New Bose Headset Offers Significant Noise Cancelling Improvements

Bose introduced its newest noise cancelling headset early Monday morning at AirVenture at Oshkosh. The company says the A20 Aviation Headset is the result of more than 30 years of ongoing research in noise reduction technology.

The additional noise reduction comes from a more sensitive microphone inside the earcup, as well as the addition to a sampling microphone place on the outside. The result is a significant improvement over the noise-reduction qualities of the previous Bose Aviation Headset X, which was demonstrated at the show. The headset also has a new audio driver developed by Bose designed for higher output levels, enabling the headset to deliver noise reduction in louder environments. "With the A20 headset, several proprietary technologies work together to deliver a combination of benefits that wasn't available until today," said Sean Garrett, general manager of the Bose Noise Reduction Technology Group.

To demonstrate, new A20 headsets, as well as the previous Aviation Headset X models, were placed throughout the room. The sound of typical take off and cruise of a Cirrus SR22G3 airplane were played, and those attending were invited to try both the older model and the new headsets. The difference in noise reduction is noticeable, and communications were easily audible in the high-noise-level environment.

The A20 also includes Bluetooth technology, allowing pilots to pair their cell phones with the headset. The feature is useful during warmup and taxi for such things as allowing pilots to obtain weather briefings from FSS during ground operations. There is also an auxiliary audio input jack, individual ear volume controls, and a priority switch for audio selection.

Bose has priced the new A20 aviation Headset at $1095, and they are available immediately. A model that does not include Bluetooth connectivity is also available for $995. It supersedes and replaces the Aviation Headset X, which Bose says is no longer available.

FMI: www.bose.com