Bose Companion 3 II Manual

The Bose Companion 3 II is a premium multimedia speaker system designed for computers and other audio sources. It features a sleek control pod with volume control and headphone jack, TrueSpace® stereo digital processing circuitry for enhanced sound, two satellite speakers, and a hideaway Acoustimass® module for powerful bass. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Connecting Devices 7. Using the System 8. Care & Maintenance 9. Regulatory Information 10. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Control Pod, Two Satellite Speakers, Hideaway Acoustimass® Module, Power Supply, Audio Cables.

Feature	Description
Control Pod	Volume control, headphone jack, and system power button
Satellite Speakers	Two compact speakers for clear midrange and high frequencies
Acoustimass® Module	Hideaway unit for powerful, distortion-free bass
TrueSpace® Stereo	Digital processing for an expansive sound experience
Headphone Jack	Convenient front-panel jack for private listening
Audio Inputs	3.5mm stereo input for computer or other audio sources
Power Supply	External AC adapter for clean power delivery
System Power	Button on control pod turns system on/off
Volume Control	Rotary knob on control pod for easy adjustment
Compact Design	Space-saving layout ideal for desktop use

Installation

Unpack and inspect all components. Place on stable surface near your computer.

Position Speakers: Place satellite speakers on either side of your monitor. Place the Acoustimass module on the floor or under the desk.
Connect Speakers: Connect the satellite speaker cables to the corresponding ports on the Acoustimass module (Left and Right).
Connect Control Pod: Plug the control pod cable into the designated port on the Acoustimass module.
Connect Audio Source: Connect the 3.5mm audio cable from your computer's audio output to the "Audio In" port on the Acoustimass module.
Connect Power: Plug the AC adapter into the Acoustimass module and then into a wall outlet.

WARNING! Ensure all connections are secure before powering on. Do not place the Acoustimass module in an enclosed cabinet.

First-Time Setup

Power on the system and configure for optimal sound.

Power On: Press the power button on the control pod. The indicator light will illuminate.
Adjust Volume: Turn the volume knob on the control pod to a low level.
Play Audio: Begin playing audio from your connected computer or device.
Fine-Tune Placement: Adjust the position of the satellite speakers for the best stereo imaging. The Acoustimass module can be placed anywhere in the room for optimal bass response.
Headphone Use: Plug headphones into the control pod jack to mute the speakers for private listening.

CAUTION! Start with low volume to avoid sudden loud sounds. Keep liquids away from electronic components.

Specifications

System Type: 2.1 Multimedia Speaker System.
Total System Power: Not specified by Bose (Adequate for desktop use).
Technology: TrueSpace® stereo digital processing, Acoustimass® bass module.
Inputs: One 3.5mm stereo analog input.
Outputs: Front-panel 3.5mm headphone jack (mutes speakers when used).
Controls: Power button, volume knob on control pod.
Satellite Speakers: Magnetically shielded.
Power Source: External AC adapter (Input: 120V AC, 60Hz).
Dimensions (Approx.): Satellites: Small footprint; Acoustimass Module: Compact rectangular design.

Controls and Settings

All primary controls are located on the Control Pod.

Control Pod: Power Button (press to turn system on/off), Volume Knob (rotate to adjust volume), Headphone Jack (plug in headphones to mute speakers).

There are no software settings or equalizer adjustments. The TrueSpace® circuitry automatically optimizes the sound based on the audio content. For volume and source control, use the control pod and your computer's audio settings.

Connecting Devices

Primary connection is for a computer. Can also connect other audio sources with a 3.5mm output.

Turn off the system and your computer before making connections.
Connect the included 3.5mm audio cable from your computer's line-out or headphone jack to the "Audio In" port on the Acoustimass module.
For other devices (MP3 player, tablet, phone), use a standard 3.5mm audio cable to connect the device's output to the same "Audio In" port.
Ensure the control pod is connected to the Acoustimass module.

Tip: For best audio quality, use the line-out port on your computer if available, rather than the headphone jack.

Using the System

Designed for simple, high-quality audio playback.

Power: Press the power button on the control pod. The light indicates power status.
Volume Adjustment: Rotate the volume knob on the control pod clockwise to increase volume, counterclockwise to decrease.
Headphone Use: Inserting headphones into the control pod jack automatically mutes the satellite speakers and Acoustimass module. Audio is routed to the headphones.
Source Switching: The system will play audio from whatever source is connected to the "Audio In" port. To switch sources, change the audio output on your computer or physically swap the audio cable to another device.
Power Off: Press the power button on the control pod to turn the system off when not in use.

WARNING! Avoid prolonged exposure to high volume levels to prevent hearing damage. Unplug the AC adapter during electrical storms.

Care & Maintenance

Unplug the AC adapter before cleaning. Use a dry, soft cloth to wipe the exterior of the speakers and control pod. Do not use liquids, sprays, or abrasive cleaners.

CAUTION! Do not open any part of the system. There are no user-serviceable parts inside. Keep the system away from heat sources and moisture.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the condition that this device does not cause harmful interference. Copyright © Bose Corporation. Bose, the Bose logo, Companion, Acoustimass, and TrueSpace are trademarks of Bose Corporation. For support, visit www.bose.com or contact Bose Customer Service.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No sound from speakers	Power off / Volume low / Muted	Press power button on control pod; increase volume; check if headphones are plugged in; ensure computer audio is not muted.
No power (light off)	AC adapter not connected	Check that the AC adapter is firmly plugged into the Acoustimass module and the wall outlet.
Sound is distorted	Volume too high / Audio source issue	Reduce volume on control pod and computer; try a different audio file or source.
No bass	Acoustimass module not connected	Check that the satellite speaker cables and power are securely connected to the Acoustimass module.
Headphones have no sound	Faulty headphones / Jack not fully inserted	Test headphones with another device; ensure plug is fully inserted into the control pod jack.
Hum or buzz	Electrical interference / Ground loop	Move power cords away from audio cables; try plugging the system into a different outlet; ensure all connections are tight.

Reset: Power the system off and unplug the AC adapter for 60 seconds, then reconnect and power on.

Service: If problems persist, contact Bose Customer Support. Do not attempt to repair the unit yourself.