Some random thoughts on this:
- would it be possible to show a high-resolution version of the VU meter from the Utilities menu of the Axe, in Axe-Edit? Along with a numerical value?
- If someone determined the highest level they want the VU meter to go (lets pick a number and say 8), then could a "limiter" block be created that doesn't allow a signal with a value of 8 to go passed it? It would then be far more precise that the current lights on the Axe VU screen. Granted, that only gets you in the ballpark, as a clean will have more dynamics (and be louder) than a compressed distorted tone. However, there are technical geniuses at Fractal who might come up with a way to refine that even more.
For example - Could the Limiter block analyze the signal hitting it to adjust for dynamics?
Of course, that raises questions of what happens if someone wants to boost their volume for a solo, but perhaps the Limiter block disengages if a Drive or Filter block turns on? Or there are parameters that control when/how the Limiter block works?
Or, perhaps a tool is written that can send a test signal through each patch to level. There might be some formula out there that can calculate output signal to perceived loudness depending on what the waveform coming out looks like. The tool then could make tweaks to the Amp levels to get them close to a predetermined number put into the tool.
Or, perhaps another approach: maybe there is an Auto-Dial feature created for Axe-Edit, where you set the value to 8 for example, you then whack the strings as hard as you can for 10 seconds, and the Auto-Dial will automatically dial in the Amp level until the maximum value hitting it is an 8? Maybe the user could use it on all their cleans, then on all their gain-tones. Over time they would learn what number to use for clean and what to use on Gain so they are balanced in perceived volume - for example maybe a 6 for cleans and and an 8 for "gains". It would get us closer and save a lot of time compared to the current workflow.
Having the ability to use multiple amps and settings in various patches is a situation that didn't exist in the old days of pedal-amp-cab. Patch leveling seems to be one of the most common questions on the forum, especially among those that have lots of patches because they play in cover bands.
Resetting defaults with a firmware change means leveling all the patches again. Something to help in this regard I'm sure would be greatly appreciated by everyone.