Elton John launches new app to allow hard of hearing fans to control the volume of different instruments in real time while attending his concerts
- Fans can alter volume of vocals as well as the guitar, drums, bass and keyboard
- 72-year-old worked with audio technology firm Peex to introduce new system
- Technology is designed for easy use and to not put too much strain on batteries
Elton John has launched an app that will allow hard of hearing fans who attend his farewell tour to customise their audio experience at his concerts.
Concertgoers can hire a device that will allow them to control the volume of different instruments in real time.
The innovation will make Sir Elton’s concerns much more accessible for a fan base that includes people who bought his debut album Empty Sky 50 years ago.
The innovation will make Sir Elton’s concerns much more accessible for a fan base that includes people who bought his debut album Empty Sky 50 years ago
An app and complementary headphones will give audience members the ability to change the volume of Sir Elton’s vocals as well as the guitar, drums, bass and keyboard.
The 72-year-old has worked with audio technology firm Peex to introduce the new system on his farewell tour.
Sir Elton said in a video unveiling the technology that throughout his 50 year career he has been ‘passionate about giving my fans my best possible performance and making sure they get the best possible experience.’
‘Nothing quite beats the sound of a live concert.’
The 72-year-old has worked with audio technology firm Peex to introduce the new system on his farewell tour
PEEX chief executive Patrik Vosgimorkian told the BBC: ‘For people who are hard of hearing, which essentially you do have locations in the concert hall where they can come and hear, this allows them actually to be anywhere in the concert hall.’
There is no limit to the number of people who can use the app, said PEEX, and the company says it does not put too much strain on phone batteries.
The technology works through a device that music fans wear around their necks which connects to headphones.
A tiny microphone on the device picks up the sound from the concert hall speakers and syncs that with the live instrument tracks that are being transmitted from backstage to the PEEX device to make sure the sounds line up.
Users can then choose how loud each instrument is played through their headphones via an app on their phone.
The innovation has the potential to make concerts more accessible for people who are hard of hearing or for those with sensory issues.
Technology manager at Action on Hearing Loss, Jesal Vishnuram, told the Daily Telegraph: ‘This is a great example of how technology enabling people to personalise the sound to their own unique preference can help those living with hearing loss. As everyone’s hearing is different, this allows each person to adjust the sounds they can and can’t hear to enhance their listening experience.’
She praised the technology for allowing people to customise different instruments to their own needs so lyrics do not get lost.
Sir Elton’s farewell tour, which has seen him play more than 300 shows all over the planet, begins its UK leg on November 2 at the O2 Arena in London.