"How does it need to sound" or "How do you want it to sound?" are the questions I hear a lot from sound technicians at venues during soundcheck. Not a strange one since a gameboy isn't a very common common 'instrument' they have to work with very often.
The thing is... I know how I want to sound but I often get myself in trouble by trying to carefully guide them when they ask. Usually, I try to tell the soundguy that the DMG sounds a bit dull from it's nature and that I want it to sound a bit brighter, that it has a lack of bass that may be boosted a bit and that it can be very sharp in the high frequencies. I also tell them about how my panning works and ask them if they're able to get the sound a bit more in the middle.
For the record: I use 2 DMG's and a simple Dj mixer on stage only. I am not always so lucky I can work with enthusiastic pro's that know their soundsystem perfectly Besides that, I know that bad sound can ruin a performance.
The things I say, trying to guide them, are based on the things I learned from mixing down and EQ'ing my recordings. In that proces, I learned about characteristics (or 'weaknesses') of the sound chip. So I know when I try to give them some tips, that boosting the bass gets me some unwanted low's in the noisechannel, making the sound brighter can be very anoying for snare sounds etc... Next to that, EQing in a venue is a different thing as for mixing down a track.
So, my main question is: What do you guys think is the best way to EQ your DMG's for a live show? I know that it depends on various things like venue, soundsystem etc. and personal preferences but I can imagine that there are some basic settings that can work for everyone using a Gameboy. Basically, trying to get the best out of the sound chip.
And what do you guys think about playing mono when playing in a larger venue? I experienced the DMG's panning can fuck up a track since people can't hear depending on where they are in a venue. Do you think playing mono brings a more constant sound?
Would really like to hear your opinions, pro-tips, experiences etc.
M!