Story ID: 439
Bose Demos In-ear and Over-the-ear Headsets
By: Matt Thurber
Caption: The A30 is Bose's latest aviation headset
Word Count: 538
Earlier this year, Bose unveiled its newest aviation headset, the A30, an active-noise-reduction (ANR) over-the-ear product that replaces the A20. Four years in development, the A30 is slightly lighter than the A20 but its ANR system features digital electronics, similar to those in the ProFlight 2 in-ear headset. Pilots can try out the Bose headsets this week at its NBAA-BACE booth.
The A30 and ProFlight 2 also share the high-medium-low settings for adjusting the level of noise cancellation, although the A30’s are modified and updated. The high mode gives the most noise cancellation and should be optimal for noisy aircraft, typically piston-powered and unpressurized types.
Pilots flying quieter aircraft, such as pressurized pistons and turboprops, might find the medium setting more suitable. And, in a super-quiet jet flight deck where being able to hear outside the headset is important for crew communication, the low setting allows the wearer to hear crew and passenger voices. The low setting is also accessible by double-tapping one of the A30’s ear cups.
The A20 and A30 weigh nearly the same, with the latter lighter by six grams (including the headset and the upper half of the down cable). However, the combination of a change in the A30’s balance (center of gravity and where it touches the wearer), lighter clamping force, and lower weight contribute to the improved feel of the A30.
The down cable was also redesigned and is about 20 percent thinner and lighter than the A20’s cable, resulting in a more “supple” movement.
The A30 makes moving the mic and down cable from one side to the other easier and with no tools needed. Just toggle two clamps on the mic side and one clamp on the other side, and swap the two pieces. The A20 requires the use of a small Phillips screwdriver. 
Another new feature for the A30 is the USB (micro B) port in the control module, which can be used to add features via firmware updates to keep the headset current with the latest technology. So far, Bose hasn’t identified what these might be, but the option to provide updates is there.
Pilots flying with night-vision goggles no longer have to tape over the LED lights on the control module, which in the A30 can be switched off. To turn the lights off, push the power button three times quickly.
Compared with the A20, the A30 looks more sophisticated, with cleaner lines, no wires showing on the headband, and smoother-looking ear cups. The headband uses a similar center-pivot spring, but the A30 has longer protective pads that are built-in compared with the shorter, fluffy, hook-and-loop-attached pads on the A20.
The headband on the A30 is made of sintered aluminum instead of the magnesium on the A20 and is more durable, according to Bose.
Like the A20 and ProFlight 2, the A30 is FAA technical standard order (TSO) approved. The A30 retails for $1,299 with or without Bluetooth and with most plug types, including dual GA, panel power (Lemo), Airbus XLR5, and U-174 (helicopter). Other more specialized plug types will be added, Bose said.