Bose QC15 Service Manual

The Bose QuietComfort 15 (QC15) Acoustic Noise Cancelling® headphones deliver premium audio performance with industry-leading noise cancellation. This service manual covers key sections for safety, features, disassembly, troubleshooting, parts replacement, and maintenance. Intended for qualified service personnel only.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Precautions 3. Disassembly Procedure 4. Specifications 5. Parts Identification 6. Battery Replacement 7. Cable & Connector Service 8. Troubleshooting Guide 9. Testing & Calibration 10. Regulatory & Compliance 11. Parts List & Ordering

Features at a Glance

Key components: Acoustic Noise Cancelling® electronics, TriPort® acoustic headphone structure, over-ear cushions, AAA battery compartment, audio cable with inline remote/mic, carrying case.

Feature	Description
Acoustic Noise Cancelling®	Electronically reduces ambient noise for clearer audio
TriPort® acoustic structure	Delivers balanced audio performance
Over-ear cushions	Plush cushions for comfort and passive isolation
AAA battery compartment	Powers noise cancellation circuitry (approx. 35 hours)
Audio cable with inline remote	Includes microphone and remote for device control
Carrying case	Hard-shell case for protection during transport
Active Equalization	Optimizes audio response at any volume level
Noise Cancelling On/Off switch	Toggle for activating/deactivating noise cancellation

Safety Precautions

Before servicing, review all safety warnings. Disconnect all power sources.

Power off and remove battery before disassembly.
Use approved tools to avoid damage to components.
Handle flex cables and connectors with care.
Replace worn or damaged cushions and cables only with genuine Bose parts.

WARNING! Risk of electric shock. Do not attempt to service while powered. Service by qualified personnel only.

Disassembly Procedure

Follow steps in order. Document screw locations.

Remove left ear cushion by gently pulling from ear cup.
Remove four Phillips screws securing ear cup cover.
Carefully separate ear cup cover from housing.
Disconnect battery connector and note orientation.
Remove PCB mounting screws and lift PCB assembly.
For driver replacement, desolder three connections noting polarity.

CAUTION! Apply even pressure when separating housings to avoid cracking plastic clips.

Specifications

Type: Over-ear, closed-back dynamic headphones.
Driver: Proprietary TriPort® 40mm full-range.
Impedance: Approx. 32 ohms (with noise cancelling on).
Sensitivity: Not specified; active electronics dependent.
Frequency Response: Not specified; optimized with Active EQ.
Noise Cancelling: Acoustic Noise Cancelling® electronics.
Battery: One AAA alkaline (included), approx. 35 hours.
Connector: 2.5mm to 3.5mm audio cable (detachable).
Weight: Approx. 190g (without cable).

Parts Identification

Major assemblies: Left/Right Ear Cups, Headband Assembly, Cushions, Battery Door, PCB (Noise Cancelling), Driver Units, Audio Cable.

Left Ear Cup: Houses primary PCB, battery compartment, NC switch, 2.5mm jack. Right Ear Cup: Houses secondary driver. Headband: Adjustable steel core with padded cover. Cushions: Synthetic leather over foam, replaceable.

Battery Replacement

Located in left ear cup.

Slide battery door open on left ear cup.
Remove depleted AAA battery noting orientation.
Insert new AAA battery (alkaline recommended) with correct polarity.
Close battery door until it clicks.
Turn Noise Cancelling switch to ON; verify LED indicator illuminates briefly.

Tip: Use fresh alkaline batteries for optimal performance and battery life.

Cable & Connector Service

Audio cable is detachable at left ear cup (2.5mm jack).

To replace cable: Grasp connector firmly and pull straight out from jack.
Insert new cable connector fully until seated.
For inline remote/mic cable issues: Test continuity with multimeter.
Internal jack replacement requires disassembly and soldering.

WARNING! Do not pull cable at an angle. Ensure connector is fully inserted to maintain audio and mic function.

Troubleshooting Guide

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No sound / sound in one ear only	Cable, connector, or driver	Reseat cable; test with known-good cable; check driver connections.
Noise cancellation not working	Battery, switch, or PCB	Replace battery; ensure switch is ON; inspect PCB for damage.
Intermittent audio	Loose internal connection	Inspect solder joints on driver and jack; reseat flex cables.
Microphone/remote not working	Cable fault	Replace audio cable with inline remote.
Reduced battery life	Old battery or circuit fault	Use fresh alkaline battery; check for excessive current draw on PCB.

Reset: Power cycle (turn NC off/on). No user-accessible factory reset.

Testing & Calibration

Post-repair verification steps.

Functional Test: Connect audio source, play test tones, verify both channels.
Noise Cancelling Test: Activate NC in moderate noise environment; verify subjective reduction.
Microphone Test: Use with phone call; verify remote buttons function.
Battery Test: Verify LED illuminates and NC operates for expected duration.

CAUTION! Use calibrated test equipment. Do not apply excessive audio signal levels.

Regulatory & Compliance

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device. Complies with Part 15 of FCC Rules. ICES-003: Compliant. Contains FCC ID: A94495. Contains IC: 1226A-94495. This device complies with Industry Canada licence-exempt RSS standard(s). For full compliance statements, visit www.bose.com/compliance. Copyright © Bose Corporation. QuietComfort and TriPort are registered trademarks of Bose Corporation.

Parts List & Ordering

Part Number	Description	Notes
194482	Ear Cushion Set (Pair)	Replacement cushions, synthetic leather
194483	Audio Cable with Inline Remote	2.5mm to 3.5mm, includes mic & remote
194484	Battery Door	Left ear cup compartment cover
194485	Driver Unit (Left or Right)	TriPort® 40mm dynamic driver
194486	Main PCB Assembly	Noise Cancelling electronics
194487	Headband Assembly	Complete headband with sliders

Ordering: Contact Bose Professional Services or authorized service center. Provide unit serial number.

Support: 1-800-999-2673; www.bose.com/support