This content is available on the Churchfront Worship and Tech Podcast.
Listen on Spotify or Apple Music.
https://youtu.be/8ALHyg0lNjs
On a recent episode of the ChurchFront Worship and Tech podcast, I had the pleasure of talking with Chris Hamill, a live sound engineer whose unique approach to audio is making waves, particularly in the church world. Chris is the creator of “Mixdown Meltdown,” a series on YouTube where he visits various venues and churches to troubleshoot audio setups and create higher-quality mixes, all while bringing a bit of humor to the process.
Chris got his start somewhat by accident—originally interested in becoming a chef, he found his way into live audio through college radio and eventually spent time working with bands and learning audio fundamentals on his own. Over the years, he’s developed a knack for “bare minimum” audio setups and self-taught methods, which has given him a perspective that’s relatable to churches of all sizes and budgets. In his words, it’s not about having the latest and greatest gear; it’s about making the most of what you have and doing it well.
During our conversation, we explored the most common issues he encounters when fixing church audio setups. First on the list? Drummers who don’t tune their kits. Chris emphasized that a well-tuned drum set can make a huge difference, and he’s encountered many that could use a little extra care. Next up: cable management. To Chris, the organization of cables speaks volumes about how well a team cares for their gear and their work environment.
When it comes to actually mixing a live service, Chris starts with vocals. For him, vocals are the heart of any mix, especially in a church setting. His process then moves to drums, bass, and any other lead instruments like guitar or keys. While he’s used to handling punk and metal bands at his usual venue, he shared how he adapts his approach for worship spaces, focusing more on clarity and balance than raw volume and energy.
Chris’s passion for improving sound quality goes beyond just the technical. His YouTube channel is all about teaching and demystifying live sound, showing that you don’t need to be an expert to make a difference in your church’s audio setup. He plans to release even more videos, including a new series that will feature in-studio vlogs, mix breakdowns, and even a podcast covering all things music, audio, and live production.
If you haven’t already, check out Chris Hamill’s YouTube channel for practical tips and entertaining content that can help any sound tech make the most out of their setup. Whether you’re working with a full AV team or just learning the basics, Chris’s work proves that quality sound is within reach for everyone.
