What if rock concerts weren't so loud? What if, in fact, you controlled the volume of a live music event? I really enjoy live entertainment, but unfortunately, amplifying a play, concert, dj, or even a business presentation is an art and science that all too often stumbles in its attempt to bring high quality audio to everyone's ears. World of Sound Productions (which serviced this years Hermosa Harmony Festival) has solved many of the pitfalls of amplification. Below you'll find my review of this "Quiet Concert" angle of the Hermosa Harmony Festival - not the event itself. This was my first time experiencing a live event via wireless stereo headphones - and I'm really excited to tell you about it. Yes, there are improvements that can be made to the World of Sound Productions system, still, in my opinion, this system outperforms standard amplification systems (in general).

World of Sound Productions requires tickets to be bought online, this also makes it easier for them to hold your credit card deposit on their multi-channel, multi-color, stereo headphones. These sound great - and you control the volume! Staff were enthusiastic, upbeat, and sincerely excited about their service/product as well.

VOLUME/MIX/EQ: Once I adjusted the volume to my liking, the sound was excellent. The live stage mix was dead on. The vocals were on top without straining (like so many other live venues). The instruments sounded so clean and distinct and balanced. Very very nice. What a pleasure!

MIX location: With an amplified presentation, the mix and volume both change (sometimes drastically and abusively) depending on where in relation to the stage you sit or stand. I love love love that the headphones completely eliminate the problem. Plus, you can even use the restroom or food vendors without missing the music!

CONVERSATION: With headphones you can pop them off and talk without screaming at your friends. What a pleasure.

SIGNAL: I walked 500 steps away and still had a strong signal! Wow! I gave up trying to find the end of that signal and walked back.

UNCLUTTERED STAGE: In addition to the other advantages over an amplified band experience - the stage is uncluttered - no amps/speakers/monitors to block the audience view or box the band in. It all feels far more open and intimate.

HAT: I happened to be wearing an Indiana Jones type hat over which I put the headphones. This actually opened up a variation on the listener experience. I upped the volume just a bit and could also enjoy the sounds around me in the mix. Plus, no sweat.

DROPOUTS: Almost zero! There were only a handful maybe 5 for 2-4 hours of listening and they were all localized during the same couple of songs.

BAND CHATTER: Since the vocal mics can be given more gain, singers don't have to stress their vocal cords. As a side effect, audiences can hear band members talking to each between or before/after sets. That said, an audience-facing mic would be nice to give the band better interactions with the crowd.

ACOUSTIC GRAFFITI: (Led Zeppelin Tribute Band) They absolutely killed it! Never seen Zep live, but I feel like this band would give them a run for their money. Wonderful!

Keep an eye (or ear) out for headphone concerts. I can see future advancements including the ability to equalize to your preference. Such a customization would also be very useful for those with hearing disabilities. I am absolutely excited about this technology.