How to plan an AVL upgrade without overspending
Upgrading audio, video, or lighting shouldn’t feel like guessing with a credit card. The most common mistakes that lead to wasted money aren’t technical — they’re planning mistakes. Here are a few practical steps to help you upgrade wisely and avoid overspending.
1) Start with the problem, not the equipment
Bad decisions happen when the conversation starts with,
“What mixer should we buy?” instead of
“What problem are we trying to solve?”
Write down your top 3 frustrations or goals in plain English:
“People in the back can’t hear clearly.”
“We need streaming that doesn’t fail.”
“Volunteers need something simpler to run.”
Gear choices should flow from those answers — not the other way around.
2) Define the operators, not just the system
A system is only as good as the person running it. The right solution for a trained TD is not the right solution for a rotating group of volunteers.
Always ask:
“Who will be using this week to week, and what is their skill level?”
This one question can prevent 5-figure mistakes.
3) Budget honestly — then phase if needed
You don’t have to do everything at once. A smart upgrade plan might happen in two or three phases:
Phase 1: Solve the pain points
Phase 2: Expand capability
Phase 3: Improve experience or aesthetics
Phasing protects you from overspending in panic mode.
4) Get a second opinion before you buy anything
A 30-minute consultation can prevent a $10,000 regret. Before signing a quote or hitting “add to cart,” have someone neutral review your plan, your space, and your goals.
A good consultant will sometimes tell you not to buy anything yet — and that advice is worth money.
5) Choose gear that fits your people and space, not just “what’s best”
There is no universal “best” console, speaker, camera, or light. There is only what fits your room, your team, and your budget.
A properly chosen “good” system outperforms a poorly chosen “great” one every time.
If you want help before you spend money
MixChief Consulting helps churches, schools, and venues plan AVL upgrades with clarity before committing to equipment. If you want a sanity check, a phased plan, or a neutral review before purchase — we’d be glad to talk.