Bose computer speakers

Bose have been producing computer speakers since 1987 (perhaps earlier). The current lineup covers a range of speakers between compact stereo (meaning a 2 channel system, as opposed to Bose's "Stereo" range of speakers) and larger 2.1 systems.

Timeline of Bose digital music systems

Some names have been abbreviated and at times full names have been shortened to save space
("WMS - SL" = Wave Music System - SoundLink; VW = VideoWave)
Source: Bose owners guides

MediaMate

Bose MediaMate Computer Speakers

The MediaMate was Bose's first speaker system specifically designed for the computer. It was released in 1994 and was marketed as an affordable enhancement for streaming audio, games, and CDs. The speakers were magnetically shielded to prevent monitor interference, so that they could be placed near a computer screen; they also had dual RCA inputs which allowed a user to mix in or switch to another source like a compact disc or MP3 player. There is no on/off switch for the MediaMate speakers.

The speakers slanted upward from the desktop surface to focus the sound toward the user's ears. Two-inch drivers are used, along with a ported enclosure. The system featured integrated signal processing, circuit compression and spacial synthesis circuitry. The speakers were designed to take up a minimum of desk space and were available in many colors.

Bose replaced the MediaMate speaker system with the Companion 2 speakers in 2005.

MM-2 (Japan only)

The MM-2 was a Japanese only 2.1 speaker system. It contains 2 satellite speakers connected to an amplified bass module. The cube speakers were designed to be attached to the sides of a computer monitor with the 2 analog audio connections located on the bass module. It comes in both Black & White color options.

Bose Companion Computer Speakers

Companion 2

Companion 2 series 1

The Companion 2 speaker system succeeded the MediaMate speakers some months after the Companion 3 speakers were released, in 2015. Like the MediaMates, the Companion 2 Speakers featured electromagnetic shielding on the speakers. The main change was that the bass ducts were on the back of the speakers instead of the front. Also, if placed close to a corner of the room or close to the walls, bass response could be increased. The design reflected the Companion 3 styling. The Companion 2 speakers had two connection ports so that two devices could share the speakers, but without separate volume controls. An off switch was also added to the volume control to power off the speakers.

The line introduced "TrueSpace Stereo Everywhere" speaker technology, replacing the spaciousness enhancement circuitry found on the Mediamates.

Companion 2 series 2

In September 2006 Bose re-released the Bose Companion 2 updating its appearance.

Companion 3

Companion 3 series 1

Bose released the Companion 3 computer speakers during Fall of 2004 to provide a broader variety in their computer multimedia lineup. The products that were part of Bose's multimedia collection before the Companion 3's release were the MediaMate, TriPort headphones, and the QuietComfort headphone lineup.

The Bose Companion 3 computer speaker system utilizes a bass module and two satellite transducers to deliver the high and mid-end range of sound. The Companion 3 speakers came with a control pod which allowed the system to be muted and put into stand-by mode by tapping the center. It also features a volume control, a headphone jack and an auxiliary input apart from the main input, meaning two sound sources could be heard at the same time. The Acoustimass module has a volume control that sets the balance of low frequencies.

Companion 3 series 2

In September 2006 Bose re-released the Companion 3 Computer Speaker System updating its appearance.

Companion 5

The Bose Companion 5 speaker system, which uses "TrueSpace Surround", provides sound in an unusual way—instead of using a stereo jack, it requires one free USB 2.0 port. Bose recommends at least a 1 GHz processor, 256 MB RAM, one free USB 2.0 port, Microsoft Windows XP or later or Mac OS X 10.4.6 or later and a compatible 5.1 surround-sound decoder inside the computer. Bose claims that the system will provide sound "that matches that of a normal 5.1 speaker system". The Companion 5 system also works with Linux kernels that support USB audio including Pulse Audio. Because the Companion 5 uses a USB connection, a computer sound card is not needed.

Similar to the Bose Companion 3 Series II, it comes with two speakers mounted on stands, as well as an acoustimass module with a control pod. In the control pod, there is a headphone jack, as well as an auxiliary 3.5mm input, which plays sound from another device at the same time that you listen to something on your computer via the USB connection.

Companion 20

Released in 2011 This system replaced the Companion 3 II. Unlike the companion 3's it does not include an external subwoofer.

Music Monitor systems

Bose Computer MusicMonitors

Micro Music Monitor(M3) (Japan Only)

Released only in Japan on March 3, 2006 these speakers were called the "Micro Music Monitor (M3)"[1]. It can operate on battery power.

Computer MusicMonitor

On October 4, 2007 Bose launched an American version of the Japanese Micro Music Monitors, called the Computer MusicMonitors. Unlike the Japanese version it cannot operate on battery power and has a different remote control.

In addition to dual internal opposing passive radiators on the back of each speaker, the American Computer Music Monitor sports neodymium magnets, air ducts, switching amplifiers, Active EQ, and EM shielding.

Criticism

Critics have said:

• MediaMate Computer Speakers
  • The speakers can only be powered off by unplugging them.

• Companion 2 series I
  • There is still not a way to power off the system immediately, other than unplugging it. It goes off automatically after a few minutes of inactivity.
  • The MediaMate had a secondary volume control knob to balance the volume between the two sources connected to the speakers. In the Companion 2 the user has to control the volume of each source on the source itself.

• Companion 3 series I
  • The systems released in the first few months made a crackling noise when the volume reached extremely loud levels with certain sound cards. This was addressed in the first 6 months of 2005.
  • These early units also had some problems with the transducers making a buzzing noise after using them for a certain period of time. Anyone experiencing these issues should send the system back to Bose for repair or exchange if the problem happens with every sound source; otherwise the problem lies in the sound source. This problem was also addressed sometime in the first 6 months of 2005.
  • Many people complained about the lowest volume level not being low enough: The volume control wheel doesn't go down to 0dB and the lowest volume could be loud if someone is sleeping in the room. This problem was addressed by the Bose Companion 3 Series 2 and the Bose Companion 5, in September 2006.

• Computer MusicMonitor
  • Even though their sound quality and accuracy has been praised by many, their maximum volume level for the price range has been criticized, as well as the amount of bass. This takes into account even other Bose systems within the Computer category, which can achieve much louder volume and deep, resonant bass for a lower price. In the end it seems to come down to portability, design and sound quality and accuracy.

Awards

• 2007 Red Dot Award for product design - Companion 5
• 2008 Red Dot Award for product design - Computer MusicMonitor

External References

• Bose US Multimedia Family homepage
• Bose Companion 2 Series 2
• Bose Companion 20
• Bose Companion 5 Website