ACT Entertainment Partners with Avid: A New Era for Live Sound
ACT Entertainment, recognized as a leading distributor and manufacturer of live performance equipment, is embarking on an impressive journey by announcing its appointment as the distributor for Avid’s esteemed live sound portfolio across the United States. This exciting partnership is set to be celebrated during InfoComm 2025, the largest professional audiovisual trade show in North America, with a special event scheduled for June 11 at 3 p.m. in Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center.
A Strategic Move for Growth
In a statement reflecting on the partnership, ACT CEO Ben Saltzman underscored the significance of this collaboration, declaring it a pivotal step in ACT’s strategic initiative to enhance its portfolio with industry-leading solutions in all categories of entertainment technology. “We have long admired Avid’s commitment to innovation,” Saltzman remarked, highlighting the mutual respect shared between the two entities. He expressed enthusiasm for what this collaboration means for both companies, envisioning a new chapter defined by shared expertise and a focus on benefitting the customer base they serve together.
Elevating Live Sound Solutions
James Oliver, ACT’s senior vice president of strategic partnerships, added his perspective, emphasizing that this partnership heralds a landmark moment for the company. He articulated the vision of not just distributing products, but building a robust support network tailored to the live sound market. ACT’s commitment to excellence will now extend to Avid’s live sound offerings, enhancing the overall experience for professionals in the field. This strategic shift promises to elevate the standards of live sound production and set new benchmarks in performance quality.
Avid’s Portfolio and Its Impact
ACT Entertainment will now represent a range of esteemed brands alongside Avid, including notable names like Ayrton, MA Lighting, and PK Sound. At the forefront of this collaboration is Avid’s Venue | S6L System, a sophisticated digital mixing console celebrated for its frequent use by sound designers in theater productions, particularly on Broadway. This technology has garnered a reputation for delivering exceptional sound quality, making it a favored choice for professionals in the live performance arena.
Championing Innovation in Live Sound
Prominent Broadway sound designer Gareth Owen stands as a testament to the quality and reliability of Avid’s products. With a robust portfolio that includes technology used in national tours of hits like “Come From Away” and “Bat Out of Hell,” Owen’s expertise shines through in productions such as “Starlight Express” and “MJ,” the latter of which earned him the 2022 Tony Award for Best Sound Design of a Musical. His advocacy for Avid’s technology reinforces the brand’s credibility and the pivotal role it plays in the success of theatrical productions.
A Vision for the Future
Avid CEO Wellford Dillard also shared insights on the partnership, noting that collaborating with ACT Entertainment empowers them to enhance their reach within the live sound community. Dillard emphasized the shared commitment to innovation and excellence between Avid and ACT. By joining forces, the two companies aim to not only distribute top-tier live performance solutions but to foster a more responsive and supportive experience for live sound professionals. Dillard highlighted that ACT’s extensive expertise and established infrastructure will enable Avid to deliver its Venue systems promptly and efficiently, ensuring that customers receive the support they expect.
The Excitement Ahead
As ACT Entertainment prepares for the official celebration of this partnership at InfoComm 2025, the excitement is palpable. Industry professionals can expect a blend of innovation and support that will resonate throughout the live sound community. The collaborative efforts of ACT and Avid are poised to redefine the landscape of live performance technology, ensuring that both companies play a pivotal role in shaping the future of sound in live entertainment.
