Qtractor is an Audio/MIDI multi-track sequencer application for Linux, written in C++ around the Qt4 toolkit. It is still in some alpha stage of development, but already functional.

This short tutorial describes how to record audio tracks and then mix them all down using Qtractor. It allows us to record soundtracks, add MIDI files, arrange, mix music and adjust the volumes, effects, and clean up the sound.

Step 1. Add audio tracks. Choose Track > Add Track. In a separate window you pick the audio or MIDI track (Type), inputs and outputs (Input / Output; Master by default).

Step 2. Click R button on track label, then click Transport Record icon, give a Session Name and Description of the new session in a separate window. Then start recording (inputs are controlled using View > Connections).

Playing audio tracks.

Or right-click the Files module, then choose Add Files from the context menu. This allows you to add previously recorded audio and MIDI files to the current session. Drag one of the loaded files to new track.

Step 3. Add / record other tracks.

Step 4. Choose View > Mixer. Adjust the volumes of your tracks.

Step 5. Double-click one of the previously added MIDI tracks. This will allow you to edit it using pianoroll (MIDI clip editor).

Step 6. Load Cakewalk instrument definition files (View > Instruments) for convenient MIDI bank select and program change mapping.

Using Mixer window.

Step 7. Add some LADSPA effect plugins. Open the mixer window (View ->Mixer), then right-click empty field below the name of chosen track. Choose Add Plugin from the context menu. Then select the desired LADSPA effect. A plugin interface will appear in a separate dialog. Just click Active and set up the plugin’s configuration parameters.

Step 8. Save your session (File > Save As).

For more Qtractor screenshots visit my Flickr profile.