Qtractor

You record audio and MIDI and mount multiple tracks in a Linux environment for music production.

Developer Rui Nuno Capela

Version 1.6.4 · Open source · Linux

Looking for an alternative to Qtractor?Compare LMMS, OpenMPT.Compare alternatives

Qtractor is an audio and MIDI sequencer for Linux. You build a session with multiple tracks, edited clips and use effects or tools via supported plug-ins. The audio and MIDI device connects to JACK and ALSA.

You need to set the connections with your sound card, MIDI equipment and any audio processes properly. As a result, QTractor requires more preparation than a simple recorder. Once that facility connects, you can combine recordings and MIDI parties in the same session.

Which software suits you?

Compare Qtractor with alternatives

Making music depends on your method: entering notes, programming samples or recording audio and MIDI on a timeline. Note the file formats and plugins you use. Project files are usually not directly interchangeable; therefore, export audio or MIDI if you want to switch.

Differences between Qtractor and LMMS, OpenMPT
SoftwareWhat can it do?Platform and licence
QtractorYou are viewing this app You take and mount audio and MIDI in a Linux sequencer with a timeline. You can connect the production to the audio device of your Linux system. LinuxOpen source
LMMSView this alternative You build music with instruments, samples, patterns and a piano roll. The emphasis is on electronic composition and sequencing. Windows, macOS, LinuxOpen source
OpenMPTView this alternative You program music in a Windows tracker with patterns, samples and instruments. That vertical pattern view works differently than a normal recording timeline. WindowsOpen source

Choose an alternative to explore its features, system requirements and download options.

Who is it for?

You make music on Linux and want to bring recorded audio and MIDI instruments together in one project.

Getting started

Install Qtractor and the required audio parts via your Linux distribution. Check your JACK and MIDI connections first.

Privacy

Your projects and recordings can stay local. Plug-ins or external services you add yourself have separate conditions.

Good to know

Plug-ins and real-time audio depend on your Linux audio device and selected packages.

Please note

Carefully set sample frequency, buffers and audio connections to avoid interruptions or wrong recordings.

Advantages

  • Audio and MIDI in one session Support for impact and tool plugins Open Linux Sequencer

Things to consider

  • Audio-design requires knowledge No ordinary Windows or Mac installation Plug incompatibility differs

Download Qtractor

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Version history

1.6.4

You can merge audio clips again without the previously introduced crash.

QTractor 1.6.4 corrects a crash at Clip/Merge. This error was caused by an earlier correction to Clip/Normalize in version 1.6.1. This is a targeted recovery edition for this operation.
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Our verdict

Qtractor is a targeted choice for music production on Linux. The combination of MIDI and audio makes it useful as soon as you want more than just shortening a recording. Especially if you already work with JACK and Linux plug-ins, the way of connecting connects well.

For a first simple voice recording this is probably more device than necessary. Start with one audio track and check recording, playback and export before adding instruments. That's how you build a working base. The quality of your recording remains dependent on microphone, sound card and settings; more tracks or plug-ins do not automatically fix a bad source recording.

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