The Bose Corporation started EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2010 by quieting things down—with the new A20 aviation headset introduced Monday morning.

The A20 sports new electronics combined with microphones placed both inside and outside the ear cup—a way to more effectively measure and counter cabin noise.

For improved passive noise reduction, Bose gave the A20 new proprietary ear cushion technology and a new ear cup design designed to block noise from penetrating the seal.

In something of a hat trick for headsets, Bose made a third major improvement: reducing clamping force by one-third and thus increasing comfort.

The A20, which replaces the Aviation X headset, includes a new Bluetooth communications interface as well as a portable control module. Using integrated sidetone technology, pilots can hear their own voice clearly when the headset is disconnected from the aircraft, and communication is done via a Bluetooth mobile phone.

An auxiliary audio input allows users to connect the headset to an external audio source, such as a GPS or traffic warning system.

The entire unit weighs less than 12 ounces and comes with a carrying case, an aux-in cable adapter, and full five-year warranty. With Bluetooth, the unit sells for $1,095—$995 without.