<\/p>\n
Spanning over 40 stops in arenas, amphitheatres and outdoor festivals across the United States, Dierks Bentley\u2019s 2025 Broken Branches Tour<\/em> featured the musician\u2019s full repertoire. Delivering high-quality sound across such varied venues demanded innovative solutions, and ACT Entertainment, provided the audio backbone necessary for such a high-calibre production.<\/strong><\/p>\n The tour\u2019s audio workflow was designed by Front of House and Systems Engineer James \u201cPugsley\u201d McDermott, who worked with ACT Entertainment to leverage Avid VENUE S6L-24C Consoles and a PK Sound Trinity Black Line Source System for a flexible, fast-deploying setup that was a sonic success. The Avid consoles played a central role in the workflow. The system\u2019s tight integration with Pro Tools and networked audio allowed for seamless virtual soundchecks, real-time adjustments and precise control over dynamics and EQ.<\/p>\n \u201cTraditional system deployment would require waiting for predictions before hanging the PA,\u201d Pugsley explained.\u00a0 \u201cIn our situation, we can hang the boxes, connect them to the network, and know immediately when they\u2019re ready to continue via the LCD color codes. This efficiency allowed crews to manage the extensive signal and drive snakes with minimal downtime, saving critical hours in fast-paced tour schedules.\u201d<\/p>\n Pugsley made the jump to Avid\u2019s digital system a few years back. \u201cThe production manager told me that we had to support three separate acts for that tour, all from one console, and that it was time for me to go digital,\u201d said Pugsley. \u201cI adopted the Avid system because our monitor engineer, Scott Tatter, was already using the brand. I\u2019ve been using the 24C for the last few years, but I only just started using Waves plugins with this tour, now that integration is available. I feel like the workflow has become so much easier than with some of the other manufacturers, because it\u2019s all onboard.\u201d<\/p>\n Avid\u2019s capabilities were particularly beneficial for this tour, where consistent sound quality was essential for both the artist and audience experience as they moved between stops. \u201cThe Avid system is bulletproof once it\u2019s running,\u201d Pugsley noted. \u201cI can recall show files, manage multiple networks and adjust coverage on the fly without losing time or focus on front-of-house mixing. We add different supporting acts at the various stops, and I might not always get a sound check with them, so the first night I just throw it at the wall and see what sticks. I\u2019ll record that, play with it the next day and really start to fine-tune the sound.\u201d<\/p>\n The PK Sound system played an equally critical role in the tour\u2019s audio success. The robotically controlled Trinity Black line source elements delivered powerful, consistent output with precise horizontal and vertical coverage control. Complemented by PK\u2019s subs and side arrays, the rig produced a deep, punchy low end that filled each venue without overwhelming the mix. The modular design allowed for rapid deployment and easy adaptation to different room sizes and configurations, supported by careful IP address management, DHCP integration and networked control to ensure consistent performance from stop to stop.<\/p>\n \u201cThe flexibility is massive,\u201d said Pugsley. \u201cEvery module can do whatever I need. If I have space concerns, I can shrink it down. If I have height or weight concerns, I can scale accordingly. The horizontal coverage control lets me fix reflections from stage video walls and tailor the sound to each venue layout \u2014 it makes a huge difference.\u201d<\/p>\n The system\u2019s real-time adjustability also gave Pugsley the ability to fine-tune coverage on the fly. \u201cIf my deployment isn\u2019t perfect and my verticals are off, I can make those adjustments while I\u2019m listening,\u201d he explained. \u201cTypically, if there are issues with deployment, other solutions need to be taken down, re-predicted and re-deployed, or compromises need to be made that will impact the end result. With PK Sound\u2019s Trinity Black, I can fix it immediately and move every element in the array remotely.\u201d<\/p>\n Ease of setup was another major advantage. \u201cFrom a staffing standpoint, this system is so easy to put together,\u201d Pugsley added. \u201cOne person and two stagehands can do an entire side of the PA without any issues. Other tours will use two to five more people to hang the same amount of gear, and they still take longer. Tear down is just as fast and simple.\u201d<\/p>\n The \u201cBroken Branches\u201d Tour highlighted not only Bentley\u2019s musical talent but also the capabilities of modern live sound technologies. With Pugsley\u2019s innovative workflow, combined with the seamless integration of Avid and PK Sound systems that were supplied by ACT Entertainment, audiences experienced immersive, crystal-clear audio night after night \u2014 no matter the venue size or layout.<\/p>\n