Photo: Andy Marshall & Acanthus Clews Architects
The Cidermill Theatre is a new performing arts theatre owned and run by Chipping Camden School in Gloucestershire, UK. Built to serve both the school and the wider Cotswold community, the £4million venue was opened in October 2022 at a launch event which featured actor Ben Miller and chart-topping singer Jennifer Paige, who performed a set including her international hit Crush.
Centred on the Rockspring Auditorium (capacity 292 seated, 450 standing), the complex also includes a dance studio, black box studio, lounge area, rehearsal spaces, classroom, café and bar. The Theatre enjoys a full range of professional facilities and is quickly developing an impressive programme of theatrical performances, live music, dance, cinema screenings and talks. An essential component of any modern, flexible performing arts centre is its audio provision, and the Theatre consulted with specialist Michael Krompass at BASE Culture about a suitable system.
Krompass had no hesitation in recommending HH Electronics’ new TNA line array, having experienced a demonstration of the system when it was launched. Perfect for small to medium sized venues, the TNA offers a compact, active package that is easy to set up and packs a powerful punch that belies its size. The system is based around the TNA-2120SA, a multi-channel active subwoofer with integrated Class D amplifier which features two high power 12” low frequency woofers with exceptionally high output, and the TNA1800SA a powerful single 18” active low frequency subwoofer. With three channels of high performance amplification, the TNA-2120SA houses six cutting edge built-in DSP presets and as part of a modular system can power up to six satellite TNA-2051 passive, two-way compact line array loudspeakers, offering an ideal solution that does away with the extra expense of rack amplifiers and processors.
The main Rockspring auditorium was equipped with a full system comprising one TNA2120SA, two TNA1800SA and six TNA2051 units per side. BASE Culture also supplied five HH Electronics TRM-1201 12” active stage monitors and a single TRM-1500 active sub for use as a drum fill. In order to maximise the flexibility of the space, the system is ground-stacked, its easy portability enabling quick setup and take down times.
Cidermill Theatre Technician Laurence Iles is impressed by the system: “We definitely made the right choice by going with Michael’s recommendation. The system is perfect for the space, sounds brilliant and has more than enough headroom to cater for everything we stage within the auditorium. It’s most definitely a high quality system that comes in at a very competitive price.”
Michael Krompass of BASE Culture added: “The HH TNA line array system was a superb fit for The Cidermill Theatre install. Its elegant look and sleek aesthetic compliment the theatre design perfectly. The PA packs a punch, sounds outstanding and is easily comparable to systems many times its price range.
“HH was the perfect choice and the client has been blown away by the results. I love the bottom end, clarity and smooth natural compression that it throws out. HH is now my go-to choice for venues of all shapes and sizes – dependable, high-quality and always exceeds sonic expectations.”
