35s.

Bose introduces noise cancelling earbuds

In the same year, Bose also introduced the noise cancelling earbuds, called the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds, these earbuds feature a unique in-ear design and offer noise cancelling capabilities. The earbuds use a combination of active noise control and passive noise isolation to reduce external noise, similar to the company’s QuietComfort headphones. They are also designed for a comfortable and secure fit, with multiple eartip and wingtip options included.

In 2020, Bose launched the QuietComfort 35 II (QC35 II) Special Edition, which featured a new design, with new color options, and this edition was exclusive for a short period of time. The headphones retain the same noise cancelling capabilities, comfortable design, and feature the action button.

In 2021, Bose introduced its latest noise-cancelling headphones, the Bose 700 headphones, they come as an over-ear and on-ear models. The headphones have a new design, made of premium materials, such as stainless steel and synthetic protein leather. Bose 700 is equipped with an advanced noise-cancellation system, which uses 11 levels of noise-cancellation, which can be adjusted depending on the environment. Additionally, the headphones can be paired with Bose’s augmented reality (AR) platform, which delivers personalized audio experiences.

In 2022, Bose also introduced new true wireless noise cancelling earbuds called the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds, these earbuds are equipped with the latest noise cancelling technology, and offer a comfortable and secure fit with multiple eartip and wingtip options. They also come with a charging case which provides multiple charges, so you can stay on-the-go without worrying about battery life.

Are Bose still a top headphones company today?

Up to the current date, Bose continue to be a leader in the noise-cancelling headphones market, and they continue to innovate and improve their technology, design, and materials. The company’s noise-cancelling technology is widely recognized as being among the best in the industry, and the use of high-quality materials such as stainless steel and synthetic protein leather ensures that the company’s headphones are both durable and comfortable to wear.

In addition, Bose headphones are designed to work seamlessly with other devices and platforms, such as smartphones, tablets, and smart speakers, and features such as multi-point pairing, and access to voice assistants like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa make it easy for users to control their music and stay connected.