Please take the time to follow the instructions in this guide carefully. It will help you set up and operate your speaker
system properly. Please save this guide for future reference.
EnglishFrançaisEspañol
WARNING:
WARNING:
shall not be placed on the apparatus. As with
system. Liquids can cause a failure and/or a fire hazard.
WARNING:
receptacle. Insert fully.
WARNING:
CAUTION:
regulatory compliance, and system performance.
To reduce the risk of fire or electrical shock, do not expose the product to rain or moisture.
The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing, and objects filled with liquids, such as vases,
any electronic products, use care not to spill liquids into any part of the
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle alerts the user to the presence of
uninsulated dangerous voltage within the system enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to
co
nstitute a risk of electrical shock.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle, as marked on the system, is intended to alert the user
to the presence of important operating and maintenance instructions in this owner’s guide.
To prevent electric shock, match the wide blade of the line cord plug to the wide slot of the AC (mains)
No naked flame sources, such as lighted candles, should be placed on or near the apparatus.
Make no modifications to the system or accessories. Unauthorized alterations may compromise safety,
CAUTION:
using headphones, especially for extended periods.
This product conforms to the EMC Directive 2004/108/EC and to the Low Voltage Directive 200 6/95/EC. The
complete Declaration of Conformity can be found on www
Notes:
• Where the mains plug or appliance coupler is used as the disconnect device, such disconnect device shall remain
readily operable.
• This product must be used indoors. It is neither designed nor tested for use outdoors, in recreation vehicles, or on
bo
Long-term exposure to loud music may cause hearing damage. It is best to avoid extreme volume when
.bose.com/static/compliance/index.html.
ats.
OMPANION, TrueSpace and Acoustimass are registered trademarks of Bose Corporation. All other trademarks referenced herein are
2
Page 3
EnglishFrançaisEspañol
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
1.Read these instructions – for all components before
using this product.
2.Keep these instructions
3.Heed all warnings – on the pr
guide.
4.Follow all instructions.
5.Do not use this apparatus near water or moisture – Do
not
use this product near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink,
laundry tub, in a wet basement, near a swimming pool, or
anywhere else that water or moisture are present.
6.Clean only with a dry cloth
Corporation. Unplug this product from the wall outlet before
cleaning.
7.Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in
ac
cordance with the manufacturer’s instructions – To
ensure reliable operation of the product and to protect it
from overheating, put the product in a position and location
that will not interfere with its proper vent ilation. For example,
do not place the product on a bed, sofa, or similar surface
that may block the ventilation openings. Do not put it in a
built-in system, such as a bookcase or a cabinet that may
keep air from flowing through its ventilation openings.
8.Do not install near any heat sour
tors, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus
(including amplifiers) that produce heat.
9.Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or
gr
ounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades
with one wider than the other. A grounding-type plug
has two blades and a third grounding prong. The
wider blade or third prong are provided for your
safety . If the pr ovided plug does not fit in your outlet,
consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete
outlet.
10. Protect the power cord fr
pinched, particularly at plugs, convenience
receptacles, and the point where they exit
from the apparatus.
11. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the
m
anufacturer.
12. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod,
bracket or table specified by the manufacturer or sold with the apparatus.
When a cart is used, use caution when
moving the cart/apparatus combination
to avoid injury from tip-over.
13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or
when
unused for long periods of time – to prevent
damage to this product.
14. Refer all servicing to qualifi
vicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way: such as power-supply cord or plug is
damaged; liquid has been spilled or objects have
fallen into the apparatus; the apparatus has been
exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped – Do not attempt to service
this product yourself. Opening or removing covers may
expose you to dangerous voltages or other hazards. For help
in solving problems, contact Bose Customer Service. Refer
to the address sheet included with the system.
– for future reference.
oduct and in the owner’s
– and as directed by Bose
ces, such as radia-
om being walked on or
ed service personnel. Ser-
15. To prevent risk of fire or electric shock, avoid overloading wall outlets, extension cords, or integral
convenience receptacles.
16. Do not let objects or liquids enter the product – as
they may touch dangerous voltage points or short-out parts
that could result in a fire or electric shock.
17. See product enclosure for safety related-markings.
18. Use proper power sources
proper power source, as described in the operating instructions or as marked on the product.
– Plug the product into a
Information about products that generate
electrical noise
If applicable, this equipment has been tested and found to
comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant
to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in
a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses,
and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. However, this
is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause harmful
interference to radio or television reception, which can be
determined by turning the equipment off and on, you are
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more
of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and
r
eceiver .
• Connect the equipment to an outlet on a different circuit
th
an the one to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician
for he
lp.
This product complies with the Canadian ICES-003 Class B
specifications.
Thank you for purchasing a Bose® Companion® 5 multimedia speaker system, which delivers
the superb acoustic performance needed to enjoy the full audio impact of music, movies,
games, and other entertainment sources from your computer.
Using TrueSpace
provide improved spaciousness, bold surround effects, and movie-like realism.
Your system includes:
• Two small, easy-to-place speakers on stands and an Acoustimass
• A USB cable to connect the system to your computer.
• A control pod that allows you to control system volume and connect headphones or porta-
ble audio players.
The setup instructions in this owner’s guide explain how your Companion 5 multimedia
speaker system easily connects to your computer.
®
digital surround signal processing technology, the small satellite speakers
®
module.
If you need additional help, please visit ht
information.
tp://owners.bose.com/Companion5 for more
6
Page 6
EnglishFrançaisEspañol
Acoustimass® module
Left speaker
Right speaker
Control pod
USB cable
*The appropriate power cord for your region is included.
Power cord*
Rubber feet for
Acoustimass module
For your records
Now is a good time to record the serial number of your new Companion® 5 system
here and on your prod uct registr ation car d. The serial number is located on the r ear
of the Acoustimass module.
Serial number: _________________________ ____ ___ ____
Purchase date: ____________________________________
We suggest you keep your sales receipt and a copy of your product registration
card together with this owner’s guide.
Unpacking
SYSTEM SETUP
Figure 1
Carton contents
Carefully unpack your system. Save all packing materials, which provide the safest way to
transport your system.
If any part of the system appears damaged, do not attempt to use it. Notify Bose or your
au
thorized Bose
sheet included in the carton.
Check to be sure your system includes the parts shown in Figure 1.
®
dealer immediately. For Bose contact information, refer to the address
SYSTEM SETUP
WARNING: To avoid danger of suffocation, keep plastic bags out of the reach of children.
7
Page 7
S
24 in (61 cm)
maximum
Acoustimass module
Left (L) speaker
Right (R) speaker
Control pod
YSTEM SETUP
Placing your Companion® 5 system
EnglishFrançaisEspañol
Figure 2
Typical system setup
SYSTEM SETUP
For optimal performance, use the following guidelines to choose locations and positions for
the Acoustimass
®
module, speakers, and the control pod. Refer to Figure 2, which shows a
typical system setup.
Positioning the speakers
Proper positioning of the speakers will allow you to experience the audio surround effects
that your Companion
• Place the left and right speaker to the left and right of your computer monitor at about an
m’ s length away from wher e you ar e seated (Figure 2). The bead on each speaker cord is
ar
marked L (left) or R (right) to identify left/right placement.
• For optimum performance, position each speaker the same distance from you, and no
mo
re than 24 inches (61 cm) apart.
• Aim both speakers straight ahead. Do not angle them inward or outward.
• Keep the speakers away from adjacent large objects or cabinet surfaces. For example, if
y
our computer desk includes a hutch, keep the outside edge of each speaker at least six
inches away from any adjacent surface. Avoid placing the speakers inside cubby holes.
®
5 multimedia speaker system is designed to deliver.
8
Page 8
EnglishFrançaisEspañol
S
YSTEM SETUP
Positioning the Acoustimass® module
The Acoustimass® module is designed to be the unseen part of the speaker system.
For example, you can place it under your computer table or desk.
• Put one rubber foot on each corner of the
bottom panel of the module.
• Stand the module on its feet on a flat surface.
NOT BLOCK the front grille of the module.
• DO
• DO NOT lay the module on its side or stand it
upside down.
SYSTEM SETUP
• DO NOT put any objects or equipment behind
it or beside it that may block the ventilation
openings at the rear of the module. Adequate
ventilation is necessary to prevent the module
from overheating.
• Place the module at least 6 inches (15 cm)
ay from the computer and computer monitor
aw
to prevent the module from interfering with your
computer system.
• Keep the module away from heat sources such as radiators, baseboards, or quartz
heaters.
• Make sure the power cord can re ac h an AC ( main s) o ut l et a nd th e USB c ab le ca n reach
he USB connection on your computer.
t
CAUTION:
within 6 inches (15 cm) of the Aco
can erase magnetic media and interfere with the monitor.
Do not place computer monitors, floppy disks, hard drives, or other magnetic media
ustimass module. The magnetic field produced by this module
9
Page 9
S
Right (R) speaker
Left (L) speaker
Control
pod
Computer USB
Acoustimass module rear panel
3
2
1
4
YSTEM SETUP
Making system connections
The following steps and Figure 3 tell you how to make the system connections.
Before you start:
• Please read the entire setup procedure.
• Make sure your computer is on and the operating system is running.
PORTANT:Close all other software applications.
SYSTEM SETUP
• IM
1. In
on the left (L) speaker cable into the L jack. The R and L marks on the plugs must face up
for each plug to fit correctly into its respective jack.
EnglishFrançaisEspañol
sert the red plug on the right (R) speaker cable into the R jack and insert the white plug
Figure 3
Connection overview
2. Plu
3. Plug
4. Plu
g the control pod cable into the Control Pod jack.
one end of the power cord into the AC Input jack on the rear panel of the Acousti-
®
mass
module. Plug the other end into an AC (mains) outlet.
g the appropriate end of the USB cable (supplied ) into the To Computer jack on the
Acoustimass module. Plug the other end into a USB jack on your computer.
IMPORTANT: For optimum performance, c
onnect the USB cable directly to a
USB jack on your computer rather than connecting thro ugh a USB hub.
5. For Windows
For Windows
For Mac OS
®
XP computers, go to “Windows® XP audio setup” on page 11.
®
Vista computers, go to “Windows® Vista audio setup” on page 13.
®
X computers, go to “Mac OS® X audio setup” on page 15.
Note: Make sure all cable plugs are fully inserted into their respective jacks.
10
Note: The Companion® 5 system does not have an AC power switch. The system turns on in
Standby mode when you plug in the power cord. See “System modes” on page 16.
Note:
Bose recommends using a safety agency-approved surge protector on all electroni c
equipment. Voltage variations and s
A quality suppressor can eliminate the vast majority of failures attributed to surges and may be
purchased at electronics stores.
pikes can damage electronic components in any system.
Page 10
EnglishFrançaisEspañol
Start
End
Windows® XP audio setup
S
YSTEM SETUP
Figure 4
“Found New Hardware”
typical message sequence
IMPORTANT!
Do not unplug any cables during this setup procedure.
For additional help with your a
udio setup, please visit
http://owners.bose.com/Companion5.
1. Aft
er plugging in the USB cable, wait for a series of “Found New Hardware” messages
to appear on your computer screen (Figure 4) (this takes about 30 seconds). If any other
messages appear that interrupt this setup process, refer to “Troubleshooting” on
page 19.
Note: If you do not see these messages, the capability to display them may be disabled in your
computer. Wait two minutes before proceeding to the next step.
SYSTEM SETUP
11
Page 11
S
Connected USB device
Setting for the Companion 5 system
YSTEM SETUP
Figure 5
Sounds and Audio Devices
Properties and Advanced
Audio Properties
SYSTEM SETUP
EnglishFrançaisEspañol
2. In the Windows XP Control Panel, open Sounds and Audio Devices
Properties (Figure 5).
3. Under the Volume tab, verify that Bose USB Audio is the connected USB device.
4. Under Speaker sett
Properties.
5. In the
6. Click Apply an
Your Companion
Note:
perform this procedure again to check the settings .
ings, click the Advanced button to open Advanced Audio
Speaker setup drop list, select 5.1 surround sound speakers.
d then OK.
®
5 multimedia speaker system is now ready to use.
If you remove the USB connection to your Companion 5 system and plug it in again later,
12
Page 12
EnglishFrançaisEspañol
Windows® Vista audio setup
S
YSTEM SETUP
Figure 6
Device driver installation
message
Figure 7
Device driver installation
status
IMPORTANT!
• Do no
• Fo
t unplug any cables during this setup procedure.
r additional help with your audio setup, please visit
http://owners.bose.com/Companion5.
1. Plug
in the USB cable. Wait for the device driver installation message to appear on your
computer screen (Figure 6).
• If any other messages appear that interrupt this setup process, refer to “Troubleshooting” on page 19.
• If you do not see this messages, the capability
to display it may be disabled in your
computer. Wait two minutes before proceeding to the next step.
2. Click in the bubble
to display the installa9tion status (Figure 7). Wait for the installation to
finish.
SYSTEM SETUP
Figure 8
Control panel
3. Open the control panel and click Hardware and Sound (Figure 8).
13
Page 13
S
YSTEM SETUP
Figure 9
Sounds
SYSTEM SETUP
EnglishFrançaisEspañol
4. Click Sound in the Hardware and Sound control panel (Figure 9).
Figure 10
Sound control panel
5. V e r ify t hat t he Play bac k de fau l t se tt ing (ind icat ed by a g reen check) is Bose USB Audio.
If not Select Bose U
SB Audio and click Set Default.
14
Your Companion® 5 multimedia speaker system is now ready to use.
Page 14
EnglishFrançaisEspañol
Mac OS® X audio setup
S
YSTEM SETUP
Figure 11
Mac OS® X sound
preferences
IMPORTANT!
SYSTEM SETUP
Do not unplug any cables during this setup procedure.
For additional help with your a
udio setup, please visit
http://owners.bose.com/Companion5.
1. In
the System Preferences, open the Sound control panel (Figure 11).
2. Choose
Bose USB Audio for sound output and close the control panel.
Figure 12
Audio MIDI Setup control
panel
3. In the Applications folder on your hard drive, open the Utilities folder.
4. Ope
5. Select Bose
n the Audio MIDI Setup control panel (Figure 12).
USB Audio for Properties For, Default Output, and System Output.
Your Companion® 5 multimedia speaker system is now ready to use.
15
Page 15
OPERATION
Mode switch
(touch-sensitive)
Mode indicator
• Amber = Muted mode
• Green = Active mode
• Red = Standby mode
Volume control ring
System modes
OPERATION
OPERATION
Figure 13
System controls and mode
indicator
FrançaisEspañol
There are three system modes. Each system mode is identified by the color of the mode indicator on the control pod (Figur e 13):
• Muted (Amber): The system speakers are silenced. You hear no audio from the computer
or any connected source. This mode is automatically selected when you connect headphones to the control pod.
• Active (Gr een): You hear the active sound source from the system speakers. The position
of the volume control ring sets the volume level.
• Standby (Red): The system is in an energy-saving mode. When both the USB connection
from your computer and the input signal of a connected audio source are inactive for several minutes, the system mutes the speakers and switches to Standby. The system returns
to the Muted mode when the USB connection becomes active again.
Touch the top center of the control pod to switch between the Muted and Active mode,
except when headphones are c onnecte d. Plugging in headphone s always puts the system in
Muted Mode until they are removed.
English
IMPORTANT!
•The Companion
without any additional audio effects. Make sure you disable any audio effects
settings and close any effects applications running on your computer.
• Make sure the settings in your software application are correct for 5.1 surround
sound.
Controlling the volume
The volume control ring on the control pod (Figure 13) is the master volume control for any
audio coming from your computer or a device connected to the input jack. Rotate the ring
clockwise to increase the volume or counterclockwise to decrease it.
To set the volume level
To properly set the volume level, you need to adjust both the volume level of the source (your
PC or a connected source) and the Companion 5 system:
1. Set the Companion 5 system volume to minimum.
2. Set the source volume near maximum.
3. Start playing music.
4. Slowly increase the volume on the Companion 5 system control pod until the sound
reaches a comfortable lev el.
To mute the system
To silence the system, touch the mode switch on the control pod (indicator glows Amber).
Touch it again to unmute (indicator glows Green).
®
5 multimedia speaker system is designed to perform at its best
16
Note: The system output may be reduced by an internal protection feature if you play music at
full volume for a long period of time.
06.Operation.fm10/08
Page 16
EnglishFrançaisEspañol
Acoustimass rear
panel
Bass compensation:
•
3 to increase bass (+)
•
4 to decrease bass (–)
Adjusting the bass
O
PERATION
Figure 14
Bass compensation control
After listening to your speaker system, you may wish to adjust the sound. Use the bass
compensation control (Figure 14) on the Acoustimass
®
module.
OPERATION
06.Operation.fm 12/07
17
Page 17
CONNECTING OTHERDEVICES
Headphones output jackAudio input jack
Mode switch
Connecting headphones
To connect headphones, plug the headphones cord into the 3.5-mm stereo headphones
jack on the side of the control pod (Figure 15).
• Plugging in headphones automatically mutes the system speakers.
• After disconnecting headphones, touch the mode switch to hear sound from the speakers
again
.
• To adjust the volume level, use the volume control ring on the control pod.
Figure 15
Control pod connectors
CONNECTING OTHERDEVICES
CONNECTING OTHERDEVICES
Connecting an audio device
FrançaisEspañol
English
To connect an audio device such as a CD/MP3 player, plug the audio cable from the
device into the 3.5-mm stereo input jack on the control pod.
To adjust the volume level, turn up the volume on the audio device and use the volume
con
trol ring on the control pod.
Note:
When listening to a connected audio device, alerts and sounds from your computer are
mixed with the sound from the audio devi ce. You may need to adjust the volume control ring an d
the v
olume levels in your computer and the connected device to hear both sources at your
preferred levels.
18
Page 18
EnglishFrançaisEspañol
Cleaning your speaker system
• To clean the surface of your speakers, Acoustimass® module, and control pod, use a soft
cloth. You may use an ammonia-free window cleaner to maintain the finish.
• Do not use any sprays near the speakers. Do not use any solvents, chemicals, or cleaning
solutions containing alcohol, ammonia, or abras i ves .
• Do not allow liquids to spill into any openings.
• To clean the speaker grilles, vacuum them carefully.
Limited warranty
The Companion® 5 system is covered by a limited transferable warranty . Det ails of the limited
warranty are provided on the product registration card that came with your system. Please fill
out the information section on the card and mail it to Bose or register your product at
http://owners.bose.com/register. Failure to do so will not affect your limited warranty rights.
Troubleshooting
This table provides guidelines for solving problems that you may encounter. For additional
help, contact Bose directly or visit the Internet site at http://owners.bose.com/Companion5.
See the address sheet included in the carton for contact information.
CAREAND MAINTENANCE
CAREAND MAINTENANCE
ProblemWhat to do
Setup was interrupted by
the message, “A problem occurred during
hardware installation.
Y our new hardware might
not work properly.”
Setup was interrupted by
the message, “This USB
device can perform faster
if you connect it to a
Hi-Speed USB 2.0 port.
For a list of available
ports, click here.”
No sound from the
system.
• You may have removed the USB cable d uring the har dware installation process. Inse rt the
USB cable and start again.
• Try a different USB jack.
• You may have plugged into a USB hub that has a USB 1.0 device connected to it.
Remove the USB 1.0 device, or plug the Companion 5 system directly into a USB
2.0 port.
• Disconnect the USB cable from your computer and plug it in again.
• Make sure connections are secure (See “Making system connections” on page 10).
• Check your speaker cords for damage that may be causing an open or short circuit.
• Turn the volume ring on the control pod clockwise.
• If you are using a connected audio device, make sure it is plugged in and the volume
control on the device is turned up.
• Make sure the speaker system is in the Active mode (control pod indicator is Green).
• Disconnect headphones.
• R es ta rt yo ur digit al au d io ap plic at ion . Mak e sure mute is not set in the application and
that the volume is set at a reasonable level.
The entire speaker s ystem sounds distorted.
• Decrease the volume at the sound source and increase the volume on the control pod.
• Disable the effects in any audio application running.
19
Page 19
C
AREAND MAINTENANCE
ProblemWhat to do
EnglishFrançaisEspañol
I’m hearing clicks, pops,
an
d abnormal sounds on
my computer.
Sound from speakers is
not loud
enough.
System sounds “tinny,”
too mu
One satellite speaker
CAREAND MAINTENANCE
does
ch treble.
not play or sounds
distorted.
Customer service
• This may be caused by connecting the speaker system to your computer through a USB
hu
b. Disconnect the Companion
®
5 system USB cable from the hub and plug it into a
USB jack on your computer.
• Increase the volume on your computer or other sound source.
• Make sure right (R) and left (L) speakers are on the correct sides of your computer moni-
tor. Check the L and R markings on the speaker cord behind each speaker.
®
• M ak e sure Bass Compensation co ntrol on the Acoustimass
module is not turned fully
counterclockwise.
• Check all connections between the satellite
speakers, control pod, sound source and the
Acoustimass module. Make sure all plugs are fully inserted into the jacks on the module.
• Make sure the speaker cord plug on the speaker in question is fully inserted into its jack
he Acoustimass module.
on t
• To determin e if the problem is in th e sound sour ce or the Acoustimass module, conn ect a
erent sound source to the control pod. If the Companion 5 speaker system operates
diff
properly, the problem is in the original sound source. If the problem remains, then the
problem is in the Acoustimass module.
• Check balance levels on your sound source.
For additional help in solving problems, contact Bose® Customer Service. Refer to the
address sheet included with the system.
Product specifications
Power ratingUSA/Canada..................120VAC~ 50/60 Hz 300W
DimensionsSatellite speaker............8.85"H x 5.79"W x 3.83"D
WeightSatellite speaker............1.9 lb (0.85 kg)