Bose Companion 5 Installation Manual

The Bose Companion 5 is a premium multimedia speaker system designed for computers, featuring TrueSpace® surround sound processing, a control pod for easy access to volume and mute functions, an Acoustimass® module for deep bass, and a sleek design. This manual covers 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 Control Pod 8. Audio Features 9. Care & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Two satellite speakers, Acoustimass® module, Control Pod, USB connection cable, power cord.

Feature	Description
TrueSpace® surround sound	Creates a wide, immersive soundstage from two speakers
Acoustimass® module	Produces deep, impactful bass without distortion
Control Pod	Provides volume control, mute, and headphone jack
USB Connection	Digital connection for audio and power (for compatible computers)
Analog Audio Input	3.5mm stereo input for additional audio sources
Headphone Jack	3.5mm jack on Control Pod for private listening
Power Cord	For AC power connection

Installation

Unpack and inspect all contents. Place components on a stable surface.

Position the Acoustimass® module: Place on floor near wall or under desk.
Position satellite speakers: Place on either side of your monitor, angled slightly inward.
Connect speakers to module: Plug satellite speaker cables into corresponding ports on the back of the Acoustimass® module.
Connect Control Pod: Plug the Control Pod cable into the port on the back of the Acoustimass® module.
Connect to computer: Plug the USB cable from the Acoustimass® module into an available USB port on your computer.
Plug into AC power: Connect the power cord to the Acoustimass® module and 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; the status light on the Control Pod should illuminate.

Computer recognition: Your computer should automatically detect the Bose Companion 5 as a USB audio device.
Select audio output: On your computer, set the Bose Companion 5 as the default playback device in your sound settings.
Test audio: Play a sound or music file to verify all speakers are working.
Adjust volume: Use the Control Pod knob to set a comfortable listening level.

CAUTION! Start with a low volume to avoid sudden loud sounds. Ensure the USB connection is secure.

Specifications

System Type: 2.1-channel multimedia speaker system.
Total System Power: Not specified by Bose (proprietary amplification).
Technology: TrueSpace® surround sound, Acoustimass® bass technology.
Connections: USB (audio & power), 3.5mm analog audio input, headphone output.
Control Pod: Volume knob, mute button, headphone jack.
Power Source: 100-240V AC, 50/60Hz via included power supply.
Operating Temp: 32°F to 95°F (0°C to 35°C).

Controls and Settings

Primary control is via the Control Pod. No software installation is required for basic USB audio functionality.

Control Pod: Rotate knob to adjust volume. Press knob to mute/unmute (status light turns amber when muted).

Computer Audio Settings: Access your computer's sound control panel to set Bose Companion 5 as default device, adjust balance, and configure sample rate if needed.

Analog Input: Use the 3.5mm input on the Acoustimass® module to connect other audio sources (e.g., smartphone, tablet). The system will automatically switch to the active input.

Connecting Devices

USB: Primary connection for computer audio and power. Analog: 3.5mm input for other sources.

Turn off volume before connecting new devices.
For USB: Plug directly into computer. For best performance, use a high-power USB port.
For Analog: Use a 3.5mm stereo cable to connect from your device's headphone/output jack to the analog input on the Acoustimass® module.
The system automatically selects the active input (USB takes priority if both are active).

Tip: For optimal digital audio quality, use the USB connection whenever possible.

Using the Control Pod

The Control Pod provides convenient access to primary functions.

Volume: Rotate the knob clockwise to increase, counterclockwise to decrease.
Mute: Press the knob once to mute audio (amber light). Press again to unmute (green light).
Headphones: Plug headphones into the 3.5mm jack on the Control Pod. This automatically mutes the speakers.
Status Light: Green indicates power and active audio. Amber indicates muted. Flashing indicates an error or initialization.

WARNING! Do not expose the Control Pod to liquids. Avoid pulling on the cable.

Audio Features

TrueSpace® Processing: Creates a wide, enveloping sound field optimized for near-field listening at a computer. Acoustimass® Technology: Delivers deep bass from a compact module while minimizing distortion. Automatic Input Selection: System seamlessly switches between USB and analog audio inputs based on which is active.

Care & Cleaning

Unplug the system from power before cleaning. Wipe the satellite speakers, Acoustimass® module, and Control Pod with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use liquids, solvents, or abrasive cleaners.

CAUTION! Do not allow liquids to enter any vents or ports. Keep the system away from excessive heat and humidity.

Regulatory Information

FCC Compliance: This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to interference that may cause undesired operation. Copyright © Bose Corporation. Bose, the Bose logo, Companion, TrueSpace, and Acoustimass are trademarks of Bose Corporation. For support, visit www.bose.com/support or contact Bose Customer Service.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No sound from speakers	Power/Connection/Mute	Ensure power cord is plugged in; check USB connection; verify system is not muted (Control Pod light should be green).
Sound from only one satellite	Connection/Balance	Check cable connection between affected speaker and Acoustimass® module. Verify stereo balance is centered in computer's audio settings.
No bass from Acoustimass® module	Placement/Connection	Ensure module is not in a fully enclosed space. Check that satellite speaker cables are firmly plugged into the correct ports on the module.
Computer does not recognize USB device	USB Port/Cable	Try a different USB port on your computer. Ensure the USB cable is securely connected at both ends. Restart your computer.
Control Pod not responding	Connection	Check the connection between the Control Pod cable and the Acoustimass® module. Unplug and reconnect.

Reset: Unplug the power cord and USB cable for 60 seconds, then reconnect.

Service: For product service, visit www.bose.com/support or contact authorized Bose service centers.