How to Install a Bose A20 Microphone into a New Housing Enclosure
If you’ve ordered a replacement mic housing for your Bose A20 headset, this guide will walk you through how to install your existing microphone (or a new one) into the new housing, with tips on securing it with o-rings and the retaining clip. This is a common repair, especially if your original housing was cracked, missing screws, or damaged during use.
What You’ll Need
- Replacement mic housing enclosure
- Bose A20 microphone (civilian or military)
- O-rings (2) and retaining clip (new or existing)
- Small Phillips-head screwdriver (for mic housing screws)
- Flat-head screwdriver (to help install the retaining clip)
Step 1: Unpack the Replacement Mic Housing
Open the bag containing your new mic housing. You may find the four screws already installed in the housing. If so, remove the two screws holding the housing cover in place and set them aside. If the screws were not preinstalled and are loose in the packaging, make sure you have all four. If anything is missing, reach out to us, and we’ll make it right.
Step 2: Prepare the Microphone and O-Rings
Take your microphone and install two o-rings onto the stem, as shown in the image below. These o-rings are essential to keep the mic firmly seated in the housing.
Do not attempt to use only one o-ring. If you're missing one or both, we recommend purchasing our retention clip kit, which includes two new o-rings and a fresh clip.
Step 3: Install the Microphone into the Housing
With both o-rings in place, push the microphone stem into the mic housing opening. This may require a bit of force—especially if you're using new, uncompressed o-rings.
Apply even, gentle pressure. Avoid pushing too hard or at an angle, as this could crack the mic housing. We’ve cracked housings before by applying too much pressure—it doesn’t take much.
Step 4: Attach the Retaining Clip
Once the mic is fully seated, flip the housing over and locate the groove on the mic stem where the retaining clip will lock into place. Using a flat-head screwdriver, gently push the clip into the groove. If you don’t see the groove, the mic likely isn’t inserted far enough. Push a bit more until it is.
The clip is essential—without it, the mic will fall off once rotated. Make sure it's fully snapped in before moving on.
Step 5: Reconnect the Down Cable Wires
Now that the mic is secured, it’s time to reattach the two internal connectors.
Carefully align the polarity tabs on the white microphone connector and the black headset connector. Installing these backwards will result in the headset not functioning. Once connected, you’re ready to close it up.
Step 6: Reassemble the Housing
Replace the mic housing cover and secure it with the two small screws you set aside earlier. Then install the two larger screws on the side (if they weren’t already pre-installed). Tighten all four screws gently but firmly.
Step 7: Install on Your Headset and Test
With the mic fully installed and secured, attach the housing to your headset boom. Power on your headset and test it on the ground before your next flight to confirm everything is working correctly.
Optional Add-on
If your original o-rings are worn or missing, or your retaining clip is lost, we offer a clip and o-ring kit that’s designed specifically for Bose A20 microphones.
Need More Help?
If you run into any issues, check out our related blog:
How to Replace the Microphone on a Bose A20 Aviation Headset
Or contact our support team at hobbsflyer.com/contact
The replacement housing is in stock and now shipping. Order yours today and get 10% off for being a loyal reader of our blogs. Use code HFA-325926BLOG during checkout to get the discount.